10 Dining Room Sideboard Decorating Ideas: How I Turn a Simple Sideboard into a Stylish Dining Room StatementElena M. HartSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Layered Art and Mirrors2. Statement Lighting Above3. Seasonal Greenery4. Mix Heights and Shapes5. Tray for Cohesion6. Functional Meets Decorative7. Play with Texture8. Accent Wall Behind9. Symmetry or Asymmetry10. Keep Space Above LightFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, a client asked me to design a dining room where the sideboard had to “look like a Paris café counter, but still hide all the Tupperware.” I laughed, but also got excited — because small design puzzles like this are what keep me creative. Over the years, I’ve learned that a dining room sideboard isn’t just storage, it’s a style anchor. Today, I’ll share 10 of my favorite decorating ideas that can turn yours into a true focal point.1. Layered Art and MirrorsI love leaning a large mirror against the wall and layering it with smaller framed art pieces. It adds height and depth without drilling a single hole. The mirror also bounces light back into the room, which works wonders in small spaces.save pin2. Statement Lighting AboveHang a bold pendant or a pair of sconces over the sideboard — it instantly frames the piece. In one project, I paired warm brass sconces with vintage glass shades, and it made the room glow like a classic bistro (room layout plan helped me nail the proportions).save pin3. Seasonal GreeneryA big vase of fresh eucalyptus in winter or cherry blossoms in spring brings the sideboard to life. The only catch? You’ll need to swap them out regularly to keep things fresh (or cheat with high-quality faux stems).save pin4. Mix Heights and ShapesWhen styling, I always group objects of varying heights — like a tall candlestick, a mid-height vase, and a low ceramic bowl. It creates a natural rhythm that’s far more interesting than everything being the same size.save pin5. Tray for CohesionTrays are my secret weapon. They gather small items like decanters, salt cellars, or coasters into one visual “island,” making things look intentional rather than cluttered.save pin6. Functional Meets DecorativeIf you host often, store pretty glassware or serving dishes in open shelves beneath, so they double as display. I’ve even used a custom floor arrangement to plan where the sideboard sits so it’s handy during dinner service.save pin7. Play with TextureDon’t be afraid to work in wood, ceramic, metal, glass, and fabric together. For a cozy touch, I sometimes drape a linen runner over the sideboard, then layer objects on top.save pin8. Accent Wall BehindI once painted the wall behind a client’s sideboard in a deep navy — suddenly, the light oak wood popped like never before. Wallpaper can also work magic here.save pin9. Symmetry or AsymmetrySome people swear by symmetry — matching lamps, identical vases — but asymmetry can feel more relaxed and modern. I play with both until it matches the homeowner’s style. Using a quick 3D layout often helps visualize balance before moving a thing in reality.save pin10. Keep Space Above LightIt’s tempting to fill every inch, but giving the eye some breathing room enhances the beauty of what’s on display. Leave a bit of wall space above and around your arrangement so it feels curated, not crammed.save pinFAQQ: Can I style a sideboard without buying decor?A: Absolutely — use items you already own, like cookbooks, bowls, or framed family photos. Q: How often should I change the decor?A: I like to refresh seasonally, but even swapping out one or two items every few months can feel new. Q: What’s the ideal height for art above a sideboard?A: Keep the center 8–12 inches above the surface for a pleasing proportion.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE