Pick a sideboard length that leaves some wall on each side, often about two-thirds of the wall or close to the length of your dining table. Most sideboards are about 14 to 20 inches deep; keep a clear walkway of about 36 inches in front. For height, a low 22 to 30 inch piece suits a living room, while a taller one is easier to serve from.
A sideboard is one of the largest pieces in a dining or living room, and it sits right at eye level when you walk in. When the size is right, it anchors the whole wall. When it is too long, too deep or too tall, the room feels crowded and the walkway disappears.
This guide covers the three numbers that matter, length, depth and height, with simple rules for the dining room and the living room and the real sizes of our own handmade sideboards.
Sideboard size at a glance
| Measurement | Rule of thumb | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About two-thirds of the wall, or close to the table length | Leaves breathing room on each side |
| Depth | Usually 14 to 20 inches | Shallower keeps the walkway open |
| Walkway | About 36 inches clear in front | Room to pass and to open doors |
| Height, living room | Low, around 22 to 30 inches | Sits below art and windows |
| Height, dining room | Often 30 to 36 inches | Easier to serve from standing |
These are starting points, not fixed standards. Your wall, your table and the way you use the piece decide the final size.
How long should a sideboard be?
- Leave wall on both sides. A sideboard that runs wall to wall looks built in and squeezed. Aim for roughly two-thirds of the wall, or at least several inches clear at each end.
- Echo the dining table. In a dining room, a sideboard close to the table's length, or a little shorter, looks intentional. Center it on the table if you can.
- Mind windows and doors. Keep the ends clear of door swings and window trim.
- Tape it out. Mark the length and depth on the floor with painter's tape and live with it for a day.
Four doors that grow with the wall
Our Wavora sideboard comes in four widths from 55 to 85 inches. Height rises with width, from 22 inches on the 55-inch size to 29 inches on the 85-inch size, all 14 inches deep, from $2,940.
How deep should a sideboard be?
Depth is the measurement most people forget, and it decides whether the room still flows. Most sideboards fall between about 14 and 20 inches deep. In a dining room, measure from the front of the sideboard to the edge of the table: you need space for chairs to pull out and for people to walk behind them. Our guide to space around a dining table recommends about 36 inches between the table and a wall or furniture.
In a hallway or a tight dining room, a narrow console table may fit better than a cabinet; see sideboard vs buffet vs credenza vs console.
Add the swing of the doors to the depth. A cabinet that fits closed can still block the walkway when its doors are open.
How tall should a sideboard be?
Living room
- A low piece, around 22 to 30 inches, keeps the wall calm.
- Leaves room for large art or a mirror above.
- Can sit below a wall-mounted TV.
Dining room
- Taller pieces are easier to serve from.
- Many traditional buffets stand around 30 to 36 inches.
- A lower top works too; just use trivets for hot dishes.
Under a window
- Keep the top below the window sill.
- Check heat vents and radiators nearby.
- Leave a little gap below the trim.
Serving height for the dining room
Our Dunewood sideboard is carved into flowing ridges, in four widths from 55 to 85 inches, 27 to 42 inches high and 14 inches deep, from $3,140.
Our sideboard sizes
| Sideboard | Widths | Height | Depth | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavora (4 doors) | 55"–85" | 22"–29" | 14" | $2,940 |
| Cascara (4 doors) | 55"–85" | 22"–29" | 14" | $2,940 |
| Alpinea (3 doors) | 55"–85" | 22"–29" | 14" | $2,980 |
| Marisol | 55"–85" | 22"–32" | 14" | $2,890 |
| Ondessa | 59"–86" | 30" | 14"–15" | $2,977 |
| Rippla (2 doors) | 55"–85" | 27"–42" | 14" | $3,140 |
| Dunewood | 55"–85" | 27"–42" | 14" | $3,140 |
On most of our sideboards, height changes with the width you choose, so check the exact size on each product page.
A steady 30 inches, on tapered legs
Our Ondessa sideboard stays 30 inches high in every size, in five widths from 59 to 86 inches and 14 to 15 inches deep, with interior shelves behind the doors, from $2,977.
Measure before you order
- Wall width, minus door frames, vents and outlets you need to reach.
- Depth available, from the wall to the table edge or the main walkway.
- Height limit, from the floor to the window sill, art or TV above.
- Path in, including doorways, stairs and turns on delivery day.
- What goes inside, such as large platters or a record player, so the shelves fit.
Choose a sideboard about two-thirds the width of the wall or close to the dining table's length, usually 14 to 20 inches deep with about 36 inches clear in front. Go low, around 22 to 30 inches, in a living room, and taller in a dining room if you serve from it.
If you are between two sizes, choose the one that leaves more wall showing. Space around a sculptural piece lets its carving read as art.
Browse handmade sideboards, then see how sideboards, buffets and credenzas differ and our console table size guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a sideboard be?
About two-thirds of the wall is a good starting point. In a dining room, a sideboard close to the table's length, or a little shorter, looks balanced.
How deep is a typical sideboard?
Usually about 14 to 20 inches. Our sideboards are 14 to 15 inches deep.
What is a good sideboard height?
Low pieces around 22 to 30 inches suit living rooms. For serving in a dining room, many people prefer 30 to 36 inches.
How much space should be in front of a sideboard?
About 36 inches of clear walkway, more if chairs pull out between the table and the sideboard.
Should a sideboard be the same length as the dining table?
It does not have to be, but a sideboard close to the table's length, or slightly shorter, usually looks intentional.
Can I put a sideboard under a window?
Yes, if the top sits below the window sill and nothing blocks a heat vent.
Editor's note: Rules of thumb describe common US design guidance, not fixed standards. Product sizes and prices were checked on woodfurnist.com on October 30, 2026. Room images are styled product images for inspiration. Every piece is made to order in 7 to 10 business days, plus 5 to 7 business days for free US delivery; see our shipping policy.
