Buffets & Sideboards: Adding Storage and Style to Your Dining Room

Buffets & Sideboards | Dining Room Furniture | Mollywood Furniture Dothan AL

Why Buffets & Sideboards Belong in Every Dining Room

When most people think of dining rooms, the table and chairs steal the spotlight. But buffets and sideboards are the unsung essentials that make dining spaces truly functional. They add storage for dishes, linens, and serveware, while doubling as stylish surfaces for décor or entertaining.

At Mollywood Furniture in Dothan, AL, we’ve seen how the right buffet or sideboard can elevate both Wiregrass family homes and 30A coastal retreats.

Step 1: Understanding the Difference

Though often used interchangeably, buffets and sideboards have subtle differences:

• Buffet: Traditionally taller, with longer legs and more surface area. Perfect for serving food and drinks during gatherings.

• Sideboard: Often shorter and bulkier, with storage cabinets below. Great for both storage and display.

👉 Browse our Dining Furniture collection to see styles that fit your needs.

Step 2: Storage Solutions

One of the biggest advantages of buffets and sideboards is hidden storage.

• Dishes & Glassware: Store serving bowls, platters, or holiday china.

• Linens: Keep tablecloths, runners, and napkins organized.

• Bar Setup: Use drawers for cocktail tools and cabinets for bottles.

Pro tip: Pair with a styled Bar Cart for extra entertaining space.

Step 3: Style to Match Your Home

Coastal Dining (30A Homes)

• Whitewashed wood or driftwood finishes.

• Rattan or wicker accents.

• Styled with pottery, seashell décor, or breezy Lighting.

Farmhouse Dining (Wiregrass Homes)

• Rustic wood, distressed paint, or reclaimed finishes.

• Black metal handles for character.

• Styled with mason jars, lanterns, or rustic Décor & Accessories.

Modern & Transitional

• Sleek lacquered finishes or glass tops.

• Minimalist handles and clean lines.

• Works beautifully with geometric Rugs for a sharp look.

Step 4: Decorating Your Buffet or Sideboard

Your buffet isn’t just for storage — it’s a display surface too. Try styling with:

• Wall Art or Mirrors above the buffet for height and balance. (👉 See our Décor & Accessories page.)

• Lamps or Sconces from our Lighting collection for ambiance.

• Planters & Pottery with greenery to soften the space.

• Seasonal accents: pumpkins in fall, greenery in winter, shells in summer.

Step 5: Using Buffets Beyond the Dining Room

Buffets and sideboards aren’t limited to the dining space:

• Living Room: As media consoles or storage units.

• Entryways: For stylish storage as you enter the home.

• Bedrooms: Repurposed as extra storage with decorative displays.

👉 Explore our Living Room Furniture and Bedroom Furniture pages for versatile uses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong scale → oversized buffets overwhelm small dining rooms.

• Ignoring flow → leave enough space for chairs and walkways.

• Under-styling → don’t let the surface become cluttered or bare.

• Mismatched styles → keep consistent with your dining table and chairs.

FAQs About Buffets & Sideboards

Q: Do buffets and sideboards have to match my dining table? Not exactly — they should coordinate, but contrast adds visual interest.

Q: How wide should a buffet be compared to my table? A good rule: the buffet should be shorter than your dining table length.

Q: Can I use a buffet in a kitchen? Yes — they’re perfect for additional storage or as a serving station.

Q: What’s the best height for buffets? Typically 34–38 inches, so they’re comfortable for serving food and drinks.

Why Buy Buffets & Sideboards at Mollywood?

• Family-owned for 35+ years in Dothan, AL.

• Unique global imports — hand-crafted buffets from India, Indonesia, and Mexico.

• Delivery within 150 miles, serving the Wiregrass, Atlanta, and 30A coast.

• Expert styling help from our team.

Final Word: Storage Meets Style

Buffets and sideboards do more than store dishes — they bring balance, functionality, and beauty to your dining room. From farmhouse rustic sideboards in Wiregrass homes to airy whitewashed buffets in 30A coastal retreats, Mollywood Furniture has the perfect piece to complete your space.

📍 Visit us in Dothan, AL to explore buffets, sideboards, and complete dining room furniture collections. Serving homes across the Wiregrass and 30A coastal towns, we’ll help you create a dining room that’s both stylish and practical.

✨ Shop local. Store beautifully. Dine elegantly.