What is the difference between a sideboard and a server?

The difference between a sideboard and a server mostly pertains to usage. A sideboard is a side-table with cabinet doors that is used for serving, most often in a dining room (today, sideboards can sometimes be found in living rooms and foyers). In form, a credenza has much in common with a sideboard. Sideboards have short legs or no legs at all. A server is very slim and is meant to be placed along the dining room wall. It is shorter and takes up less room than a sideboard and is also considered to be more formal than a sideboard — a sideboard might offer a surface to serve dinner, whereas a server might best be used to serve dessert. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary sideboards and servers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is a dining server?

A dining server is a type of table that is slim and designed to be placed along a dining room wall. It’s meant to be a spot to stage food before it’s served to guests and not necessarily used for storage, although some dining servers may have cabinets. Find a selection of dining servers on 1stDibs.

Why is a sideboard called a sideboard?

A sideboard is nearly the same thing as a buffet , but slightly shorter. Standing against a wall in a dining room, a sideboard’s main function is to supply an easily accessible surface for serving trays, bowls or plates of food.

Sideboards are cabinets with shelves and drawers used to store serving utensils, dinnerware and table linens.

What is a server in a dining room?

A server in a dining room is a slim piece of furniture placed near the dining table and is typically used to stage food before serving. Traditionally, servers were unassuming and provided surfaces for serving dishes — they occupied less room than a buffet or a sideboard. Newly designed servers include drawers where you can store dishes, cutlery and other necessary elements for meals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage servers.

What is a wine server called?

A wine server is formally called a sommelier or wine steward. A sommelier is a person who is trained in the wine profession. This individual is typically very knowledgeable about wines as well as pairing wine and food.

What is the best buffet server?

Buffet servers — or buffets —are available in various materials, sizes, styles, and designs. Choosing the best buffet server is a matter of preference that complements your home décor. A buffet server is supposed to be functional and useful; you should choose one with drawers or shelves based on your needs. Find a wide collection of antique and vintage buffets on 1stDibs today.

What is a wood salad server?

A wood utensil that’s used to serve salad is a wood salad server. Salad servers often feature two oversized forks or a fork and a paddle-shaped instrument. Shop a collection of salad servers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the purpose of a sideboard?

The purpose of a sideboard is to provide a place to store and organize items for the home. Often used in dining rooms, sideboards work well for keeping serveware and dinnerware free of dust and hidden when not in use. Some people use sideboards to house entertainment centers, media, games and other odds and ends in living rooms, or place them in entryways to provide places to stash cold-weather accessories, bags and shoes. Explore a large collection of sideboards on 1stDibs.

What is a kitchen sideboard?

A kitchen sideboard is a piece of furniture used for serving food and storing serving dishes and table linens. Kitchen sideboards long and often sit low to the ground. Shop vintage sideboards on 1stDibs.

What would a server use a monkey dish for?

A server would use a monkey dish to present nuts and other small finger foods and condiments. The name comes from the centuries-old practice of giving a small portion of food to a monkey to determine if it was poisoned. Shop a collection of monkey dishes on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?

The terms buffet and sideboard are used interchangeably, although buffets generally have higher legs and stand 34 to 38 inches tall.

What can I use instead of a sideboard?

What you can use instead of a sideboard depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a place to set up buffet spreads when entertaining guests, a console table may be a good option. For storing or displaying items in the dining room, try a bar cabinet, hutch, bookshelf or floating wall shelves. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining room furniture.

What is a sideboard table used for?

A sideboard table is generally used for storing cutlery, napkins and other dining supplies. Sideboards have much in common with credenzas and buffet tables but they are distinct from both of those other kinds of case pieces. Shop a range of antique and vintage sideboards and other storage furniture on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sideboard and a hutch?

The difference between a sideboard and a hutch is that a sideboard is a side table with cabinet doors that was originally used for serving, most often in a dining room (now, you might find a sideboard in a foyer or living room). A hutch is essentially a storage piece made of two parts — there is a set of shelves or cabinets on top of a lower unit, which features a counter and either cabinets or a set of drawers. In form, a credenza has much in common with a sideboard. A hutch might be of help in serving tea or other beverages, but it is more of a case piece than it is a piece of furniture that is used for serving. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary sideboards and hutches from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Should a sideboard be taller than a table?

Yes, a sideboard should generally be taller than a dining table in the same space. Look for a sideboard that is about four to six inches taller than the dining tabletop. The shortest pieces you should consider are those of equal height to the table. If your sideboard is shorter than the dining table, your room may look out of proportion. On 1stDibs, find a variety of sideboards.

What is the difference between a sideboard and a cabinet?

The difference between a sideboard and a cabinet is the specificity of the terms. A cabinet is any piece of furniture that features interior storage space hidden behind one or more doors. On the other hand, a sideboard is a long, low cabinet often used to store tableware and linens in dining rooms. Shop a diverse assortment of sideboards and other cabinets on 1stDibs.

Can you use a sideboard as a TV stand?

Yes, you can generally use a sideboard as a TV stand. If you plan to rest the TV on the top of a sideboard, double-check that its weight capacity is great enough to support the weight of the television safely. You may also want to drill the back of the sideboard to add holes for the cords and cables that connect the components of your home theater system. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of sideboards.

How tall should a sideboard be in a living room?

How tall a sideboard should be in a living room varies. Most sideboards are 34 to 36 inches tall. If you're using a sideboard as a television stand, the sideboard should be tall enough to allow the center of the television screen to be at eye level. Otherwise, you can typically choose any size sideboard. Shop a range of sideboards on 1stDibs.

How do you identify a G Plan sideboard?

To identify a G Plan sideboard, look for the maker's mark. Nearly all pieces produced by the British maker are marked, but G Plan utilized different markings over the years. For example, pieces from the 1950s and ’60s often display a gold foil oval label emblazoned with the words "E Gomme, High Wycombe." You can find images of all G Plan labels and marks on trusted online resources. You can also ask a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer to help you with the identification process. Explore a wide range of G Plan sideboards on 1stDibs.

Servers And Sideboards

Walnut Server

Dining Room Buffet Cabinet Servers

Mid Century Servers Cabinets

Midcentury American Walnut Server with China Cabinet

Sold|~~$2,600~~

Midcentury American Walnut Server with China Cabinet

By American of Martinsville

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Nicely crafted two-piece walnut server with matching china cabinet. Adjustable shelf storage and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

English Mahogany Sheraton Revival Server Sideboard Edwardian

Sold|~~$2,750~~

English Mahogany Sheraton Revival Server Sideboard Edwardian

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

An English Sheraton-Revival server in solid mahogany, the nine drawers cross-banded in satinwood

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sideboards

Unique Miniature Broyhill Style Mid-Century Server

Sold|~~$1,890~~

Unique Miniature Broyhill Style Mid-Century Server

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This uniquely sized Broyhill Brasilia server measures only 25 inches high, making it a great choice

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Monumental Custom French Style Pine Sideboard Server

Sold|~~$5,500~~

Monumental Custom French Style Pine Sideboard Server

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Monumental custom French style pine sideboard server, overhanging top with rounded corners over

Category

20th Century Unknown French Provincial Sideboards

English 19th Century Mahogany George III Server

Sold|~~$7,495~~

English 19th Century Mahogany George III Server

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A wonderful, dramatic, inlay mahogany server, circa 1890. The inlay on this piece is abundant

Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Baker 4-Drawer Ball and Claw Chippendale Mahogany Banded Sideboard Buffet Server

Sold|~~$2,500~~

Baker 4-Drawer Ball and Claw Chippendale Mahogany Banded Sideboard Buffet Server

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Baker 4-drawer ball and claw Chippendale mahogany banded sideboard buffet. Item features carved ball and claw feet, banded top and drawer fronts, custom glass top, beautiful wood gra...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Oak Louis XV Sideboard Server, circa 1900

Sold|~~$3,695~~

Oak Louis XV Sideboard Server, circa 1900

Located in Evergreen, CO

The focal point of this carved, Louis XV, oak sideboard is the backboard, which culminates in a beautiful wreath flanked by C scrolls and roses. Raised on cabriole risers and legs wi...

Category

Antique Early 1900s European Louis XV Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Server

Sold|~~$3,200~~

Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Server

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Very rare and unusual sideboard in warm teak grain. Featuring five middle drawers and two bi-fold cabinet doors, all with finely sculpted handles. (Please confirm item location - ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

French Console Server or Sideboard of Cherry

Sold|~~$7,895~~

French Console Server or Sideboard of Cherry

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome French console sideboard (or serving table) of patinated cherrywood, featuring a rectangular plank top over a frieze with three drawers, each with brass hardware pulls, pa...

Category

Early 20th Century French Country Sideboards

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th century English Hepplewhite Mahogany Sideboard Server

Sold|~~$5,996~~

19th century English Hepplewhite Mahogany Sideboard Server

Located in Savannah, GA

Fine neoclassic mahogany sideboard featuring satinwood outlines and cross band inlay seashell motif on corners, front drawer and center top medallion. Bell flower swag drop inlay at ...

Category

Antique Early 1800s English Hepplewhite Sideboards

Materials

Brass

French Console Server or Sideboard of Chestnut

Sold|~~$7,895~~

French Console Server or Sideboard of Chestnut

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome French console sideboard or serving table of patinated chestnut wood, featuring a plank top over a paneled frieze with three drawers, each with brass hardware pulls, and r...

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Sideboards

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique English Jacobean Revival Server/Buffet/Sideboard

Sold|~~$1,824~~

Antique English Jacobean Revival Server/Buffet/Sideboard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Early Jacobean/Elizabethan/Georgian revival buffet or sideboard. Cabinet has one solid door with lots of storage for dishes, etc. Carvings in the doors and turned baluster legs. ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Jacobean Sideboards

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Guy Chaddock Oak Sideboard Server or Console Table

Sold|~~$5,000~~

Guy Chaddock Oak Sideboard Server or Console Table

By Guy Chaddock

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Country English style oak two-tier sideboard server or console table designed by Guy Chaddock. The

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Country Sideboards

Materials

Iron

Six Door Server Made from Reclaimed Elm Wood

Sold|~~$7,390~~

Six Door Server Made from Reclaimed Elm Wood

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Six door server made from reclaimed elm wood.

Category

20th Century European Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Antique English Mahogany Three-Tier Server, Circa 1870.

Sold|~~$5,500~~

Antique English Mahogany Three-Tier Server, Circa 1870.

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English Mahogany Three-Tier Server, Circa 1870.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI French Sideboard / Server, Marble Top Demilune

Sold|~~$3,500~~

Louis XVI French Sideboard / Server, Marble Top Demilune

Located in Stamford, CT

1920s Louis XVI French sideboard / server. This spectacular marble top demilune cabinet is

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Sideboards

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Two Tone Chinoiserie Four Doors Drexel Server Cabinet

Sold|~~$3,800~~

Two Tone Chinoiserie Four Doors Drexel Server Cabinet

By Drexel

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very nice craftsmanship quality server cabinet by Drexel. Excellent vintage condition. Black walnut

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Gold Leaf

Colonial Style Indian Bleached Teak Sideboard Server Cabinet

Sold|~~$4,000~~

Colonial Style Indian Bleached Teak Sideboard Server Cabinet

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Aged teak sideboard server or storage cabinet featuring a bleached or cerused finish. The cabinet

Category

20th Century Indian Rustic Sideboards

Materials

Iron

Baker Two Door Campaign Style Server or Sideboard

Sold|~~$3,950~~

Baker Two Door Campaign Style Server or Sideboard

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A Baker labeled sideboard or server with 2 locking doors and 2 drawers, recessed campaign style

Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Sideboards

Sheraton Sideboard Mahogany, Antique Buffet Server, Circa 1910

Sold|~~$1,929~~

Sheraton Sideboard Mahogany, Antique Buffet Server, Circa 1910

Located in Potters Bar, GB

design perfect for modern interiors - We date this elegant server to circa 1910 - Viewings available by

Category

Vintage 1910s Sheraton Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Henkel Harris Mahogany Queen Anne Sideboard Buffet Server

Sold|~~$1,495~~

Henkel Harris Mahogany Queen Anne Sideboard Buffet Server

By Henkel Harris

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Queen Anne style sideboard or buffet server From the Jamestown Colony collection

Category

Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Atomic Era Arthur Umanoff Sideboard Server, circa 1950s

Sold|~~$4,200~~

Atomic Era Arthur Umanoff Sideboard Server, circa 1950s

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Southampton, NJ

An unusual find by Arthur Umanoff useful as sideboard, server or bar among many possibilities

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wrought Iron

Hickory White Mahogany Inlaid Demilune Buffet Server Sideboard

Sold|~~$2,200~~

Hickory White Mahogany Inlaid Demilune Buffet Server Sideboard

By Hickory White

Located in Long Branch, NJ

Hickory White Mahogany Inlaid Demilune Buffet Server Sideboard Dimensions : 66" Wide X 40" Tall X

Category

1990s American Regency Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Country French Farmhouse Pine Server Sideboard

Sold|~~$3,000~~

19th Century Country French Farmhouse Pine Server Sideboard

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rustic 19th century country French farmhouse pine server, sideboard or work table. Features a wood

Category

Antique 19th Century French Country Sideboards

Materials

Pine

Maison Jansen Style Directoire Mahogany Marble Sideboard Server

Sold|~~$12,000~~

Maison Jansen Style Directoire Mahogany Marble Sideboard Server

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Grand Directoire style mahogany and marble sideboard server in the style of Maison Jansen. This

Category

20th Century French Directoire Sideboards

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rustic Willow Reed Wicker Server 2 Door Cabinet

Sold|~~$875~~

Rustic Willow Reed Wicker Server 2 Door Cabinet

By Ficks Reed

Located in New York, NY

Unusual split reed two door cabinet server, cabinetry pieces in willow reed are very scarce and not

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Sideboards

Materials

Willow

Neoclassical Style Marble Top Sideboard Server or Buffet

Sold|~~$2,500~~

Neoclassical Style Marble Top Sideboard Server or Buffet

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Distinctive midcentury Italian sideboard server or buffet featuring a Carrara marble top. The case

Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Sideboards

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

French Louis XV Period Tambour Door Buffet Server

Sold|~~$4,500~~

French Louis XV Period Tambour Door Buffet Server

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce French Louis XV Period (1715-1774) walnut sideboard server. Born in France in the

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Sideboards

Materials

Marble

English Server with Open Slat Bottom, circa 1900

Sold|~~$1,095~~

English Server with Open Slat Bottom, circa 1900

Located in Evergreen, CO

A versatile piece that can fit in many decors. It has a rustic quality with clean lines that could be incorporated into a modern design. The quarter sawn oak was minimally processed,...

Category

Early 20th Century English Country Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Spanish renaissance style oak sideboard / dresser base / server

Sold|~~$6,195~~

Spanish renaissance style oak sideboard / dresser base / server

Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB

Stunning example of a late 19th Century solid oak three door side board in the renaissance style. Of Spanish origin dating to around the 1880’s , constructed from solid oak and hav...

Category

Antique 1880s Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Five Door Bleached Elm Server with Steel Pull Handles

Sold|~~$6,990~~

Five Door Bleached Elm Server with Steel Pull Handles

By Brendan Bass

Located in Dallas, TX

Five door bleached elm server with steel pull handles.

Category

20th Century European American Classical Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Maison Jansen Dessert Server Louis XVI Style Marble Top

Sold|~~$5,000~~

Maison Jansen Dessert Server Louis XVI Style Marble Top

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

Maison Jansen dessert server Louis XVI style with a marble top. This fine custom quality demilune

Category

Early 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Sideboards

Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Credenza Cabinet Server

Sold|~~$4,600~~

Mid-Century Modern Long Walnut Credenza Cabinet Server

By Jens Risom

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice clean vintage walnut long credenza

Category

20th Century American Sideboards

19th Century Irish Regency Mahogany Lion Foot Server Sideboard

Sold|~~$8,900~~

19th Century Irish Regency Mahogany Lion Foot Server Sideboard

Located in Essex, MA

Early 19th century lion paw foot server. Mahogany with reeded column supports, lion paw feet and

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Irish Regency Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Flame Mahogany Satinwood Banded Hepplewhite School Server

Sold|~~$1,200~~

Antique English Flame Mahogany Satinwood Banded Hepplewhite School Server

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique English flame mahogany Hepplewhite School server features satinwood banding on top surface

Category

Antique 19th Century English Hepplewhite Sideboards

Materials

Bronze

Karges Louis XVI Style Tiered Server in Ebonized Finish

Sold|~~$2,400~~

Karges Louis XVI Style Tiered Server in Ebonized Finish

By Karges Furniture

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A finely crafted walnut three-tiered server in an Ebonized finish. The top with a 3/4 brass gallery

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Fine Quality French Parquetry / Marquetry Inlaid Sideboard / Server Cabinet

Sold|~~$5,800~~

Fine Quality French Parquetry / Marquetry Inlaid Sideboard / Server Cabinet

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Beautifully crafted French marquetry wood sideboard / server cabinet with double inlaid front door

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Satinwood, Burl

Mid-Century Modern 3 Section Server, Sideboard or Dresser

Sold|~~$4,850~~

Mid-Century Modern 3 Section Server, Sideboard or Dresser

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid-Centuiry Modern 3 section server, sideboard or dresser with inlaid rattan doors and wood

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Attributed to Maison Jansen Flame Mahogany Demilune Server Sideboard

Sold|~~$14,580~~

Attributed to Maison Jansen Flame Mahogany Demilune Server Sideboard

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

This is a fine attributed Maison Jansen flame mahogany neoclassical server sideboard having a

Category

Mid-20th Century French Georgian Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Satinwood Banded Flame Mahogany Henkel Harris Server, 20th Century

Sold|~~$1,350~~

Satinwood Banded Flame Mahogany Henkel Harris Server, 20th Century

By Henkel Harris

Located in Big Flats, NY

Henkel Harris locking server features flame mahogany construction with satinwood banding throughout

Category

20th Century American Sideboards

Materials

Bronze

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Blond Oak Sideboard / Server

Sold|~~$8,800~~

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Blond Oak Sideboard / Server

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

Danish Mid-Century blond oak sideboard / server with three central drawers with angled wooden

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Oak

Henredon Pierre Deux French Country Solid Cherry Sideboard Server

Sold|~~$1,950~~

Henredon Pierre Deux French Country Solid Cherry Sideboard Server

By Henredon

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional French Provincial solid cherrywood sideboard server or console table By Henredon

Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Sideboards

Materials

Cherry

Antique Hepplewhite Mahogany Satinwood Inlay 3 Drawer Server Sideboard

Sold|~~$1,650~~

Antique Hepplewhite Mahogany Satinwood Inlay 3 Drawer Server Sideboard

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Hepplewhite Mahogany Satinwood Inlay 3 Drawer Server Sideboard. item features satinwood

Category

Early 20th Century English Hepplewhite Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Georgian Honduran Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard, Server, circa 1790

Sold|~~$2,950~~

Georgian Honduran Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard, Server, circa 1790

Located in San Francisco, CA

Georgian Hondurian mahogany bow front sideboard and server, circa 1790. Beautiful warm brown color

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Sideboards

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Burl Walnut Marble-Top Server

Sold|~~$5,200~~

19th Century French Empire Burl Walnut Marble-Top Server

Located in Nashville, TN

19th Century French Empire burl veneered marble top server, circa 1890. Empire styled ormolu

Category

Antique 1890s French Empire Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

19th Century English Country Pine Sideboard Server or Buffet

Sold|~~$6,500~~

19th Century English Country Pine Sideboard Server or Buffet

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rustic 19th century English country sideboard server or buffet constructed from aged thick pine

Category

Antique 19th Century English Country Sideboards

Materials

Iron

Extraordinary Antique English Inlaid Satinwood & Mahogany Hepp. Style Server

Sold|~~$3,815~~

Extraordinary Antique English Inlaid Satinwood & Mahogany Hepp. Style Server

By George Hepplewhite

Located in CHARLESTON, SC

Extraordinarily fine mid 19th century Antique English Hepplewhite style Server or small Sideboard

Category

Antique 1850s English George III Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood

Louis XVI Style Mahogany Marble Top Enfilade Sideboard Server

Sold|~~$12,000~~

Louis XVI Style Mahogany Marble Top Enfilade Sideboard Server

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Distinctive French mahogany enfilade sideboard server or buffet featuring a thick Italian Carrara

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Sideboards

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

Antique Buffet Sideboard, English, Victorian, Mahogany, Server, circa 1880

Sold|~~$3,369~~

Antique Buffet Sideboard, English, Victorian, Mahogany, Server, circa 1880

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique buffet sideboard, an English, Victorian, mahogany server dating to the late 19th

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Sideboard Buffet Server Jacobean Barley Twist Oak Cabinet

Sold|~~$3,500~~

Antique English Sideboard Buffet Server Jacobean Barley Twist Oak Cabinet

Located in Tyler, TX

CHARMING Antique English Honey Oak Jacobean Barley Twist "Step Down" Sideboard, Server or

Category

Vintage 1920s English Jacobean Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Antique Early 20th Century Honey Color Teak Server with Potboard

Sold|~~$4,477~~

Antique Early 20th Century Honey Color Teak Server with Potboard

Located in Casteren, NL

This side table is made in South East Asia in the early 1900s. The side table or server was

Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Louis XVI Sideboards

Materials

Teak, Lacquer

Early 20th Century Louis XV Style French Dresser Server

Sold|~~$5,200~~

Early 20th Century Louis XV Style French Dresser Server

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Beautiful Louis XV style painted and carved dresser. This has been painted in a soft oyster white finish, with subtle distressed edges, and finished with an antique glaze. There are ...

Category

20th Century American Louis XV Sideboards

Materials

Oak

David Latesta Studio Weatherly Mahogany Breakfront Sideboard Buffet Server

Sold|~~$3,200~~

David Latesta Studio Weatherly Mahogany Breakfront Sideboard Buffet Server

Located in Stamford, CT

Branded David Latesta contemporary weatherly sideboard in mahogany of custom made to order quality. A rich fine brown mahogany finish on this large and impressive four door leading t...

Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Sideboards

Materials

Wood

John Widdicomb French Neoclassical Style Server or Console Table

Sold|~~$3,200~~

John Widdicomb French Neoclassical Style Server or Console Table

By John Widdicomb

Located in Southampton, NJ

A two tier French Neoclassical style console table or sideboard made by William Berkey Furniture for John Widdicomb. Italian marble top conforms to the eight column brass embellished...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Sideboards

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Server by Kipp Stewart for Drexel

Sold|~~$2,100~~

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Server by Kipp Stewart for Drexel

By Kipp Stewart

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Drexel "Declaration" server featuring four dovetailed drawers with ceramic pulls and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Maitland Smith Inlaid Mahogany Sheraton Style Sideboard Server Buffet

Sold|~~$3,250~~

Maitland Smith Inlaid Mahogany Sheraton Style Sideboard Server Buffet

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This is a gorgeous antique-looking Maitland Smith Sheraton sideboard with a removable brass gallery. The sideboard has glass pulls and was really well designed to accurately replicat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Sheraton Sideboards

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Tinted Glass Front Server by Ello Furniture

Sold|~~$2,200~~

Mid-Century Modern Tinted Glass Front Server by Ello Furniture

By Ello Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique colored glass server by Ello Furniture features plenty of storage space in a stylish

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Glass

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Servers And Sideboards For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of servers and sideboards is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and mahogany, all servers and sideboards available were constructed with great care. We have 649 antique and vintage servers and sideboards in-stock, while there are 8 modern editions to choose from as well. Servers and sideboards have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of servers and sideboards to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Georgian and Regency servers and sideboards are of considerable interest. Many servers and sideboards are appealing in their simplicity, but Brendan Bass, Baker Furniture Company and Drexel produced popular servers and sideboards that are worth a look.

How Much are Servers And Sideboards?

Prices for servers and sideboards can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, servers and sideboards begin at $595 and can go as high as $145,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,217.

Finding the Right Sideboards for You

An antique or vintage sideboard today is a sophisticated and stylish component in sumptuous dining rooms of every shape, size and decor scheme, as well as a statement of its own, showcased in art galleries and museums.

Once simply boards made of wood that were used to support ceremonial dining, sideboards have taken on much greater importance as case pieces since their modest first appearance. In Italy, the sideboard was basically a credenza, a solid furnishing with cabinet doors. It was initially intended as an integral piece of any dining room where the wealthy gathered for meals in the southern European country.

Later, in England and France, sideboards retained their utilitarian purpose — a place to keep hot water for rinsing silverware and from which to serve cold drinking water — but would evolve into double-bodied structures that allowed for the display of serveware and utensils on open shelves. We would likely call these buffets, as they’re taller than a sideboard. (Trust us — there is an order to all of this!)

The sideboard is often deemed a buffet in the United States, from the French buffet à deux corps, which referred to a storage and display case. However, a buffet technically possesses a tiered or shelved superstructure for displaying attractive kitchenware and certainly makes more sense in the context of buffet dining — abundant meals served for crowds of people.

Every imaginable iteration of the sideboard has taken shape over the years. Furniture maker and artist Paul Evans, whose work has been the subject of various celebrated museum exhibitions, created ornamented, welded and patinated sideboards for Directional Furniture, collections such as the Cityscape series that speak to his place in revolutionary brutalist furniture design as much as they echo the origins of these sturdy, functional structures centuries ago.

If mid-century modern sideboards or vintage Danish sideboards are more to your liking than an 18th-century mahogany sideboard with decorative inlays in the Hepplewhite style, the particularly elegant pieces crafted by designers Hans Wegner, Edward Wormley or Florence Knoll are often sought by today’s collectors.

Whether you have a specific era or style in mind or you’re open to browsing a vast collection to find the right fit, 1stDibs has a variety of antique and vintage sideboards to choose from.

Questions About Servers And Sideboards

What is the difference between a sideboard and a server?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
The difference between a sideboard and a server mostly pertains to usage. A sideboard is a side-table with cabinet doors that is used for serving, most often in a dining room (today, sideboards can sometimes be found in living rooms and foyers). In form, a credenza has much in common with a sideboard. Sideboards have short legs or no legs at all. A server is very slim and is meant to be placed along the dining room wall. It is shorter and takes up less room than a sideboard and is also considered to be more formal than a sideboard — a sideboard might offer a surface to serve dinner, whereas a server might best be used to serve dessert. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary sideboards and servers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is a dining server?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A dining server is a type of table that is slim and designed to be placed along a dining room wall. It’s meant to be a spot to stage food before it’s served to guests and not necessarily used for storage, although some dining servers may have cabinets. Find a selection of dining servers on 1stDibs.
Why is a sideboard called a sideboard?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
A sideboard is nearly the same thing as a buffet, but slightly shorter. Standing against a wall in a dining room, a sideboard’s main function is to supply an easily accessible surface for serving trays, bowls or plates of food.
What are sideboards?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Sideboards are cabinets with shelves and drawers used to store serving utensils, dinnerware and table linens.
What is a server in a dining room?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A server in a dining room is a slim piece of furniture placed near the dining table and is typically used to stage food before serving. Traditionally, servers were unassuming and provided surfaces for serving dishes — they occupied less room than a buffet or a sideboard. Newly designed servers include drawers where you can store dishes, cutlery and other necessary elements for meals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage servers.
What is a wine server called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
A wine server is formally called a sommelier or wine steward. A sommelier is a person who is trained in the wine profession. This individual is typically very knowledgeable about wines as well as pairing wine and food.
What is the best buffet server?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
Buffet servers — or buffets —are available in various materials, sizes, styles, and designs. Choosing the best buffet server is a matter of preference that complements your home décor. A buffet server is supposed to be functional and useful; you should choose one with drawers or shelves based on your needs. Find a wide collection of antique and vintage buffets on 1stDibs today.
What is a wood salad server?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A wood utensil that’s used to serve salad is a wood salad server. Salad servers often feature two oversized forks or a fork and a paddle-shaped instrument. Shop a collection of salad servers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the purpose of a sideboard?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
The purpose of a sideboard is to provide a place to store and organize items for the home. Often used in dining rooms, sideboards work well for keeping serveware and dinnerware free of dust and hidden when not in use. Some people use sideboards to house entertainment centers, media, games and other odds and ends in living rooms, or place them in entryways to provide places to stash cold-weather accessories, bags and shoes. Explore a large collection of sideboards on 1stDibs.
What is a kitchen sideboard?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
A kitchen sideboard is a piece of furniture used for serving food and storing serving dishes and table linens. Kitchen sideboards long and often sit low to the ground. Shop vintage sideboards on 1stDibs.
What would a server use a monkey dish for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A server would use a monkey dish to present nuts and other small finger foods and condiments. The name comes from the centuries-old practice of giving a small portion of food to a monkey to determine if it was poisoned. Shop a collection of monkey dishes on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
The terms buffet and sideboard are used interchangeably, although buffets generally have higher legs and stand 34 to 38 inches tall.
What can I use instead of a sideboard?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
What you can use instead of a sideboard depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a place to set up buffet spreads when entertaining guests, a console table may be a good option. For storing or displaying items in the dining room, try a bar cabinet, hutch, bookshelf or floating wall shelves. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining room furniture.
What is a sideboard table used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A sideboard table is generally used for storing cutlery, napkins and other dining supplies. Sideboards have much in common with credenzas and buffet tables but they are distinct from both of those other kinds of case pieces. Shop a range of antique and vintage sideboards and other storage furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sideboard and a hutch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
The difference between a sideboard and a hutch is that a sideboard is a side table with cabinet doors that was originally used for serving, most often in a dining room (now, you might find a sideboard in a foyer or living room). A hutch is essentially a storage piece made of two parts — there is a set of shelves or cabinets on top of a lower unit, which features a counter and either cabinets or a set of drawers. In form, a credenza has much in common with a sideboard. A hutch might be of help in serving tea or other beverages, but it is more of a case piece than it is a piece of furniture that is used for serving. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary sideboards and hutches from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
Should a sideboard be taller than a table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Yes, a sideboard should generally be taller than a dining table in the same space. Look for a sideboard that is about four to six inches taller than the dining tabletop. The shortest pieces you should consider are those of equal height to the table. If your sideboard is shorter than the dining table, your room may look out of proportion. On 1stDibs, find a variety of sideboards.
What is the difference between a sideboard and a cabinet?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a sideboard and a cabinet is the specificity of the terms. A cabinet is any piece of furniture that features interior storage space hidden behind one or more doors. On the other hand, a sideboard is a long, low cabinet often used to store tableware and linens in dining rooms. Shop a diverse assortment of sideboards and other cabinets on 1stDibs.
Can you use a sideboard as a TV stand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Yes, you can generally use a sideboard as a TV stand. If you plan to rest the TV on the top of a sideboard, double-check that its weight capacity is great enough to support the weight of the television safely. You may also want to drill the back of the sideboard to add holes for the cords and cables that connect the components of your home theater system. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of sideboards.
How tall should a sideboard be in a living room?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
How tall a sideboard should be in a living room varies. Most sideboards are 34 to 36 inches tall. If you're using a sideboard as a television stand, the sideboard should be tall enough to allow the center of the television screen to be at eye level. Otherwise, you can typically choose any size sideboard. Shop a range of sideboards on 1stDibs.
How do you identify a G Plan sideboard?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a G Plan sideboard, look for the maker's mark. Nearly all pieces produced by the British maker are marked, but G Plan utilized different markings over the years. For example, pieces from the 1950s and ’60s often display a gold foil oval label emblazoned with the words "E Gomme, High Wycombe." You can find images of all G Plan labels and marks on trusted online resources. You can also ask a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer to help you with the identification process. Explore a wide range of G Plan sideboards on 1stDibs.

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