Surely many of us associate a buffet or sideboard with grandma’s kitchen. And if suddenly you find yourself the heir to this item, do not rush to throw it away. After all, it can become the highlight of the kitchen interior, filling the atmosphere with warmth and homeliness and, of course, pleasant memories associated with grandma’s house. Buffets and sideboards in modern styles look no less impressive.
What is a buffet?
Essentially, this is a cabinet where dishes, various cutlery, textiles and some products are stored. A buffet can be not only an element of the kitchen, but also a living room, especially in modern homes. In post-Soviet times, a buffet with transparent glass was called a sideboard. In the traditional sense, this piece of furniture has the following design:
- in the lower part there is a storage system in the form of a cabinet with drawers or doors with different patterns and colors;
- at the top there are traditional open shelves; it is possible to place cabinets, the doors of which are often decorated with glass inserts;
- Between these two elements, as a rule, there is free space, and the surface of the cabinets at the top of the buffet can also serve as a tabletop or an additional surface for placing beautiful decorative objects.
The modern design of buffets rarely displays pretentious decorativeness, but fits perfectly into many styles - minimalism, country, eco, modern, hi-tech.
Today there are models on sale without a clear division into parts; for example, in many of them the top fits tightly to the bottom, and there is no empty space in the middle at all.
There are budget options with glass inserts that resemble a regular showcase.
As for the size of the buffet, there are no standards or restrictions. It all depends on the height of the ceilings, the volume of the kitchen and personal preferences. Manufacturers offer a lot of options - from narrow single-leaf products to wide ones with a large number of doors. The content can also be very diverse: all kinds of dividers and other elements not only perform a functional role, but also save free space.
Additional functionality
For deep wall-mounted modules, it is worth choosing additional lighting, since most of the working surface will be darkened. Spotlights that are installed on the bottom of the cabinet are suitable for this purpose. They can also be attached inside the dish unit.
For retractable systems and swing doors, closers should be installed. They will allow you to softly close doors and slide drawers without creating loud slamming sounds. Cutlery trays are designed to organize the contents of drawers and keep all items in their place.
In cabinets with transparent doors where glasses are stored, special holders can be attached to the top of the shelf. Glasses are hung on them with their stems up, which significantly saves space inside. To store and simultaneously dry dishes, special drying racks with a bottom tray for draining water are installed. For towels, ladles, skimmers, spatulas and other large kitchen utensils, it will be convenient to have special hooks for hanging.
Nuances of choosing closers for kitchen cabinets, installation and adjustment
Spotlights
Closers
Glass holder
Rack dryer with tray
Kitchen utensil hooks
Benefits of a kitchen buffet
- most often there are traditional sideboards made from noble, environmentally friendly wood;
- large capacity allows you to store in them, in addition to kitchen utensils, decorative dishes and home textiles;
- Possibility of application in various styles to give the room special sophistication, individuality and nobility.
Despite all the above advantages, it is important to pay attention to some nuances of using this attribute in the interior:
- The buffet will look more harmonious as an independent item in the kitchen, so additional space should be allocated for its optimal placement. A luxurious sideboard will look intrusive in a small kitchen or living room, although there are more laconic compact designs on sale;
- the price of a high-quality product made from natural material will be quite high. On the other hand, a corner design for a kitchen is a more economical, compact and quite attractive option that will fit into a standard interior.
Solid kitchen shelves
PNK600 PNK950 PNK1200 PNK1500 PNK-600 600x300, 2.9kg PNK-950 950x300, 4.0kg PNK-1200 1200x300, 4.8kg PNK-1500 1500x300, 5.7 kg PNK shelves for storing dishes and kitchen utensils. All shelves have a side that protects the wall panels from moisture in the washing compartments, and also prevents products from getting on the wall and in the gap between the wall and the shelf. Solid base of shelvesTypes of buffets
- closed type - assumes the presence of shelves covered with doors. Such a buffet may have a small window in which items on the shelves are partially visible;
- open type - such products do not have a door. An interesting design solution could be an open tabletop placed between the upper and lower tier;
- a classic type of buffet, providing for the presence of 3 levels with an open niche, shelves and doors.
Lattice kitchen shelves
PNK600R PNK950R PNK1200R PNK1500R PNK-600R 600x300, 2.5kg PNK-950R 950x300, 4.0kg PNK-1200R 1200x300, 4.8kg PNK-1500R 1500x300, 5.7 kg PNK-R shelves for storing dishes and kitchen equipment. All shelves have a side that protects the wall panels from moisture in the washing compartments, and also prevents products from getting on the wall and in the gap between the wall and the shelf. The base of the shelves is perforated (lattice). Wire shelves are used to place dishes above wash tubs or next to the dishwasher: water draining from the dishes goes directly into the wash tub.Types of materials used to make buffets
1. Valuable species of natural wood. They are famous for their luxurious appearance and durability. As a rule, products made from solid wood have carved façade elements. However, the cost of such buffets is quite impressive. In addition, the possibility of changes in structure and shape under the influence of external factors cannot be excluded, due to which the material may lose its former color, swell or dry out. Despite this, wood is the leader in the production of such products, and there are a lot of options for its processing.
2. MDF and chipboard. This raw material is in high demand in the market, as it is in a price segment accessible to most buyers. At the same time, there are many ways to process it, allowing objects to look “antique” or imitate various wood species. In this sense, the interior will look very elegant and attractive.
These materials are most often used for the manufacture of buffets and sideboards, but you can also often find designs made of plastic or metal.
Half open shelves
PPK600 PPK950 PPK1200 PPK1500 PPK-600 600x400x600, 15.3kg PPK-950 950x400x600, 17.9 kg PPK-1200 1200x400x600, 22.6kg PPK-1500 1500x400x600, 27.4 kg is intended for open storage and display of products that require constant ventilation, as well as the most frequently used utensils and equipment. These shelves protect products and equipment from dust and greasy soot.Buffet on background of different styles
An ideal option for the classics is a sideboard made of natural solid wood, equipped with carved fronts. This attribute will add a touch of elegant aristocracy and charm to your kitchen.
A white sideboard with carved trim is what you need to create a French Provence atmosphere. Beautiful fittings with graceful lines (for example, door handles) play an important role here.
Colorful country successfully reflects the individuality of the room. This type of construction is often varnished, and the external aesthetics of the decor is very simple: there are no carved parts, and the configuration of the sideboard involves a large number of cabinets and shelves.
In modern style, products made from chipboard and MDF are used. Such designs are equipped with matte elements and provide a varied palette of colors. There is no place for pretentiousness in modern style - the laconic buffet here is functional to the maximum.
As you can see, many variations in buffet design allow you to choose a model that is ideal for any style. Such a product in the kitchen improves the interior, making it more impressive, sophisticated, and original.
Is your kitchen decorated with such a colorful piece of furniture as a sideboard? Which versions did you like best?
Styling of cupboards
Furniture for storing plates, cups and other cutlery can be made in different stylistic directions, from classic to ultra-modern design.
One of the popular styles is furniture in the Baroque style, the characteristic features of which are natural wood, the presence of carved elements and graceful figured legs. Baroque design is ideal for sideboards and buffets.
The Art Deco style combines elegance of form and some theatrical luxury. Expensive natural materials are used to produce art deco furniture. Wooden cabinets are coated with a layer of paint, preferring white or deep shades of lilac, violet or black. For decorative finishing of facades, silver, gold or mother-of-pearl are used. The presence of overhead forged elements is allowed.
Furniture in the loft style is characterized by the presence of bright colors. Another special feature of this style direction is the seemingly incompatible combination of materials, for example, natural wood with plastic or stainless steel. As a rule, loft-style modules are equipped with open facades. The style direction is suitable for wall-mounted modules.
High-tech storage systems are distinguished by simple geometric shapes and the absence of decorative elements. The style direction involves the use of materials such as steel and glass. It is inherent in the high-tech style to emphasize the beauty of the fittings - fasteners, holders. The modest design is compensated by high-tech equipment - lighting, a “push and open” opening system, etc. The high-tech style is in great harmony with the design of the display cabinets.
The universal ultra-modern style is eclecticism, which allows you to combine elements from different styles and eras. Furniture in an eclectic style is characterized by a bold combination of textures and colors. An example of eclecticism is a classic wooden buffet or sideboard, decorated with bright ornaments.
Types of corner cabinets in the living room
There are several varieties.
Closet
It is a good solution even for a small room. A built-in wardrobe uses the space of the room as efficiently as possible and can be completely closed, open, laconic or luxurious in design.
The photo shows a corner wardrobe made in two colors in the living room interior.
Wall
It consists of several sections, one of which is a wardrobe. The wall has a compact arrangement, large capacity and allows you to mask uneven corners in the room.
The photo shows a spacious living room, decorated with a corner wall in black and white.
Modular
Due to its advantages it is considered very popular. The modular design makes it possible, if necessary, to change elements in places, thereby changing the appearance of the interior space. This model can have floor-mounted or wall-mounted modules in the form of wardrobes or linen, a chest of drawers, a TV stand, and more.
Bar cabinet
Easily placed in almost any corner of the living room. Thanks to the many shelves with beautiful bottles, glasses, wine glasses and other accessories, it is possible to give the atmosphere a special appeal.
Cabinet
It consists of two side walls with a front part, which can have a glass door for displaying things, open or closed, in the form of a single-leaf or double-leaf design.
Sideboard
This classic piece of cabinet furniture is mainly used for storing dishes. The sideboard is distinguished by the presence of transparent doors and glass or wooden shelves. Such a product is often installed in the living room or dining room, adding aesthetics, conciseness and neatness to the interior.
With hinged doors
It is a fairly reliable design, which, due to its swing opening, provides an excellent overview of the internal contents. Such models come complete with fittings in the form of comfortable handles or automatic closers.
The photo shows a corner linen closet with hinged doors in the interior of a small room.
Slide
It is completed with several modules designed to accommodate various figurines, books, photo frames and other decor. In glazed versions you can store dishes, tea sets or ceramics, and on closed shelves you can place clothes or small equipment. A distinctive feature of the slide is its design, which is made of a ladder with a transition from the highest to the lowest element.
Display cabinet
This elongated corner structure can be equipped with one, two or three doors. Basically, the display cabinet is made from natural wood, chipboard or MDF, and the facade with side walls is made of glass. This product fits perfectly even into a small living room and takes up minimal space.
Photos of the living room interior in various styles
In a classic interior, wardrobes and display cases made from natural solid wood look especially impressive. Corner structures in darker shades will form a business-like and strict design, and products made of bleached wood will give the space warmth and light. For classics, they generally prefer symmetrical and sophisticated models, which can be decorated with patterns, carvings or beautiful metal fittings.
Modern design involves corner shelves or cabinets made of chipboard; they can have rich colors and glossy textures. Also here you often find more laconic designs in dark or light colors, having a geometric, clear and straight shape.
The photo shows a classic-style room, decorated with a light-colored corner wardrobe.
A living room designed in Provence style is often decorated with elegant cabinets in beige, milky, pale brown and even pinkish colors. Not too tall and narrower products with a vintage finish are especially appropriate here.
Facade design ideas
The most common design solution is photo printing, which can be made in the form of ordinary pictures, natural landscapes, abstractions, animals or city panoramas. Very often in the interior there are designs with a mirror facade. It can have either a continuous design or represent only individual elements. Various inserts made of bamboo, leather or rattan are also sometimes used in the design of the door surface.
The photo shows the interior of the hall with a corner wardrobe with a facade decorated with photo printing.
An equally popular decorative technique is the use of sandblasting patterns. Furniture with such a painted facade takes on a truly elegant and creative look. Lakomat is also used for doors, which is frosted glass or lacobel, in the form of decorative glass with one painted side.
The photo shows an L-shaped corner wardrobe with Lacobel glass in the living room interior.
Carved cabinets help create a feeling of warmth and a particularly cozy interior, and for a unique and original design, combined designs are chosen that combine several materials at once, for example, chipboard and glass or gloss with a mirror.
