French sideboards are both artistic and functional. These lovely pieces of dining room furniture are traditionally used to store your best flatware, china and linens for entertaining. The interiors usually have spacious cabinets, drawers or both and a flat surface top that can be used to serve buffet style. Some are a showcase piece in itself with hand-painted details, while others have glass doors that highlight the beautiful serving pieces shown inside.

Before choosing a french sideboard or buffet, consider how much space you have in your dining room. A sideboard should be set back at least three feet from the table to allow free movement in the room and no overcrowding. Think of the great possibilities to use the surface of the sideboard for decorating with lamps for soft lighting, accessories and floral arrangements. Larger surfaces call out for a lovely tea service, while a smaller surface might just need a couple of tall vases or some pillar candlesticks to add height and visual interest.

How about adding a little flair to your living room with a whimsical painted sideboard used as an entertainment cabinet? It could perch a flat screen TV and hold electronics and DVDs inside. Or how about in the bath to rest a vessel sink on top and towels below?  Your home is a reflection of you and what you love. It is an opportunity to display treasured items, so choose a sideboard style that suits you and a color that works best with your style and decor.