Oak sideboards have been around for decades are one of the most well-known antiques passed down from generation to generation. A sideboard has many uses in the home, most common in the dining room for storage of table linens as well as place settings and serving pieces. During a buffet meal the sideboard is great to be used as an extra food service area.
The qualities of oak are its beauty and durability, making it the top choice for well-crafted furniture pieces. The hard oak wood makes furniture building more difficult but also more beautiful in the end.
One of the disadvantages of an oak sideboard is damage that can occur to the wood with moisture. Serving trays, hot plates and even glass tops are recommended if there is a possibility that the wood could get wet from food or drinks.
Oak sideboards, because of their beauty, are also found in other areas of the home. Hallways and entranceways are perfect areas for sideboards because of their design. They can house beautiful plants, mirrors and even other antiques in the finest living areas, giving great storage space underneath to stash away extra blankets, pillows, magazines or even toys.
Sideboards can be found in antique shops, thrift stores, flea markets, auctions and even garage sales. There are different heights and lengths, some very ornate and some primitive. Unfinished furniture stores are a great place to find just the sideboard you’re looking for if you are willing to spend the time properly staining and sealing the furniture. On occasion you may find one at a sale that has been painted, requiring great lengths to properly restore the piece back to its original beauty. A reputable antique restoration shop should be able to restore the piece, although costly.
Care for your sideboard should be the same as any other oak furniture you may have in your home. Frequent dusting with a dry duster with an occasional wax or tongue oil treatment should keep your piece beautiful for passing down to the next generation.