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jan_in_wisconsin

Antique Sideboard/Buffet in the Living Room?

14 years ago

Do you think an antique buffet could work in the living room? I love them so much, however, I don't have space in our dining area. I was thinking of using one as either a sofa table or along a wall. Any guidelines for the size if used as a sofa table? The one I'm interested in is 60" wide x 37" high x 22" deep. I'm concerned that it's a little large, although the room is also large. We will eventually be purchasing new seating, probably a sectional couch of some sort.

If not as a sofa table, I'm thinking it could be used as an accent piece along the long wall of our great room. That same wall has the couch along it, though, right now, so maybe it will look too heavy on that side of the room.

Just interested in your thoughts about a nontraditional location for this traditional piece.

Thanks!

Comments (24)

  • 14 years ago

    I think buffets and sideboards work well in most rooms. I love them in entries and as entertainment cabinets. How your particular piece works in your room may be a matter of trial and error. The only suggestion I have is that I wouldn't use it as a sofa table if it is taller than the back of the sofa.

  • 14 years ago

    I think it can work very well! I usually see solid sideboard/buffets used against a wall vs. as a sofa table. I can't really picture that.

    I have one in my foyer and it holds tablecloths, candles, and glassware.

    How's your bedroom coming along?

  • 14 years ago

    I also see it working more against a wall than as a sofa table. For a sofa table, I agree it should not be taller than the back of the sofa, but also the depth should be closer to around 18" I think. As long as the style works with the other pieces in your room and you have the space I say go for it. I love the added storage they offer.

    Yes, how is your bedroom coming along?

  • 14 years ago

    I'm also in love with buffets. I think they can definitely work as a sofa tabe.

  • 14 years ago

    This is the CL piece I really like:

    I think it would be taller than the sofa or loveseat, though. Hmmm . . . maybe it could go along this wall:

    The above is an old picture of our living room, but it gives you an idea anyway.

    Shee - the bedroom is semi-finished. I just need some wall decor and accessories yet. I could post updated pics.

  • 14 years ago

    Go for it! I love buffets and think they are great pieces in living rooms. Especially if it is antique looking you'll have a great conversation piece. I found 30k reasons why it would look great! Hopefully these can help you with inspiration on placement.

    https://www.houzz.com/photos/buffets-phbr0lbl-bl~l_1294-living-room
    https://www.houzz.com/photos/sideboard-phbr0lbl-bl~l_42028-living-room

    Here is a link that might be useful: [Buffet in living room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/sideboard-living-room-phbr0lbl-bl~l_67853)

  • 14 years ago

    I think the spot you posted in your home is perfect for a buffet! I really like the idea! Extra storage is a plus also.

  • 14 years ago

    I like the buffet and think that looks like a great spot. What's the rest of that wall look like? I know you mentioned the couch is also there.

    Did you do a "mock up" yet? You know, bust out the tape measure, kitchen spoons and spatulas to line it all out? :) Painters tape would work too.

    I'd love to see progress pics of the bedroom.

  • 14 years ago

    Yes, that buffet is very temping and I think it will look lovely there. I think it's how you decorate the top of the buffet when you put it in a non-traditional location that makes it all work. If you've not seen the one Shee has in her foyer, I'm sure she'll post a pic for you.

    Count me in too with wanting to see the latest bedroom update. You left us hanging deciding what you were going to do with the mirrors, lamps, pictures, euros. We want details! But in another thread of course. ;)

  • 14 years ago

    shee - here are more pics of the room (again, these are old, and I have since replaced the lamps, added some pictures, etc., but the furniture remains, and we want to replace it when our 10yo loses his peanut butter face!):

    I did a mock-up to the best of my abilities, and it looks like it could fit in that spot, although I'm not sure what I would do with the top of it and whether I should get an end table instead for next to the chair. I just like the buffet! My hubby says I shouldn't buy a piece of furniture just because I like it - that it should have a home. I don't want to make a mistake, as I really have nowhere else I can put it. Our floorplan is somewhat open in that sense.

    I would love to see Shee's foyer buffet - please!

    I will post a bedroom update soon. I have everything done, except the wall art and dresser knobs. So, it's still a work in process, I guess. I'm saving my pennies to finish it up.

  • 14 years ago

    Jan, that is nearly identical to the one I have, and I have it in my living room. I have a trio of antique mirrors hanging on the wall above it, and I keep my fleur-de-lis collection on it.

    May I ask what they're asking for that piece? My Dad gave me mine before he passed away, so regardless of it's value, to me, it's priceless.

  • 14 years ago

    pesky - They're asking $125, which I think is super reasonable. I haven't viewed it in person to see its condition. Do you have a picture of your buffet in the living room? I'd love to see it.

  • 14 years ago

    I have a very old (not sure if antique but close!) sideboard in my livingroom which we use for our television stand and I love it so much. Very much a statement piece in the room.

    I aggree with PP a beautiful sideboard can work very well in my places.

  • 14 years ago

    The buffet is so nice I'd use it as a stand alone piece and put it against the wall. Beautiful!

  • 14 years ago

    I've seen one used in the middle of a great room similar to a sofa table but placed behind a grouping of tall chairs instead of a sofa. The back of the buffet was covered with upholstery fabric & it was a quite attractive.

  • 14 years ago

    Absolutely. You also have a lot of options about how to decorate it. A large mirror, picture, or collection above. The surface can hold a collection or seasonal vignettes...especially since we are getting close to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Or one large piece, maybe pottery with branches. So many possibilities!

    My grandma gave me the buffet from her old dining set that I used in the LR for our TV. It's in the dining room, now, waiting for harvest inspiration from me. As long as you have room for them, they can be quite versatile.

    The defeated army under the side table made me laugh! I have the same thing in my living room :D

  • 14 years ago

    You can absolutely put a sideboard/buffet in your living room. I have a really low antique walnut sideboard (27" high) with a beautiful carrera marble top that I use as a side table between two chairs. In my family room, I have a larger mahogany Duncan Phyfe style curved front buffet that I use for storage for now. Eventually we will be having a custom wet bar built in its place and it will hopefully move somewhere else, perhaps against the wall somewhere in my living room. Buffets/sideboards are great for storage and antiques like the one you found are really beautiful and unique. $125 sounds like a great price.

  • 14 years ago

    That looks like a great spot!

    I can't find any photos showing a straight on shot of the foyer. Here's an old pic of the buffet. I've since replace the art in the picture.
    {{!gwi}}

    We've been using out front entrance rencently because of an issues with our newly replaced sidedoor. Anyhow, it's a mess with shoes, dirt, and a kitty and I'm not feeling very well right now but I'll try and get a better picture later.

  • 14 years ago

    My old buffet (from my 1920s dining room suite) is sitting in front of the tall window in the front of our one-and-only living room. Very handy -- I use it as a bar during parties!

  • 14 years ago

    Hello from elsewhere in Wisconsin, jan-in-wisconsin.

    I wouldn't wait too long if it is priced really well. I have missed out on a few like that.

    Good luck!

  • 14 years ago

    Here's a full shot of the foyer.
    {{!gwi}}

  • 14 years ago

    Well you guys have settled it. I'm going to try to get this piece. The CL poster claims it is fairly dark in color. So, it may be darker than some of my other pieces, but I think it's okay to mix wood tones for interest.

    Shee - your buffet is beautiful. I love how you have it displayed. The mirror is awesome.

    My work schedule has not been cooperating lately, so I'm seriously going to try to work something out to pick it up tomorrow. It really has to work in that spot by the wall, as I don't have any other place for it.

    Thanks all. I feel so much better now!

  • 2 years ago

    Can I it the Kensington buffet arhaus in my living room. I have the Kensington table in dining room but buffet will not work in room.