A well-chosen sideboard can set the tone for the entire dining room. If done right, this versatile piece of furniture can provide practical storage for your dining essentials while serving as a stylish focal point that ties the room together.
One of the most important factors that impact the sideboard's aesthetic, functionality, and durability is the choice of material. When it comes to furniture materials, many would agree nothing beats the timeless beauty and durability of timber, or Tasmanian blackwood in particular.
The good news is that there’s a great selection of blackwood sideboard furniture in Australia, which makes it easy for everyone to find their perfect piece. Being native to south-eastern Australia makes this stunning hardwood a highly valued, practical, and sustainable choice for furniture and cabinetry.
The Three S's of Blackwood Buffets
Stunning
Blackwood timber has a rich, warm colour palette ranging from rich golden hues to darker browns, often with a subtle reddish tint and attractive grain patterns. One of the main reasons blackwood timber boasts its rich, dark hue is its high tannin content, up to 20%. These dark-staining compounds, (the same as the dark-staining chemicals you see after you’ve drained your daily dose of tea and coffee) give blackwood its signature depth and character, making it as captivating as your favourite brew.
Its natural beauty and the potential for a high-gloss finish make it a favourite for crafting elegant furniture like storage cabinets with doors. This warmth gives storage cabinets a welcoming and luxurious appeal that works great with just about any interior style.
Another reason that makes blackwood timber stand out is its versatility which is hard to beat. This hardwood blends well in almost any home style, from rustic to minimalist. For instance, sideboards with rich, dark tones and sleek grain patterns provide a subtle yet elegant contrast to the typically neutral and understated colour palette of minimalist design.
Sustainable
Next, if you’re an environmentally conscious buyer, you’ll love the fact that this timber is an eco-friendly material. Given its native status, Australian blackwood is an environmentally friendly choice due to the reduced impact on ecosystems and lower transportation costs. It’s usually planted and harvested sustainably, and about a third of the total blackwood forest types are reserved.
Choosing eco-friendly furniture is a great way to support your sustainability goals, reduce environmental impact, and create a healthier home. However, Tasmanian blackwood timber furniture isn't just for eco-conscious buyers. Whether you're passionate about the environment or simply looking for high-quality, durable furniture, blackwood buffets fit the bill for everyone.
Strong
Also, the solid construction of this type of furniture allows for long-lasting use. Regardless of what you decide to store on the inside, or display on the outside, you can be sure that this type of sideboard will not wear down for a long time. You can enjoy a reliable and stylish storage solution without worrying about the structure weakening over time.
At the end of the day, buying a buffet is not a cheap investment. So, it’s only natural that you want something that will last for years and still look as good as when you first bought it. Durability is what makes this type of timber one of the best choices when it comes to furniture.
Elevating Your Dining Space with a Blackwood Buffet
After figuring out the type of buffet you want to buy, the next step is incorporating this piece of furniture into your dining space. You can use it to house all your dining essentials such as plates, cutlery, tablecloths, cups and glasses. To fulfil its purpose properly, your chosen piece needs to feature plenty of storage space in the form of drawers and cupboards.
The top of the buffet can be used to display decorative items. If you want to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement, you can place small vases and a couple of frames on one side, and a lamp that takes up roughly the same space on the other. This way, you will create hidden symmetry that doesn't showcase identical items but still introduces balance. When arranging the display, use your eyes to determine whether there is equal visual weight and if the colours and patterns match.
Sideboards can double as a coffee bar or serving station when having guests over or throwing up a party. Cocktails and margaritas placed on the top of the sideboard can be a real refreshment for your guests, and excellent use of your timber buffet.
Next, there is always the possibility to leave the sideboard almost bare. This is ideal if you decide to hang a large-scale artwork in your dining room. Leaving the sideboard below the art almost bare won't create any distractions. If you find the whole ambient too dull, you can simply place low plants or a delicate bow.