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Dining table length and sideboard

MariposaTraicionera

14 years ago

I am having a sideboard made for my mother, but I am not sure whether to have it made the same length as her dining table or should it be shorter?

I think the same length would look weird, wouldn't it? Especially since it will be along the wall and going in the same direction as the table.

Her table is 72 W, and the sideboard she liked is 74" W. I haven't given the okay yet, but will be doing so this coming Monday! What do you all think?

Mari

Here is a link that might be useful: Sideboard.

Featured Answer

paulthomas

14 years ago

A sideboard that is shorter, say by as little as a foot offers good visual transition from one piece to another.

If you have two additional dining chairs that will not always be at the table, then a shorter sideboard allows for placement of the extra chairs on either side of the sideboard.

If space is tight, then a shorter sideboard offers easier access to the side of the table.

In the end, I think you'll be happy with your new furniture either way.

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Comments (10)

sameboat
14 years ago
I don't know if there's a rule of thumb but I would love to have a sideboard as long as my 72" table, for storage and decorating! I don't think it would look odd at all.
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jerseygirl_1
14 years ago
I agree with everything Paulthomas posted.

We went through the same dilemna when we were looking for a sidebooard for our 72" custom made table. MY DH almost bought an MCM credenza which was 72". I didn't want to buy it for all the reasons paulthomas mentioned minus the chairs on the side. We decided on a sideboard that is higher and shorter than my table.
0
cliff_and_joann
14 years ago
If you have the wall space, yes a large side board is lovely.
Our daughter has a Kendell (sp?) 18th century cherry dining room set and the sideboard is as long as the
big table.
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MariposaTraicionera
Original Author
14 years ago
The wall space mother has is about the length of the room. I think she said her dining room's length was 13'. But the width is 10' (I think). Mother lives in Washington and I am ordering this for her. She is battling breast cancer, and sometimes distracts herself in decorating her place which I guess is good.

Thanks for the help. I will ponder this a bit more before taking the plunge.

Mari
cat_mom
14 years ago
You have mail. :-)
jejvtr
14 years ago
Mari

So sorry about your mom - how fortunate she is to have a loving daughter

DR dimensions are similar to mine -

My table is 42"w x 62" L w/o any leaves & has 4 chairs around it - can fit 2 additional w/o leaves. I have a buffet 19.5" x 62"L -
It has ample room around to pull out chairs and elbow room at the table. Previous to current set, we had a set that seemed to overwhelm the room - I hated it & we under utilized it as result.

Other considerations
Windows, casement openings, doors, any built ins
How the DR is typically used - how many people sit at the table
Posted link below may help -

Here is a link that might be useful: DR
MariposaTraicionera
Original Author
14 years ago
Sorry I didn't get back to read the posts, and thank you all for your contributions.

Jejvtr, she has not done much with her DR. She has no built-ins, and at the moment she is looking for something that she can use to store "good dishes" and have another piece of furniture in the DR. Last time I was at her place, she had a dining table and chairs and one potted plant! That is her least used room.

I am thinking "visually" a sideboard that is a foot shorter as others mentioned would probably be better. She is going back and forth on maple, mahogany and cherry, but definitely want an espresso finish.

Will let you all know what happens.
teresa stueck
5 years ago
Does a buffet have to match the style and finish of the diningroom furniture?
PRO
John Storey Williamson, Real Estate Broker
5 years ago
I have an 80" long table and I'm considering an 82" sideboard against a long wall. The server that comes with the table collection is 63" long.
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