Many buyers face the question of whether the desired piece of furniture is a chest of drawers or a sideboard. Both terms are often used synonymously in retail, although there are clear differences. These lie primarily in the proportions: height, width, and depth follow different ratios. If you are looking for a piece of furniture for a specific space, you should know the dimensions to choose the right item. This article shows where the boundaries lie and which dimensions are suitable for which room.
Height as the most important distinguishing feature
A chest of drawers is generally taller than a sideboard. Classic chests of drawers measure between 80 and 120 cm in height, often even more. They stand upright and have a vertically emphasized appearance. A sideboard, on the other hand, usually remains under 90 cm, often between 70 and 85 cm. This lower design makes it a typical accompanying piece of furniture for living rooms and dining areas, where it fits under windows or behind sofas. The height also determines its use: chests of drawers are suitable for bedrooms and hallways, where multi-tiered storage space is required. Sideboards offer a continuous surface at a comfortable working height.
Width and proportions in comparison
Sideboards are significantly wider than they are tall. Typical dimensions range from 140 to 220 cm in width with a height of 75 to 85 cm. This results in a horizontal, space-filling piece of furniture. Chests of drawers, on the other hand, show more balanced proportions: 80 to 140 cm in width with a height of 90 to 120 cm. Some chests of drawers are even narrower than they are tall, especially in classic designs with five or six drawers stacked one above the other. These different ratios shape the effect in the room. A sideboard visually stretches the room, while a chest of drawers structures it vertically.
Depth and its practical significance
The depth of both pieces of furniture differs less significantly. Chests of drawers usually measure 40 to 50 cm, sideboards 45 to 55 cm. This small difference has practical reasons: both should stand against the wall without protruding too far into the room. Deeper versions up to 60 cm are available for both variants; they offer more storage space but require corresponding room. For narrow hallways or small bedrooms, chests of drawers with a depth of 35 to 40 cm are available. Sideboards under 40 cm deep are rare, as they would otherwise lose their function as a serving or storage surface.
Guidelines for space planning
| Furniture type | Height (cm) | Width (cm) | Depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic chest of drawers | 90–120 | 80–120 | 40–50 |
| Narrow chest of drawers | 100–130 | 60–80 | 35–45 |
| Sideboard | 70–85 | 140–220 | 45–55 |
| Low sideboard | 60–75 | 160–200 | 40–50 |
When which furniture makes sense
The choice depends on the available space and the intended use. In rooms with limited wall width, such as hallways or next to doors, a chest of drawers fits better. It utilizes height and offers ample storage space despite a small footprint. In living rooms or dining rooms with long, free walls, a sideboard comes into its own. It provides space for dishes, glasses, or technology and also serves as a serving surface for receptions. Under windows, a sideboard is the only choice, as a chest of drawers would cover the windowsill.
To make a decision, you should measure the wall length and room height. With ceiling heights above 2.60 m, chests of drawers appear more harmonious as they emphasize the vertical. In low rooms, a sideboard visually stretches the space. Also, consider the distance to other furniture: at least 90 cm of movement space should remain in front of a sideboard, while 70 cm is sufficient in front of a chest of drawers, as the drawers do not extend as deeply.
Hybrid forms and special cases
Some manufacturers offer furniture that lies between both categories. A wide, tall chest of drawers with 160 cm width and 95 cm height combines features of both types. Such pieces are sometimes referred to as sideboards, sometimes as chests of drawers. The internal layout is then decisive: if drawers predominate, it is more likely to be called a chest of drawers. If doors with shelves behind them dominate, the furniture is considered a sideboard. Display cabinets are another special form, usually with glass doors and lighting, built in similar dimensions to sideboards.
- Chests of drawers are suitable for bedrooms, dressing rooms, hallways, and children's rooms.
- Sideboards fit in living rooms, dining rooms, and open kitchen areas.
- For rooms under 12 m², chests of drawers are usually the more space-saving choice.
- For wall lengths over 2 m, a sideboard comes into its own better.
- The top edge of sideboards should be between 75 and 85 cm to serve as a surface.
You can find suitable pieces under Chests of Drawers and Display Cabinets. How the pieces are built, what dimensions are available, and what the delivery time means can be found on Eichholtz Chests of Drawers and Sideboards and Eichholtz Display Cabinets and Wine Cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sideboard also be placed in the bedroom?
Yes, if sufficient wall width is available. A sideboard then offers space for laundry, accessories, or bedding. Its low height allows a mirror or pictures to be hung above it. In small bedrooms, however, a chest of drawers is usually the better choice, as it offers more storage space for the same footprint.
How do I measure if a piece of furniture fits under my window?
Measure the height from the top edge of the skirting board to the bottom edge of the windowsill. Subtract 5 cm to allow for clearance. A sideboard with a height of 75 to 80 cm fits under windowsills that are at least 85 cm above the floor. Also measure the width between the window reveals and plan for 10 cm of space on each side.
What depth do I need for dishes and glasses?
For plates and glasses, 40 cm depth is sufficient if the compartments are cleverly divided. Larger serving platters or bowls require 45 to 50 cm. Sideboards with a depth of 50 cm offer the best compromise between storage space and room effect. Measure your largest piece of crockery and add 5 cm for reserve.
Are there chests of drawers wider than 150 cm?
Yes, such models are often called double chests of drawers. They measure up to 180 cm in width and combine the height of a chest of drawers with the width of a sideboard. These pieces of furniture are suitable for large bedrooms or dressing rooms where two people need storage space. The construction usually corresponds to two chests of drawers placed next to each other with a continuous front.