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American Sideboards

Despite etymological confusion, there are few things that distinguish buffets and sideboards. For many, the real difference is simple: a sideboard used in the dining room is considered a buffet, while when situated in the living room it's known as a sideboard.

Historically speaking, buffets were probably first used in Sweden to spread out food and drink in meals called smorgasbords. The use of buffet tables caught on in France and then spread throughout the rest of the European continent before making their way to the United States. Another take on history suggests they were likely born in England as a simple plank set atop trestles or as a wall shelf.

Though sideboards were originally created as supplementary serving spots in dining rooms, American culture has expanded their use. These days, sideboards can be pressed into service for everything from linen storage to home-office work surfaces.


Quick Facts

  • A 19th-century Federal inlaid mahogany sideboard by Meier & Hagen of New York sold at a February 2008 Neal auction for $18,212
  • In 2006 at Bonhams, an early 19th-century Federal Mid-Atlantic mahogany inlaid four-dour, tapered-leg sideboard sold for $2,987
  • In 2002 at Skinner, an American mid-century modern sideboard crafted in mahogany sold for just $29, well below its $200 to $300 estimate

Recommended Items at Auction

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Large antique walnut mirror back sideboard, 182cm W x 63cm D x 230cm H
Feb 19, 10:00 AM AEDT
Large antique walnut mirror back sideboard, 182cm W x 63cm D x 230cm H
by Woodlands Auctions
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD1103 Bids
Stickley Audi Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
Stickley Audi Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard
by Regency Auction House
Est: $800- $1,000
$4001 Bid
Arts & Crafts  Sideboard, c.1900 
Feb 18, 10:00 AM GMT
Arts & Crafts  Sideboard, c.1900 
by Roseberys
Est: £400- £600
£2800 Bids
G PLAN 'FRESCO' MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK SIDEBOARD
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
G PLAN 'FRESCO' MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK SIDEBOARD
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$6000 Bids
G PLAN 'FRESCO' MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK SIDEBOARD
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
G PLAN 'FRESCO' MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK SIDEBOARD
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$6000 Bids
Vintage / Retro: A Mackintosh teak sideboard / dri…
Feb 24, 9:00 AM GMT
Vintage / Retro: A Mackintosh teak sideboard / dri…
by Claydon Auctioneers
Est: £100- £200
£1000 Bids
Thomasville Hand Carved Credenza / Sideboard
Feb 20, 12:00 PM EST
Thomasville Hand Carved Credenza / Sideboard
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $300- $600
$1000 Bids
Mahogany #4157C Sideboard, Dunbar Furniture Co.
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
Mahogany #4157C Sideboard, Dunbar Furniture Co.
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $500- $700
$2500 Bids
GREAVES & THOMAS MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK SIDEBOARD
Feb 23, 10:00 AM CST
GREAVES & THOMAS MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK SIDEBOARD
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $800- $1,500
$5000 Bids
Larry Bell, De Lux Sideboard I
Feb 25, 10:00 AM PST
Larry Bell, De Lux Sideboard I
by Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Est: $6,000- $8,000
$3,0000 Bids
Robert Irwin Co. Carved Oak Sideboard
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
Robert Irwin Co. Carved Oak Sideboard
by Schultz Auctioneers
Est: $100- $300
$500 Bids
Horner (Attr.) Figural Oak Sideboard
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
Horner (Attr.) Figural Oak Sideboard
by Regency Auction House
Est: $500- $1,000
$2500 Bids
Henkel Harris mahogany serpentine inlaid sideboard with brass gallery, bell flower inlay, tapered leg, and original finish
Feb 23, 12:00 PM EST
Henkel Harris mahogany serpentine inlaid sideboard with brass gallery, bell flower inlay, tapered leg, and original finish
by South Jersey Auction by Babington Auction Inc.
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$5000 Bids
Maitland Smith Chinoisserie Demilune Sideboard
Feb 20, 12:00 PM EST
Maitland Smith Chinoisserie Demilune Sideboard
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$3000 Bids
Kindel burl mahogany and inlaid 5 drawer 2 door sideboard
Feb 23, 12:00 PM EST
Kindel burl mahogany and inlaid 5 drawer 2 door sideboard
by South Jersey Auction by Babington Auction Inc.
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$5000 Bids
CHERRY SIDEBOARD BY CHARLES WEBB (1960-2007)
Feb 23, 11:00 AM EST
CHERRY SIDEBOARD BY CHARLES WEBB (1960-2007)
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $800- $1,200
$2500 Bids
Baker Regency Style Sideboard Credenza
Feb 27, 12:00 PM EST
Baker Regency Style Sideboard Credenza
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $600- $800
$1000 Bids
Federal Style Mahogany Inlaid Sideboard
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
Federal Style Mahogany Inlaid Sideboard
by Alex Cooper
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
SIDEBOARD & MATCHING SERVING STAND
Feb 24, 6:00 PM PST
SIDEBOARD & MATCHING SERVING STAND
by O'Gallerie
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
MANNER OF WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD
Feb 27, 2:00 PM EST
MANNER OF WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD
by Westport Auction
Est: $50- $10,000
$500 Bids
A Milo Baughmann for Thayer Coggin burlwood sideboard
Feb 21, 9:30 AM PST
A Milo Baughmann for Thayer Coggin burlwood sideboard
by Clars Auctions
Est: $800- $1,200
$4000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Sideboards


Weschler's

Weschler's

Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery

Greenwich Auction

Greenwich Auction

O'Gallerie

O'Gallerie