Searching for a Modern White Sideboard? Good Questions

Q: Hi, I'm really hoping you or your readers can help me with something I've been obsessing over. Our dining room seriously needs something, and we've focused our efforts on finding a buffet/sideboard for now. We've been stymied, though, by a fear of wood clashing with our dining room table and a general lack of furniture that appeals to us.

Sent by Catherine

I don't really know how to define our style, which I guess we're still developing as newlyweds, but I suppose it's modern without being stark, somewhat colorful, and a little eclectic. I finally found a piece that I love from Ruth and Ollie in Richmond, but it's way outside our price range at just over $2000. My hope is that you or your brilliant readers can direct us toward something in a similar style (thus far all white pieces have looked too country) that's significantly less expensive, or possibly a DIY alternative that would help us figure out how to put doors like that on a Craigslist find. Thank you so much!

Editor: Catherine- love that cabinet! If you find a piece on Craigslist with the right dimensions, painting it white should be a feasible DIY. You could then cut out the center panel of the doors to put in a glass insert, and use a glass etching kit to create the circles to give you a similar feel.

Readers, do you have any suggestions for Catherine?

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Comments (12)

Definitely DIY is the way to go when on a budget. Check CraigsList and all local thrift stores for a pieces with potential. Then hit your local hardware store for sand paper, primer, and paint. Remember to sand between primer and paint, as you will get a smoother finish.

Maybe not exactly the same style- but we use an Ikea Hemnes long dresser in our dining room as a sideboard. We had it while we were in college, and it's worked out WONDERFULLY! You can see it here:

http://cozylittlecave.blogspot.com/2009/10/hemnes-knobs.html

HOWEVER, I would definitely recommend putting some swanky knobs on it to spice it up (which we recently did). It's pretty simple & not too fancy, but it's lasted very well through college and a cross-country move. With some really fun knobs, it can be a lot more interesting.

I would suggest Craigslist/DIY first, but I know that depending on where you are, craigslist bargains may be few & far between. While we try to do that as much as possible, I have no regrets about that Hemnes at all!

Hey Catherine,

I've seen that piece before and have given this some thought. I thought the same thing that the editor suggested, by finding a similar cabinet on craigslist or thrift shop. Instead of etching the glass you could use embroidery rings and attach them together. Or I'm sure a craft store has white plastic or wooden hoops.

Just a thought

I think it'd be cool to paint the rings from the "in" side of the glass, if you've a steady hand; just place it on top of your drawing or printed picture and stay inside the lines. Hate it? Scratch it off and wipe clean... or do different colors fillings on the circles... or do a square design... or a honey-comb one!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could you stencil a white painted circles design onto a painted block of color?

"I finally found a piece I love . . ."

Maybe you should give up Starbucks, restaurants, movies, shoes etc for 6 - 10 months and buy a piece of furniture you love. Even if it is more than you ever thought you'd pay for a piece of furniture. Craigslist and Ikea are great for fill in pieces until you find what you love.

P.S. it's on sale.

You could also put in a piece of wall paper, then add a frame over the top of it.

In a few years, you may tire of this design if your taste changes, and you'll be glad you didn't spend the money on it.

Normally I'd agree with debralee, but this is so trendy... will you still love it in 10 years? Spending $2k on this would be the equivalent of spending $500 on a sack dress at Barney's when you could get the same thing for $50 at H&M. And I'm not recommending buying the knockoff either. I'd just say no to both.

I like the idea of "making" it - always will mean more to you if it's your own blood, sweat and tears that went into it :).

Not sure where in DC you are, but how about something like this from Craigslist:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/fud/1591149519.html

Painted white, and replacing the glass panels with mirror - could achieve a similar look.

I remember seeing a This Old House feature on AT on how to build your own sideboard using stock kitchen cabinets. The one pictured looks much more traditional than what you're after, but you don't have to finish it the same way. Watching Tommy Silva work is always a treat. :)

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20310641,00.html

You can also get custom doors from Rockler

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5986

The Ruth and Ollie one is fabulous, though! debralee suggested saving up to purchase it. This is a great idea, too. It's amazing where you can find money when you really want something! By the way, I'm going on the premise that you drink Maxwell House at home.

I knew the AT community would pull through! Thanks for all the helpful hints!

CozyLittleCave, I loved the pics you shared (that plate collection is awesome!). My husband actually uses the taller Hemnes piece in blue for his dresser, and I think it's a great piece for the price. I'll keep the shorter one in mind as well.

Debralee, I totally appreciate what you're suggesting, but I just can't imagine spending that kind of money on one piece of furniture... I guess I don't really "love" it. We already save a ton, but for things like a down payment or a real emergency. Our "personal gifts" account would take quite a while to get to even the sale price, unfortunately.

Arroyo, I definitely agree that this piece isn't "timeless" or "classic," but I don't think it fits my definition of "trendy" either. If it were trendy I'd be able to find a cheap(er) knockoff from some place like Ikea or Target, which would make me happy because for all I know our style will be different in 10 years. (not that this matters, but I probably wouldn't choose the aqua inside; I'd go with something less girly, like navy)

CaliHoya, We're in Richmond. :( Bummer, as I would totally make that piece work!

Chic Chickie, I love the idea of putting together the stock cabinets. It might not be within my skill set, but maybe I'd surprise myself. :) And I appreciate your assumption that I'm not going out for Starbucks on a daily basis. I'm more of an at-home tea drinker actually.

Everyone else, you have fabulous DIY ideas! Now I've just got to start planning!