Buffets & Chests: How to Choose the Right Buffet Cabinet
A beautiful buffet does more than store plates. It anchors a dining room, gives a long wall presence, and becomes the stage for a lamp, a mirror and the pieces you love.
Our buffets and chests range from a 140cm Art Deco buffet to a 3m oak and rattan sideboard. They include marble-topped, curved, bone inlay, fluted and rattan designs in white, black, antique gold, oak and walnut. This guide uses real product dimensions to help you choose the right size, finish and storage.
Buffet, Sideboard or Chest of Drawers?
Buffets and sideboards
The terms are used almost interchangeably. Both are long, low cabinets with cupboards, and sometimes drawers, for dinnerware, glassware, serving pieces and linen. "Buffet" traditionally points to the dining room, while "sideboard" is often used for living rooms and hallways too.
Chests of drawers
A chest is all drawers, which is ideal for linen, cutlery trays, clothing or smaller items. Our chests include the Adele, Carmen, Amara, Huxton, Ripple and Bayview. Many work equally well in a dining room, living room or bedroom. For more, see our chests and dressers.
Which should you choose?
- Choose a buffet for plates, platters, glassware and serving dishes, which need tall cupboard space.
- Choose a chest for linen, cutlery, candles and small items, which are easier to organise in drawers.
- Choose a combination: the Amara Art Deco Buffet has two drawers above its cupboard.
Buffet Sizes at a Glance
Our range by width (width × depth × height):
- 140cm: Amara Art Deco Buffet in antique gold (140 × 50 × 86cm), with two drawers and a cupboard
- 150cm: Portside in white (150 × 40 × 80cm), with diamond-patterned doors
- 160cm: Monte Carlo in white, black or antique gold (160 × 45 × 81cm), Portofino Curved in white, black, natural oak or walnut (160 × 45 × 80cm) and the Huxton Bone Inlay (160 × 40 × 80cm)
- 170cm: Benedict in white oak, natural oak or smoked oak (170 × 46 × 79cm, choice of marble top) and Ripple in white or black (170 × 50 × 76cm)
- 180cm: Cooper in white or antique gold (180 × 45 × 80cm) and the Adele 4-Door White (180 × 40 × 83cm)
- 200–204cm: Bayview 3-Door in white or black (200 × 45 × 70cm), Raffles Rounded End 2.0m (200 × 45 × 82cm), Raffles Weathered Oak and Havana White (both 204 × 45 × 82cm)
- 257cm: Ravello 8 Door in solid teak (257 × 45 × 60cm), a low unit ideal for TVs
- 300cm: Newport Sideboard in American oak and rattan (300 × 45 × 82cm)
What Size Buffet Do You Need?
How wide should a buffet be?
As a guide, choose a buffet that fills roughly half to two-thirds of the wall it sits on, leaving space either side so it doesn't feel squeezed. For a dining room, a buffet a little shorter than your dining table looks balanced.
- 140–150cm: apartments, smaller dining rooms and entrance halls.
- 160–180cm: most dining and living rooms. This is our most popular size range.
- 200cm and over: large dining rooms, open-plan spaces and long feature walls.
Is a 160cm buffet big enough for a dining room?
For most dining rooms, yes. A 160cm buffet pairs well with a 1.5–2m dining table and leaves room for a lamp and a mirror above. The Monte Carlo has two cupboards inside, 76.5cm and 36.5cm wide, each 55.5cm high with a shelf, which is plenty for dinner plates and serving pieces.
When should you choose a 2m sideboard or larger?
Choose 2m or more when you have a long wall, a 2.4m dining table or an open-plan room that needs a strong anchor. The Bayview, Raffles and Havana are all about 2m, while the 3m Newport suits a truly generous space.
How tall and deep should a buffet be?
Most of our buffets are 76–86cm high, a comfortable height for serving and display. The Bayview (70cm) and Ravello (60cm) sit lower, which suits a TV or a large artwork above. Depths range from a slim 40cm (Adele, Huxton, Portside), which suits hallways, to a roomier 50cm (Ripple, Amara).
How much space should you leave in front of a buffet?
Allow about 90cm of clear floor in front so doors open and people can pass. If the buffet sits behind dining chairs, leave 90–120cm between the table edge and the buffet so chairs can be pulled out.
Choosing a Style
Marble-topped buffets
The Monte Carlo in white, black or antique gold pairs a ribbed Art Deco front and brass legs with a curved white Carrara marble top. The Benedict in white oak, natural oak or smoked oak has a geometric oak front, brass handles and a choice of white marble, black marble or River Brown marble top. Marble is natural, so each top is unique. Wipe up acidic spills such as wine and citrus promptly.
Curved buffets
Curves soften a room and suit oval or round dining tables. The Portofino Curved is a demilune design on a slender interlocking base with brushed gold hardware, in white, black, natural oak or walnut. The Amara and Monte Carlo also have curved profiles.
Art Deco and glamorous buffets
For glamour, choose ribbing, brass and antique gold. Options include the Monte Carlo, the Amara Art Deco Buffet with ribbed timber curves, and the Cooper in antique gold with diagonally fluted doors. See our Art Deco and Hollywood Regency collections for matching pieces.
Bone inlay
The Huxton Bone Inlay Buffet has a hand-laid black and white geometric front with brass handles and brass-capped feet. Matching pieces include the Huxton 6 Drawer Chest and 3 Drawer Chest.
Fluted and contemporary
Fluting adds texture without fuss. Choose the Ripple in white or black with four fluted doors and gold accents, the Adele 4-Door in satin white with brass handles, or the Cooper in white or antique gold.
Hamptons and shaker
The Bayview 3-Door in white or black has classic shaker panelling and push-to-open doors, and the Portside has a diamond-patterned front. Both suit Hamptons and coastal interiors. Browse our Hamptons furniture.
Rattan and natural timber
For warm, coastal texture, choose the Raffles Rounded End in solid American oak with rattan door panels and a food-safe Osmo oil finish. Other options are the Raffles in weathered oak finish and the Havana in white, both mahogany with rattan, or the 3m Newport. See more rattan furniture.
White, Black or Timber?
White buffets
White feels fresh and suits coastal, Hamptons and contemporary rooms. Pair it with a gold mirror for glamour or natural timber for warmth. Options include the Monte Carlo, Portofino, Adele, Ripple, Cooper, Bayview, Portside and Havana. See all white buffets.
Black buffets
Black adds contrast and definition against pale walls and timber floors. In a smaller room, balance it with light walls and restrained styling. Options include the Monte Carlo, Portofino, Ripple and Bayview in black. See all black buffets.
Oak, walnut and smoked oak
Timber brings warmth and grain. Choose the Benedict in white oak, natural oak or smoked oak; the Portofino in natural oak or walnut veneer; or the solid oak Raffles and Newport. Different timbers can sit happily together if their undertones are similar.
Antique gold
For maximum impact, the Monte Carlo, Amara and Cooper all come in antique gold. Keep the styling on top simple and let the finish do the work.
Doors, Drawers and Storage
- Cupboards with shelves suit plates, platters, vases and glassware. Most of our buffets have an adjustable or fixed shelf in each cupboard.
- Drawers suit cutlery, napkins, placemats and candles. The Amara Art Deco Buffet combines both.
- Push-to-open doors (Bayview, Raffles) give a clean, handle-free look.
- Soft-close hinges (Monte Carlo, Portofino, Cooper) close quietly and protect the doors.
- Cable holes: the Bayview has three, so it works as an entertainment unit.
Our recommendation: Check internal cupboard height and shelf weight limits before you buy. Large platters and tall glassware need the most room.
Where to Use a Buffet
- Dining room: store dinnerware and use the top for serving at dinner parties.
- Living room: a buffet under a mirror or artwork creates a focal point and hides everyday clutter.
- Entrance hall: a slim 40cm-deep design, like the Adele, Huxton or Portside, works in a wide hallway.
- Under the TV: the low Bayview (70cm) and Ravello (60cm) suit televisions. See more entertainment units.
- Bedroom: a chest such as the Adele, Carmen or Amara 6-drawer gives generous storage.
How to Style a Buffet
Start with a mirror or artwork
Choose a mirror or artwork about two-thirds to three-quarters of the buffet's width, so roughly 105–120cm for a 160cm buffet. Hang it 15–25cm above the top so the two read as one arrangement. Browse our mirrors.
Add a lamp
A table lamp adds height and evening glow. On a long buffet, place one lamp to one side, or use a matching pair at each end for symmetry. See our table lamps.
Layer, then leave space
Add a vase, a sculptural object and a small stack of books in different heights and materials. Then stop, and leave part of the top clear so the buffet's design still shows.
Think about the wall colour
Black against a pale wall gives strong contrast. White against a soft neutral is calm and understated. Timber works against both.
Care and Safety
- Marble: use coasters, and wipe up wine, citrus and vinegar promptly to avoid etching.
- Timber and veneer: dust regularly and wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then dry.
- Rattan: dust with a soft brush and keep away from prolonged moisture.
- Wall anchoring: most of our buffets and chests include safety anchors. Always fit them, especially with children in the home.
- Weight: marble-topped pieces are heavy (the Monte Carlo is 86kg and the Benedict 102kg), so plan delivery access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffets
What is the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?
Very little today. Both are long, low storage cabinets. "Buffet" traditionally refers to the dining room, while "sideboard" is also used for living rooms and hallways.
What size buffet should I buy?
Aim for roughly half to two-thirds of your wall width. For most dining rooms, 160–180cm works well. Smaller spaces suit 140–150cm, and long walls or open-plan rooms suit 2m or more.
Is a 160cm buffet big enough for a dining room?
Yes, for most dining rooms. It pairs well with a 1.5–2m table. The Monte Carlo, Portofino and Huxton are all 160cm.
How tall should a buffet be?
Most are 76–86cm high, which is ideal for serving and display. Lower units of 60–70cm, like the Ravello and Bayview, suit a TV.
How deep should a buffet be?
Usually 40–50cm. A 40cm buffet suits hallways and tighter rooms, while 45–50cm gives more room for large plates and platters.
Can I use a buffet as a TV unit?
Yes, if the height and top weight capacity suit your TV. The Bayview 3-Door has three cable holes and sits at 70cm, and the 257cm Ravello is a dedicated entertainment unit.
Can you put a buffet behind a dining table?
Yes. Leave 90–120cm between the table edge and the buffet so chairs can be pulled out and doors opened.
What buffet suits an Art Deco interior?
Look for ribbing, curves, marble and brass. The Monte Carlo, Amara Art Deco Buffet and Cooper in antique gold are our most Art Deco designs.
Are marble-topped buffets practical?
Yes, with a little care. Marble is durable but can etch from acidic spills, so use coasters and wipe up promptly. The Monte Carlo has a Carrara top, and the Benedict offers white, black or River Brown marble.
Are rattan sideboards suitable for dining rooms?
Absolutely. Rattan doors add texture while still giving enclosed storage. The Raffles, Havana and Newport combine timber frames with rattan panels.
Should a buffet match the dining table?
No. Complementary finishes often look better than exact matches. A walnut buffet with a white table, or a black buffet with oak, adds depth.
How big should a mirror above a buffet be?
About two-thirds to three-quarters of the buffet's width, hung 15–25cm above the top.
Can a chest of drawers be used in a dining room?
Yes. A 160cm chest, such as the Adele, Carmen or Amara 6-drawer, is excellent for linen, cutlery and candles, and looks just like a buffet from across the room.
Where can I buy buffets and sideboards in Australia?
Attica House offers buffets, sideboards and chests including the Monte Carlo, Benedict, Portofino, Cooper, Ripple, Huxton, Amara, Bayview, Raffles and Newport, with delivery Australia-wide.
Discover Buffets & Chests at Attica House
Storage should never be an afterthought. From marble-topped Art Deco buffets and sculptural curves to bone inlay, fluted fronts and natural rattan, find the buffet that brings beauty, personality and everyday practicality to your home.
Beautifully considered. Wonderfully practical. Storage with a little star quality.
