The 110cm sideboard we know today has a rich history rooted in British furniture design. Let’s explore how this piece evolved and why the 110cm width became a popular standard.
Victorian Origins
The Birth of the Sideboard
In Victorian Britain, sideboards emerged as essential dining room furniture, used for storing and displaying fine china and silverware.
Grandeur and Opulence
Victorian sideboards were often large, ornate pieces, showcasing intricate carvings and exotic woods.
Edwardian Elegance
A Move Towards Simplicity
The Edwardian era saw a shift towards simpler designs, though sideboards remained substantial pieces of furniture.
Functionality Meets Style
Storage remained key, but there was more focus on creating visually pleasing, less cluttered designs.
Image: A rustic oak sideboard that echoes the simplicity of Edwardian designs while offering modern functionality.
Mid-Century Modern Revolution
The Rise of the 110cm Width
The mid-20th century saw the popularisation of the 110cm width. This size offered a balance between storage capacity and space efficiency in increasingly compact homes.
Sleek and Functional
Mid-century sideboards featured clean lines, tapered legs, and minimalist hardware – a stark contrast to their Victorian predecessors.
Contemporary Adaptations
Versatility in Design
Modern 110cm wide sideboards come in a variety of styles, from retro-inspired to ultra-contemporary, catering to diverse tastes.
Multi-Functional Furniture
Today’s sideboards are designed to serve multiple purposes, often doubling as TV stands or home office storage.
The Future of Sideboards
Smart Storage Solutions
Looking ahead, we might see 110cm sideboards incorporating smart technology, such as built-in charging stations or climate-controlled compartments.
Sustainable Design
There’s a growing trend towards eco-friendly materials and production methods in furniture design, which is likely to influence future sideboard designs.
From its grand Victorian origins to its sleek contemporary incarnations, the 110cm sideboard has evolved to meet changing lifestyles while maintaining its core purpose of providing stylish storage. It stands as a testament to the enduring nature of good design in British furniture.