While most household furniture serves a simple utilitarian service, sometimes it stands for something too.  Sideboards, for instance, were once the hallmark of opulence, rising to prominence in the 19th century across Western Europe and the United States as it became more common for upper middle class homes to have dining rooms separate from the kitchen and living space.  Today, we’ve rounded up a variety of modern sideboards, from the simplicity of Crate & Barrel’s and Sisko Designs’ offerings to the ornate brilliance of the limited edition Portuguese tile version from Boca de Lobo and a few mod neon pieces in between.  These days, whether our lifestyles are opulent or not, sideboards like these are a chic and unobtrusive way to store flatware and extra baubles and bows best saved for special occasions.  After all, life’s too short not to be at least a little fancy sometimes.

Framed sideboard found at Moca.