Last weekend I spent time styling a buffet table for a client and she couldn’t believe how it became so stylish in only a few minutes using items she already owned (half of which was tucked away inside the buffet). So today I thought I share my top tips to get your buffet styled in. Just like your coffee table there are certain design rules, but otherwise, you can use anything you already own. No need to go shopping. Also, I can’t stand when I read something and there are more than a couple tips, like I am going to remember everything. So here I am providing just 3 quick easy ideas to take your buffet table from blah to, well, not blah.
A few tips to styling your buffet or sideboard table:
- Add an anchor/backdrop: This can be a large piece of art, a mirror, or even a couple framed pieces to create a gallery wall.
- Add 3 levels: High, middle, low. Do this with a lamp (high), candlesticks (middle), and stack books or other object (low).
- Use a tray to create a base and to group items. Also makes it easier to remove when you need to add food or drinks.
I found these perfect examples of a styled buffet. I love the use of tray, you can keep a mini stocked bar on it if you don’t have space for a bar cart, or like me, a collection of serving pieces. Also, it is typical that most dining rooms have a ceiling light fixture of sorts, or a chandelier. I like to add a table lamp to the buffet table (or bar cart) in the dining room, cause, well, sometimes you are home and want a little glammy light on in the dining space but not necessarily a chandelier. So always remember to find a spot for a fancy table lamp. Lastly, it is important to play with various heights. That goes for any type of table styling, you can see how these great designers did it below.
Sources
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Masshole Mommy says
I have a buffet in my dining room and somehow it ended up becoming the spot where we dump all our stuff when we come in (keys, school work, mail, etc)….sigh. I like your ideas better.
Cecilia C. Cannon says
lol, yes, dining room buffets don't always get the love.
Heather Wilson says
I don't use a buffet because I always find them so bulky, but these look awesome. I especially LOVE the wave photo in that first styling!
Janel B says
I wish I had a formal dining room sometimes so I could have a nice piece like this. I guess my tiny eat in kitchen will have to do.
Jessi Joachim says
Those photos look amazing! I am the worst decorator. I know what I like, but I never seem to be able to accomplish it lol
Cecilia C. Cannon says
yes, that is a great shot and styling by designers Andrew Kotchen and Matthew Berman
Cecilia C. Cannon says
yes!! you can style a sideboard in your eat-in. The third picture down is actually a small apartment!
Cecilia C. Cannon says
lol, I know what you mean, that is how I am with baking.
Terri Steffes says
LOVE!!! I wish you could come over and do some of my spaces. Or do a virtual design. That probably wouldn't be very easy, though.
CoCo - Our Humble ABoden says
I love all these ideas, I currently use my buffet for my wine rack, but it could definitely use a little more styling to go along with it!
Divya Mathur says
This is always a struggle in my teeny apartment! I can't wait until we can move into a bigger place so we actually have a dining room!
Enchanting Special Events says
Gorgeous! I really want a buffet in our living room, my mom has my grandmother's and it's one of my favorite pieces!
Jana Bailey says
Oh, I just love all of that! I would love to have one some and look at my house and tell me what would be good to go where! I wish I had that gift!
Carolyn @ Fennell Seeds says
I need to go look at my table in my dining room. I think my decor is off. My lamp is too high and I think I have 2 middle height pieces and no low. Thanks.
Kori {Kori at Home} says
I have a goal for my next house to have a buffet table. I'd love to have a formal dining room and a breakfast nook.
Unknown says
That first buffet table is stunning! I love all the colors and heights. Great tips here!
Tereza Kohutova says
All these look beautiful! Buffet tables are not really something that British people are that keen on so I don't have one at home but all the stylings are gorgeous! x
Unknown says
This is such a cute set up! I love adding flowers to a room – it really brightens the whole place up a bit 🙂 Courteney Noonan
Kristin Swenson says
Oh wow does make me want to get a buffet. We have a hutch right now and I could use the extra space on top to stage!
Genoveva von Lübeck says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jennifer (JenuineMom) says
Love these styling ideas! Now if only I had a buffet to style — perhaps I could use these for another similar space in my home, though!
Hil'Lesha O'Nan says
These ideas are simply gorgeous and inspiring. It is hard to choose one favorite since I love them all. Thank you for sharing!
R & R Koller says
These are such great ideas and I love the last one the most. So clean and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Martina says
This really answered my issue, thank you!