Buffets (also known as sideboards) are one of the most versatile pieces that can be used in just about any area of the home. The purpose of a buffet is primarily to create storage space. They also create additional surfaces to serve dinner on, place a television, place ornaments or even burn a candle. Here is everything you need to know about choosing a Hamptons buffet.
Traditionally buffets were used next to dining tables to create extra storage by hold dining room items and decor. This still seems to be the most common reason our customers are buying a buffet. But there is no limit to where these buffets can be used. These handy pieces are now found in entrances, living areas, office spaces, bedroom spaces (a petite buffet can be a fantastic bedside in a larger bedroom) and even in laundry and bathroom spaces where storage is needed.
There is a vast amount of style choices when it comes to choosing a buffet such as mid century, modern, industrial but we think you can't go past the classic Hamptons style.
Remember that Hamptons buffets aren't just limited to coastal homes. The Hamptons style is a classic style that works in a range of homes including coastal, country, modern or even industrial themes. It's a clean classic style that will never date.
Once a customer has chosen Hamptons style, choosing the correct buffet for a space really comes down to asking our customers the following questions about scale, function, colour and design preference.
Buffets are increasingly being used as entertainment units including the Plantation sideboard in this home
1) Scale
Scale is clearly the logical starting point when buying a buffet. Whether your space is big or small, we have a buffet for you. At Style My Home we have a large range of beautiful Hamptons options ranging from 90cm to 2m to suit a wide array of homes. Make sure you accurately measure your space before purchasing a buffet as we often see homes that look overly cluttered or vice versa. Remember it's not just the width you need to consider, but also the depth and height. If you have a narrow space, be careful not to buy a deep buffet and remember our buffet doors open outward so you need to allow space for this if it's against a table or in a tight space. Customers also often place a buffet under a window so height should also be considered.
2) Function
Buffets mostly have cupboard spaces but not all buffets have drawers. Drawers are a welcomed option for most customers so they can store smaller pieces or every day items that can be easily accessed. But it all really depends on what and the size of the item our customers are storing. Some customers choose to not have drawers so the unit is lower in height, or more room for items underneath.
3) Colour
Our range focuses mainly on white and oak finishes which always work so well. The majority of our customers choose white buffets which are clean and fresh and a contrast to wooden dining tables. Other customers prefer the warmth of an oak buffet. It really depends on the space and what other furniture is already in that space.
3) Design
All of our main buffet designs are classic and won't date, we have curated three main styles to meet different customer requirements. Our Ascot range suits modern Hamptons customers, our plantation range suits coastal homes and our Shaker and Long Island ranges are great in classic Hamptons homes. Of course these are interchangeable and people mix these up but certainly when we curated our ranges this is what we had in mind to ensure we covered all of our customer needs.
As a buffets size is usually the most important criteria we thought we would take you through our beautiful core range by size.
PETITE BUFFETS
Small spaces need storage and we have a buffet to suit your space. Small buffets can be used in all areas of the home.
1)Ascot Petite Buffet
Our modern Hamptons and modern customers in particular, love the statement geometric cross detailing on the front doors. But it's certainly not limited to these customers and this beautiful range is chosen by customers across all genres. Compact in size, the petite buffet still offers ample storage. This little beauty is fantastic for smaller spaces where storage is required. We have seen it used for so many purposes including general storage for a space, an entertainment unit in a smaller room, shoes and even bedside tables for extra large bedrooms. This piece has even been used as the perfect drinks cabinet.
2)'Plantation' Petite Style Buffet
This is an ideal combination of elegance and functionality, and is a favourite in coastal homes but once again not limited to this genre. This one has the benefit of drawers so it sits a little higher. The louvre doors are so great (they look fantastic in homes with plantation shutters!) plus the Louvre doors make it idea as a small entertainment unit for a smaller space like a bedroom as the remote controls still work. With this coastal buffet, you can add outstanding flair and clever organisation to just about any room.
3) 'Shaker' Petite
This buffet has beautiful clean shaker profiling and is more traditional. There is ample storage in this option too.
MEDIUM BUFFET CHOICES
1) Ascot Buffet with drawers
A larger version of the Ascot petite, this one has drawers as well. This is a customer favourite with the geometric doors being absolutely stunning.
LARGE BUFFET CHOICES
1. Plantation Style Buffet with legs
This comes in 2 sizes, a 1.8m option and a 2m option. The 2m option has no legs.
The most popular use is in a dining room but lots of customers are choosing to use this buffet in living spaces, entries and even as an entertainment unit. The louvre doors mean you can hide your electrical components behind the doors whilst still having the remotes working.
2. Long Island Sideboard
This classic buffet is also a best seller with clean shaker profiling and ample storage. You really can't go wrong with this choice and the style will never date.
A buffet is a beautiful and functional addition to any room. No matter what your storage needs we have a buffet to suit your style and your home. Come and visit one of our showrooms or shop online.
