Sideboards can be used anywhere in the home but are traditionally used in the dining room for storing dishes and utensils. Different pieces of decor can be set on top of the sideboard, like pictures, vases or lamps. They're very versatile and can help you organize your clients' homes.

Keeping up with the latest trends in sideboards is important. When a client contracts you to come up with a great design for her home, you have to be ready to impress. Stay knowledgeable about different styles and options so you're ready to give your clients what they're looking for.

1. Go with a traditional side board. This style of furniture is one of the most popular among clients.

2. Survey your clients' homes to see if a side board with a country look would work. Don't go overboard, though, it's easy to overwhelm the house with this type of furniture.

3. Offer your trendier homeowners sideboards with a contemporary look. Some people really prefer the clean look of modern furniture over the bulkier styles mentioned previously.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Suggest a side board with a traditional look

This is the most popular style in use today. Many homeowners prefer a traditional look; sideboards of this fashion are usually made of wood finished in a dark stain, then sealed to protect it and give it a nice sheen. Traditional sideboards have lots of straight lines and corners; the traditional look never seems to go out of style.

I recommend: Crate and Barrel carries quite a few traditional sideboards and buffets. Check out the pieces at Havertys Furniture Companies.

Buy from a reputable sideboards provider that crafts country-style furniture

Country furniture is largely made of wood that is stained or painted in a rustic fashion. The cabinet doors and toe kicks of country sideboards have decorative scalloped edges in many cases. It's usually very easy to distinguish this style.

I recommend: Browse through the sideboards available from Home Decorators Collection. You can find a great selection of economically-priced country sideboards at One Way Furniture.

Find sideboards in contemporary styles

Contemporary sideboards are more modern, with clean lines and unique finishes and textures. Furniture in this category tends to be a bit minimalist and keeps with the idea of 'less is more.'

I recommend: Take a look at the contemporary pieces at FurnitureFind.com. Offer sideboards from the collection at Spacify, which specializes in contemporary and modern furniture.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a licensed interior designer, you have access to design centers that showcase new and up-and-coming furniture and styles. Design centers can be rather large but most have directories and maps posted at each entrance. Locate the sideboards directory listing and head over to check out the offerings. Each designer should have a sideboards list you can take with you, detailing the specific products they offer.
• •  Regularly attending trade shows can ensure that you always have the latest sideboards information. As you know, trends change rapidly and new styles are always coming out.