Can You Use a Sideboard as a TV Unit? A Complete Guide 2025

If you’re setting up your living room and wondering whether a sideboard can double as a TV cabinet, the short answer is yes, absolutely! In fact, a wooden sideboard is one of the most stylish, practical, and space-efficient alternatives to a traditional TV stand. With the right design, height, and storage layout, a sideboard can elevate your living room aesthetics while offering more functionality than a standard media unit.

Before you buy a sideboard online, here’s a detailed guide to help you decide.

Why Use a Sideboard as a TV Unit?

Sideboards are traditionally used in dining rooms, but modern homes and modern furniture design have changed the rules. Today, a sideboard cabinet is a multifunctional piece that works beautifully as:

• A TV unit
  

• A living room storage cabinet
  

• A decor display console
  

• A statement furniture piece
  
  

Let’s break down why it works perfectly as a TV stand alternative.

1. Ideal Height for Viewing

Most sideboards for living rooms are between 28–36 inches tall, which aligns perfectly with the ideal TV viewing height when seated on a sofa. This ensures:

• A comfortable viewing angle
  

• Reduced neck strain
  

• Balanced alignment with wall décor
  
  

2. More Storage Than a Typical TV Cabinet

A sideboard buffet comes with deep cabinets, adjustable shelves, and drawers much more storage than regular TV units. Perfect for storing:

• Set-top box, consoles
  

• Remote controls
  

• Board games
  

• Extra décor
  

• Books, magazines
  

• Dining linens (if placed in a dining-living combination space)
  
  

This makes it a multifunctional, clutter-hiding powerhouse.

3. Stylish Designs for Modern Homes

If you’re looking for a statement piece, sideboard designs offer far more variety than standard TV cabinets. Whether you love minimal, rustic, modern, or vintage looks, you’ll find endless choices in:

• Wooden sideboards
  

• Solid wood buffets
  

• Contemporary sideboard cabinets
  

• Carved sideboard designs
  
  

This makes them a great fit for modern Indian homes, especially when pairing with solid wood furniture or Sheesham wood furniture.

4. Perfect for Small Apartments

If you live in a compact apartment and want one furniture piece that does it all, a sideboard is ideal. It serves as:

• A media console
  

• A storage unit
  

• A décor area
  
  

All in one footprint.

What to Check Before Using a Sideboard as a TV Unit

While a sideboard works great as a TV cabinet, a few things must be checked for the best experience:

 Weight Capacity

Ensure the top can hold your TV securely, especially if it’s a solid wood unit (which usually supports heavy loads easily).

Cable Management

Some sideboards don’t come with cable cut-outs. Simple solution?
Use adhesive cable clips or drill a neat opening at the back.

Depth

Look for a minimum depth of 14–18 inches for stability and good device storage.

Material

A wooden sideboard especially one made of solid Sheesham wood will last longer and hold heavier items safely.

Top Wooden Sideboards You Can Use as TV Units (Saraf Furniture Picks)

If you're looking for high-quality, handcrafted solid wood sideboards, here are some excellent options from Saraf:

1. Solid Wood Port Sideboard

Perfect for modern homes, with clean lines and functional storage.
Options: 1 size, 3 finishes
Price: ₹30,699.00

View ⟶

2. Solid Wood Million Sideboard

Elegant and spacious, ideal for large living rooms.
Options: 1 size, 3 finishes
Price: ₹33,899.00

View ⟶

3. Solid Wood Ellen Sideboard

A premium, contemporary design with excellent storage compartments.
Price: ₹38,199.00

View ⟶

4. Solid Wood Madway Sideboard

Perfect for modern, minimalist living rooms needing storage + style.

All of these come in durable solid Sheesham wood—making them perfect as sideboard TV units.

View ⟶

Is a Sideboard Better Than a TV Unit?

For many homes, yes, because it delivers:

• Better storage
  

• More versatile use
  

• A higher style quotient
  

• Stronger build quality (especially in solid wood)
  
  

If you prefer multifunctional furniture that elevates your décor, a sideboard is often the better choice.

Should You Use a Sideboard as a TV Unit?

Yes! A sideboard is one of the smartest, most stylish, and most practical alternatives to a TV cabinet. The sideboard enhances storage, adds character to your space, and works perfectly as a media unit.

If you’re planning to buy a sideboard online, especially in solid wood, choose a brand known for durability and craftsmanship, like Saraf Furniture’s handcrafted Sheesham wood designs.