Whether you're drawn to the sleek lines of Scandinavian design, the iconic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, the nostalgic charm of Retro vibes with an outrageously modern spin, or pure vintage allure, every style of teak sideboard has its own unique appeal.
But before you take the plunge, you might want to explore the key factors that ensure your chosen piece becomes the best decision you ever made - effortlessly blending with your preferred style and making a statement that sets your space apart from the rest.
In this blog, Susan Ruth, writer-in-chief at the Furniture Artists Collective, unveils the secrets to selecting a timeless treasure that perfectly harmonises with your vision.
Vintage Teak Sideboards: Embracing Timeless Charm and Modern Vision
I know, I know, I can hear you saying it, “My granny used to have one of those”…. Well, your Granny probably knew a thing or two about good furniture.
Gone are the days when teak sideboards were just relics of the past so bear with me for a few more minutes and I’ll explain.
In fact, I'll unveil the secrets of choosing the right teak sideboard that not only oozes style but also adds a generous dose of finesse to your home.
Whether you're throwing a dinner party or just need a spot to flaunt your favourite decor, a teak sideboard is the perfect choice.
But with so much choice out there, how do you pick the right one?
Fear not, vintage connoisseurs, because we’re here to help.
Vintage Teak Sideboards: Tips, Inspiration, and Custom Creations
So let’s give you some insider tips on what to consider when choosing the perfect teak sideboard.
We’ll also treat your eyes to a visual feast with some jaw-dropping examples of upcycled teak sideboards created by our ridiculously talented team of independent Furniture Artists.
And hey, if you've been on the hunt for a while and haven't quite stumbled upon the teak sideboard of your dreams, then you’re in luck.
Our talented furniture artists are waiting to work their magic and create a custom masterpiece just for you.
They’re all wizards when it comes to bringing your vision to life. - ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with your unique style and requirements.
Either contact the Furniture Artist’s Collective direct here or feel free to contact any of our featured artists via their links.
In the meantime, sit back, relax, and let's find your ultimate teak sideboard match!
Teak Unveiled: The Mighty Tree Behind the Perfect Sideboard
Okay, let’s start with the basics. What the heck is teak and where does it come from?
Now I’m no Dendrologist, but I can tell you that teak comes from a remarkable tree, namely the “Tectona Grandis”, which, if I cast my mind back to my Latin lessons at school, means something like “great big tree”. – which perfectly captures its grandeur. Oh, and it grows in Asia.
There are heaps of reasons why teak is so popular for furniture, construction and a multitude of other uses. Not least its glorious colour spectrum but also its hardiness. It’s one of the most durable hardwoods available and is incredibly resilient to pests and disease.
And, as if that’s not enough, teak was the favoured wood for shipbuilding way back when (and even today is still popular for yacht building) because of its natural waterproofing qualities.
Ever heard of Teak oil? It’s a naturally producing waterproofing agent in Teak wood.
A Tectona Grandis tree takes about 25 years to grow to full maturity, and when felled, will last between 50 and 70 years outside (and MUCH longer inside) before starting to degrade; just one reason why it is so popular for outdoor furniture.
But enough about the tree itself—let's shift our focus to the star of the show: finding the perfect teak sideboard for your home.
So, why opt for a vintage teak sideboard?
A sideboard is the ultimate Swiss Army knife of furniture. It's versatile and stylish and can elevate the look and feel of any room.
Whether you're looking to make a statement or maximize storage in a compact area, the sideboard is your secret weapon.
Trust me. It's a game-changer!
Just look at this example from artist Helena Kearns at Gink_Design.
Proof positive that you don't have to compromise style for functionality when you have something as beautiful as this to admire.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing Your vintage teak sideboard?
It’s a bit of a no-brainer, but you need to consider a few practical things before heading online to part with your pennies.
First and foremost, the size, both of the sideboard and of the space it’s going in. Measure accurately, and don’t forget to account for skirting/baseboards and dado rails.
Also, think about how you plan to place it. Is the sideboard going in front of a radiator or under a window? Heat and light will both impact the longevity of the wood if not taken care of properly. So keep that in mind,
But also give some serious consideration to what you want to use it for.
If you’re using it for crockery, glassware and serving dishes, give a little thought to the weight of the stored items and choose something that’s not only beautiful but robust enough to handle the task at hand.
When it comes to finding a robust and reliable piece that can effortlessly handle the strain, look no further than something like this magnificent Nathan "squares" corner cabinet, skillfully restyled by Liz Clarkson Interiors.
But here's the fun part. A sideboard isn't just confined to the dining room.
Oh no, my friend, it's a multi-talented piece of furniture that can work wonders in other areas too.
Sure, a sideboard is usually found in a dining room, but that isn’t the end of the story, and we’re definitely underplaying the versatility of the piece if we stop there.
Why not channel your inner interior designer and think a little outside the box.
If you're lucky enough to have the space, imagine having a sleek Scandi sideboard in your hallway. It's like a grand entrance that screams,
"Welcome to my fabulous home!"
(well, if you’ve got it, why not flaunt it? )
If you think about it, there is often little else for it to compete with in a hallway, so the space becomes all about the sideboard. Take this classically refinished Stonehill sideboard by Rachael Dobson at Classic Lines Designs.
How fabulous would this look in your entrance hall?
And who says a sideboard can't bring a touch of Danish hygge to your bathroom?
In the bathroom, it offers low storage space that’s just that little bit different (but make sure the finish is suitable for a damp environment).
Why not ring the changes and repurpose your sideboard as a linen cupboard on your landing?
And in a bedroom, it offers essential storage that’s a world away from the ubiquitous chest of drawers.
On the trail of the perfect vintage teak sideboard style for your home
Now, let’s talk style. Most of us want to create an interior that matches the architecture of our homes,
Spending time carefully choosing pieces that are vintage, classic or country style for traditional homes or more modern for a newer property is one of the greatest pleasures of designing an interior.
We all want something that feels faithful to our home’s roots, but sometimes we also want to explore new interior design territory to keep things fresh and contemporary.
A sideboard can sound a little “old fashioned”, especially when it’s a teak sideboard, but these are just labels and can be a little misleading.
Just because we're talking teak sideboards doesn't mean we're stuck in the past.
These beauties can rock a variety of styles.
Check out this stunning piece from Helena at Gink_Design that breaks all the stereotypes.
Would you immediately think “1970s Teak Sideboard”? No!
It’s beautiful, artistic, and stylish and will look stunning when styled with your personal touches.
Oh, and don’t forget to think about what other colours and fabrics you want to incorporate into your space.
Be bold!
A few complementary shades can make that gorgeous wood grain of your sideboard pop and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Choosing the right accessories for your vintage teak sideboard
Whatever style of sideboard you choose, you’ll need to think about accessorising it.
Accessorising can take your new teak sideboard to a whole new level with the addition of a few well-placed accent pieces.
They're like the cherry on top of your sideboard sundae.
Picture some fabulous lamps, mirrors, or even some abstract art.
Remember, the key is to find accessories that complement your furniture's style.
If you're going for a traditional or classic look, elegant accents like candlesticks, urns, and antique books can work wonders.
And if you're all about that modern and contemporary vibe, go for minimalist accents like metallic sculptures or glass vases with simple blooms.
Be sure to explore our home accessories for an extraordinary selection of unique finds that you won't come across anywhere else.
How to Care for Your Vintage Teak Sideboard
And last but not least, don’t forget to look after your gorgeous new piece.
Our talented independent artists supply complimentary aftercare advice to keep your new teak sideboard in tip-top condition, ensuring you and your family continue to reap its benefits for many years to come.
So there you have it, my teak-loving friends! The lowdown on retro and upcycled teak sideboards and how to find the perfect piece for you.
Now go out there and bring some elegance, style, and functionality into your life with a stunning vintage teak sideboard.
The time is now, and as you’ve seen, the possibilities are endless!
Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?
With special thanks to our featured artists:
Audrey Kozak Dobush at Recre8ted by Audrey, Winnipeg, Canada
Helena Kearns at Gink_Design, Northern Ireland
Liz Clarkson at Liz Clarkson Interiors, Worcestershire
Rachael Dobson at Classic Line Designs Leeds
Amy Slack at PinkySwifts Northants
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