Living Room Highboard — Dimensions, Solutions, Ideas

A highboard is a semi-tall cabinet that bridges the gap between a classic chest of drawers and a ceiling-high wardrobe, typically featuring a height between 100 cm and 130 cm.

In the living room, this piece of furniture serves a dual purpose: it offers enclosed storage space for everyday items whilst acting as a display surface for decorative pieces. When redecorating a living room, many people face questions regarding the relevant dimensions, materials, and assembly steps for such a project. This guide explains the key criteria for selection and installation.

Dimensions and Room Planning: Finding the Right Depth and Height

Dimensions significantly determine how a cabinet looks within a room and how much clearance remains for movement. A classic highboard is taller than it is wide. When planning your space, the depth of the cabinet carcase is the decisive factor.

For narrow rooms or walkways, models that are just 30 cm to 35 cm deep are ideal. Such a measurement is sufficient to store books, glassware, or crockery securely without protruding excessively into the room. If you view the living room like a chessboard, every piece of furniture requires its precise square to keep walkways clear and prevent the room from feeling cramped.

If you require a living room cabinet with plenty of storage space for larger items such as box files or board games, a depth of at least 40 cm is necessary. A standard box file requires an internal clear depth of at least 29 cm, plus the thickness of the back panel and front door.

Design and Materials: From Finishes to Display Cabinets

Modern living room furniture is predominantly manufactured from chipboard or MDF (medium-density fibreboard). These core materials are dimensionally stable and finished with a melamine resin coating or foil.

• Concrete effect: Offers an industrial aesthetic that is resistant to fingerprints.
• High gloss: Reflects light to make the room feel visually larger, though it requires regular cleaning.
• Dark shades: A black highboard creates a striking contrast, particularly against light-coloured walls.
• Wood finishes: Replicas such as Sonoma oak or Wotan oak bring a natural grain texture into the room.

Many models feature integrated glass sections. For a living room cabinet with a display section, specialised glass door hinges are used that do not require large cut-outs in the glass.

A highboard is frequently combined with other elements of a TV wall arrangement. Whilst the highboard is positioned to the side, a TV lowboard or TV sideboard forms the central hub for media equipment. As a complementary storage solution at the same or a lower height, a living room chest of drawers is often used. Those wishing to furnish multiple rooms in a uniform style often choose furniture ranges offering various living room chests in the exact same finish.

Assembly and Fitting: Practical Advice for DIYers

Assembling a highboard requires a methodical approach. Because these cabinets have a high centre of gravity due to their height and often heavy doors, securing them to the wall is absolutely essential.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver with suitable bits (usually PZ or TX)
• Spirit level (at least 60 cm long)
• Tape measure or folding rule
• Hammer drill (for wall fixings)
• Rubber mallet (for wooden dowels)

Key Assembly Steps

1. Carcase assembly: Connect the side panels to the base and top panel. Cam and dowel fixings (Minifix) are generally used here. These pull the components tightly together using a steel pin and a cam lock housing.
2. Attaching the back panel: The back panel (usually a 3 mm thick HDF board) provides structural stability for the entire carcase. It is either slid into a groove or nailed to the rear at intervals of approximately 10 cm to 15 cm. Ensure the carcase is completely square before securing the back panel.
3. Fitting the anti-tip bracket: Before installing doors or drawers, the cabinet must be secured to the wall. Use the supplied mounting brackets for this step. Choose the correct wall plug for your wall type (e.g. plasterboard fixings for stud walls, expansion plugs for masonry).
4. Adjusting the doors: Doors are attached to the carcase using concealed cup hinges (usually with a 35 mm cup diameter). A full overlay hinge is used when the door sits flush over the carcase side edge. Using the adjustment screws on the cruciform mounting plate, you can precisely adjust the door in height, depth, and side overlay until the gaps are completely uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a highboard and a sideboard? The difference lies in the height. A sideboard is usually between 70 cm and 90 cm high and considerably wider than it is tall. A highboard starts at a height of around 100 cm and can reach up to 130 cm.

How deep should a living room highboard be? For compact spaces, models with a depth of 30 cm to 35 cm are ideal. If you plan to store box files or large dinner plates, a carcase depth of at least 40 cm is necessary.

Does a highboard have to be fixed to the wall? Yes. Due to the height and the weight of opened doors or extended drawers, the centre of gravity shifts forward. An anti-tip fixing prevents the furniture from toppling forward.

How long does it take to assemble a highboard? For an experienced person with the appropriate tools, the average assembly time is 1.5 to 2 hours. It is recommended to lift and position the carcase with two people.