Sideboards for Children's Rooms — Dimensions, Solutions, Ideas

January 12, 2026

A sideboard in a children's room is a mid-height cabinet unit that typically features a depth of 30 cm to 45 cm and provides child-friendly access to storage space thanks to its low height.

When space for a ceiling-high wardrobe is lacking or extra storage is needed for toys, craft supplies, and clothing, a sideboard is a functional solution. It structures the room, provides a usable top surface, and does not visually overpower compact spaces. The right combination of width, depth, and matching hardware fittings determines how well the piece of furniture performs in daily use.

Dimensions and Room Planning

Floor space in a child's bedroom is often tightly restricted by beds, desks, and play areas. The dimensions of the cabinet furniture must therefore be precisely matched to the room.

Depth: A slim sideboard with a depth of 30 cm or 35 cm is particularly suitable for narrow walkways or as an addition directly behind the room door. This depth is sufficient for books, puzzles, and small toy boxes. If bulky board games or thick winter clothing also need to be stored, a carcase depth of 45 cm is advisable.
Width: The available wall space dictates the measurement. Compact models that are 70 cm or 80 cm wide fit neatly into small alcoves. Wider versions measuring 100 cm to 110 cm offer a generous top surface.
Height: Sideboards generally range between 70 cm and 90 cm in height. This allows primary school-aged children to reach the top shelf independently and use it as a play surface.

A well-planned sideboard acts as a logistical hub in a child's bedroom – bringing together toys, school supplies, and clothes on a minimal footprint.

Construction, Materials, and Safety

In a children's bedroom, strict demands apply to stability. The construction must be robust enough to withstand daily wear and tear.

Carcases are frequently made from chipboard with a melamine coating. This surface is scratch-resistant, liquid-repellent, and easy to clean. Alternatively, lacquered MDF is used, which enables exceptionally smooth and durable front panels.

The installed hardware fittings contribute significantly to safety:

Anti-tip safety: Every mid-height furniture piece in a child's room must be securely anchored to the wall with mounting brackets. If children climb onto open drawers, the centre of gravity shifts forward, which can lead to tipping if not anchored.
Hinges: Doors should be fitted with concealed cup hinges that feature a Soft-Close mechanism. The integrated damper slows the door down over the final centimetres and closes it gently. This prevents trapped fingers.
Drawer runners: For pull-outs, full-extension runners are the most practical technical choice. They allow the drawer to extend 100%. This ensures that toys stored at the very back can be accessed easily without the child having to yank on the drawer.

Aesthetics and Finishes for Different Age Groups

The colour scheme and style of the furniture ideally grow with the child's evolving needs. While bright or light tones often dominate early childhood, teenagers tend to prefer more neutral colours.

A sideboard in anthracite or a black-and-white combination blends seamlessly into modern teenage bedrooms. Easy-care and smooth surfaces are common on high-gloss sideboards, which can be wiped clean with a damp cloth with minimal effort. For older children who prefer a darker interior scheme, a matt black sideboard provides a resilient solution. Those planning a room on a budget can look into affordable sideboards.

Mid-height units rarely stand in isolation. They complement classic children's wardrobes and hold the items needed quickly on a daily basis. For a broader overview of different configurations, explore chests of drawers & sideboards or specific children's chests of drawers.

Assembly and Fitting: DIY Tips

Building a sideboard requires systematic preparation and a clean working surface.

Required Tools

Cordless screwdriver with suitable bits (usually PZ2 for woodscrews)
Wooden mallet (for gently driving in wooden dowels)
Spirit level (for exact alignment of the carcase)
Drill and masonry drill bit (for the mandatory wall fixing)

Assembly Process

During assembly, cam lock connectors and wooden dowels are inserted into the pre-drilled holes in the side panels first. After screwing the carcase together, the back panel is fitted. This is either slotted into a groove or secured to the rear with small nails. The back panel is essential because it provides the cabinet furniture with its final squareness and structural rigidity.

Only after the carcase is fully square should the drawer runners and hinge mounting plates be screwed into the System 32 hole pattern – the standard drilling grid of the furniture industry. Finally, level the sideboard using a spirit level before securing it to the wall. On uneven floors, small levelling shims help prevent the doors from sticking or catching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What depth is ideal for a children's bedroom sideboard?

For books, exercise books, and small toys, 30 cm to 35 cm is sufficient. If clothes, large board games, or storage boxes need to be accommodated, a depth of 40 cm to 45 cm is required.

How can I prevent children from trapping their fingers in cabinet doors?

Ensure that the furniture hinges are equipped with Soft-Close dampers. These catch the momentum of the closing door and pull it shut slowly and quietly over the last few millimetres.

Do sideboards in a children's room have to be fixed to the wall?

Yes. To prevent tipping caused by climbing children or the weight of multiple open drawers at the same time, secure wall fixing at the top of the carcase is absolutely essential.