Though it does not have the reputation of the oak sideboard, the pine sideboard deserves notice for its value and also its looks. While oak has been the material of choice for sideboards in European and American formal dining room, pine finds great use in other cultures, and indeed even in some parts of the United States as well. These traditions have refined the use of pine in furniture making to the point where the designs would look off if done in some other wood.
In contrast to oak sideboards of European origin, which came into popular use relatively recently (19th century) due to the expansion of wealth, pine sideboard designs of the US grew from a different tradition in the Southwest where the influences of Spanish colonialism combined with the unique characteristics of pine resulted in a very different aesthetic. These are still some of the most popular types of pine sideboards today, as people appreciate the simple and sometimes more austere Southwestern furniture to the often gaudy or ponderous designs of European origin. The two are both used for storing silverware and china as well as for displaying decorations and holding food to be served, but the pine sideboard is often less showy than oak sideboards, which were perhaps more often purchased as a status symbol by the new rich.
The Mexican pine sideboard may be from Mexico, or it could indicate a sideboard of the Southwestern style. The Southwestern United States and Mexico can be thought of as one distinct region in many ways, and the similarities of furniture design show how the two places were intimately connected. You don’t have to buy an antique pine sideboard to get something in this style, as the tradition is alive and well even though new elements have been added. It’s quite easy to get a solid pine sideboard done in the colonial style, whether through a furniture company or custom-made. The Corona pine sideboard is a popular choice, for example. Natural pine with a light wax finish is the norm, as this exposes the warm wood grain of the pine while offering a modest amount of protection. It is also possible to get a painted pine sideboard, and these can be very suitable for interiors that feature country decor. A small pine sideboard can be used to add some functional charm to any room.
Pine sideboard furniture is more suited in some ways both as living room furniture and dining room furniture than some of the larger oak sideboards. They tend to be less obtrusive and have less of the qualities that are associated with formal dining. For this reason, pine sideboards may be the most versatile of the two.