Highboard – the tall chest of drawers for stylish storage
A highboard combines generous storage space with upright elegance and shapes the look of a room like hardly any other piece of furniture. At Möbel Ehrmann, you’ll find a carefully curated product range in a variety of materials, styles and sizes – from classic oak models to modern versions in matt black. As a family-run business with strong regional roots and over 30 years’ experience, we’ll advise you personally and help you find the model that’s just right for you.
What defines a highboard – and how it differs from a sideboard
The term ‘highboard’ refers to a tall chest of drawers, the body of which usually measures between 110 and 160 centimetres. Unlike a sideboard, which, at a height of around 80 to 100 centimetres, is more akin to a traditional sideboard, the highboard makes full use of vertical space. This creates more storage space within the same floor area – an advantage that is particularly noticeable in smaller living rooms, dining rooms or narrow hallways.
The terms ‘tall sideboard’ or ‘tall chest of drawers’ are also commonly used. Functionally, all three terms refer to the same piece of furniture. If you’d like to delve deeper into the world of sideboards and display cabinets, it’s well worth taking a look at our living room furniture, which can be harmoniously combined with highboards.
Highboards made of wood, oak and with white fronts
The material determines both the look and the durability of a highboard. Solid wood – for example, oak, wild oak, walnut, heartwood beech or knotty oak – gives the furniture a warm appearance and impresses with its exceptionally long lifespan. Each piece has its own unique grain; knotholes and fine cracks are not considered flaws in solid wood, but rather an expression of its natural character.
Veneered highboards offer the look of wood at a slightly more affordable price point and are often lighter in weight. Lacquered fronts in white, sand grey or anthracite are ideal for living spaces where a clean, calm aesthetic is the priority. A white highboard reflects light and makes smaller rooms appear more spacious. An oak highboard brings warmth to modern, rather cool interior schemes. If you prefer natural materials, a solid wood model can be a good choice – not least because minor signs of wear develop into a pleasant patina over the years.
Styles: from country house to industrial to modern
Highboards are available in almost every style. In the country house style, light woods, milled fronts, occasionally lattice doors with glass inserts and fittings in a brass or antique finish dominate. These models go well with warm interior designs featuring textile accents.
Industrial-style highboards feature a combination of wooden panels and metal frames – often in matt black or steel grey. Characteristic features include visible screw joints, slender legs and an open aesthetic that really comes into its own in lofts and period flats. Anyone searching for a black highboard will discover numerous eye-catching models in the industrial range.
Modern and Scandinavian-style highboards feature clean lines, handle-free fronts and balanced proportions. They have a understated look and can be easily combined with other pieces of furniture. You’ll also find inspiration for the right materials in our brand portfolio, which ranges from the premium segment to trend-led manufacturers.
Highboards for living rooms, dining rooms and narrow spaces
In the living room, a highboard often serves as an eye-catching feature. It provides space for books, picture frames or decorative items on the top, whilst crockery, toys or electronic accessories can be tucked away behind doors and in drawers. Combined with a lowboard and a set of wall shelves, this creates a balanced wall arrangement.
In the dining room, the highboard serves as storage space for table linen, serving bowls and fine crockery. Glass inserts in the upper doors are ideal if you’d like to display selected items on show. Narrow highboards, between 60 and 90 centimetres wide, are suitable for hallways and smaller rooms, whilst wider models, from 150 centimetres upwards, really come into their own in open-plan living areas.
How tall should a highboard be?
A standard height of 130 to 145 centimetres has proven suitable for most living situations. At this height, the top shelf remains easily accessible, whilst the unit makes efficient use of wall space. Anyone wishing to place the highboard next to a sofa as an extension of the sideboard should opt for models up to 110 centimetres in height, so as not to obstruct the line of sight in the room.
How deep should a highboard be?
Depths of between 40 and 50 centimetres are standard. Narrower versions measuring 35 centimetres are ideal for tight wall recesses, whilst models measuring 45 to 50 centimetres can also accommodate larger items of crockery or filing folders. When planning, ensure that doors and drawers can open fully – a minimum clearance of 60 to 80 centimetres in front of the unit is advisable.
Care instructions: How to keep your highboard looking its best for years to come
Solid wood highboards are sensitive to humidity. In winter, when the air is very dry due to heating, you should maintain the room humidity between 40 and 60 per cent to prevent the wood from warping or developing small cracks. For regular care, a slightly damp microfibre cloth is sufficient; aggressive cleaning products or solvent-based sprays should be avoided. Oiled surfaces can be re-treated after a few years, whilst lacquered surfaces usually do not require refreshing.
Veneered and lacquered highboards should also be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp cloth – any standing water, such as from flower vases, should be wiped up promptly. Industrial-style metal frames can be kept dust-free with a dry cloth; for powder-coated surfaces, occasional care with a mild furniture polish will preserve the shine for years to come.
Buy a highboard at Möbel Ehrmann
As a family-run business with strong regional roots, we combine a wide range of products with personalised advice. Our interior design consultants take the time to discuss your room layout, style and storage requirements with you, and work with you to find the perfect highboard for your needs. Delivery and assembly are handled by our own fitting teams – without the need for external contractors.
You can browse online at your leisure for inspiration or visit one of our furniture stores in the Palatinate, Baden or the Trier area. You’ll find an overview of all our stores on our location map. We’d also be happy to advise you in-store on affordable financing options, so you can easily make your dream furniture a reality. Discover our range of highboards and let our team advise you in person – we look forward to your visit.