Sidepanels

Sidepanels are panels attached to the sides of a structure, device, or object. They serve to enclose, protect, or decorate the exposed sides, and may be fixed or removable to allow access for assembly or maintenance. The term encompasses panels used in furniture, architecture, vehicles, and digital interfaces.

In furniture and cabinetry, side panels form the vertical faces of cabinets, bookcases, desks, and wardrobes. They are typically made from wood, plywood, MDF, or engineered wood, and may be solid or veneered. They can include cutouts for hardware, ventilation, wiring, or decorative details.

In architecture and construction, interior side panels may be trim or partition elements, while exterior panels can serve as cladding or rainscreens. Materials range from timber and metal to composite panels, and finishing may emphasize durability, weather resistance, or acoustics.

In the automotive and aerospace industries, side panels cover the cabin sides or the vehicle’s exterior flanks, contributing to aesthetics, aerodynamics, and crash performance. In computing and software, side panels (or sidebars) are UI elements anchored to the left or right of a window, housing navigation, tools, or information and often designed to be collapsible or resizable.

When selecting side panels, considerations include material strength, weight, finish, corrosion resistance, thermal expansion, ease of access, and compatibility with adjacent components. Sidepanels are a common, versatile design element across disciplines.