When furnishing your home, the number of choices available is incredible. In the dining room alone, how do you know if you should get a buffet, a sideboard, or a credenza? What’s the difference between a buffet, sideboard, or credenza? Is there a difference between them, or are they the same? Let’s break it down today to help you decide what’s right for your home.
Quick summary:
What’s the difference between buffets, sideboards, and credenzas?
Buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are each very similar in construction and purpose, however they are unique types of furniture. Buffets have long legs and act as storage while sideboards do not have legs and sit directly on the floor. Credenzas are longer and short, with either no legs or short legs.
- Buffets – A buffet is a type of of dining room furniture consisting of cupboards, drawers, and cabinets that acts as storage.
- Sideboards – Buffets have long legs and act as storage centers, whereas sideboards do not have legs and sit directly on the floor. Sideboards are more elaborately decorated.
- Credenzas – Credenzas are longer and short, with either no legs or short legs.
Buffet
Buffets and sideboards are nearly identical, but there are a few small differences. A buffet or sideboard is the perfect addition to any stylish dining room. A buffet, will have long legs like a desk. Consisting of a cupboard, drawers, and cabinets, buffets act as storage centers. Table linens, silverware, and other dining items have a set place inside the buffet. When buffets are paired with a hutch, you have linen and china storage in one handsome furniture piece. Beautiful hardwoods, like mahogany, oak, walnut, and pine are often used to craft buffets and sideboards.
Buffets are, of course, named after the buffet-style meal. This style of serving was introduced to the rest of Europe with Sweden’s smorgasbord, in the 18th century. The flat top of a buffet table is ideal for setting out all of your serving dishes. For big parties and family get togethers, everyone can serve themselves comfortably from the buffet table. Serve up drinks, appetizers, or desserts on the buffet, keeping the main dish for the center of the dining table.
Sideboard
The main difference between a sideboard and a buffet is how it’s built. A sideboard does not have legs. Rather it is built to sit directly on the floor. Additionally, sideboards tend to be much more elaborately decorated than buffets. Antique sideboards often feature veneers, inlays, and carved panels.
Today, sideboards are either placed in the dining room, or in the living room as attractive storage.
Sideboards have been popular since the 18th century, with the first pieces appearing in England, France, and across Europe. As more affluent families began to flock to the dining room, the need to adorn them became apparent, as well as storage. Today, antique and vintage-style sideboard are trending in the US.
Credenza
Credenzas tend to be longer and shorter than buffets and sideboards, with either no legs or very short legs. A credenza is usually comprised of a central cupboard, flanked by display cabinets. Contemporary credenzas are frequently built-in, to house china or glassware. A credenza is multipurpose, acting as extra counter space for food and drinks preparation, as well as serving.
Credenzas are usually made of polished wood, although other materials are sometimes used. Look for a heat-resistant top, if you plan on serving from your credenza frequently. In restaurants, credenzas are often made of stainless steel. A credenza can be as ornate or simple as you like. Original credenzas comprised of plain tables covered with a cloth. Later, columns became part of the architecture and a marble top became standard for the wealthy.
Usage of the term credenza originated in 16th century Italy, the name originally meaning “ trust” or “belief.” The tasting of food and drinks, to test for poison prior to serving to a Lord or other important figure, was the act of credenza. Gradually, the term referred to the room where this was carried out, then to the piece of furniture that the food was served on. Today, credenzas are common in commercial settings and for the home. Thankfully, we no longer have to test for poison.
Styling Your Dining Room
Styling a buffet, sideboard, or credenza is effortless , once you define your style. At Fine Furniture Los Angeles, we offer dining furniture to suit every décor style. Try a vintage inspired sideboard to suit your elegant style, or a more rustic buffet for a cozy feel. Open shelving or glass cabinets adds airiness, letting your display keepsakes and heirlooms. Keep in mind, however, that glass will need to be dusted regularly to look its best.
When browsing for a buffet, sideboard, or credenza, it’s a good idea to measure your dining table first. Ideally, servers should be about the same height as your table to maintain design harmony.
Shop for Buffets, Sideboards, and Credenzas
Browse our dining room collection to find everything you need to create welcoming space . We offer free shipping and we will price match to get you the best price! Our furniture experts are available to chat about our products or services. Contact us. Visit our furniture catalogue for more style inspiration.
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