What Is A Credenza? Difference Between Credenza, Sideboard, And Buffet

Charlotte Miller

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What Is A Credenza? Difference Between Credenza, Sideboard, And Buffet

What is a credenza and how does it differ from a sideboard or a buffet? This term was first originated in the 14th century. And by now, the definition and purpose of a credenza have changed in several ways. Today, credenzas are found in endless styles and finishes. For some people, the term credenza can be a bit confusing. In my guide, I will compare them with a sideboard and buffet. I have also put forward some decorative and functional uses of the credenza. To understand what is a credenza, you should keep on reading.

What Is A Credenza?

A credenza is a type of sideboard that can be used as decorative pieces or for storage. They come in a variety of styles. A credenza often has short legs or no legs at all. It has a long flat top with lots of storage space below. Usually, they have a partition in centers and are surrounded by glass displays. Credenzas are made up of decorative wood along with a heat-resistant top. You can also decorate them with columns and other woodwork. In modern times, a credenza is also referred to as a sideboard or a closed cabinet.

Continue reading to know what is a credenza desk more in detail.

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Features Of Credenza

By now you have got to know what is a credenza cabinet. Let us now see some features of a credenza.

  1. They are relatively long in size.
  2. It is a low piece of furniture that is used for storage.
  3. They have short legs.
  4. A typical credenza has a flat table-like surface.
  5. It comes along with cabinets and drawers.
  6. Some of them come with a hutch for additional storage.

Types Of Credenza

Until now you have understood what is a credenza furniture. In the market, you will find two types of the credenza. Continue reading to know their types.

  1. Storage Credenza

A storage credenza is a credenza that comes without a file drawer. Storage credenzas can be used to organize and hide items from view. You can place a storage credenza in your dining and living rooms.

  1. Office Credenza

You must be wondering what is an office credenza. An office credenza is a credenza that comes with file drawers. Office credenzas can be used for organizing and storing office items. You can place an office credenza against the wall in your conference room. You can also pair them with a desk for additional storage.

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Credenza Vs Sideboard Vs Buffet

In this section, you will get to know what is the difference between credenza, sideboard, and buffet.

Credenza Vs Sideboard

Credenza is often mistaken as a sideboard. So, do you know what is a sideboard? They both may sound alike but actually, there is a slight difference between them. Here, we will compare a credenza and a sideboard.

Credenza  Sideboard 
It is cabinet-style furniture commonly used in the dining room. While a sideboard is also furniture with ample storage space.
They are used for serving buffet meals. They are used for storing serving ware.
Credenza has no legs. Sideboards have short legs.
They have drawers and huge storage spaces. Even sideboards have drawers and average storage spaces.

Credenza Vs Buffet

Let us now compare credenza with buffet.

Credenza Buffet 
It is cabinet-style furniture commonly used in the dining room. Buffets are also a piece of cabinet-style furniture.
Credenza has no legs. Buffets have longer legs.
They are shorter than buffets. They are longer than credenzas and sideboards.
They have drawers and huge storage spaces. They have moderate storage spaces.

Different Uses Of Credenza

In this section, you will get to know what is a credenza used for.

  1. It can be used for storing and displaying tableware.
  2. You can use them to lay out some food during gatherings in your home.
  3. You can use this furniture for decorative purposes in your hallways, foyers, and family rooms.
  4. In an office, you can use them as a secondary workspace for storing and organizing files.
  5. They are very convenient for spreading out papers and materials when you have no space on your desks.
  6. It helps you to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
  7. Credenzas when placed against the wall makes a terrific TV stand. And its bottom storage can be used for storing your DVD collection and remote controls.
  8. They come in handy to set out food and drinks if you are having a party. You can keep your plates, utensils, and napkins in their drawers.
  9. You can place some seasonal decorations or flowers on the top of the flat surface area.
  10. If you have records, tapes, or CDs, its bottom cabinet makes a perfect place for storing them.
  11. On the top surface of the credenza, you can easily place your PlayStation or other games.
  12. You can put a lamp, photo frames, or other personal decorative items on the top and use the bottom for storing documents.
  13. They can be useful storing magazines in the waiting area of your office.

Origin Of Credenza

I assume that you have understood what is a credenza hutch. This term was first originated from the Latin word named “credentia” which means belief or trust. In the 16th century, they were used for serving foods and drinks. Later they were also used in the room for personal purposes. Centuries later, this piece of furniture was used to display or store objects that are used in a particular room.

FAQ

What Is A Credenza And What Is It Used For?

A credenza is a type of sideboard that can be used as decorative pieces or for storage. They can be used for the following purposes.

  1. It can be used for storing and displaying tableware.
  2. To lay out some food during gatherings in your home.
  3. Useful for decorative purposes in your hallways, foyers, and family rooms.
  4. You can use them as a secondary workspace for storing and organizing files.
  5. Its bottom storage can be used for storing your DVD collection and remote controls.
  6. You can keep your plates, utensils, and napkins in their drawers.
  7. You can place some seasonal decorations or flowers on the top of the flat surface area.
  8. Its bottom cabinet makes a perfect place for storing your records, tapes, or CDs.
  9. You can put a lamp, photo frames, or other personal decorative items on the top and use the bottom for storing documents.
  10. They can be useful storing magazines in the waiting area of your office. 

What Is The Difference Between A Credenza And A Sideboard?

Below I have listed down some points that will help you to differentiate between a credenza and a sideboard.

Credenza  Sideboard 
It is cabinet-style furniture commonly used in the dining room. While a sideboard is also furniture with ample storage space.
They are used for serving buffet meals. They are used for storing serving ware.
Credenza has no legs. Sideboards have short legs.
They have drawers and huge storage spaces. Even sideboards have drawers and average storage spaces.

What’s The Difference Between A Credenza And A Buffet?

Below I have listed down some points that will help you to differentiate between a credenza and a buffet.

Credenza Buffet 
It is cabinet-style furniture commonly used in the dining room. Buffets are also a piece of cabinet-style furniture.
Credenza has no legs. Buffets have longer legs.
They are shorter than buffets. They are longer than credenzas and sideboards.
They have drawers and huge storage spaces. They have moderate storage spaces.

What Is Another Word For Credenza?

Below I have listed down few synonyms for a credenza.

  1. Sideboard
  2. Server
  3. Buffet
  4. Dish storage
  5. Cupboard
  6. Dresser
  7. Bookshelf
  8. Hutch
  9. Television Stand
  10. Dinning storage

What Is Considered A Credenza?

A credenza is a cabinet-style piece of furniture that is typically used in a dining room, with no legs (or extremely short legs), complete with sliding doors that open up to storage space for dishware and other dining essentials

Credenzas: Explained
The idea was that if the noble family’s meal had been poisoned, which was a very real threat at the time, the attempt on their lives would be discovered prior to serving. Thus, Italians called the cabinet credenza, which translates to “belief” or “confidence.”

Conclusion

In my above article, I have discussed what is a credenza and its uses. A credenza is a piece of furniture that has no legs. You can use them as a storage space for dishware or in offices for storing files and documents. They are often compared with a sideboard and a buffet. Above I have listed down some differences between these items. It will surely help you to understand which one is better for you. If you want to purchase a credenza, then this guide on what is a credenza will be useful for you.

Is a sideboard and a credenza the same thing

What is the difference between a credenza and a buffet?