When selecting storage furniture for your dining room or living room, you often come across buffets, sideboards, and credenzas, which can be easily confused. They share many similarities in appearance and function, but in reality, each type of furniture has its own unique features and design elements. In this article, we will unveil the differences between the three and help you find the best one for your style and needs.
Sideboard vs Buffet vs Credenza: Overview
Before we delve into the differences between sideboard, buffet, and credenza, let's first clarify their respective definitions:
Sideboard
A sideboard is a low, long storage cabinet commonly found in dining room or living room settings, placed against a wall. It usually has cabinets, drawers, and shelves and is used to store and display items related to dining, such as dishes, tablecloths, wine glasses, bottles, etc., and can also hold food.
Buffet
A buffet is a long table designed for serving food, which is commonly used in restaurants, banquets, or family gatherings. It usually has conspicuous legs and a spacious tabletop that makes it easy to place a variety of food, drinks, and desserts, and guests are free to choose their favorite foods.
Credenza
Compared to a buffet or sideboard, a credenza is longer and lower to the ground, and many times has no legs or very short legs. Originally, credenza was used to set out and inspect food offered to nobles or important people to make sure it was not poisoned. Today, credenza is primarily used as a storage cabinet, providing additional countertop space for food and drink preparation.
What Are Their Differences?
While sideboards, buffets, and credenzas share many similarities in appearance and function, each type of furniture has its unique characteristics that make them distinctive.
Dimension and Length
The length of sideboards varies depending on the model, but they are generally shorter than buffets and credenzas. Buffets are generally longer than sideboards, providing more surface space for dishes, drinks, cutlery, and glasses. Credenzas are usually the largest and longest of the three.
Height
Sideboards and buffets are typically between 34 inches and 38 inches in height, and credenza heights are usually lower, between 20 inches and 36 inches, with an elongated shape.
Table Legs
Sideboards and buffets usually come with sturdy legs or base supports, whereas credenzas typically have no legs or very short legs for an overall cleaner design.
Depth
At around 15 inches deep, most sideboards are the shallowest of the three, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Buffets are around 20 inches deep and credenzas are around 17 inches deep, providing plenty of storage space for larger dinnerware and decorative items.
Structure and Composition
A sideboard usually consists of a combination of multiple drawers, doors, and built-in dividers, often with smooth surfaces, and serves as a space to display or hold decorative items.
Buffets come with multiple open or closed storage compartments as well as multiple storage cabinets, sometimes including wine racks or glass display cabinets.
Credenzas focus on storage features and commonly have drawers, cabinet doors, and open or closed compartments. The design focuses on hiding storage, but can also be used as a display surface.
Sideboard vs Buffet vs Credenza: What to Consider?
With the differences between these three types of furniture clear to you, you are now ready to shop for your favorite style, here are some aspects to consider:
Space
Before picking out furniture, measure the space in which you intend to place it. Know the length and depth of the space to ensure that the furniture you purchase is the right size.
Also, pay attention to where the furniture is laid out so that it doesn't make the room look cramped or obstruct daily activities such as flow paths and opening doors.
Sideboards are usually designed to be more compact for smaller spaces. Buffets and credenzas, on the other hand, are usually longer and suitable for larger spaces, such as spacious dining rooms or large living rooms.
Storage
Sideboards are the most compact of the three, resulting in relatively little storage space, and are usually better suited for smaller rooms or where space is limited. In contrast, buffets and credenzas typically have wider horizontal spaces, have multiple drawers and cabinet doors, and offer more storage space.
Applications
These three types of furniture are very versatile and can serve unique functions in a variety of spaces.
Sideboards are not limited to dining room use; they can show great value in a bedroom, entryway, or hallway, and can even be used as a makeshift mini-bar.
The buffets are also a multifunctional piece of furniture. In addition to serving as a small dining table for food, drinks, and barbecue tools during outdoor gatherings, they can also be used as TV stands for media equipment such as televisions and stereos, as well as providing plenty of storage space for entertainment items.
As for the credenzas, they can be used as filing cabinets in a conference room, den, or home office, and can also be placed in the entryway of your home as a unique console table for storing keys, bags, shoes, and other everyday items.
So, what are your storage needs? How would you like to make it easier to use your new furniture purchase? These needs may influence your final choice.
Style
Furniture should not only be functional but also match the decor of the room. Consider the style of your room and choose furniture that is both beautiful and functional.
For example, you might choose a black sideboard with metal accents, like the Colemen Wood Sideboard, whose clean lines add a modern touch to the space.
If you prefer a vintage look, consider the Annett Sideboard in dark walnut, whose woodgrain finish showcases a charming mid-century flair that fits perfectly with the classic design.
Conclusion
By now, you are well aware of the subtle differences between a sideboard, buffet, and credenza. Although they may seem similar in appearance, each piece of furniture has unique functional and stylistic features that meet different needs.
When choosing furniture, you need to consider the layout of your room, your storage needs, and your personal style preferences. By understanding the differences between them, you can feel more confident in picking out the best furniture to enhance the style and functionality of your space.
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