What's the difference between Sideboards, Buffets and Credenzas?

When decorating our homes, sideboards, buffets, and credenzas often catch our attention as they are popular choices for dining rooms, living rooms, and even entryways. But the problem is that many of us don't know how to distinguish them. What's the difference between a sideboard and a buffet or a credenza? How do their unique features fit into our home decoration and storage plans? Don't worry! Let's take a look at the differences among buffets, sideboards, and credenzas.What are credenzas, sideboards, and buffets?

Sideboards are mainly used for storage. The top can be used to hold food and display china, while the bottom is for placing important tableware, just like a miniature china cabinet. They are usually longer, lower, and closer to the ground than buffet tables and other types of cabinets. They may have no legs or very short legs.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the word “credenza” in Italian meant “belief” or “confidence”. At that time, noble or royal family members were in danger of being poisoned by their enemies. Servants would taste the food and drink at the dining room sideboard (credenza) after it was taken out of the kitchen but before it was served on the table. Thus, this sideboard got the name credenza. Its name evolved from initially referring to the act of tasting food (a verb) to describing the place where food and dishes were tested (a noun).

Early credenzas had no legs and were cabinets that reached the floor directly. In the mid-20th century, credenzas in modern design styles became popular. They were usually long and low cabinets supported by slender legs and often had sliding doors. Nowadays, credenzas are mainly used for storage. They are similar to but different from sideboards and buffet tables. They are usually longer, lower, and closer to the ground. They may have no legs or very short legs, and often have sliding doors or smooth cabinet doors without obvious handles. They may be larger than sideboards and buffet tables, with more storage compartments. And they may have more glass elements than standard sideboards or buffet tables. Most of them are made of high-quality wood, with a flat top for placing dishes. Some even have tops made of marble or other decorative heat-resistant stones.

What is a sideboard?

 In the 18th and 19th centuries, sideboards were a status symbol of the upper class. They were mainly placed against the wall in the dining room and used to store cutlery, table linens, and plates, and that's where their name came from (at the side of the Dining room). Over time, to adapt to the changing needs and interior design trends, the usage of sideboards has expanded to living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways, etc. The earliest sideboards were probably made in the 18th century and became popular in the 19th century when families could afford to set aside an entire room for dining. The first countries to use sideboards included England, Belgium, Poland, France, and Scotland, with American designs emerging later.

The distinguishing feature of sideboards is their short legs. The cabinets may also reach all the way to the floor. They are generally low and wide, and their appearance tends to be more plain. They can be used for storage in other areas of the home. Sideboards are slightly taller (about waist-high, with no legs or short legs) and more versatile. They are about waist-high or slightly higher, making them more suitable to be used as entryway tables than some lower cabinets like credenzas. The length of sideboards can vary, but it is usually shorter than that of buffets or credenzas. They are generally shallower than buffets and credenzas, making them well-suited for narrower spaces or rooms with limited space.

Sideboards are usually placed against the wall. They are long, low storage units with cabinets, drawers, and shelves, used to store cutlery, linens, and other items. They often have a mixture of drawers, cabinets, and shelves, with more closed compartments, which helps to conceal clutter and keep things tidy.

Traditionally, they were used in the dining room to serve food and display dishes during meals. Now they are used in living rooms, bedrooms, and even entryways. Modern sideboards feature minimalist designs with clean lines that blend seamlessly with various interior styles. They usually have a low profile and several storage compartments.

What is a buffet?

The word “buffet” originated from the French word “bufet” in the 14th century, and it originally meant a stool or a bench. Later, it gradually evolved to refer to a sideboard or similar furniture.

In the 18th century, buffet cabinets further developed in Europe, especially in Britain. During this period, buffet cabinets became important furniture in the dining room. They were not only used to store cutlery but also had the functions of displaying cutlery and silverware. In the late 18th century, buffet cabinets were introduced into the United States, and American cabinet makers began to produce buffet cabinets with local characteristics.

By the 19th century, buffet cabinets had become even more popular in the United States and became one of the common furniture pieces in American family dining rooms. Their designs also gradually diversified, with different styles and decorative details emerging to meet the needs of different consumers. Today, buffet cabinets are still common furniture in dining rooms and home decorations. Their functions include not only storing cutlery and food but also serving as display cabinets to showcase various decorations and collections. In terms of design, they incorporate both modern and traditional elements to meet the style and function requirements of different consumers.

Buffet cabinets are usually narrow and tall. Their height is roughly the same as or even higher than that of a dining table. The height is carefully designed to be about the height of a counter, which is convenient for people to take food from the surface while standing beside it. This height generally conforms to the principles of ergonomics, so that people don't need to overextend or bend their arms when using it.

Buffet cabinets are mainly placed in the dining room and are an important part of the dining room furniture. Their position is usually close to the dining table or the dining area, making it convenient for people to use them during the dining process.

Relatively high legs are a characteristic of buffet cabinets. However, when actually distinguishing between buffet cabinets and sideboards, the length of the legs is not an absolute standard. In modern furniture usage, these two concepts are often confused. Buffet cabinets are usually long, and their flat top surfaces can hold a large amount of food, just like in a buffet setting. This wide surface can be used to place various dishes, plates, cutlery, etc., facilitating guests to take food by themselves.

Buffet cabinets have a strong storage capacity. They are used to store cutlery (such as plates, bowls, cups, etc.) and catering supplies (such as tablecloths, napkins, etc.). Drawers and small cabinets can help classify and store different items for easy access. In modern homes, buffet cabinets are also used for display. The top surface can place beautiful vases, art ornaments and other decorations. If the cabinet doors are made of glass, the internal space can display precious cutlery, porcelain or wine utensils, etc., adding to the aesthetic and cultural atmosphere of the dining room.

What is the difference between a Credenzas, buffet, and sideboard?

1. Size and Length

Sideboard: Generally shorter and more compact, its length is usually shorter than that of Buffet and Credenza. It is designed to be placed against the wall, not taking up too much space, thus being suitable for smaller dining rooms or multi-functional spaces.

Buffet: Its length is typically longer than that of the Sideboard, providing more surface area for displaying food or decorative items. It is often used in larger dining rooms or open-plan dining areas.

Credenza: Usually the longest and largest among the three, it has an elongated shape with length being its prominent feature. It offers more space for storage and display, and can be used in dining rooms or living rooms where a large amount of storage or display function is required.

2. Height and Legs

Sideboard and Buffet: Their heights are usually around waist level or a bit higher, with sturdy legs or a solid base to support the weight of the furniture. The difference between them lies in the length of the legs. The Sideboard may have short legs or no legs at all and sits directly on the floor, while the Buffet has relatively longer legs.

Credenza: Its height is usually lower, and its shape may be more slender. Some Credenzas have no visible legs and sit directly on the floor, while others have legs or a base. Its design may be more streamlined.

3. Depth and Storage Space

Sideboard: Usually shallower than Buffet and Credenza. This shallower design makes it more suitable for being placed in narrow spaces or rooms with limited space, such as small dining rooms, entryways, or narrow living room areas. It is mainly used to store flat items or a small amount of cutlery, etc.

Buffet and Credenza: Their depths are usually greater, providing more storage space for large cutlery, electronic products, or bulky items like bedding, which is suitable for scenarios with a higher requirement for storage capacity.

4. Storage Methods (Open and Closed)

Sideboard: Usually has a combination of drawers, cabinets, and shelves, with closed compartments being predominant. This helps to conceal clutter and maintain a tidy appearance.

Buffet and Credenza: Are more likely to have a balanced design of open shelving and closed storage, facilitating the easy access of frequently used items and the display of decorative objects such as fine china.

5. Usage Scenarios and Functionsv

Sideboard: In modern times, besides being used in the dining room, it is also used as a decorative and storage unit in areas such as entryways and living rooms. For example, it can be used to store blankets, photo albums, books, etc., and the top can also be used to display plants, pictures, and lamps. It can even be used as a coffee bar, etc.

Buffet: Besides being used in the dining room, it can also be used as an entertainment center to place media equipment and store entertainment supplies. It is suitable for being placed in spacious rooms or open-plan spaces.

Credenza: Similar to the Sideboard, the top can be used to serve food in homes and restaurants, and the bottom is used for storage. If there is a lot of glass in the cabinet doors, it can be used to display china or other cutlery, like a miniature china cabinet. In restaurants, stainless steel Credenzas can also be used to place side dishes and store important tools.

Factors to consider when making a purchase