Credenza vs. Sideboard vs. Buffet

Credenza vs Sideboard vs Buffet

  Credenzas, sideboards, and buffets. What are they? Are they actually different? Do I need a certain one compared to another? These questions are commonly asked when shopping due to the fact that most people use these words interchangeably. Does it matter if I call a credenza a sideboard, or a sideboard a credenza, or a credenza a buffet? The simple answer is no.

   Credenzas are similar to sideboards, but they traditionally have shorter, or no, legs. They are commonly found in living, or office, spaces and are more more decorative than buffets. They were also traditionally designed with an elongated profile. Credenzas can be used for storage and many nowadays are designed as TV stands.

   Sideboards were commonly viewed as being taller than credenzas and had a slightly more narrow profile. They also tend to be made with drawers compared to credenzas that are usually designed with doors. They both can be found in living spaces, but people tend to have sideboards in kitchen and dining areas.

   Buffets and sideboards are extremely similar. Some argue that they are the same except when you put a sideboard in a dining area, it then becomes a "buffet". They are designed to be taller, and have more surface area than sideboards. They hold almost an identical purpose when it comes to storage.

   As time has gone on, credenza, sideboards, and buffets have become interchangeable. Many designs that were made typically for credenzas are now made and listed as "sideboards" as well. All three are designed for storage and can realistically can be used however you want. There are no rules when it comes to designing your ideal home. Don't let labels hold you back from being creative!