Credenza Vs. Buffet Vs. Sideboard: What's The Difference?
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You’ve most likely heard these terms tossed around when discussing furniture. While a Credenza, Buffet, and Sideboard function as storage and decoration for the dining room, their specific uses vary from piece to piece and place to place. Understanding their differences and determining which one you need is critical.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between pieces of furniture that look similar but have different names. Are credenza, buffet, and sideboard all interchangeable terms?
Not exactly! Each of these terms refers to a slightly different type of furniture. The three are of course related; they are all variations of the same type of furniture. They are all kinds of sideboards in one way or another. However, each has its specific meaning and use.
Let's take an example. The majority of us probably love oranges. These citrus fruits are flavorful and packed with vitamins and minerals. But did you know they are available in several varieties, including navel oranges, blood oranges, tangerines, mandarin, Seville, bergamot, clementines, and more?
Although they look almost identical, there is a slight difference in color, flavor, and size between them.
Likewise, there are slight differences between a Credenza, Buffet, and Sideboard in terms of functionality, size, and design. Each has its own unique intended use and characteristics. Read on to learn more about each term and which one to use when and where.
CREDENZA VS. BUFFET VS. SIDEBOARD
WHAT IS A CREDENZA?
"Credenza" is an Italian term for cupboard, most commonly used in America today. It is a storage cabinet used in the dining room for storage, display, and serving. This boxed cabinet has no legs or can sometimes have very short legs. Mostly made of wood, it has a heat-resistant top made of stone, preferably marble.
This attachment makes it possible to keep hot dishes and warm food without worrying about damage. It usually has drawers, shelves, and cabinets. It can be freestanding or wall-mounted. This is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture as it can be used as an office desk or table, a dining table extension, a TV console, or a display case for decorative pieces.
WHAT IS A BUFFET?
The term is derived from the French word "buffet", which means something like "sideboard for arranging and serving food". This type of cabinet is used to display and serve food, display dishes, and tableware. It has long legs and plenty of storage space.
It is designed in such a way that it can also serve as a decorative display. Usually found in the dining room and kitchen, the buffet table is used to display dishes and decorative pieces, as well as to store serving utensils and china. It is usually free-standing, but can also be built into a wall.
WHAT IS A SIDEBOARD?
The name "sideboard" derives from the fact that this piece of furniture is often placed against the wall next to the dining table/chairs. A sideboard is a type of table used to store crockery, cutlery, and other serving or decorative items. It is usually placed on a wall in the dining room, living room, or at the entrance of the house.
Some are built-in, while others are free-standing and have short legs. A sideboard can be made of different materials such as wood, metal, or marble. They are designed for storing crockery, tableware, and decorative pieces, with additional space for a large gathering.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A CREDENZA, BUFFET, AND SIDEBOARD
At first glance, you may not notice the differences between these three pieces of furniture. After all, they are all tables. However, each serves a distinct purpose and has the nuances that set it apart from the rest.
With so many different types, forms, materials, and sizes on the market now, you may choose the one that best fits your room.
In terms of spotting differences, the following are the most important:
Legs:
A credenza has no or very short legs, a sideboard has short legs, and a buffet has long legs.
Size:
Credenzas are long and short while a buffet is long and tall, and a sideboard is shorter than both but almost the same height as a buffet.
Depth:
A buffet has more depth than a credenza or a sideboard. Most buffets are 19-20 inches deep while a credenza is 16-18 inches deep and a sideboard is 14-15 inches. (The depth may vary depending on the design.)
Material
A credenza is most often made of decorative wood with a solid stone top, while a buffet and sideboard can be made out of wood, boards, or metal.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, a credenza, buffet, and sideboard are the same kinds of cabinets. However, each of them has its unique function or meaning. These pieces of furniture can be a great addition to your home or office, providing ample storage space for decorative items and serving as a functional surface for food, drink, and other items.
They are versatile, allowing you to use them in various settings, whether a formal dining room, a cozy lounge area, an entrance, or an office.