Is This a Credenza or a Sideboard?
Design Vocabulary: what, if any, are the differences between a credenza, a sideboard, and a buffet?
Emily Henderson
And what about a hutch and a server for that matter?
Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between these pieces of furniture that all look quite similar and have similar uses? Most people use any and all of these terms (credenza, sideboard, buffet) when talking about a long, low-lying piece of furniture, typically made of wood, and used for storage. You’ll even notice, if you search for these items on the internet, the terms are used synonymously. But, there are specific features that define the differences between each piece of furniture.
“Credenza - in Italian - means ‘belief’ or ‘confidence’ which makes sense when you understand the history of the piece.”
Credenza
A credenza is a piece of furniture that can be used anywhere in the house. Today, most have legs and offer both hidden and open storage. I like them in the foyer or living room where both types of storage are needed and welcomed. However, historically, a credenza was a piece used in the dining room and didn’t have legs. In Italian, credenza means “belief” or “confidence”, which will make sense when you understand the history of it.
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, a servant would taste both food and drink before serving it, giving the royalty and nobility confidence they weren’t going to be poisoned. This was a very real fear for many during that time period (I couldn’t imagine living like that!) Anyway, nowadays, the credenza is a versatile piece that comes in many different styles to tie into your home design – anything from mid-century and art deco, to Victorian and craftsman.
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Credenza
High Victorian 19th Century Credenza
Bleached Walnut Art Deco Credenza
Sideboard
A sideboard is very similar to a credenza, as they are both typically used in the dining room for storage of table service items and as a surface for serving. The main difference is that sideboards are generally raised up off the ground on legs, whereas the credenza is usually carried all the way to the floor.
Sideboards (and credenzas, and buffets) can come with a second piece called a hutch that sits on top and offers upper display storage for china or other decorative items. And a random fact: the plural for sideboards in Britain is sideburns.
Arne Vodder Sideboard, 1950s
Farmhouse-style Sideboard
19th Century English Regency Sideboard
Buffet
As for a buffet, there isn’t really a defining difference between it and a sideboard, other than possibly the height of the legs, with taller ones typical for the buffet.
Another similar piece of furniture is a server, which is a smaller and shorter version of a buffet or sideboard. You learn something new every day!
Acacia Wood Buffet Table
Miramar Carmel Sierra Buffet
Mango Wood and Rattan Buffet Table
Credenza with a hutch
Sideboard with a hutch
These definitions are based on the online research I did for the history of the pieces and my own (ever evolving) knowledge of furniture and design. Let me know what you think about the definitions and examples I’ve used here!
In the end, people will get the general idea of what you’re talking about, no matter the term you use. But hopefully this post helps you understand the difference and you can share this knowledge with others. :)
All the things,
Hello! Catherine here.
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!
