Differences between Buffets, Sideboards, and Credenzas

Buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are similar in function; they are typically used to store items within the dining room of a home, though many people also put credenzas in their living rooms. The differences between the three involve small cosmetic differences and the original purposes of each. Let’s take a look and see what the differences are between a buffet, a sideboard, and a credenza.

Sideboards and Buffets

The words “sideboard” and “buffet” are often used interchangeably, so we’re going to compare these two pieces of furniture first. Sideboards and buffets are traditionally used to serve food and display dishes in the dining room; they usually have a long, flat surface on top of a set of cabinets, cupboards, and drawers. The first sideboard was probably crafted during the 18th century before gaining popularity in the 19th century when households could afford to dedicate an entire room in the home to eating meals. The first countries to use sideboards included England, Belgium, Poland, France, and Scotland, with American designs coming later.

So, what differentiates a sideboard from a buffet? It comes down to the length of the legs. If the piece of furniture has short legs or no legs and sits directly on the floor, it’s more likely to be referred to as a sideboard. If it has longer legs, it will probably be referred to as a buffet. Additionally, buffets are almost always exclusively used in the dining room, but sideboards have gained popularity as statement pieces and storage units in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Some sideboards are used to store blankets, photo albums, and books while they display plants, pictures, and lamps on top. Today, many vintage reproduction enthusiasts and antique furniture collectors use sideboards and buffets made from beautiful woods like mahogany, pine, walnut, and oak.

Credenzas

Though a credenza can also display food, that was not its original purpose. Instead, credenzas were pieces of furniture used to hold dishes that needed to be tested for poison before being served to a lord or other important person. The name “credenza” is an Italian word that is etymologically related to the English word “credence,” which is defined as the belief or acceptance as something as true. Originally, “credenza” referred to the act of testing food, but then it moved from a verb into a noun to describe the place where food and dishes were tested. The first credenza was probably a rough table with a cloth cover until it took on a form similar to how we think of a credenza today in 14th-century Italy.

Credenzas look very similar to a dining room sideboard, though a credenza will probably feature more glass than a standard buffet or sideboard. Like sideboards, most credenzas are made from high-quality woods and feature a flat top to set dishes on. Some credenzas even have tops made of marble and other decorative heat-resistant stone!

Since most people don’t have their dishes tested for poison before each meal, credenzas today are used similarly to sideboards. The top can be used to serve meals in homes and restaurants, while the bottom can be used for storage. If the credenza has a lot of glass in its cabinet doors, homeowners may choose to use it to display china or other important pieces of dishware, like a miniature china cabinet. Credenzas featuring stainless steel are also used in restaurants to hold sides and store important tools.

Buffets vs. Sideboards vs. Credenzas: A Review

Sideboards and buffets are essentially the same things. Both were created to hold and display food, while the cabinets were designed to store dishware and table linens. The only difference between the two comes down to the length of their legs: buffets typically have longer legs, while sideboards have shorter legs or no legs at all. On the other hand, Credenzas look very similar to a sideboard but may feature more glass in the cabinet doors. Credenzas were also created not to display food but to hold dishes that needed to be tested for poison before being served to important figures. Today, buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are very similar in both appearance and function, but knowing the original differences will help you impress your guests and fellow vintage furniture enthusiasts. We hope this information is helpful and educational as you shop for a buffet, sideboard, or credenza. We can’t wait to hear the stories you tell about these valuable pieces of antique furniture!