Sideboard, Buffet, or Credenza? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

They’re stylish. They’re storage-friendly. They can even be a great surface for charcuterie! But when it comes to choosing between a sideboard, buffet, or credenza, the lines can get a little blurry. While the names are often used interchangeably, each of these pieces has its own distinct style, history, and best-use case. 

So how do you pick the right one for your home? Let’s break it down. 

1. Sideboards: Sturdy and Stylish Storage 

If you’re looking for classic dining room storage, a sideboard might be your best bet. Sideboards are long, low-profile storage pieces typically featuring cabinets, drawers, and a solid top surface that can double as a serving area during gatherings. 

What makes it a sideboard? 
Shorter legs and a substantial build. This grounded profile gives sideboards a sturdy presence, ideal for holding table linens, serving dishes, or even storing the extra leaves of a dining table. 

Where it works best: 
Dining rooms, but also entryways, living rooms, or even bedrooms where a mix of display and concealed storage comes in handy. 

2. Buffets: Built for Entertaining 

Buffets are essentially sideboards designed with serving in mind. What sets them apart? Taller legs and a slightly narrower frame, giving them the perfect height for dishing up food during dinner parties or family gatherings. 

What makes it a buffet? 
Think of it as the elegant host of your dining room. It offers ample surface space to set out food and drinks, with cabinet space underneath to keep dining essentials tucked away. 

Where it works best: 
Buffets are most at home in a dining room, especially when you need both function and flair for entertaining. 

3. Credenzas: Low-Profile Versatility 

Originally used in Italy for testing if food had been poisoned (yes, really), the credenza has evolved into one of the most versatile furniture pieces out there. It’s typically lower and longer than sideboards or buffets and often features short legs or no legs at all. 

What makes it a credenza? 
Its low profile makes it ideal as a TV stand, media console, or even as office storage. You’ll find credenzas with a mix of open shelving and closed cabinets, making them perfect for showcasing books, decor, or media components. 

Where it works best: 
Living rooms, home offices, small apartments, or anywhere you want sleek storage without bulk. 

How to Choose the Right One for Your Home 

• Need extra storage and style in your dining room? Go with a sideboard. 

• Love to entertain? A buffet will keep your gatherings smooth and stylish. 

• Need smart storage in a compact space? A credenza is your new best friend. 

And remember, modern homes don’t follow old rules—feel free to mix, match, and repurpose. A credenza might serve as your TV stand today and your office storage tomorrow. 

Pro Tip: Whether you lean traditional or modern, Homemakers has a wide selection of sideboards, buffets, and credenzas to suit every style, space, and storage need. Stop in or shop online—we’ll help you find the perfect fit.