What Is a Credenza? Here's What Makes This Storage Piece Unique

If you are looking for an elegant storage solution for your home, consider the credenza. A credenza is a common piece of furniture typically used in the dining room or living room to hold dinnerware and other household goods. However, there's often confusion about the differences between credenzas and other storage pieces, like buffets and sideboards. Read on to learn from our experts what a credenza is compared to other types of storage pieces, along with designer-approved ways to choose and style one for your home.

What Is a Credenza? 

A credenza is a versatile piece of furniture made from wood or mixed materials with a long, low profile. It has cabinets, shelving, and drawers typically used to store dishes, cutlery, and linens in the dining room. Today, the credenza is used beyond the dining room, storing numerous items in entryways, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens.

Depending on where it's placed, you can use a credenza to display décor, lighting, and artwork. "I love incorporating a great credenza into my designs. I use them to add depth, dimension, and interest to any room," says Kelly Stone, an interior designer. "It's a great way to show off your personality, treasured décor items, and even books.” 

Credenza vs. Sideboard vs. Buffet 

The terms credenza, sideboard, and buffet have become interchangeable in the design world, says Stone.

"Each refers to a cased piece of furniture that is generally found in a dining room and used as a surface for food service and as storage for china, crystal, and various tabletop pieces," says Will Hunt Lewis, the founder of Hunt & Bloom.

All three pieces typically have a configuration of drawers and cabinets for storage. Although they are very similar in appearance and function, here are the subtle differences:

• Credenza: A credenza sits lower to the ground than sideboards and buffets, says Hunt. It will have either very short legs or no legs. 
• Sideboard: A sideboard may come with a hutch. Even without a hutch, a sideboard is taller than a credenza and can double as a console or entryway table.
• Buffet: A buffet is longer than a credenza or sideboard. It is also shorter than the other pieces of furniture and usually has longer legs. A buffet is often found in a dining room and used for buffet-style food service.
  

Common Types of Credenza Styles 

Credenzas are found in many styles to suit any interior design style, including:

• Traditional: This style credenza offers classic, elegant finishes and is typically made from wood species like mahogany, says Stone.
• Midcentury modern: Credenzas in midcentury modern styles are popular for their clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and slim legs.
• Scandinavian: Scandinavian-style credenzas are crafted with pale wood or painted in a light hue and lack ornamentation.
• Ornate: Statement ornamental credenzas may be antique pieces. They are heavily carved and lend a luxurious or maximalist aesthetic to a space.
• Industrial: An industrial-style credenza is often made of metal or mixed materials rather than all wood.

"Both new and antique credenzas are readily available on the market at a wide range of price points," says Lewis. "Early pieces were crafted from woods like mahogany and walnut. Today, credenzas are composed from a combination of various materials including wood, metal, glass, and even rattan and woven options."

Choosing the Right Credenza

"The right credenza paints a story. It's a reflection of your personal style while also being the most functional piece of furniture you own," says Stone. "A credenza is prime for not only layering on accessories, lighting, family photos, and artwork, but it's also the key to hiding away the necessary [but unsightly items] your home is bound to accumulate."

Here's how to choose the right credenza for your needs:

• Keep scale in mind so the piece fits the space perfectly. A credenza should not be too large that it overwhelms a room or too small that it fades into the background.
• Determine the intention of the credenza and make sure it serves your needs.
• Consider the overall aesthetic of your home and how the credenza will fit in.
• Choose a credenza that matches your existing décor or opt for a piece that is a welcome contrast.

If you prefer a credenza that stands out in your home, look for features such as unique textures, bold hardware, multiple levels, and glass front cabinets for displays, says Stone.

Credenza Styling Tips

The top of a credenza is usually used to display pieces of décor. Our experts offer a few easy styling tips to help personalize your credenza.

• Add lamps: "You can never go wrong with a beautiful pair of buffet lamps," Lewis says. "Watch for scale here and select lamps not overwhelmingly large or too small on either end."
• Hang a mirror: A large mirror instantly opens up a smaller space and looks at home above a credenza. 
• Opt for art: Stone suggests creating a focal point above your credenza with a unique work of art.
• Stack books: Bass loves the look of stacked books on top of a credenza. Choose titles and bindings that speak to your personality and aesthetic. 
• Include a candle: Place a fragrant statement candle in a decorative vessel on the credenza's top.
• Arrange picture frames: Personalize your credenza with one or two gorgeous frames with your favorite images. 
• Incorporate trays: "Finish your credenza off with a fabulous serving tray styled with beautiful glass decanters," says Lewis. "This is a truly classic combo."