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Credenzas make a great addition to any home due to their utility and ease of decoration. Whether you own a Mid-Century Modern credenza or modern credenza they share a lot of similarities between furniture eras – notably their size, shape and usefulness when it comes to storage. Maybe you’re looking to invest in a credenza or already own one and aren’t sure what to do with it, but finding inspiration and unique and creative ways to utilize your credenza might feel easier said than done. That’s why Chairish is here to give you a hand. Here are some ways to make the most out of your credenza.

RELATED READ: How to Make the Best Use of Your China Cabinet

Art-forward dining room with Milo Baughman-style burl wood sideboard and classic Eames chairs
Design by Rebel House Interior Design / Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

Turn it Into a Dining Room Sideboard

One of the more common uses for a credenza is as a dining room sideboard The sleek size of the credenza and ample space makes for a great location for storing plates, bowls, fine China and more. You can also use it to display food and other décor, turning your dining room into a well-put-together space for dinners, meals and socializing with guests. Add a potted plant or some candles and hang some artwork above your dining room credenza to complete the look. Credenzas also help to balance out the space in your dining room without the need for China cabinets or anything similar.

Gold brass credenza under and arched paned mirror and starburst sconces
Design by Kristin Riccio Design / Photo by Clinton Perry Photography

Use it as a Home Bar

Do you like making drinks for yourself or for your guests? A credenza is a great solution to storing various liqueurs, spirits, glasses and more. Keep a sample of what you have on top with a serving tray and store everything else inside, including wine glasses, cocktail shakers and whatever else you own. Keeping all of your spirits in one place is a great way to entertain and to manage your collection, and with the room inside of the credenza, it has plenty of room for growth. Consider styling it with unique bar décor that will add to the overall experience.

Store Your Records with Ease

Are you a vinyl record collector? Do you have a lot of old albums that you want to keep safe but have easy access to? Many credenzas come in the perfect size for record storage or can have internal shelves altered to make additional room. With the ability to hold a record player and speaker on top and still have room for additional decorations, a credenza is the perfect way to keep your record collection in one place. You can even frame some of your records or add music-related posters or artwork above your credenza to create a unique look that creates the perfect music space.

Design by JMA Interior Design/ Photo by Brantley Photography

Design the Perfect Entryway Table

There aren’t many better options for entryway tables than credenzas. Given that these pieces of furniture have space both above and inside, they’re perfect for storing anything you need quick access to when coming or going. Use the inside of the credenza to store umbrellas, hats, coats or anything that you might need in a pinch and set a vintage tray atop for keys, coins and any other miscellaneous items that you might have collected over the course of the day. Finish off your entryway credenza with a beautiful potted plant and you have a lovely sight for whenever you come home.

A Credenza Makes a Great TV Console

Looking for something to place under your TV set? Whether your TV is wall-mounted or needs a stand to be set on top of, a credenza makes for a great console table for your television. The internal shelving or drawers make for great places to put any consoles or electronics and provide room for any movies, video games or anything else you might want in your living room. Make sure that your credenza can withstand the weight of your television set and that the legs won’t extend beyond the credenza’s surface, and you’ve got yourself the perfect place to watch TV.

Brown wood dresser with blue framed print, stack of books, and vase of peonies
Design by Stefani Stein Inc. / Photo by Jenna Peffley

Use it to Display Unique Décor and Artwork

Maybe you aren’t looking for a practical solution as much as a decorative one. Credenzas make for great side storage tables due to their slim size and storage options. They fit perfectly under larger pieces of artwork as well as décor that you might want to highlight, whether that’s a unique statue, a family vase or anything else. Just place your credenza against a wall anywhere in your home and style it to your needs, elevating your décor and providing a focal point that guests will notice whenever they walk through your home.

Use it as Décor Itself

With so many styles and eras of furniture out there and so many different designs that credenzas come in, you might want to consider using it as a decorative element itself. You can keep any decorations on top of the credenza simple, like using lamps, books or small storage options and instead highlight the unique furniture style or color of your credenza. Add some accent color to a room or make a statement with a credenza that’s vintage or ornate. Whether you keep it simple or highlight its beautiful nature with lighting and contrasting decorations, creating a space for your credenza as a work of art is a great solution.

Design by Bachman Brown Design / Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo

You can find credenzas that will match nearly any aesthetic, ranging from rustic antique to modern styles. They make a perfect addition to any home that they’re placed in due to their practical nature but utilizing them to their fullest extent will help you make the most of your beautiful new piece of furniture. Whether you own one or many, a credenza can fit into nearly any room in your house – even the laundry room. So take some time to consider how you might want to use your credenza and how you can turn it into a uniquely purposeful piece of furniture. You might be surprised at its potential.

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July 25, 2022

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