Sideboards and credenzas are both storage pieces commonly found in dining rooms, living rooms, or entryways. They’re generally long, low enclosed cabinets with display space on top. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some nuanced differences in their historical uses.
Historically, a sideboard was a furniture piece used to serve food buffet-style as well as store utensils and linens. It typically has a flat surface for presenting dishes and a mix of drawers and cabinets for storage. In modern times, the sideboard is generally considered to be a piece of formal dining room furniture. While sideboards can be used in entries and living rooms, they are not often marketed for use in casual rooms like dens or bedrooms.
The term “credenza” originated in Italy during the Renaissance. Traditionally, the term referred to a cloth-covered table used to hold food and drink prior to a meal. Over time, the table transformed into a more elaborate piece of furniture outfitted with storage compartments. In the current day, the term “credenza” typically refers to a piece of furniture with cabinets and drawers, used for storage and display. The credenza’s evolving definition may have led to its reputation a less formal piece of furniture than the sideboard. Today, credenzas are marketed for dining rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms, making their functionality more flexible than sideboards, which are typically reserved for more formal rooms like dining room or entries.
