What Is A Credenza, And Do You Need One? | Sundial Home

When trying to find the ideal furniture for your house, the term "credenza" can be a little confusing. What does a Mirrored Credenza actually do and for what purposes? A cabinet, perhaps? A desk? a cupboard? Do you really require one?

Everything you need to know will be covered in this concise guide, including the distinction between a credenza and other furniture items of a like nature. Before highlighting some of the best credenzas available online, we'll first look at how to use and decorate credenzas.

Are you prepared to finally understand what a credenza is?

What Is A Credenza?

The credenza was first used in homes in the 14th century and was originally an Italian piece of furniture. The credenza was originally used in cathedrals and churches before being used in homes. A credenza was first used for food preparation and to display pricey plates and serving utensils.

Although the Mirrored Credenza's function has evolved somewhat over time, it is still a common household item. Modern credenzas come in a variety of styles and are used as decor and storage.

What The Experts Have To Say About It Is As Follows:

"Credenzas are regarded as an American word for dining room cabinets and are known to be more "formal." They frequently have glass doors and shelving and typically have short or no legs "explains Dwelling Envy Interiors' Kristin Patrician. "They work best in dining rooms because of these qualities. However, in modern open floor plans and apartment-style layouts, they can be used interchangeably in living room spaces."

As most of them are not finished all the way around, Jay Britto, interior designer and founding principal of Britto Charette, adds, "Credenzas are best used in dining rooms and against walls.

Therefore, a Mirrored Credenza can be used as storage in the dining room, living room, or anywhere else up against a wall. Yours may be used to keep delicate dishes, linens, napkins, holiday decorations, or something entirely different. Credenzas can serve both as functional furniture and decorative accents, giving you more room for things like dining room displays.

What Distinguishes A Sideboard From A Buffet And A Credenza?

Even though the words are frequently used interchangeably, sideboard and buffet are not the same things as a credenza. Despite what some may claim, a Mirrored Credenza is a distinct piece of furniture. It has a few subtle distinctions that distinguish it from buffets and sideboards, as we'll see below.

Sideboard VS. Credenza

Sideboards have a low profile, a long shape, and lots of storage space, giving them a credenza-like appearance. In the 19th century, when people began using them for extra storage and display space in the dining room, the shape and style we know today first appeared.

According to Katie Simpson of Mackenzie Collier Interiors, "the only real difference between credenzas and sideboards is that credenzas are typically lower to the floor, while sideboards are slightly taller and typically designed with legs." Both styles are wide and give you the option of adding more storage to your home.

The Following Are The Primary Distinctions Between A Credenza And A Sideboard:

• Size: Compared to credenzas, sideboards are typically a little bigger.
• Legs: While Mirrored Credenzas typically have very short or no legs, sideboards frequently have medium-height legs.
• Shelving: Sideboards can have drawers or a hutch, while credenzas can have glass display cabinets on either side of the center shelving.
• Compared to credenzas, sideboards frequently have a more casual appearance.

Due to their height, sideboards—also referred to as servers—often serve as tables for hallways and entryways. Additionally, they frequently have floor-to-ceiling cabinets and, on occasion, a display hutch for added storage. Sideboards are therefore typical in the dining room, living room, foyer, and hallway.

Buffet VS. Credenza

Buffets typically have longer legs than credenzas and sideboards and are almost always used in the dining room. They were first used to serve large smorgasbords or buffet-style spreads in Sweden in the 16th century.

These days, they serve as a place to store linens, display decorations, and serve food at gatherings, much like credenzas and sideboards. For easier serving, buffets are typically counter-height.

The Following Are The Primary Distinctions Between A Credenza And A Buffet:

• Size: Compared to credenzas, buffets are typically taller and larger.
• Legs: Compared to credenzas with short legs or no legs at all, many buffets have tall legs, which create a different aesthetic.
• Buffets occasionally have pullout drawers above cabinet-style doors and open shelving on the bottom.
• Buffets typically have a more formal appearance than credenzas and are more traditional than sideboards.
• Buffets are taller and created specifically for serving substantial meals. Though it's uncommon to set out a buffet-style meal for numerous people, the roomy top is typically used for display.

Additionally, some homes might have open shelving above the buffet, which would add more storage and increase its usefulness. Typically, buffets are used in the dining room and occasionally in the kitchen.

Why Would Someone Use A Credenza?

Credenzas are practical furniture pieces that provide additional storage and a surface for arranging decor. Find out more about how to use your credenza, what to put inside of it, and some other possibilities here.

Where Does A Credenza Fit In A Room?

Although credenzas are typically used as dining room furniture, don't be restricted. Today, they are used throughout the house, including the dining room as a surface for buffet-style serving and the living and family rooms as a base for your TV, according to Katie Simpson of Mackenzie Collier Interiors.

They are used in every room of the house these days, including the dining room as a surface for buffet-style serving and the living and family rooms as a base for your TV.

Modern homeowners need items that combine form and function with lots of versatility, so they're perfect for them. They may also be used as "credenza desks" in offices or conference rooms. The flat top of these office credenzas provides an additional workspace for documents, screens, and other items you might keep on your desk. Considering that they have additional storage underneath, they are also useful as office furniture.

What Is A Credenza Made Of?

According to Priscilla Moiseoff, Lead Stylist and Interior Designer at Walker Edison Furniture, "Credenzas are often used to store plates, serving dishes, and other things, but you could also put a credenza in an entryway." Other things you could keep in a credenza are:

• Tablecloths And Towels
• Holiday Decoration
• Crystal And China
• Flatware
• Serving Utensils
• Important Documents

Really, you can store any bits and pieces that need a home. Children's toys, CDs, DVDs, charging cables, magazines, and books are some additional suggestions.

Can A Credenza Have A TV On It?

According to Moiseoff, credenzas are occasionally used as TV consoles in living rooms. Credenzas can typically support all but the largest screens and are strong enough to hold a TV. Even specific "White And Gold Credenza TV stands" are available for purchase, frequently modified to help hide cables, game consoles, and other items.

We advise measuring your TV to make sure it will fit before purchasing a credenza to use as a TV stand. As an alternative, you could mount a TV above your credenza and use the exposed surface and storage as a TV stand.

How Should A Credenza Be Decorated?

With all the extra storage space, credenzas are very practical. But what about embellishing the area around and on top of your credenza?

Creating tabletop arrangements might be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be challenging. The first time you decorate your White And Gold Credenza, it will be simpler if you base your choices on styling suggestions and expert advice.

Here are four suggestions with advice from professionals to get you going:

1. Go Natural

Vases, floral arrangements, and candles make excellent decorative additions, according to Jay Britto, interior designer and founding partner of Britto Charette. However, Priscilla Moiseoff points out that "plants are usually a nice touch on a credenza" too if vases and floral arrangements aren't your styles.

Try silk flowers or fake plants if you don't have a green thumb; both can look beautiful if you keep them clean and dusted. An eye-catching arrangement can be made with just one vase or potted plant and some candles positioned on either side. Plants often work best with LED candles because they reduce the possibility of fires.

2. Keep Things Basic

The most striking credenza decor is frequently the simplest. Generally speaking, less is more, says Priscilla Moiseoff. "You can only make a credenza look cluttered if you put too much stuff on it."

The location of your credenza will determine the best simple look for you. Priscilla Moiseoff suggests candles, a table lamp, or artwork in addition to her earlier advice about using houseplants on your credenza.

Kristin Patrician continues, "If your White And Gold Credenza are positioned against a wall, adding an oversized mirror or artwork is a great idea to anchor the piece. To ensure proper proportion, "make sure your mirror or artwork measures 3/4 the overall size of the credenza."

3. Establish A Dry Bar

According to Kristin Patrician for SundialHome.com, "I love adding a mini dry bar area using an oversized tray and adding a few bottles or decanter with bar accessories for styling/decorating a White And Gold Credenza in a dining area." For those who prefer to keep things lighthearted, this is a great suggestion.

A dry bar can be as basic as the large tray mentioned above, or you can add more, with additional serving glasses and beverage options stored underneath. On top of the credenza, for instance, you could put a wine rack with a small stemware holder or a few extra bottles of your preferred alcoholic beverages. A few towels should also be kept on hand for quick cleanup when necessary.

4. Go Beyond Your Credenza

Do not overlook the area above your credenza in addition to the flat top surface it offers. This one can complement the concepts we've already discussed nicely, or you can build an entire design around it.

According to Katie Simpson of Mackenzie Collier Interiors, "my biggest tip would be to create a focal point above the credenza to draw the eye to a statement piece." "This could be a mounted TV, a mirror, or framed art. Use the surface after that to add distinctive accessories like lamp tables, decorative bowls, coffee table books, plants, etc."