Okay so this is literally going to sound so random, but I’ve become weirdly obsessed with furniture names recently. It all started when my other half sent me to look for a “credenza” online and I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. Like, I thought she’d made the word up or something lol.
Turns out there’s actually loads of different names for what basically look like the same piece of furniture to me. Sideboards, buffets, credenzas – they all seem pretty similar, right? But apparently there ARE differences, and after spending way too much time researching this (when I should have been doing homework), I can finally explain what’s what.
If you’re as confused as I was, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
The Great Furniture Name Mystery
So here’s the thing that’s mental – these three pieces of furniture are all pretty similar, but people use the names differently depending on where you live, how old you are, and sometimes just personal preference. It’s like how some people say “sofa” and others say “couch” – same thing, different words.
But there ARE some actual differences, and understanding them might help you figure out what you actually need for your space.
Sideboards: The Original Storage Solution
Sideboards are probably what your grandparents would call them. They’re basically long, low storage cabinets that traditionally go in dining rooms. The name makes sense when you think about it – they literally sit at the “side” of the room.
What Makes a Sideboard a Sideboard:
Traditional Dining Room Furniture Originally, sideboards were made specifically for dining rooms to store dishes, glasses, and serving pieces. They’re usually the perfect height for serving food from, which is why they got popular in the first place.
Usually Has Legs Most proper sideboards have four legs or a leg at each corner, though some modern ones sit flat on the ground. The legs give them that classic, traditional look.
Medium Height They’re typically around 30-36 inches tall – high enough to be useful but not so tall that they dominate the room. Perfect for putting lamps on or displaying stuff.
Loads of Storage Options Good sideboards usually have a mix of drawers and cupboards, so you can organize different types of things. Some even have wine racks built in, which is pretty cool.
The Oak Castle Furniture sideboard collection has some gorgeous examples of traditional and modern sideboards if you want to see what I mean. Their solid oak ones are particularly stunning.
Buffets: The Party-Ready Option
Buffets are basically the party animals of the furniture world. They’re designed with serving food in mind, which is why you might hear people talk about “buffet tables” at events.
What Makes a Buffet Different:
All About Serving Food Buffets are specifically designed for laying out food for guests. They usually have flat tops that are perfect for chafing dishes, serving trays, and all that party stuff.
Often Taller They tend to be a bit taller than sideboards – sometimes up to 42 inches – so adults can comfortably serve food without bending over loads.
Less Decorative Storage While they do have storage, it’s usually more practical and less about displaying things. Think more “hide the extra napkins and serving spoons” and less “show off mum’s fancy plates.”
Sometimes Come With Warming Features Some proper buffets actually have built-in warming drawers or hot plates, though these are pretty fancy and expensive.
Credenzas: The Office Escapees
This is where things get interesting. Credenzas actually started as office furniture, but they’ve basically invaded homes and now people use them in dining rooms and living rooms too.
What Makes a Credenza Special:
Lower and Longer Credenzas are usually lower than sideboards and buffets – often only 24-30 inches tall – but they can be really long. They’re meant to not block your view of things.
Office DNA Originally designed to sit behind desks in offices, so they’re built to be functional rather than fancy. Though modern home ones can be properly stylish.
Usually No Legs Most credenzas sit flat on the floor without legs, giving them a more modern, sleek look. This makes them great for contemporary spaces.
Wire Management If you buy one that’s actually designed for offices, it might have special features for hiding cables and wires, which is actually really useful for modern living rooms with all our gadgets.
The Confusing Part: Regional Differences
Here’s where it gets really annoying – different countries and even different regions use these terms differently!
In America, people often use “buffet” and “sideboard” interchangeably. In the UK, “sideboard” is more common. Some people call everything a “console table” which just adds to the confusion.
My nan calls hers a “Welsh dresser” but that’s something completely different again (Welsh dressers usually have shelves on top).
Basically, don’t stress too much about the exact names. Focus on what you actually need the furniture to do.
Which One Do You Actually Need?
This is the important bit – forget about the names for a minute and think about what you want to use it for.
Choose a Sideboard If:
- You want something traditional that fits classic dining room vibes
- You like having legs on furniture (easier to clean under)
- You want to display things like fancy dishes or family photos on top
- You’re furnishing a proper dining room and want something that looks the part
Go for a Buffet If:
- You actually host dinner parties or family gatherings regularly
- You need something specifically for serving food from
- You want extra counter space in your dining area
- You don’t mind paying extra for serving-specific features
Pick a Credenza If:
- You want something modern and sleek looking
- You’re furnishing a living room or modern space rather than traditional dining room
- You need to hide cables and electronics (great for TV stands)
- You want something low that won’t block windows or artwork
My Honest Opinion
After all this research, I think most people are probably looking for what would technically be called a sideboard, even if they don’t know it. Unless you’re proper into entertaining or you work from home and need office-style storage, a good quality sideboard will probably do everything you need.
The key is finding one that actually fits your space and storage needs, regardless of what it’s called. Some of the pieces in the Oak Castle Furniture collection could probably be called any of these three names depending on how you use them.
Don’t Get Caught Up in Names
Look, furniture shops love using fancy names to make things sound more expensive or special. But at the end of the day, your looking for a long, low cabinet to store stuff and maybe put things on top of. Whether you call it a sideboard, buffet, or credenza doesn’t really matter.
“If you’re searching for a more precise size, you might prefer our 100 cm wide sideboard collection — perfect for compact spaces without compromising storage.”
What matters is:
- Size: Will it fit in your space?
- Storage: Does it have the right mix of drawers and cupboards for your stuff?
- Height: Is it the right height for what you want to put on top?
- Style: Does it match the rest of your room?
- Quality: Is it well-made enough to last?
The Bottom Line
Honestly, after spending ages researching this, I think the furniture industry just likes making things complicated. In real life, most people use these terms pretty interchangeably, and that’s totally fine.
Focus on finding a piece that works for your space and needs, not on whether you’re calling it the “right” name. Your guests aren’t going to judge you for calling your credenza a sideboard or whatever.
And if anyone does try to correct you on furniture terminology, just smile and change the subject. Life’s too short to argue about whether something is technically a buffet or a sideboard!
Hope this helps clear up some of the confusion. Now I need to go tell my mum I finally found her a “credenza” – even though I’m pretty sure what she actually wants is just a nice sideboard!