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

Thoughtful interior design always blends utility and beauty. Yes, you need a place to sit, but you want to make sure that a sofa or chair adds character to the space. And of course a room needs storage solutions that hide away items when they aren't in use—but they should also feel sophisticated, not clunky. That's exactly where credenzas come in.

"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 Kelly Stone, an interior designer. "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."

But what exactly are credenzas—and how do they differ from other dining and living room storage pieces, like buffets and sideboards? Here, we explain how they've evolved over the years, and offer a few designer-approved ways to choose and style one beautifully in your space. 

What Is a Credenza? 

A credenza is a piece of furniture, typically made from wood, with a long, low profile. It features cabinets, shelving, and drawers meant for storing a variety of items, and is typically utilized in an entryway, dining room, living room, bedroom, or kitchen.

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

A Brief History 

Credenzas first made an appearance in the 14th century. At the time, they were primarily kept in the kitchen or dining room and used for serving and displaying food. "The word 'credenza' is Italian, and the name originally meant 'belief' or 'trust,'" says Alex Bass, the founder of Studio Salon 21, noting that someone would typically taste the food ahead of a meal to ensure it was safe (read: not poisonous) to eat. "This act was typically done next to the dining table."

Today, the credenza is used beyond the dining room. This beautiful and versatile piece of furniture has evolved into an eye-catching star of the room and comes in countless styles, colors, and sizes. 

Credenza vs. Sideboard vs. Buffet 

If you've ever been confused about the difference between a credenza, sideboard, and buffet, you definitely aren't alone. All three pieces are very similar in appearance and function—and Stone notes that the terms have become interchangeable in the design world. "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. There are, however, a few differences.

• Credenzas sit lower to the ground than sideboards and buffets, says Hunt. They rarely have legs—and if they do, they're typically very short.
• Sideboards, on the other hand, sometimes come with a hutch and include elongated cupboards. They are taller than credenzas and can double as a console or functional table (they could easily work in an entryway).
• Buffets are the easiest to identify; as the name suggests, these pieces are intended for buffet-style food service, so they are typically longer than their counterparts and are almost always found in a dining room setting. They also have a shorter body and longer legs.
  

Common Types of Credenza Styles 

A variety of credenza styles exist today, each suiting a unique interior design style. 

• Traditional: This style offers classic and elegant finishes and is typically made from wood species like mahogany, notes Stone.
• Mid-Century Modern: Mid-century modern styles are making a comeback and feature clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic; they are often supported on slim legs.
• Scandinavian: Scandinavian credenzas are similar to mid-century modern pieces, though they're almost always a pale wood hue and are even simpler in form. 
• Ornate: Ornately carved credenzas lend a luxurious or maximalist aesthetic and are real showstoppers in a space. 
• Industrial: Industrial styles often use metal instead of wood, says Stone. 

"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 for Your Space

Scale and intended use are the two most important factors to keep in mind when buying a credenza for your home. You want to make sure that it fits the space perfectly—never overwhelming a room or melting into the background completely—and that it serves your needs. 

Also consider how it fits into the rest of your home's aesthetic. You can either choose a credenza that matches what you already own—or opt for a piece that feels like a welcomed contrast. In the latter case, Stone says that stand-out features include unique textures, bold hardware, multiple levels, and even glass front cabinets to display your heirlooms. 

7 Credenza Styling Tips

No hard and fast rules exist when it comes to styling a credenza. Make it your own and leverage this sophisticated storage solution however you feel is best. That said, here are a few styling tips to get you started. 

• Add a lamp (or two): "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 mirror instantly opens up smaller spaces and looks beautiful above a credenza. 
• Opt for art: Instead of a mirror, Stone suggests creating a focal point above your credenza with a piece of statement 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: You can't go wrong with a flickering fragrant candle atop a credenza. Choose one that makes a statement via a gorgeous vessel or heavy size. 
• Arrange picture frames: Really personalize your credenza with one or two gorgeous frames featuring 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."