Sideboard Vs. Credenza: What Are the Differences?

Did you know that hiring an interior designer could cost you hundreds of dollars an hour?

If you want to give your home a facelift but aren’t ready to spend that kind of cash, you’re in for designing and furniture shopping for yourself. To do this, though, you need to understand what your options are for different kinds of furniture pieces.

One area that consistently trips up homeowners is the difference between home storage options. When asked what the specific differences are in sideboard vs. credenza, you may be hard-pressed to explain the differences.

Knowing the differences between these two kinds of furniture will help you choose the right one for your space and make sure you’re buying exactly what you want. Here, we lay out the differences between these two furniture items and how they are used in home decorating.

 

What is a Sideboard?

Sideboards sit up off the ground on sturdy, mid-length legs. They have floor-length storage drawers, cabinets, and shelves. Sideboards may even include a display case or two on their sides.

This stylish storage option often appears in home dining rooms and living rooms. Since they are raised off the ground, they make a good option if you’re looking for a statement piece for a room. They also work well for doubling as a buffet or serving area in your dining room.

Traditionally, sideboards tend to be more decorative in design than credenzas. However, many modern sideboards offer minimalistic design options as well.

 

 

What is a Credenza?

Unlike sideboards, credenzas sit low to the ground, or even on the ground itself. They tend to be much shorter and longer than sideboards.

Some consider the look of credenzas to be more modern than sideboards. While this is no longer necessarily true, a credenza will have a sleeker profile than most sideboard options out there.

However, because they have no legs, they’re rarely the best option for serving food or for storing items that you need to access frequently. They are used in dining rooms, living rooms, offices, or even entryways and hallways. Especially for home offices, they are a great alternative to file cabinet storage if you want something more visually appealing in your workspace.

Credenzas are versatile by design to fit whichever room you want to put them in. Some homeowners even use their credenzas as TV stands!

 

 

Sideboard vs. Credenza: You Decide

Now you know the difference between sideboard vs. credenza. Depending on where you plan to put the piece of furniture, how you plan to use it, and what kind of design you’re looking for, a credenza or a sideboard may be the best fit for you.

Use this information to choose the best sideboard or credenza for your dining room, living room, or office. You’ll save time and energy looking only for the kinds of pieces you know you want!

Looking for more interior design advice? Take a look at our other articles on design and decor!