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Sideboard, buffet or credenza? Discover the difference

By Guest Poster • 1 Comment

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By Samuel Clarke

Sideboards. Buffets. Credenzas. Many people use these names interchangeably to describe a relatively long, low storage piece. So what’s the difference between them? Not a whole lot really but let’s get lost in the semantics for just a moment.

KP3_Jan16_JJones_04

The sideboard

Usually a long, low and narrow storage piece on short legs, usually made of wood, with storage cabinets and/or drawers beneath. Often found in the dining room as extra ‘bench’ space and a place to rest and present food during meals.

The buffet

There is little difference in physical characteristics between the sideboard and the buffet. It is perhaps the context in which they appear that sets them apart. The buffet was first conceived in Europe as a surface to present an array of help-yourself-foods, which is why today we also associate the word with the ritual of eating way more than we should at self-serve bain-maries! Consequently, a sideboard in the dining room may often be referred to as a buffet.

The credenza

Again, there is little difference in the physical characteristics of the credenza. The word credenza is Italian for ‘belief’. Traditionally speaking, food was laid out on the credenza in order to be tested before serving to very important holy people, because, you know, there was the potential for poison and the like.

So as you can see, there’s not a lot in it and you’d be forgiven for using these terms interchangeably, as many furniture makers do themselves! The versatility of the piece sees them in the dining room, living room, hallway, entryway and even the bedroom. So in some cases they might even be referred to as a console table, cabinet or dresser.

Finding the right one

What we can agree on is that these pieces are both handy and handsome. So, where do you find them, and how do you decide on the right one for your space?

When deciding on the right one, think of its purpose. What will it be used for? Where will it be? Will it be the feature in the room, or a sidekick? These will influence your design choice. For example, as a buffet in the dining room, height and depth will be important factors in your decision, or in the living room, perhaps storage and display capacity will be the driving factors.

When you know what you need, a good place to start your search, as with anything, is online, and in particular, online marketplaces. When entering your search terms, enter all the terms you can think of including sideboard, buffet, credenza, and even hall table / console table for good measure. Add in the names of some of your favourite designers, materials and styles, and you’ll likely be spoiled for choice!

One sideboard, three ways

The humble Mid-Century sideboard below is by Parker Furniture, circa 1960s. It’s on the smaller side relative to other sideboards, and its simple, minimal design with clean, straight lines sees it fit into almost any space.

Living room

In the living room, a buffet can serve as a stand for your television, and if not your TV – it’s a great place to display collections of books, plants, prints and other treasures.

KP3_Jan16_JJones_03

Dining room

In addition to having a space to drop the h-ordeuvres at a dinner party, you can use this extra surface to place a lamp for mood lighting or display your prized serving dishes and ceramics.

KP3_Jan16_JJones_01

Hallway

Use the sideboard in the hallway to welcome guests and set the tone for your interior. Style it up with a floral centrepiece or something sculptural, add some art and use it as a temporary resting stop for keys and recent mail.

KP3_Jan16_JJones_04

–Samuel is a Melbourne-based interior stylist and the founder and curator of Kitsch please, Australia’s first dedicated online marketplace for buying and selling vintage homewares and furniture. 

Photography by Jennifer Jones | Styling by Samuel Clarke | Assistant styling by Matt Dine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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March 1, 2016

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SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

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😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
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Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍 Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛 Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛

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Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Sloan from her UK base about colour and Aussies' relationship with it. (And how's this for a before & after kitchen?! 😍)

Annie’s latest green hue, Coolabah Green, is inspired by the Eucalyptus trees of her childhood (did you know she was born in Sydney?). “I made it in tribute to Australia and I’m thrilled to say that’s been really popular both here in the UK and in Australia. It’s a kind of smoky, silvery sage green that’s very easy to work with and would complement accents of Amsterdam Green deliciously.”

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  1. As Seen In: Interiors Addict | Kitsch Please says:
    March 6, 2016 at 10:49 am

    […] Sideboards. Buffets. Credenzas. What’s the difference? We shed some light on the topic over at The Interiors Addict as well as three ways to style yours at home. You can read the full article here. […]

    Reply

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