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Sideboard, buffet or credenza? Discover the difference

March 1, 2016 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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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🤣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❤️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

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Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness 😉

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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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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