• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
    • Get Your Free Ebook

      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • 20240206_185022-01Before & after: tiles steal the show in 90s kitchen revamp
    • IMG_0235Kerb appeal: 3-bedder given fresh new look for retirees
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • TheClassicOutfitter_AbbieMelle_43Quartzite is the new ‘it’ stone but it’s more than just Taj Mahal
    • 0C5A0574-EditMosman en suite gets “sexy, strong, girly and sophisticated” look
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • COMMERCIAL_GoldOverBlue_28May2025_0007What’s new in furniture and homewares: May 2025
    • Screenshot 2025-05-19 at 1.02.34 pmClean your carpets professionally at home without the dry time
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Montage Apartment by Studio PrineasApartment takes out two major categories in design awards
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Crispy egg noodles with seafood p. 116Foodie Friday: crispy egg noodles with seafood
    • 1293660_lifestyle Crossland Pearl GL-Porc Txt Rect 597×1195 UNI_Crossland_AMB 02_Living_PearlHow to bring your favourite travel destinations home
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Sideboard, buffet or credenza? Discover the difference

By Guest Poster •

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

March 1, 2016

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian bathroom standards: dimensions explained by an expert

  • Apartment takes out two major categories in design awards

  • Win the new super slim robot vacuum and mop from DEEBOT

  • Modern architectural gem is perfect for family living

  • Castlery team up with stylist Steve Cordony as brand ambassador

Follow us on Instagram

If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

Comment 'enter' and we'll DM you the link to enter for your chance to win this top of the range $1499 robot from @ecovacs_anz, the DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI.

Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

From cold to cosy!

This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

If you'd like to take the tour and find out where everything is from, comment 'luxe' below and I'll send the link to your DMs!

Bravo @howardlanedesigns 👏🏼 
📸 @capturedbykels__

#ensuiteinspo #ensuitedecor #ensuitegoals #marblebathrooms #statementstone
The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery collection. This is a framed canvas and the quality is amazing. I feel like beautifully framed canvas prints are the perfect affordable halfway point when it comes to art.
What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

I could have told you I was spring even before I took the quick quiz to find out, and pleased to report the quiz gave me the right result!

Comment the season you THINK you are below (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and I'll send you the link to the quiz so you can double check!

Fun!

This quiz from @templeandwebster jumps on the colour analysis trend for fashion and applies it to interiors!

#seasonaldecorating #seasonaldecor #colouranalysis
The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday w The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday was a real treat. Such an exciting and sleek looking upgrade to my favourite kitchen machine!

The new look speaks for itself and, as usual, the engineering is impressive. Here's the biggest changes that stood out to me:

1. It's SO quiet and in fact SILENT up to a certain speed 
2. It has a much bigger 10 inch screen
3. A new insulated, cool to touch bowl (the inner metal bowl detaches to wash)
4. A gorgeous new matte black design with fluted and herringbone details and made of 30% recycled materials 👏🏼 

Enjoyed a beautiful lunch all prepared, naturally, in the Thermomix! Was great to meet @mise_en_place_aus in real life as well as special guest dessert queen @kirstentibballs and catch up with the lovely Thermomix team.

Tag a friend who'll be coveting the TM7! It's available from next week!

#thermomixtm7 #thermomix #thermomixaus #thermomixlover
Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Chec Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Check out the kitchen and bathroom of the year winners in this month's @hia_au @csrdwelling Housing Awards. There's more winning homes and rooms to check out in our blog post on the homepage, via link in bio or stories now. 

Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
We're so in love with this reno by @jdzdesigns_ 😍😍😍

It's a remodel of a previously dark and pokey extension to a Victorian Gothic home. It's now an open plan dream, and the transition from old to new is beautifully done with impressive black steel doors.

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for the full story and tour.

#kitchenislands #superwhite #luxurykitchens #openplanlivingspace #steeldoordesign

📸 @lawrencefurzey
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About Guest Poster

If you have high quality, original, relevant content to share, we might be interested in publishing your guest post on Interiors Addict. Please email [email protected] with your submissions.

More from Furniture

Castlery team up with stylist Steve Cordony as brand ambassador

What’s new in furniture and homewares: May 2025

How to apply fashion colour analysis to your home

Apartment dwellers will love Castlery’s new collections

This new Coco Republic collection is all about elevating basics

Our top picks from Satara’s stunning and biggest collection yet

Our intern’s top picks from new Kmart Home

‘Best of IKEA’ 2025 STOCKHOLM range in stores this week

Curated, considered and timeless: The Object Collective

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  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. […]

Promo Area

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2025 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in