Credenzas vs. Sideboards: What Are the Differences?

Both stylish and functional, modern credenzas and sideboards are effective pieces of dining room furniture that provide storage and an attractive appearance. While both types of furniture are common, not many people actually know what sets them apart. To help, let’s compare what the differences are between credenzas and sideboards.

Credenzas

Credenzas hail all the way back to the 14^th century. These beautiful pieces of furniture were used as places for servants to sample food and drinks for the elite. The idea was that servants would sample everything served to make sure there was nothing poisoned. These pieces of furniture would earn the Italian name “credenza,” which translates to “belief” or “confidence” because it gave the elite confidence their food was safe.

Obviously, we don’t have such threats in the modern era, but credenzas still have a place in the dining room! Credenzas differentiate themselves by being long and low to the floor—featuring short or no legs—providing ample storage space. They also tend to have sleek sliding doors ideal for cramped spaces.

Sideboards

Sideboards don’t have quite the unique history that credenzas do, but they differ by providing a taller and more versatile piece of dining room furniture. They’re typically around 35 inches tall and can serve as an entryway table, whereas a credenza cannot due to how short it is. Sideboards also fit in foyers and beside living room sofas, making them a casual surface to hold drinks or food while you socialize in comfort.

Which is Better?

You may still be wondering, even with a better idea of what the differences are between credenzas and sideboards, which is better. Well, it depends on your preferences and needs. Credenzas are exclusively dining room furniture and have a storied past that will delight history buffs. Furthermore, their shorter height can hold larger objects, such as TVs, if desired.

Sideboards, on the other hand, can fit in other parts of the home and serve as a helpful surface or convenient storage space. Take some time to compare and contrast the two to decide which would be better for your intended purposes.