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Is there a difference between a Credenza, Buffet or Sideboard?
A credenza is a type of furniture that has a long, low profile and usually features cabinets, drawers, or shelves for storage. It can be used as a sideboard, a buffet table, a media console, or a sofa table, depending on its size, style, and function. The term credenza comes from the Italian word for “belief” or “trust”, and it originally referred to a small table where food was placed before being served to the guests, to ensure that it was not poisoned.
Credenzas have a long and rich history, dating back to the Renaissance period in Europe. They were often ornate and decorated with carvings, paintings, or inlays. They were also used as display cases for valuable items, such as silverware, porcelain, or books. Credenzas became popular in North America in the mid-20th century, especially during the post-war boom of modern design. They were seen as sleek and functional pieces of furniture that could fit in any room and serve multiple purposes.
If you are looking for a versatile and stylish piece of furniture for your home or office, you might want to consider getting a credenza. A credenza can add storage space, surface area, and aesthetic appeal to your space. It can also help you organize your belongings, hide your clutter, and showcase your personality. Whether you need a place to store your dishes, linens, electronics, or documents, a credenza can meet your needs.
But not all credenzas are created equal. If you want a high-quality and unique credenza that reflects your taste and style. Here at Taitlin Studio, we are a custom furniture maker that specializes in solid wood tables, including credenzas. Taitlin Studio is located just outside Edmonton in Nisku, Alberta, and it has been crafting beautiful and durable furniture since 2019.
Key Takeaways
- A credenza is a long, low piece of furniture that can be used as a sideboard, a buffet table, a media console, or a sofa table.
- Credenzas have a historical origin in Italy and became popular in North America in the mid-20th century.
- Credenzas can provide storage space, surface area, and aesthetic appeal to your home or office.
Types of Credenzas
Credenzas come in a wide range of styles and designs that can suit any taste and preference. You can find credenzas that match your décor and furniture style, whether you like rustic, farmhouse, modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, live edge, or epoxy river. Here are some of the most popular types of credenzas and their features:
- Rustic: Rustic credenzas have a natural and cozy look that can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your space. They are made of reclaimed or distressed wood that has a rough or weathered texture. They often have metal details, such as hinges, handles, or legs, that add some contrast and character. Rustic credenzas usually have cabinets and drawers that provide ample storage space for your items.
- Farmhouse: Farmhouse credenzas have a charming and elegant look that can add some personality and flair to your space. They are made of pine or other light-colored wood that has a smooth and refined texture. They often have a white or cream finish that highlights the wood grain. Farmhouse credenzas typically have cabinets and shelves that offer plenty of storage space for your items.
- Modern: Modern credenzas have a sleek and sophisticated look that can create a minimalist and chic atmosphere in your space. They are made of walnut or other dark-colored wood that has a glossy or matte finish. They often have a chrome or steel base that gives them a sturdy and stable look. Modern credenzas usually have sliding doors or open compartments that provide enough storage space for your items.
- Mid-century modern: Mid-century modern credenzas have a retro and fun look that can add some color and vibrancy to your space. They are inspired by the design trends of the 1950s and 1960s, which featured simple and geometric shapes and patterns. They are made of maple or other light-colored wood that has a natural or stained finish. They often have tapered legs, rounded corners, and colorful accents. Mid-century modern credenzas typically have drawers and cabinets that provide sufficient storage space for your items.
- Contemporary: Contemporary credenzas have a creative and eclectic look that can add some variety and interest to your space. They are influenced by the current design trends and preferences, which feature a mix of materials, colors, textures, and shapes. They are made of oak or other medium-colored wood that has a gray or black finish. They often have a metal or wood frame that gives them a dynamic and edgy look. Contemporary credenzas usually have doors or shelves that provide adequate storage space for your items.
- Live edge: Live edge credenzas have a unique and stunning look that can showcase the beauty and diversity of nature in your space. They are made of wood slabs that retain their natural edges and curves, which give them an organic and rustic look. They often have metal or wood legs that support the slab, which give them an elegant and modern look. Live edge credenzas usually have one cabinet or drawer that provides enough storage space for your items.
- Epoxy river: Epoxy river credenzas have an artistic and eye-catching look that can create a focal point in your space. They are made of two wood slabs that are separated by a gap filled with epoxy resin, which give them a flowing and watery look. The resin can be colored or transparent to create different effects, such as blue, green, purple, or clear. Epoxy river credenzas usually have no doors or drawers, but they have a shelf that provides enough storage space for your items.
How to Choose a Credenza
In this part, we will give you some tips and advice on how to select the best credenza for your space, needs, and budget. Here are some of the things that you should consider when choosing a credenza:
- Size: The size of your credenza should match the size of your room and the available space. You don’t want one that is too big or too small for your space. A good rule of thumb is to measure the length and width of your wall and subtract about 12 inches from each side. This will give you the maximum dimensions of your credenza. You should also measure the height of your credenza and make sure that it is not too high or too low for your comfort and convenience.
- Shape: The shape should complement the shape of your room and the other furniture in it. You can choose between a rectangular, a square, or a curved credenza, depending on your preference and style. A rectangular credenza is the most common and versatile shape, as it can fit in any room and provide ample storage space. A square credenza is ideal for smaller spaces or corners, as it can create a cozy and symmetrical look. A curved credenza is perfect for adding some flair and personality to your space, as it can create a soft and elegant look.
- Function: The function of your credenza should match your needs and expectations. You should think about what you want to use your credenza for and what you want to store in it. Do you need a credenza for serving food and drinks? Then you might want a credenza with a flat top and some drawers or cabinets for storing dishes, linens, or cutlery. Do you need a credenza for displaying your media devices or books? Then you might want a credenza with some shelves or open compartments for storing your electronics, books, or art. Do you need a credenza for hiding your clutter or documents? Then you might want a credenza with some doors or drawers that can keep your items out of sight.
- Style: The style of your credenza should reflect your taste and personality. You should choose a credenza that suits your décor and furniture style, whether it is rustic, farmhouse, modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, live edge, or epoxy river. You should also consider the color, texture, and finish of your credenza, as they can affect the mood and atmosphere of your space. You can choose between a natural wood finish that showcases the wood grain, a stained wood finish that adds some color and depth, or a painted wood finish that creates a smooth and uniform look.
These are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a credenza. Of course, you don’t have to settle for a standard or generic credenza that you can find in any store or online. You can also customize your own unique credenza with Taitlin Studio.
How to Style a Credenza
Once you have chosen or customized your perfect credenza, you might want to decorate and accessorize it to enhance its beauty and utility. A credenza can be a great place to display your personal items, such as lamps, plants, books, art, or photos. It can also be a great place to store your essential items, such as keys, wallets, phones, or chargers. Here are some ideas and inspiration on how to style your credenza:
- Lamps: Lamps can add some light and warmth to your space, especially if your credenza is in a dark or dim area. You can choose lamps that match the style and color of your credenza, or you can choose lamps that contrast with it for some variety and interest. You can place one lamp on each end of your credenza, or you can place one large lamp in the center of it.
- Plants: Plants can add some life and freshness to your space, especially if your credenza is in a dull or plain area. You can choose plants that are easy to care for and that don’t need much water or sunlight, such as succulents, cacti, or ferns. You can place them in pots or vases that match the style and color of your credenza, or you can place them in pots or vases that contrast with it for some texture and depth. You can place one plant on each end of your credenza, or you can place several plants along the length of it.
- Books: Books can add some knowledge and culture to your space, especially if your credenza is in a cozy or relaxing area. You can choose books that you love or that you want to read, such as novels, biographies, or magazines. You can stack them horizontally or vertically on your credenza, or you can arrange them in a creative way, such as by color, size, or genre. You can also use bookends to keep them in place and to add some style and personality to your space.
- Art: Art can add some beauty and creativity to your space, especially if your credenza is in a bland or boring area. You can choose art that you admire or that you made yourself, such as paintings, prints, or sculptures. You can hang them on the wall above your credenza, or you can lean them against the wall on top of your credenza. You can also use frames or stands to display them on your credenza.
- Personal items: Personal items can add some charm and character to your space, especially if your credenza is in a personal or intimate area. You can choose items that reflect your hobbies, interests, memories, or achievements, such as photos, souvenirs, trophies, or awards. You can place them in trays, baskets, or boxes that match the style and color of your credenza, or you can place them in trays, baskets, or boxes that contrast with it for some variety and fun. You can place one item on each end of your credenza, or you can place several items along the length of it.
These are some of the ideas and inspiration on how to style your credenza. Of course, you don’t have to follow these suggestions exactly. You can also mix and match different items and styles to create your own unique look. The most important thing is to have fun and express yourself with your credenza.
Conclusion
A credenza is a long, low piece of furniture that can be used as a sideboard, a buffet table, a media console, or a sofa table. They have a historical origin in Italy and became popular in North America in the mid-20th century. Also, they can provide storage space, surface area, and aesthetic appeal to your home or office.
There are many types that you can choose from, such as rustic, farmhouse, modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, live edge, or epoxy river. You can also customize your own unique credenza with Taitlin Studio, a custom furniture maker that specializes in solid wood tables and credenzas.
Taitlin Studio offers quality, artistry, and personalized service for custom solid wood tables and credenzas. You can choose the wood type, the stain color, the leg style, and any other details that you want for your custom-made credenza. Taitlin Studio uses only the finest quality of solid wood from local sources in Alberta.
If you are interested in getting a custom solid wood table or credenza from Taitlin Studio, you can visit their website or contact them by phone or email. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you design your dream credenza.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about what is a credenza and how it relates to Taitlin Studio. For more inspiration, check out some ideas on Pintrest.