From high style to retro chic and bohemian, we live and breathe home design and interior decorating and we’re here to inform and inspire you. Whether you’re seeking inspiration to update your space or just some practical advice, you came to the right place. Today we’re going to take a new journey through our world of design ideas, decorating tips & tricks and dream-worthy imagery to bring you some creative credenza styling ideas and solutions.
What is a credenza?
Credenza is one of the most popular contemporary furniture pieces today. However, there is no exact definition for it, being often confused with other furniture items in the same category like buffets, sideboards or servers, all of which share pretty much the same features. They each also have a set of distinctive characteristics, but you shouldn’t worry if you’ve had these terms mixed up. After all, there’s so much overlap between these furniture types that the terms sideboard, buffet and credenza are used interchangeably nowadays by both furniture makers and shops.
Whether you call it a buffet, a sideboard or a credenza, we’re talking about a relatively long, low storage piece usually found in the dining room. A sideboard is distinguished by the short legs and the cabinets that may reach all the way to the floor, a buffet has relatively high legs while a server is smaller, shorter, and more formal than a buffet or sideboard.
How about credenzas? Well, originally credenza started as a rough table with a cloth draped over it, evolving into a piece of furniture with no legs and cabinets that reached to the floor. Credenzas today, however, have legs and they’re likely to have sliding doors as well – these should be the details that differentiate them from the rest.
In the end, you can call it what you will – a credenza, sideboard or buffet. The only important thing is to find that furniture piece that fits your style and meets all of your needs.
How to decorate with a credenza desk and other similar furniture pieces
Though credenzas were originally created as a place for food that needed to be tasted to test for poison before being served to a VIP, they’ve come a long way to one of the most useful pieces of furniture. Credenza desks owe their popularity to their versatility as much as their functionality. Thanks to their wide-ranging styles and versatile functionality, you can use credenzas literally anywhere in your home and it will still compliment the room. Being a multi-tasking furniture piece with loads of storage space, a credenza can be used in many ways – like book shelves, entertainment center, buffet, and curio. Let’s see how they shine in offices, living rooms, bedrooms and beyond!
Living room credenza design ideas
Does your living room storage need an overhaul? Sideboards or credenzas can be the perfect solution to keep your living room clutter free. Not only do they provide storage space for family games, films, or even special glassware you do not want to keep in your kitchen cupboards, they can also be stunning decorative pieces.
Dining room credenza design ideas
Credenzas, sideboards and buffets are traditionally used in dining rooms to store serving platters. They are the obvious furniture choice in the dining space, helping you keep your dining room table reasonably clear and complement your table and chairs. Whether you’ll use them to display art or store dishes and glassware, these sleek cabinets can bring star power in dining rooms.
Bedroom credenza design ideas
Sideboards and credenzas can be a fantastic addition as bedroom storage. If you want to use it in a bedroom, pick a credenza desk with a mix of doors, drawers and shelves for complete versatility. Perfect for people who tend to accumulate clutter, it keeps the bedroom clean and organized.
Office credenza design ideas
Sideline those standard filing cabinets and work in a credenza desk instead. It can store plenty of office necessities in its cabinets and drawers. Also, its nice long top makes a useful work surface. Whether your ideal home office is simple and modest, or elaborate and impressive you can find a credenza to fit your style.
Hallway credenza design ideas
Your entryway is the first thing you (and your guests!) see upon arrival. However, hallways are often the no-man’s-land of home design. Whether you have a grand entry hall or a makeshift foyer nook, credenzas can give your entryway a stylish refresh. They’re also a quick way to infuse a little personality into your hallway.
[source]
As you can see, credenzas are a wonderful addition to almost any room in your home. Choose the one that fits your need and style and you can’t go wrong. Hopefully the ideas illustrated above will serve you as inspiration.