Finding a multi-purpose, highly functional piece of furniture for your home can feel overwhelming. You need a piece that can provide storage and display space in equal measure without taking up too much space. Enter the credenza. Used for centuries as a utilitarian addition to dining spaces, modern credenzas have a place in many areas of the home, from entry to living and working spaces.
But where are you to start in your shopping quest? And how can you be sure you have the best piece in mind for your space? Bondars is here to resolve your queries and help ease your credenza woes. We have a selection of the top 14 credenza choices, plus 3 things to consider before buying one.
So, let us dive into the world of useful, multi-hyphenate pieces to help you find the right credenza for your needs.
A credenza: what is this fancy-sounding cabinet, and what is its purpose in room design? Simply put, a credenza is a long, somewhat narrow sideboard cabinet that traditionally does not have legs.
The word credenza comes from the Italian word for “confidence” or “belief” and is rooted in the confidence Medieval or Renaissance nobles needed to have in their food not being tainted. So, in an act of self-preservation, these nobles often had servants or designated testers try the food before it was served. This taste test occurred after the food left the kitchen before being brought to the table. It was typically done at a sideboard in the dining room, which we now call a credenza.
Today, a credenza has a less serious role in home design. It can act as a buffet space and storage for dishes and serveware in the dining room, a drop zone for things in the entryway, or a discreet place to house your printer and supplies in working spaces. The modern credenza fits into busy lives in more ways than one.
As with any substantial piece of furniture you add to your home, a credenza is something you shouldn’t just pick up and bring home on a whim. Having a plan and a solid understanding of what you need are important parts of the buying process to keep in mind.
Before choosing a credenza for your home, consider the following shopping and selection tips.
Knowing what you need is often the first step in buying home furnishings.
Take into consideration the steps below to determine which credenza is right for you and your space:
We all have a unique style reflected in our choices for our homes’ spaces. Whether you feel most comfortable in a home with contemporary finishes or one that feels like a vintage vision, there is certainly a credenza for you. However, knowing what style suits your taste and your space is next up on the list of steps to take before buying a credenza.
Consult the table below for a quick rundown of popular home décor styles:
| Style | Description |
| Modern | Features sleek, minimalist designs with clean lines and contemporary materials. Often includes metal, glass, or lacquer finishes for a sophisticated look. |
| Mid-Century | Characterized by a retro aesthetic with simple, functional forms. Typically made from wood with tapered legs and a focus on organic shapes and geometric patterns. |
| Traditional | Emphasizes classic designs with ornate details, rich wood finishes, and decorative hardware. Often includes elements like carved accents and curved lines. |
| Coastal | Inspired by beachside living, this style incorporates light colours, natural materials like rattan and wicker, and airy, relaxed designs. Often features weathered finishes. |
| Farmhouse | Combines rustic charm with practical design. Features distressed wood, metal accents, and a warm, inviting feel. Often includes sliding barn doors and vintage-inspired hardware. |
No one wants to be disappointed at the lack of longevity of their credenza (or other piece of furniture). Not only is it a waste of time and money, but it can be frustrating, too.
To ensure your credenza can stack up with the busyness and everyday wear, follow a few key tips when shopping to find the best of the best when it comes to quality:
Additionally, considering the material the piece is made from is another important step in your credenza-purchasing journey. The table below breaks down typical credenza materials to help you decide which to settle on.
| Material | Description | Best Suited For |
| Wood | Durable and timeless, wood credenzas come in various types, like teak, walnut, oak, and pine. | Traditional, mid-century modern, farmhouse, and vintage styles. Ideal for adding warmth and a classic look to any room. |
| Metal | Offers a sleek and industrial appearance, often with clean lines and a contemporary feel. | Modern and industrial styles. Suitable for adding a contemporary, edgy touch to living rooms or offices. |
| Mirrored | Features mirrored surfaces that reflect light, adding a touch of elegance and making spaces appear larger. | Glam, modern, and coastal styles. Perfect for adding sophistication and brightness to smaller or dimly lit rooms. |
Modulum Entertainment Credenza – Bernhardt
A modern credenza is the epitome of sleek design and functionality. With clean lines, minimalistic features, and contemporary finishes, this piece enhances any room with a touch of sophistication. Its ample storage space and streamlined appearance make it an ideal addition to living rooms, dining areas, or offices, perfectly blending form and function.
Martine Sideboard – Stickley
Who better to know mid-century design than a company that has produced stunning wood furniture since the beginning of the last century and through the period in time itself? Stickley offers a wide range of stunning pieces with classic silhouettes, and a mid-century modern credenza is no exception. This style combines retro aesthetics with practical storage solutions, making it a perfect fit for vintage-inspired and contemporary interiors.
Aziza Sideboard – Sunpan Furniture
A black credenza exudes elegance and versatility, seamlessly fitting into any decor scheme. Its bold, dark finish adds a striking contrast to lighter walls and furnishings while offering ample storage space for your essentials. Whether used in a dining room, living room, or hallway, a black credenza is a sophisticated and practical choice.
Love Interest – Caracole
A bar credenza is the ultimate addition for entertaining enthusiasts, combining style with utility. Designed to house your favourite spirits, glassware, and bar tools, this piece transforms any space into a chic and functional home bar. This style’s elegant design and thoughtful organization make hosting guests a breeze, adding a touch of sophistication to your gatherings.
East Hampton Entertainment Credenza – Bernhardt Furniture
A credenza TV stand offers a stylish and practical solution for your entertainment needs. With ample television surface space and additional media equipment storage, this style helps keep your living area organized and clutter-free. A TV unit credenza has an elegant design and a versatile finish, making it a seamless addition to any decor.
Vetro White Sideboard – Colibri Furniture
A white credenza adds a fresh and airy feel to any room, creating a sense of spaciousness and light. The style’s clean, crisp finish complements a variety of decor styles, from modern to traditional. Offering ample storage and a versatile design, a white credenza is both a functional and visually appealing choice for your home.
Walnut Grove Credenza – Stickley
A walnut credenza is a statement piece that combines rich, warm tones with elegant design. The distinctive grain pattern and luxurious finish of walnut wood make this piece a focal point in any room. With ample storage and a refined appearance, a walnut credenza adds a touch of sophistication and timeless appeal to your home.
Renaud Sideboard – Four Hands
A wood credenza brings the beauty of natural materials into your home, offering a versatile and timeless storage solution. Available in various wood types and finishes, this style complements any decor style, from rustic to contemporary. Its sturdy construction and ample storage make it a practical and stylish addition to any room.
Cascade Credenza – Hooker Furniture
A dining room credenza is a functional and elegant addition to your dining space, providing extra storage for dinnerware, linens, and serving pieces. Its stylish design enhances the room’s decor while keeping essentials organized and accessible. A dining room credenza combines practicality with aesthetic appeal, perfect for entertaining or everyday use.
Wythe Two-Door Credenza – Century Furniture
A small credenza is the perfect solution for compact spaces, offering storage and style without overwhelming the room. Its sleek design and efficient use of space make it ideal for apartments, offices, or any area where space is at a premium. Despite its smaller size, a small credenza provides ample storage and a chic look.
Elisabeth Media Unit – Nuevo Furniture
Not all homes have enough space for a large, deep credenza; not all spaces’ scale and design do either. A narrow credenza is designed to fit seamlessly into these compact areas while providing ample storage and display space – all without sacrificing aesthetics. This style is perfect for adding functionality and elegance to areas that require a more compact solution.
Mission Three Door Display Buffet – Stickley
A vintage credenza adds a touch of nostalgia and character to your home. It features timeless design elements and often intricate detailing. This style brings a sense of history and charm, making it a standout addition to any room. A vintage credenza combines beauty with practical storage, perfect for those who appreciate classic aesthetics.
Unity Credenza – Caracole
A storage credenza offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, providing ample space to keep your belongings organized and out of sight. Its versatile design makes it suitable for any room, from the living area to the office. With a variety of finishes and styles available, a storage credenza can complement any decor while enhancing your home’s organization.
Sanctuary Four-Door Mirrored Console – Hooker Furniture
A mirrored credenza adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to any space. The reflective surfaces enhance the room’s brightness and create an illusion of more space. Perfect for modern and luxurious interiors, a mirrored credenza provides stylish storage while making a bold decorative statement.
Yes, a credenza can be used as a TV stand. Ensure the credenza is sturdy enough to support your television and has enough storage space for media components and accessories. Special features like grommet holes and ventilation slots can make a difference for those with multiple gaming systems or receivers hidden in their credenzas by allowing for appropriate ventilation and easy access to cables.
Many home furnishing experts would say these are interchangeable terms in today’s less formal home setting. However, there are some differences between the three. While all are narrower cabinets with a tabletop-type surface to display items, each originates from a different place worldwide. The term “sideboard” has English origins, “credenza” is Italian, and “buffet” comes from French. A sideboard may more accurately describe a living room or workspace storage cabinet, while a buffet is distinctly part of the dining room. A credenza can also be more flexible, but these three words mean the same thing overall.
A dining room credenza can store dining essentials like dishes, silverware, and table linens. It can also serve as a buffet table during meals or gatherings. Bonus if you decide to turn it into a bar of sorts! Look for interior storage features that include wine racks, bottle storage, and compartments for glasses and other bar accessories to create your very own hidden bar at home!
Yes, there are small and narrow credenzas available designed to fit in compact spaces. These credenzas offer the same functional storage benefits while being proportionate to smaller rooms or tight areas.
Credenzas can be an exceptionally functional – and stylish option to add to your space. Whether you’re seeking a flashy mirrored credenza to reflect light into your space or are hoping to bring a touch of elegance to the room with a timeless teak credenza, this piece of furniture is the perfect addition to your home’s entryway, dining, office or living space. Plus, you’re armed with the top three tips to find the perfect option for your home.
Come by our Calgary showroom to see some fantastic credenza options you’ll be sure to love and get expert advice from our in-store professionals by contacting us.
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