All About Credenzas

…And nothing but the credenza

A credenza is a long, horizontal cabinet, sometimes referred to as a buffet or sideboard.  There are literally hundreds of styles of credenzas, from ornate Asian designs to classic American to contemporary Scandinavian, and just as many uses. Before you make a selection, read on to learn all about credenzas.

There and then

The first credenzas were made in the 15th century and were basically just long tables used in dining room settings.  The name "credenza" comes from the English word "credence," owing to the fact that low side tables were often for food to be tested for poison before being served to the royalty of the house (if the food was fine, it was said to have credence, or truth). Somewhere along the way, American usage has reverted back to the Italian.

Here and now

In modern homes, credenzas have many uses.  Perhaps the most common, still, is in the dining room and kitchen.  Credenzas are often used to store and display fine china and silverware. 

The top surface is used as a serving table for large gatherings and the lower areas are sometimes used as small liquor cabinets.  There are even credenzas which are specifically made to store wine in, for the serious collector.

A credenza can resemble a desk quite closely because they often have a recessed area, or kneehole, to make sitting comfortable.  The main differences between a desk and a credenza are that an office credenza almost always contains filing cabinets or drawers, and the top surface of a credenza is usually at least a few inches shallower than that of the average desk.     

In an office setting, a credenza is a horizontal filing cabinet.  It is often set behind or perpendicular to a more decorative and ornate desk, which is more the focal point of the room.  The credenza is usually mostly utilitarian, being used for storage and, obviously, filing, though they too can be quite beautiful. 

Credenza styles

Styles of credenzas vary widely.  Home credenzas can be of almost any geographically-based design and from any era.  There are delicate and intricate Japanese credenzas and there are simple American shaker styles pieces. 

There are rich French designs inlaid with gold leafing, and there are sleek Scandinavian contemporary models.  In the office you will find everything from heavy oak, executive credenzas to metal and pressboard models reminiscent of a high school English teacher's desk. With so many styles and uses, the credenza is a hard piece of furniture to pin down.

More information on credenzas