Credenza Shopping 101

Tuesday, January 31st, 2017

One piece of furniture that’s distinguishable by its long, flat top and storage space is the credenza. This lovely piece is a popular choice among homeowners, designers and decorators. Actually, the modern definition of the term credenza can even extend to sideboards which make credenza purchase a tad more difficult.

This buying guide should help you learn about credenza in general and its rich history. It also lists the types of credenzas and the materials that are often used in making them. As you finish reading this guide, you should be able to confidently shop for a new piece for your home.

What’s a Credenza? 

This word came from the Italian word which means belief. This became popular in the 16th century which referred to the act of servants that tasted food and drinks for their masters. This is so they could check for poison prior to serving the food and beverage to their employers or Cardinals (and other men of church).

This act often transpired in the dining room atop a table that’s used to serve as well as store the food, hence, the name stuck. This piece of furniture is a piece of furniture where you can both store and serve food nowadays.

Buyers who are shopping for a credenza often use this as a dining room piece. Savvy decorators, on the other hand, have extended its use to the living room and other parts of the house. Even home offices and patios have had a good use of credenzas.

Credenza Types 

Buffet or Sideboard. This is the traditional credenza type. Majority of antique credenzas were used as a sideboard or a buffet side table. These were also referred to as serving credenzas and were used to serve platters and dishes.

Office Credenza. This is often referred to as the desk credenza or the knee space credenza. Unlike the types used in the dining room, this credenza comes with space in the middle right where the user could sit comfortably (thus the term knee space).

There are also credenza forms that can be used together with desks. Once added to a regular desk, the office credenza can be used to create an L or U shape. This can then offer more work and storage space.

Bookcase or Entertainment unit. This is not a very popular style for a credenza though it’s a useful one. These can also be converted into sideboards, as dedicated units or hutch additions.

This kind of credenza is often found inside the library, living room or the home office.

Display case. This is an offshoot of the credenza desk and an entertainment unit. This can be added to a desk or as a traditional unit with glass doors. Display case credenzas can be used to store figurines, books and other collectibles.

Credenza Materials 

The most common kind of materials used in manufacturing credenzas these days includes wood, metal and glass.

Credenza Shopping 

Once you’re ready to buy a credenza, you must evaluate the units that you have considered online. For the finest credenza selection, read this.

The credenza’s length must be roughly proportional to the room’s size. A big room requires a bigger and longer credenza. A smaller room would require a smaller piece.

If the other pieces of living room furniture are all low-slung, then be sure to shop for a credenza that follows suit. If you’re thinking of putting the credenza in the dining room, then a taller model is often best.

Don’t forget about the overall appearance, though. Check also the configuration of the drawers and doors.

This piece of furniture has a rich history that dates all the way back to the 16th century in Italy and Turkey. This is a great piece for the home office, living room and the dining room so choose it correctly.

Tags: credenza, credenza buying, credenza shopping, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for credenza
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Credenza Shopping 101