You might have often heard the word Sideboard or Credenza and wondered what it meant or you probably know what kind of a furniture item it is but are perplexed about using it.
Read on to get more information and interesting styling ideas about this extremely useful piece of furniture that is an absolute essential in both houses and commercial spaces!
When placed in the dining area and used to store or serve food, sideboards are called Buffets. Buffets were originally used for storing plates, glasses, place mats, table linen and other cutlery items in dining rooms. Now a days sideboards can be found anywhere in the house right from kitchens and living rooms to kids’ rooms.
They are flat-topped and have cupboards and/or drawers. Sideboards can be of any size but they are not made too tall, their height is generally 36 inches or less. They are so versatile, they can be bought or customised to complement any room in your home or apartment.
The advantage sideboards have over cupboards is that they can be made to look professional for use in commercial spaces as storage units. Hotels, bars, restaurants, cafés, bistros, boutique stores, chain stores and offices, any place can accommodate a sideboard anywhere and anytime. Even if your interiors are completely done or you are looking for some additional storage you can get a sideboard customised to fulfil all your requirements and in the exact same style or theme!
Once you start using a sideboard, you cannot go back. Mostly known for their storage capacity, they are multi-purpose and come in plenty of shapes, sizes and designs!
Now that you know how useful these beauties are let’s talk about how to place them in different rooms of your apartment or in your boutique, café, store or hotel.
Sideboards can be used in any part of the house. They can be a part of the kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, pantry and kids’ room. For bedrooms you might want to consider sleeker options whereas living rooms could be furnished with bulkier ones depending on the space.
For kids’ rooms use them to store their toys, books and even clothes if you lack wardrobe space. Hang their artwork on the wall and use the top of the sideboard to keep a reading lamp and to display their pictures!
In your living room, place a comfortable armchair near the sideboard and opposite the sofa. You can keep books, reading glasses and other things that you need handy when sitting there! Since the coffee table is going to be at a distance keep your mug of tea on the sideboard while reading! Place a cool bluetooth speaker here to listen to your favourite music while lounging in the living room.
For commercial spaces, sideboards can be used in a variety of ways. Stores can use sideboards both for storage and display purposes. You can also get it made as an accent piece to bring attention to your products. For example, if there is a new collection in your store, you can get an eye catching sideboard made and display them on it. The focus will be entirely on them!
For cafés and restaurants, sideboards can store dishes and cutlery, display art or decorative items. If your café is decorated in Shabby Chic style, then you can use pretty, whimsical items in distress finish to liven it up!
Sideboards are indispensable for hotels. Right from reception to restaurant they can be used anywhere! In the reception area use a sleek, stylish sideboard to keep the welcome drinks. Since sideboards are flat topped, guests staying in rooms can keep their luggage on them. For rooms sideboards should be a combination of shelves and cupboards. Since the guests stay temporarily they need more open storage space as compared to closed.
For offices, as I mentioned earlier, they make great pantries. Executive sideboards are made in such a way that they can accommodate chairs and have enough storage capacity to store your files, stationery and other office products.
To find the perfect sideboard or Credenza click here!
FAQs
A sideboard, also known as a credenza, is a flat-topped piece of furniture featuring cupboards and/or drawers, traditionally used in dining rooms but now used throughout homes and commercial spaces for storage and display purposes.
When a sideboard is specifically placed in a dining room and used to serve or store food-related items like plates and cutlery, it is often referred to as a buffet.
Sideboards are extremely versatile and can be used in the kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, kids’ room, and pantry. Their purpose and design can vary based on the space and storage needs.
You can style a sideboard in the living room with artwork, books, a Bluetooth speaker, lamps, or decorative items. Pair it with an armchair to create a cozy reading nook and use it for practical storage.
Yes, sideboards are perfect for cafés, restaurants, boutique stores, hotels, and offices. They can serve as storage, display units, or even coffee/tea stations depending on the setting.
Sideboards can double up as TV stands, mini bars, book racks, indoor gardens, art display units, and even tea/coffee stations. Their design can be customized to suit your decor and utility.
Sideboards can be made using wood, metal, cane, and stone, and styled with techniques like bone inlay, hand painting, metalwork, or tile work. Choose from minimalist to French vintage or rustic designs.
Absolutely! For smaller areas, go for tall, shallow sideboards that maximize vertical storage without taking up much floor space, helping avoid clutter.
Yes, sideboards are perfect for displaying collectibles, art, or hobby-related items, allowing you to both showcase and store things in one chic and functional unit.
For office use, look for executive sideboards that offer a blend of drawers, shelves, and workspace. Some are even designed to accommodate seating and store files, stationery, and pantry items.
A sideboard is a type of furniture used for storage and display, typically placed in dining rooms, living rooms, or hallways.
It usually features cabinets, drawers, and a flat top surface — perfect for storing dishes, glassware, or linens and displaying decorative items like vases, lamps, or photos.
Originally designed for serving food, modern sideboards now come in various styles and materials (like wood, metal, or engineered wood) and can also be used as buffets, TV units, or console tables depending on your space and décor.
Yes, Mango wood is classified as a hardwood. Despite being lighter than some traditional hardwoods like oak or teak, it is strong, durable, and water-resistant, making it ideal for furniture, décor, and carvings.
Key qualities of Mango wood:
Hardwood category – dense and sturdy, suitable for everyday use.
Eco-friendly – sourced from mango trees that no longer bear fruit.
Attractive grain – features unique patterns and warm golden-brown tones.
Easy to work with – allows smooth finishing and detailed craftsmanship.
Overall, Mango wood offers the beauty and resilience of hardwood at a more affordable price, making it a popular choice for sustainable furniture.
Farmhouse décor is an interior design style that blends rustic charm with modern comfort, inspired by traditional countryside homes. It focuses on simplicity, warmth, and natural materials to create a cozy, lived-in feel.
Key features of farmhouse décor:
Natural materials: Wood, stone, linen, and metal accents.
Neutral color palette: Soft whites, creams, greys, and earthy tones.
Vintage & handcrafted touches: Worn finishes, distressed furniture, and antique-inspired pieces.
Functional design: Comfortable, practical furniture with a homely look.
Decorative accents: Barn doors, open shelving, woven baskets, and farmhouse sinks.
This style is perfect for those who want a welcoming, timeless, and relaxed home atmosphere.
When choosing a sideboard to pair with a dining table, consider proportion, scale, and functionality.
Guidelines:
Length: Ideally, a sideboard should be about 2/3 the length of your dining table. This keeps the visual balance and allows easy access.
Height: Most sideboards range from 30 to 36 inches tall, slightly lower than the table surface to keep a cohesive line.
Depth: A depth of 16–20 inches is usually sufficient for storage without crowding the dining area.
Spacing: Leave at least 36 inches between the table and sideboard for comfortable movement and serving.
This ensures your sideboard complements the table, provides ample storage, and maintains a comfortable dining space.
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