What is a credenza, the short answer: a credenza is a low, long storage cabinet with closed storage behind doors (often sliding doors), a few drawers at most, and either very short legs or no legs at all. Most credenzas are 24–34 in tall and 16–20 in deep, so the top sits at or just below desk height. It started as an Italian dining room side cabinet, became a standard piece of office furniture in the 20th century, and today works as a media console under a TV, a dining room storage cabinet, an office storage unit or a low entry cabinet. A sideboard and a buffet do the same job in a dining room but usually stand taller and hold more drawers; a console table is narrow, open and has no real storage.
The words credenza, sideboard and buffet are often used interchangeably, and furniture stores do not agree on exact definitions. This guide explains what each piece of furniture is, the subtle distinctions in height, depth, legs and storage, where a credenza works best, how to size one to your wall or TV, the main styles and materials, and how to style and care for it. If you are choosing specifically for a dining room, our sideboard vs buffet guide goes deeper into dining pieces and hutches; this article focuses on the credenza.
What Is a Credenza?
A credenza is a low cabinet designed mainly for storage rather than display. What qualifies as a credenza is less a strict rule than a set of traits that most pieces share:
- Low profile. Credenzas are typically lower than sideboards and buffets. Many sit at about 29–32 in, close to the height of a desk or dining table, and media credenzas can be as low as 20–26 in.
- Long and fairly shallow. Lengths of 48–80 in are common, with a shallow depth of about 16–20 in, so a credenza fits along a wall without eating into the room.
- Doors first, drawers second. The main purpose is closed storage: cabinets with adjustable shelves behind hinged, sliding or slatted doors, sometimes with one row of drawers.
- Very short legs, a plinth or a recessed base. A classic credenza looks grounded. Mid-century credenzas are the exception, often raised on slim tapered legs.
- A usable top. The flat top holds a TV, a lamp, a printer, a tray of drinks or decorative items.
Why Is It Called a Credenza?
Credenza is an Italian word meaning "belief" or "trust", from the medieval Latin credentia. The story usually told is that in Renaissance Italy, food and drink for an important household were set out on a side cabinet and tasted by a servant before being served, to show they were safe and not poisoned. The act of tasting was called the credenza, and the name passed to the cabinet itself. In modern Italian, credenza still simply means a sideboard or cupboard.
From Dining Room to Office and Back
In the 20th century, especially in the United States, the credenza moved into the office. An office credenza is a low cabinet that sits behind or beside a desk and holds files, office supplies and, later, printers and computer equipment. That is why many people still think of a credenza as office furniture. In modern homes the piece has come full circle: the same low, closed design now holds media equipment in living rooms, dinnerware in dining rooms and paperwork in a home office.
Credenza vs Sideboard vs Buffet vs Console Table vs Dresser
These storage pieces overlap, and retailers often use the terms interchangeably. The table below shows the typical differences. Treat the numbers as ranges, not rules: always check the actual dimensions of the piece you are buying.
| Credenza | Sideboard | Buffet | Console table | Dresser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical height | 24–34 in (often about 30 in) | 30–36 in | 34–38 in | 28–32 in | 30–44 in (low dresser) |
| Typical depth | 16–20 in | 16–20 in | 18–22 in | 10–16 in | 18–22 in |
| Legs | Very short legs, plinth or none (tapered legs on mid-century styles) | Often raised on short legs | Short legs or a solid base that sits directly on the floor | Longer legs, open underneath | Short legs or a base |
| Storage | Doors (often sliding) with shelves, few drawers | Cabinets and drawers | Cabinets and drawers, usually the most storage space | Open shelf or 1–2 shallow drawers | Drawers only |
| Typical room | Living room (TV), home office, dining area, entry | Dining room, living room, entry | Dining room | Entryway, hallway, behind a sofa | Bedroom |
Credenza vs Sideboard
A sideboard is a long dining cabinet with drawers and cabinets, usually raised on short legs and a little taller than a credenza. A credenza is lower and more focused on doors and closed storage, and it is more likely to be used outside the dining room. In practice, a 30–32 in tall sideboard with doors and a single row of drawers is essentially a credenza, and many stores list the same piece under both names.
Credenza vs Buffet
Is a credenza taller than a buffet? Usually not. A buffet is the dining room piece built to serve food: it is typically taller (about 34–38 in, a few inches above a 30 in dining table) and deeper, so platters and buffet tables of food are easy to reach while standing. A credenza is lower and slimmer. If you mainly want a serving surface next to your dining table, a buffet or sideboard is the better fit; if you want a low cabinet for a TV or an office, choose a credenza.
Credenza vs Console Table
A console table is a narrow table, often 10–16 in deep, on longer legs with open space underneath and maybe one or two drawers. It is made for a hallway, entryway or the back of a sofa, where you need a surface for keys, a lamp and display pieces but not much storage. A credenza is a full storage cabinet: deeper, closed and much better at hiding clutter. The main difference between a sideboard and a console table is the same: the sideboard stores, the console table displays.
Credenza vs Dresser
A dresser is a bedroom piece made of drawers, while a credenza is mostly cabinets behind doors. A low, wide dresser can stand in for a credenza in a living room if you want drawer storage, and a credenza can work in a bedroom if you prefer shelves. For a full side-by-side comparison, see our dressers vs credenzas article.
What Is Another Name for a Credenza?
Depending on the room and the store, a credenza may be called a sideboard, buffet, media console, media credenza, TV credenza, low storage cabinet or office credenza. In the UK, "sideboard" is the more common word for the same piece. Americans use sideboard, buffet and credenza for dining room storage; the fancier names you might see are server, buffet cabinet and, for a sideboard with a display top, hutch.
Where to Use a Credenza: Dining Rooms, Living Rooms and More
A credenza is one of the most versatile storage pieces you can buy because the low, closed design works in very different spaces. Here is how to use one in each room.
Dining Room Storage
In a dining room, a credenza holds dinnerware, table linens, serving pieces and candles, and the top works as a serving surface or a bar. Choose doors with adjustable shelves for stacks of plates and bowls, and at least one drawer for flatware and napkins. Because a credenza is lower than a buffet, it suits a dining area under a window or a large piece of art. For more ideas, see our dining room storage ideas.
Living Rooms: The Credenza as a Media Console
Do you put a TV on a credenza? Yes, and it is one of the most common uses today. A low credenza works as a media console or TV stand: the TV sits on top, and the cabinets hide streaming boxes, game consoles, remotes, board games and cables. Check three things before you buy: the top weight rating covers your TV, the back has cable openings or can be left open, and the doors let remote signals through or can stay open. Slatted doors, cane fronts or glass doors help airflow around media equipment. Our living room storage ideas cover the rest of the room.
Home Office
The office credenza is still a smart choice. Behind a desk, it holds office supplies, files and a printer at a comfortable height, and the top gives you extra workspace. Look for a depth of 18–20 in for a printer and a drawer that can take hanging files. See our home office storage ideas for layouts.
Entryway and Bedroom
In a wide entry, a slim credenza gives you closed storage for shoes, bags and everyday items with a landing spot for keys and mail on top. In a bedroom, a low credenza can replace a dresser for folded clothes on shelves, or sit at the foot of the bed. Our bedroom storage ideas show more options.
Credenza Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Credenza
The right credenza fits your available space, your wall and whatever goes on top. Measure before you shop.
- Length vs wall. Aim for a credenza that fills about two-thirds of the wall, with 6–12 in free at each end, so the piece does not look crammed in. In a dining room, about 60–75% of your dining table length looks balanced.
- Length vs TV. A TV credenza should be at least as wide as the TV, ideally a few inches wider on each side. A 65 in TV is about 57 in wide and a 75 in TV about 66 in wide, so a 60 in credenza suits screens up to 65 in, while a credenza of 70 in or longer suits 75 in and larger. Our TV stand size guide has the full chart.
- Height. Most credenzas are 24–34 in tall. For a TV, a low profile of about 20–26 in usually puts the middle of the screen near eye level from the sofa. For a dining room or office, 29–34 in matches table and desk height.
- Depth. 16–20 in is standard. Choose a shallow depth (14–16 in) for a smaller space or a walkway, and 18–20 in if you need room for media equipment, a printer or large platters.
- Clearance. Leave at least 30 in in front for opening doors and drawers, and 36 in or more where chairs or a walkway pass.
- Top weight. Check the tabletop weight capacity, especially for a TV, a lamp and books together.
Credenza Styles: Mid-Century Modern and Beyond
Credenzas come in various styles, from period pieces to modern credenzas with clean lines. Choose the one that matches your personal style and the rest of the furniture in the room.
- Mid century credenza. The best-known style: walnut or teak tones, clean lines, rounded edges, sliding or slatted doors and tapered legs. It suits a mid-century or Scandinavian living room. See our mid-century modern living room furniture guide for how to style the whole room.
- Modern and minimalist. Flat or handle-free fronts, push-to-open doors and a plinth base. Works in modern homes and small rooms because it reads as one quiet block.
- Industrial. Metal frame, glass or mesh doors and wood or dark painted panels. Glass doors turn a credenza into a low display cabinet.
- Traditional and farmhouse. Paneled or carved doors, painted finishes and decorative hardware. Good for a dining room with a classic table.
- Japandi and Scandinavian. Light oak, soft curves, fluted or reeded fronts and simple pulls.
Open Storage vs Closed Storage and Materials
Most credenzas use closed storage, which hides clutter and keeps dust off dishes and electronics. Some add open shelving or a glass-door section for display dishes, books and decorative items. If you want more display, see our credenza bookcase guide, which combines a low cabinet with open storage.
Common materials include:
- Solid wood. Strong and repairable, but heavier and more expensive; it can move slightly with humidity.
- Engineered wood with veneer. Plywood or MDF with a real wood veneer gives a wood look with stable, flat panels. Our solid wood vs MDF guide explains the trade-offs.
- Metal and glass. Steel frames with glass doors are light-looking and durable; tempered glass is safer than plain glass.
- Painted or lacquered finishes. Easy to match to a color scheme and easy to wipe clean.
Homsee Credenzas, Media Consoles and Sideboards
Homsee does not sell a product named "credenza", but several low storage cabinets work as one. The measurements and weight ratings below come from each product's specification block. Browse the full range in sideboards and buffets and TV stands.
Low Glass-Door Credenza: Storage Cabinet with Glass Doors and Metal Frame
The Storage Cabinet with Glass Doors and Metal Frame is the closest to a classic credenza in height: 31.2 in tall, 60 in wide and 15.7 in deep. It has a black painted steel frame with tempered glass doors, shelves rated for 22 lb and a top rated for 88 lb. Anti-tip hardware is included. The textured glass softens what is inside, so it works as a dining room credenza for dishes and glassware or as a living room display piece with a turntable or lamp on top.
Low Media Credenza: Orbis Streamline Edge TV Console
The Orbis Streamline Edge TV Console in Black Walnut is a long, low media credenza: 86.6 in wide, 15.7 in deep and 19.7 in tall, on a recessed base. Two center drawers are rated for 33 lb each, the shelves behind the doors for 44 lb, and the top for 110 lb. At 86.6 in, it is wider than an 85 in TV (about 74 in wide). It also comes in an Oak finish, which is currently available for pre-order.
Traditional TV Credenza: Relievo Panel TV Console
The Relievo Panel TV Console brings a traditional, French country look: a white lacquered finish, carved panel drawer fronts and two glass-door side cabinets. It is 60 in wide, 24.8 in tall and 14.2 in deep, a shallow depth that suits a smaller living room. Four drawers are rated for 33 lb each and the top for 176 lb, enough for a large TV and decor.
Dining-Height Credenza: Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard
If you want a credenza for the dining room, the Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard has the same rounded, low-and-long look at serving height: 35.4 in tall, 86.6 in wide and 19.6 in deep, on a recessed base. Four center drawers (22 lb each) sit between door cabinets with shelves (22 lb), and the top holds 110 lb. It comes in Dark Walnut, Oak and Natural Wood. For more dining options, read how to choose a sideboard.
How to Style a Credenza
- Anchor it with art or a mirror. Hang art or a mirror 6–10 in above the top and keep it about two-thirds of the credenza's width.
- Use odd numbers and varied heights. Group a tall lamp or vase, a medium stack of books and a low bowl or tray. Leave empty space so the top does not look cluttered.
- Balance the TV. On a media credenza, keep decor low next to the screen: a plant on one side and a small stack of books or a speaker on the other.
- Style a mid-century credenza simply. One ceramic lamp, a record player or a sculptural object, and a single plant are enough. Let the wood grain and clean lines do the work.
- Organize inside. Use baskets and bins for small items, risers for dinnerware, and a cable box or tray for chargers.
How to Care for a Credenza
Dust the top and doors weekly with a dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then dry right away. Avoid harsh chemicals, ammonia and abrasive pads, which can dull veneers, lacquer and painted finishes. Use coasters and mats under plants and drinks, and keep the credenza out of strong direct sunlight to slow fading. Even a low cabinet can tip if drawers are pulled out with a heavy TV on top, so anchor it to the wall if you have young children; see how to anchor furniture to a wall. For engineered wood, our MDF cleaning guide has more tips.
Credenza FAQs
What is a credenza in furniture?
A credenza is a low, long cabinet, usually 24–34 in tall and 16–20 in deep, with closed storage behind doors and few or no drawers. It is used as a media console, dining room storage cabinet, office storage unit or entry cabinet.
What is the difference between a credenza and a sideboard?
A sideboard is a dining cabinet with drawers and cabinets, usually on short legs and a little taller. A credenza is lower, focuses on doors and closed storage, and is used in more rooms, including living rooms and offices. Many stores use the two names for the same piece.
Why is it called a credenza?
Credenza means "belief" or "trust" in Italian. The name is usually traced to Renaissance Italy, where food was set out on a side cabinet and tasted by a servant to show it was safe before serving.
Can you put a TV on a credenza?
Yes. A low credenza makes a good TV stand. Choose one at least as wide as the TV, check that the top weight rating covers the TV, and make sure there is a way to run cables out the back.
Is a credenza taller than a buffet?
Usually not. Buffets are typically 34–38 in tall for serving food, while credenzas are about 24–34 in tall. A credenza is usually shallower too.
What qualifies as a credenza?
A piece qualifies as a credenza if it is low and long, offers mostly closed storage behind doors, and sits on very short legs, a plinth or tapered mid-century legs. Height, shape and storage matter more than the label on the product.
Is credenza a British word?
No. Credenza is an Italian word used mostly in American English. In the UK, the same low cabinet is usually called a sideboard.
Is a mid century credenza still in style?
Yes. Mid-century modern credenzas remain popular because their low profile, clean lines and warm wood suit both modern and traditional rooms. Pairing one with contemporary pieces keeps the look current rather than retro.