Buffet, Sideboard, Credenza, and Hutch: How to Tell Them Apart

If you've been searching for dining room storage, you've likely come across the words buffet, sideboard, credenza, and hutch. They're essentially variations of the same thing—a piece of furniture designed mainly for extra storage. Although they share some similarities, each one has specific traits that distinguish it from the other. Understanding the differences makes shopping a little easier, and you'll be better equipped to find the right furniture for your space.

Below is a clear breakdown of what defines each furniture type and how to tell them apart.

What is a Buffet?

The word “buffet” often brings to mind an abundant spread of food, which is fitting, because that’s exactly how this furniture piece was originally used. Traditionally placed in the dining room, a buffet functions as a serving station. The top surface is designed to display food during gatherings, while the cabinets or drawers below keep dinnerware, table linens, and everyday essentials neatly organized. Typically long and low, a buffet sits around waist height, making it easy for guests to help themselves.

Note: The piece of furniture featured above is our Enso Solid Wood Buffet, in cherry and walnut.

Key features of a buffet:

Long, wide, and medium-low profile
Typically around waist height
Concealed storage (cabinets or drawers)
Sturdy legs and ample surface designed for serving heavy food platters

What is a Sideboard?

Now, this is where things can get a little fuzzy. Today, the words "sideboard" and "buffet" are used almost interchangeably. Both refer to storage pieces with a long and low profile and are typically placed in the dining room. In practice, there's no significant distinction between them in terms of form and function.

Here’s what sets them apart: the legs. Sideboards typically have shorter legs—or none at all—so the body sits closer to the floor. Buffets, on the other hand, often feature taller legs, giving them a lighter, more elevated look. The distinction is subtle and not always consistent, especially today, as many modern furniture makers blend the two styles so closely that the differences can be hard to spot.

Key features of a sideboard:

Long, low storage piece similar to a buffet
Short legs or a base that sits directly on the floor
Concealed storage for dishes, linens, or decor

What is a Credenza?

A credenza is a close cousin of the sideboard and buffet—actually, it might just be the OG ancestor to pieces of furniture in the dining storage category. Historically, it was a long, low cabinet used in dining rooms, often for royalty or nobility in the Middle Ages. Food was placed on the credenza before being tested for poison.

While its origins are formal, the modern credenza has become one of the most versatile storage pieces.

Today, credenzas appear in many spaces:

Living rooms as media or display units
Entryways as decorative storage
Home offices behind desks for files and supplies
Dining rooms for dishware and hosting needs

Solid Wood Credenza by TY Fine Furniture

This is our contemporary version of the credenza. You can find it in our Modern Collection.

Key features of a credenza:

Long and low profile (sometimes lower than a buffet or sideboard)
Minimalist exterior
Closed storage with doors or drawers
Versatile enough for living rooms, offices, or dining areas

What is a Hutch?

The hutch is the easiest to distinguish from the others because of its prominent upper section. Imagine a buffet, sideboard, or credenza with an attached upper shelving. This is basically what a hutch is.

The defining feature of a hutch is its two-part design. Again, it has a base resembling a buffet or sideboard and a taller, slightly narrower upper section designed to display items. The lower part provides closed storage, while the upper part often features open shelving or a display space with glass doors, meant to showcase pretty glassware. At the junction of these two parts, there is a surface that resembles a tabletop.

Key features of a hutch:

Two-piece design: base cabinet + upper shelving
Glass doors or open shelves
Ideal for displaying items
Tall and vertical (unlike the horizontal profiles of the other three)

How to Choose the Right Piece for Your Space

When deciding between a buffet, sideboard, credenza, or hutch, think about how you'll use the piece and where it will stay. Here are a few guide questions that might help:

Do you need extra surface space? All four options offer display space, but if you prefer a low, wide piece, a buffet, sideboard, or credenza works well. If you want more storage without consuming more floor space, a hutch gives you vertical shelving.
Do you want to display special items like china or glassware? A hutch is a clear winner here, thanks to its glass doors that can safely display your favorite items.
What interior style are you going for? Are you aiming for a traditional farmhouse look or something more contemporary? A wooden sideboard with clean lines and minimal detailing fits beautifully in a modern home, while a solid wood hutch in white oak leans naturally toward a farmhouse aesthetic. Just remember, both the style of the piece and the materials used play an important role in shaping the overall feel of your space.
Are you placing it in a living room, office, or hallway? A credenza or sideboard tends to be the most versatile choice outside the dining room.
Do you want a timeless, adaptable piece? Pieces with a simple and modern design cross categories. Honestly, it hardly matters if it's a buffet, sideboard, or credenza. If the storage piece has a simple design and is made of natural materials like solid wood, it can be versatile enough, even timeless.

Where to Find Quality Dining Room Storage

If you’re looking for solid wood dining furniture, whether it’s a buffet, sideboard, hutch, or credenza, T.Y. Fine Furniture offers handcrafted pieces made in Columbus, Ohio.

You can:

Browse our dining furniture collection online, or
Visit our showroom in Columbus, Ohio, to see each piece in person and get a feel for the scale, color, and craftsmanship.
If you have questions, our team is always happy to help.