What is a Credenza?
Have you wondered what is a credenza? A credenza desk, typically referred to as a credenza, is a piece of furniture that provides extra desk or storage space. Originally, credenzas were a small, decorative piece of furniture in 14th century Italy that featured architecturally interesting columns and decorations like the one shown below (Payne, Christopher, ed. (1989). Sotheby’s Concise Encyclopedia of Furniture (1st ed.). New York: Harper & Row. p. 24).
Credenzas today, however, come in a variety of styles and aren’t limited to just being used as decorative pieces. Nowadays, many are now being used in offices and you’ll typically find them in a conference room against the wall, or paired with a pedestal desk for additional storage, like the table desk and credenza below.
Credenzas can come with or without a hutch for additional storage and usually feature a variety of shelves and cubbies. The credenza with a hutch below features a keyboard slide-out tray and several drawers for storage.
As you can see, the style and function credenzas play today have changed a lot over time, but can still be used as decorative storage pieces like they once were, or paired with a desk, which is a popular choice in many offices today.
If you’re interested in shopping credenzas, you can view our selection here.
Credenza vs. Buffet vs. Sideboard: What’s the Difference?
A credenza is a storage design close in nature to sideboards, buffets, hutches and even TV stands. Originating in 14th-century Europe, credenzas today remain staples in modern homes, beloved for their sleek aesthetic and practical storage functionalities.