The credenza that first caught my eye was on my friend Sheila’s post, A Credenza Mystery in which she tracked down the history of Don Draper’s credenza used in his new office in Season Four. I love the detail! It is such a beautiful piece of furniture:
You do not hear the word ‘credenza’ used often anymore. What is the definition of a credenza? The common description of a credenza is a long, flat topped storage unit that has been in existence since the 19th century.
Credenzas can have drawers, cabinets or both and are made from a variety of woods, metal and even plastic. When I hear the word credenza this is what I always imagine:
But now they have so many names for this versatile piece of furniture:
Sideboard
Sofa table
TV console
Media console
Chest
Buffet
Their sizes vary accordingly to what the piece is ‘named.’ For example, 74 ¾”W x 18”D x 26 ½”H is a standard size of a credenza, where as a buffet’s standard size is 31″ H x 53″ W x 18″ D. I think that the best attribute of the credenza is its versatility to be used in so many ways. Originally used just in the dining room, credenzas are now being used in all rooms of the home; from the living room as a television stand to an office used as a desk:
And they are even being used in the bathroom!:
While researching for this post, I went online to shop for a credenza to see how available they are and also to see the prices. I found none at Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware had a lot of sideboards but no credenzas. Ikea also had a few sideboards for sale but only one had the look I like:
Searching online Target, credenza came up as entertainment units:
Crate and Barrel was my favorite I found:
But I really did not find that personality piece I was looking for. One of the reasons I love a ‘credenza’ is for their detailed look. I am sure you could find a beautiful one if you wanted to pay in the thousands for one. Or maybe if you are lucky, you can come across one at an estate sale or auction. I googled ‘1960 credenza’ and look at the images:
These are the credenza pieces I love! Such personality!
Do you like them? Do you have an ‘older’ version of a credenza? I think they would look great in any style room. Great for storage and another tabletop to style. Fabulous!
If you need finding the perfect piece for your home, contact me today.
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Kelly Bernier Designs
Thanks to you Sheila, I love them too!! Love furnishings with personality!
Thank you so much for the mention! What a nice surprise, Kelly! I looove the ’60s credenzas – to me they just have such beautiful lines and character in their exquisite simplicity, yet attention to unique detail. I’d have one in my home in a heartbeat… Do you think Don Draper is part of the credenza deal?
I actually do have an older credenza, sideboard, or whatever name one wants to call it.
You can see it here on my blog. We use it as office storage.
http://cndesigns.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/our-house-tour-continues-the-office/
I think it’s from the 1940′s but maybe it is a little later. I got it for $60 at a thrift store. I love it for its storage space! It’s a rather timeless piece and I suspect it was part of a dining set in its former life
When you find your credenza, hope you post about it.
Can’t wait to see what magic you come up with this time Linda!
we have a West Elm credenza in my husband’s office and next week I am painting an old beat up credenza in a client’s a law office..AS chalk paint of course.