Depends on how much storage you need. I would go for the sideboard. You could put shoes, shoes accessories and doggie things in there. Answer from Meanwhile-in-Paris on reddit.com
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Chris Loves Julia
chrislovesjulia.com › home › blog › what’s the difference?? a huge dive into the credenza, sideboard, buffet, console, media stand (and our favorites of each!)
What's the Difference?? A Huge dive into the Credenza, Sideboard, Buffet, Console, Media Stand (and our favorites of each!) - Chris Loves Julia
March 17, 2022 - 1. Sideboard with Drawers $240 2. Walker Framed Sideboard $529 3. Fuel White Credenza $549 4. Welwick Walnut Sideboard $506 5. Boheme Sideboard $890 6. Ruffle Sprayed Concrete Credenza $999 7. Prism Wood Credenza $1299 8. Truffle White Credenza $1299 9. Chelsea Leather Woven Credenza $1499 10. Curtain Buffet $1699 11. Terra Natural Oak Sideboard $1899 12. Marjorie Curio Sideboard $2099 13. Ramsay Sideboard $2700 14. Connoisseur Console Cabinet $2999 15.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/designmyroom › console table or sideboard?
r/DesignMyRoom on Reddit: Console Table or Sideboard?
April 26, 2023 -

Hi All, Just looking for some advice. This is my entrance hall/porch, whatever it’s called. I would like to put something between the tall plant and the open doorway. Thinking a console table or a sideboard.

I’m just wondering if a console table would look lost against the tall back wall. And if a sideboard might look too bulky and not really fitting with the minimalist style? The attached pictures aren’t necessarily the exact units I would buy, just an example of the style.

Also, I included a picture of how it used to look. Just for fun!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Discussions

What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?
The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have... More on 1stdibs.com
🌐 1stdibs.com
1
June 2, 2024
Console Table or Sideboard?
If this post is high quality and includes enough information please UPVOTE this comment. If this post is low effort and lacking in detail please DOWNVOTE this comment. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/DesignMyRoom
37
91
April 26, 2023
The Length of my sofa 108” and the longest sideboard/bench I can find is about 70”. Will I regret buying a console shorter than my sofa?
If nothing else, put a potted plant at the end. Something on the floor will add something interesting More on reddit.com
🌐 r/femalelivingspace
82
133
February 14, 2024
What’s the difference between a credenza and a sideboard?
Buffet, sideboard, server, credenza: Do you find yourself using these terms interchangeably? I sure do! After all, there's so much overlap between these furniture types that a piece's classification is often determined solely by its location in your home. Here's four storage pieces: Sideboard: The distinguishing feature of sideboards, according to Houzz, are the short legs. The cabinets may also reach all the way to the floor. Buffet: There is no defining difference between a buffet and sideboard, but if the piece has relatively high legs, it may be referred to as a buffet instead of a sideboard. Server: A server is smaller, shorter, and more formal than a buffet or sideboard. Credenza: Historically a credenza referred to a piece of furniture with no legs and cabinets that reached to the floor, but many modern credenzas have legs. They're likely to have sliding doors as well. There is no difference between a sideboard and a buffet in terms of definition. A sideboard used in the dining room may be called a buffet, and when placed in the living room, called a sideboard. Historically speaking, buffets were first used in Sweden to lay out big spreads of food and drink, known as smorgasbords. The concept of buffet tables caught on in France and then throughout the rest of Europe. In practice, I have noticed that shops and manufacturers seem to call long, low storage pieces on higher legs buffets, and those on shorter (or no) legs sideboards. The word “credenza” comes from the English word “credence” and the Italian word for “belief” – which makes sense, considering the first credenzas were used as a place for food that needed to be tasted to test for poison before being served to a VIP. Early credenzas had no legs, just cabinets reaching to the floor. During the mid-20th century, credenzas enjoyed a renewed popularity among the modern design crowd – but the “new” credenzas tended to be long, low cabinets on slender legs, often with sliding doors. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/InteriorDesign
6
5
May 26, 2018
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Houzz
houzz.in › magazine › console-sideboard-server-and-cabinet-what-s-the-difference-stsetivw-vs~106490519
Console, Sideboard, Server & Cabinet ... What's the Difference?
The fact is, shops and manufacturers name their furniture whatever they think sounds best. If you want the best chance of finding a piece you love, use every term you can think of when searching online – I would go with “sideboard,” “buffet,” “server,” “credenza,” “cabinet” and “console” for good measure.
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1stDibs
1stdibs.com › answers › what-is-the-difference-between-a-sideboard-and-a-console-table
What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table? - Questions & Answers | 1stDibs
June 2, 2024 - The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have shelving concealed behind cabinet doors for storing dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Normally positioned in entryways, hallways and living ...
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Living Spaces
livingspaces.com › inspiration › ideas-advice › guides › credenza-vs-buffet-vs-sideboard-whats-the-difference
Credenza vs. Buffet vs. Sideboard: What’s the Best Choice for Your Home?
Characterized by its long and narrow design, it often includes cabinets, drawers, or open shelving. Sideboards can be simple or decorative, featuring ornate detailing or modern minimalism to match your style preferences. ... Dining spaces to store and showcase serving platters, dishes, and drinkware. Entryways as a stylish console piece with added storage.
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ScanDesigns
museandmerchant.com › furniture
Wood Sideboards & Consoles | Muse & Merchant
Additionally, consider the material: wood consoles tend to work well in rustic or traditional settings, while metal consoles are better suited for industrial or modern spaces. Whether you're selecting a sideboard or a console, the way you style and place these pieces in your dining room or kitchen can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
Find elsewhere
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Contractors.com
contractors.com › credenzas-sideboards-and-consoles-everything-you-need-know
Credenzas, Sideboards, and Consoles - Everything You Need to Know
October 13, 2021 - Because of the similarities between the two, it is common for the terms “sideboard” and “credenza” to be used interchangeably. ... A console table is a small table that is usually set against a wall.
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Huset
huset.com.au › home › faqs › what is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?
What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table? - Huset
October 3, 2023 - A sideboard, also known as a buffet, is typically wider and designed for dining or living rooms. It often includes storage cabinets or drawers for dishes, linens, or servingware. Console tables are narrower and may not have as much storage space.
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Belleze
belleze.com › home › blog › blog
Console Table vs Sideboard: Which One Is for You?
June 25, 2025 - Most sideboards hug the ground on short legs or rest directly on the floor. This grounded design provides the stability needed to support heavy dishware collections inside. A console table features a simple, open design—tall and narrow with ...
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Belleze
belleze.com › home › blog › blog
Console Table vs. Side Table vs. End Table: What's the Difference?
August 15, 2025 - Is it a Console Table or a Sideboard? Sideboards offer more storage.
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Olson & Baker
olsonbaker.com › home › mid-century modern dresser, sideboard, console table, and credenza – what’s the difference?!
Mid-Century Modern Dresser, Sideboard, Console Table, and Credenza - What's the Difference?! - Olson & Baker
October 23, 2023 - Room Divider: In open-concept homes, a sideboard can act as an informal room divider between the dining and living areas. Decorative Focal Point: Usually placed against a wall or behind a sofa, console tables often serve as design focal points ...
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Apartment Therapy
apartmenttherapy.com › what-is-credenza-37284005
What Is a Credenza, and How Is it Different from a Buffet or Sideboard?
August 1, 2023 - One main distinction, though, is that credenzas typically skew shorter and wider in shape, according to Fox, while buffets run taller and narrower. And media consoles, which also live in this furniture family, tend to be lower to the ground ...
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iHome Studio
ihome-studio.com › furniture buying guide › furniture buying guide
Media Console vs Credenza vs Sideboard: Key Differences Explained
September 18, 2025 - They were practical, yet they also announced prosperity. That dual identity continues to this day. A sideboard typically stands taller than a credenza or media console, often around thirty six inches.
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Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 2943942 › console-buffet-or-sideboard-needed-i-think
Console, buffet, or sideboard needed. I think!
March 25, 2015 - Console Tables · Fireplaces · Recliner Chairs · Side & End Tables · Sofas & Sectionals · TV Stands · Kitchen & Dining · Bar Stools · Buffets & Sideboards · Dining Chairs · Dining Room Sets · Dining Tables · Kitchen Faucets · Kitchen Fixtures · Kitchen Sinks ·
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Dhgate
smart.dhgate.com › home › entryway cabinet vs console table: which one actually looks better in your house?
Entryway Cabinet vs Console Table: Which one actually looks better in your house? - Smart.DHgate – Trusted Buying Guides for Global Shoppers
Entryway Cabinet Display vs Console Table boils down to a clash between heavy-duty storage and sleek style. After a week juggling both, here’s the blunt
Published   September 22, 2025
Views   7K
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The Content Authority
thecontentauthority.com › home › grammar › word usage › sideboard vs console: which one is the correct one?
Sideboard vs Console: Which One Is The Correct One?
June 13, 2023 - Now that we have established the proper terminology, let’s dive into the differences between the two. A sideboard is a piece of furniture that is typically used in a dining room or kitchen.
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Tabeer Homes
tabeerhomes.com › inspiration and tips › inspiration and tips
Sideboard Buffet vs Console Table – Which Suits Your Living Room Best?
May 21, 2025 - A sideboard buffet cabinet is usually wider, lower, and comes with big storage inside. Think cabinets, drawers, and shelves. It’s used often in dining areas but works brilliantly in living rooms too, especially for hiding things you don’t ...
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Castlery
castlery.com › us › blog › sideboard-vs-buffet-vs-credenza
Sideboard vs. Buffet vs. Credenza: What's The Difference? | Castlery US
October 14, 2025 - Sideboards are the masters of compact living. They’re generally shorter and more compact. Designed to fit neatly against a wall, they offer a handy surface for your everyday essentials without taking up too much visual or physical space.