From sideboards to credenzas: a guide to storage furniture in the kitchen
When designing a kitchen, the choice of storage furniture may seem like a secondary step, but it can radically transform the perception of a space. These elements are not only meant for storing objects—they also help decorate and enhance the room’s design while supporting everyday order and organization.
In this article, we explore how storage furniture has evolved and how it can now take center stage in a modern kitchen and a harmonious, welcoming living area.
Table of contents
Difference between credenza and sideboard
The origins of these furnishings date back centuries, when home furniture served a purely practical function. The sideboard emerged in rural tradition: a low and sturdy piece of furniture, its name derived from the Latin "magida" (which is "madia" in Italian), meaning to knead or work flour. It was used as a surface for kneading bread and for storing flour and other food items.
In contrast, the credenza originated in a noble context. Its name comes from the ritual of "fare la credenza", during which a servant would taste food and drink to ensure they weren't poisoned. Accordingly, its form and function were linked to service and the display of dishes to be served.
Today, the clear distinctions between these two types of furniture have largely disappeared. The evolution of design and contemporary lifestyles has blended their forms and functions. A modern sideboard can be remarkably elegant, while a credenza might feature a minimal, streamlined profile.
Available alternatives
Today’s world of storage furniture offers countless stylistic interpretations, each with its own distinctive character.
- The modern sideboard is known for its strong minimalist look. It typically has a low horizontal layout, making it suitable for placement under a window, in the dining room, or in an open-plan living space. Clean lines and handleless fronts highlight its volumes and rich finishes.
- Contemporary credenzas, on the other hand, are more versatile in terms of proportion. They can be tall and narrow, visually elongating a wall, or short and adaptable. They are often elevated off the floor by metal or glass legs, lending them lightness and personality.
- The display cabinet has been reimagined with slender structures and smoked or ribbed glass, creating fascinating transparency effects. Integrated LED lighting adds warmth and enhances the visibility of contents, such as design objects or a collection of spirits.
- Finally, open shelving systems and modular wall units offer a classic option for contemporary storage needs. These wall systems combine closed compartments with doors and drawers alongside open niches, resulting in dynamic and functional compositions.
How to choose: furnishing the kitchen with storage furniture
Choosing the right storage furniture starts with understanding what you need to store. If the goal is to neatly tuck away table linens, pots, and everyday items, the ideal choice is a unit with solid doors that conceals its contents, delivering a sense of visual order. If you wish to display designer dishware, crystal glasses, or cherished items, glass doors are the right choice. Open niches provide practical and dynamic storage for books or decorative pieces.
The second factor to consider is the size and proportions of the space. In a small room or hallway, a low unit mounted above the floor creates a sense of airiness and visually lightens the decor. Conversely, in a spacious area, a generously sized cabinet can offer maximum storage capacity while adding strong character to the interior. It's also essential to account for the space required to open doors and drawers to ensure easy passage.
Finally, the storage unit should harmonize with the overall interior style. You might opt for finishes and materials that echo the kitchen or dining table to create a coordinated and cohesive effect. Alternatively, you could choose a deliberately contrasting piece in a bold color or unique material—such as ribbed wood or oxidized metal—to become a visual focal point. Even the smallest details matter in defining the identity of the furniture and integrating it into the design: think about the presence or absence of handles, and the style of the base or legs.
Conclusion
The perfect storage unit is one that meets your practical needs while resonating with your personal taste. It should become an integral part of everyday life, combining desired design with necessary functionality. Ultimately, it’s about finding a thoughtful balance between form, function, and lived experience.
Centering the design around the individual and their unique way of inhabiting a space is exactly the approach that guides Berloni in crafting every kitchen and furnishing element. We believe design should be intelligent—created to simplify life, last over time, and always convey emotion and elegance.
To bring these ideas to life in a concrete project and select the right storage furniture for your kitchen and living area, we invite you to book an appointment at our Atelier. Together with our designers, we will create a bespoke environment tailored to you.
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