Buffet, Sideboard, Credenza or Console — What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are practical distinctions that affect which piece suits your space:
| Piece | Typical Dimensions | Key Features | Best Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffet Table | 150–200+ cm long, 80–90 cm tall | Large surface for serving food, multiple doors and drawers, often matches dining set | Dining room wall opposite the table |
| Sideboard | 100–180 cm long, 75–85 cm tall | Versatile storage — drawers, cabinets, sometimes open shelves. Same piece as a buffet, just placed outside the dining room | Living room, hallway, bedroom, home office |
| Credenza | 120–180 cm long, 65–75 cm tall (lower profile) | Sits lower than a sideboard. Often used as a media unit or under wall-mounted TVs | Living room (under TV), home office |
| Console Table | 80–140 cm long, 30–40 cm deep (narrow) | Slim depth designed to sit against a wall without blocking traffic | Hallway, entryway, behind a sofa. Shop Consoles |
Our collection covers all four types. If you're not sure which suits your space, call 1300 781 990 or visit a showroom — we'll help match the right piece to your room layout.
What Size Buffet or Sideboard Do You Need?
| Buffet Length | Typical Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100 cm (compact) | 1–2 doors, 1–2 drawers | Narrow hallways, entryways, small apartments, beside a sofa |
| 120–150 cm (medium) | 2–3 doors, 2–3 drawers | Standard dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms |
| 160–200+ cm (large) | 3–4 doors, 3–4+ drawers, sometimes open shelves | Large dining rooms, open-plan living, entertainer's homes |
Depth matters in tight spaces: Standard buffets are 40–50 cm deep. If your hallway is narrower than 120 cm, choose a console table (30–40 cm deep) instead to maintain a comfortable 80 cm walking clearance. Browse our console table range.
Where to Place a Buffet or Sideboard — Room-by-Room Guide
Dining Room
The traditional home for a buffet. Place against the wall opposite or beside your dining table. Store tableware, cutlery, serving dishes, table linen and glassware. Use the top surface for serving food at dinner parties.
Living Room
A sideboard becomes a display and media unit. Store board games, remotes, cables and everyday clutter behind closed doors. Style the top with a lamp, framed photos, plants and decorative objects. Pair with your TV unit or use a low credenza as one.
Hallway & Entryway
A compact sideboard or console catches keys, mail and bags as you walk in. Choose a slim 30–40 cm depth unit if the hallway is narrow. Hang a mirror above it and add a tray for small items.
Bedroom
A sideboard adds clothing and linen storage without the height of a tallboy. Use it as a dressing surface with a mirror above, or as a low media unit for a bedroom TV.
What to Store in Your Buffet — Practical Ideas
Materials & Finishes
Solid Timber
Natural grain, durable and long-lasting. Available in oak, acacia, mango and recycled hardwood finishes. Suits Hamptons, coastal, farmhouse and mid-century interiors.
Rattan & Cane
Woven door panels add texture and a coastal feel. Rattan detailing on a timber frame is one of the most popular sideboard trends in Australian homes right now.
Painted & Lacquered
Clean, modern finishes in white, black, grey or two-tone combinations. Easy to wipe clean and coordinates effortlessly with other painted furniture.
Engineered Timber & MDF
Budget-friendly with consistent colour and finish. Modern laminate surfaces resist scratches and stains well.
How to Choose the Right Buffet or Sideboard
Care & Maintenance
Complete Your Room
Dining Tables
Match your buffet with a coordinating dining table.
Dining Chairs
Complete the dining room with matching or contrasting chairs.
Console Tables
Slim-depth alternative for narrow hallways.
TV & Entertainment Units
Low-line units for living room media setups.
Coffee Tables
Extend the coordinated look into your living area.
All Living Room Furniture
Bookcases, shelving, display cabinets and more.
Delivery & Pickup
We deliver across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Logan and Lockyer Valley. Fees calculated at checkout by postcode and item size.
Delivery Details
Ground level / front garage. Extra charges for inside placement or upstairs. Buffets are delivered assembled or flat-packed depending on the model — check the product page. Delivery charge is non-refundable. Credit card holder must be present with photo ID. Full T&Cs.
Free Warehouse Pickup
48 Randolph St, Rocklea QLD 4106 — by appointment. Call 07 3161 5415. Bring a ute, trailer or van for larger buffets.
Free Metro Delivery*
Selected items, outright purchases, within 10 km of Rocklea. Full terms.
Visit Our Five QLD Showrooms
See the buffets and sideboards in person — check the finish, open the doors and drawers, and measure the dimensions against your room. Open seven days.
Payment Options
Afterpay
4 interest-free fortnightly payments.
Zip Pay
Flexible interest-free repayments.
Humm
Spread payments over time.
Latitude Interest Free
Extended interest-free periods.
Layby also available (25% deposit, up to 90 days). All major cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted. Secure payments.
Warranty & Returns
12-month warranty covering structural defects — frame breakage, joint separation, drawer runner failure, door hinge defects and shelf collapse. Normal wear excluded. Defect transport covered within 50 km; $1/km beyond. Full Policy.
Change of mind: 7-day refund/exchange (undamaged, original packaging). 20% restocking fee after cooling-off. Delivery non-refundable. Clearance as-is. Returns Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?
They're the same piece of furniture. When placed in a dining room and used for serving food or storing tableware, it's typically called a buffet table. When placed in a living room, hallway or bedroom for general storage and display, it's called a sideboard. The construction and dimensions are identical.
What size buffet do I need?
Measure your available wall space. The buffet should be shorter than the wall with 15–20 cm clearance on each side. Compact units (80–100 cm) suit hallways and small spaces. Medium (120–150 cm) suits standard rooms. Large (160–200+ cm) suits spacious dining rooms and open-plan living. Allow 50 cm of clear floor in front for doors and drawers to open.
Can I use a buffet in a hallway?
Yes — but check the depth. Standard buffets are 40–50 cm deep, which works in hallways 130 cm wide or more (leaving 80 cm walking space). For narrower hallways, choose a console table at 30–40 cm deep instead.
What should I store in a buffet?
In a dining room: tablecloths, placemats, cutlery, serving dishes, glassware and candle holders. In a living room: board games, remotes, chargers and everyday items you want hidden. In a hallway: keys, mail, sunglasses and bags. In a bedroom: extra linen, scarves, handbags and jewellery.
How do I care for a timber buffet in Brisbane's climate?
Dust weekly with a soft dry cloth. Polish with furniture wax 1–2 times per year. Keep at least 5 cm from exterior walls to prevent moisture build-up in humid conditions. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight. Use coasters and felt pads under decorative items to prevent ring marks and scratches.
How tall should a dining room buffet be?
For a dining room, the buffet surface should be at or slightly above dining table height (75–90 cm) so serving food feels natural. For a living room, a lower profile (65–75 cm) creates better visual harmony with sofas and armchairs.
Do you deliver to the Gold Coast and Toowoomba?
Yes — Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Logan and Lockyer Valley. Fees at checkout. Free pickup from our Rocklea warehouse.
What does the warranty cover?
12-month warranty covering frame breakage, joint separation, drawer runner failure, door hinge defects and shelf collapse. Australian Consumer Law rights always apply. Full Policy.
Need Help Choosing?
Call 1300 781 990 or visit any of our five showrooms to see the buffets and sideboards in person and check dimensions for your room.