Credenze

Credenze is the plural form of credenza in Italian and is sometimes used in English to refer to multiple pieces of this furniture, though credenzas is the more common English plural. The furniture sense of credenza is a long, low storage cabinet designed to stand against a wall, often with cabinet doors, drawers, and a flat top. It is used to store dining wares, linens, or office supplies and to provide a surface for serving, display, or working space. A credenza may be freestanding or integrated into cabinetry, and some versions include a hutch, glass doors, or lighting for display purposes.

Historically, the furniture type evolved from sideboards used in European dining rooms from the 17th to 19th centuries. Over time, credenzas diversified into various designs and styles, ranging from traditional carved wood to mid-century modern and contemporary forms. Typical materials include solid woods such as oak, mahogany, and walnut, as well as veneers, laminates, and metal accents. Finishes vary from natural or stained wood to painted or lacquered surfaces. Dimensions are usually long and low, with a focus on horizontal profiles that complement dining tables or wall cabinetry; some models are designed to align with a specific interior scheme or architectural feature.

In Italian, credenza can also mean belief or trust, with credenze used as the plural. In English usage, however, the furniture sense dominates, and the term is commonly encountered in interiors and design literature.