A buffet, much like a sideboard, is a piece of furniture with a long, low storage space. Buffets are usually the more substantial piece of furniture between the two. Buffets can often have larger cabinets and shorter legs which make it sit lower to the floor.

What is stored in a buffet?

A sideboard, also called a buffet, typically consists of shallow drawers over cabinets. Designed to hold china, flatware, linens and other necessities for entertaining, this piece of furniture can be one of the most practical in the house. But often what’s behind closed doors is a chaotic jumble.

Why is it called a buffet cabinet?

However, unlike sideboards or credenzas, buffet tables often sit on longer legs and are always placed in dining rooms. Buffets originated in Sweden where they were used to serve large smorgasbords. They became popular in France and soon were being used all over Europe.