Buffet Buying Guide
All the great classic movies have them. They’re where women store their priceless china and silverware and it’s often from where food is served in the grand dining rooms of those old black and white films. We’re referring to buffets, of course. These incredibly functional furniture pieces bring a sense of elegance to any dining room and offer convenient cabinets and drawers that are still used for fine china, grandmother’s silver and even a rare wine collection. As you might guess, there are many styles to choose from and many considerations to address before clicking the “Buy” button.
Buffets, sometimes referred to as credenzas, are usually without legs and they typically sit flush against the wall. Still, it’s not difficult to find buffets with legs if you prefer this look. One popular new addition to the traditional buffet is the inclusion of marble tops. This adds a new dimension of elegance to your dining room and many are opting for this as surface top for a more contemporary look.
If you’re ready to break away from a more traditional look of your dining room, there are several that present a more modern feel and offer a curved design with cabinets that curve right along with the buffet itself. Many offer glass tops and unique hardware pieces such as stainless drawer and cabinet pulls that were traditionally never considered.
As you’re browsing through buffets and credenzas, consider which wall you’ll be placing it against as well as what you intend to store out of sight. If you’re a collector of beautiful china, crystal, silver or other delicate pieces, you may opt for plenty of cabinet space and just a few drawers. If your buffet will most likely store important papers and other things around the house that need a permanent “home”, those with stacked drawers are excellent designs.
Regardless of which style you select, remember it’s an extension of your own personality. It should coordinate well with your current dining room furniture, but it should also look just as remarkable if it were standing on its own – as all great furniture can.
