The turkey is resting, the rolls are warm, and every inch of the dining table is already covered with casserole dishes, gravy boats and a stack of plates. The good tablecloth is somewhere in the hall closet under the beach towels. A dining room buffet cabinet solves both problems at once, with a serving surface for the food and a home for the linens, dishes and serving pieces that keep getting lost.
Here is the encouraging part: our furniture team at Urner's has already sorted out the confusing names and sizing rules for you. This guide explains what a buffet is and how it differs from a sideboard, credenza, server and hutch. You will also find a comparison chart, sizing tips, popular styles, styling ideas, quality checks, honest pros and cons, and six buffet cabinets you can see in person at Urner's.
Key Takeaways
- A buffet does two jobs: It stores dinnerware and linens below and gives you a serving surface on top.
- The names overlap: Retailers often use buffet, sideboard and server interchangeably, so shop by size and layout instead of the label.
- Size it to the room: Most buffets stand about 30 to 36 inches tall, and you need roughly 36 inches of clearance behind pulled-out chairs.
- Quality shows in the details: Solid wood, dovetail joints, soft-close drawers and adjustable shelves point to a piece that lasts.
Find a Dining Room Buffet Cabinet That Fits Your Space
Shop buffets, sideboards and servers from Flexsteel, aspenhome, New Classic and Signature Design by Ashley, with expert help from a local team. Urner's offers showroom guidance and local delivery across Bakersfield and the Fresno and Clovis area.
What Is a Dining Room Buffet Cabinet?
A dining room buffet cabinet is a long, waist-high storage piece with cabinets and drawers that doubles as a serving surface. It usually sits against a wall in the dining room, close to the table.
The idea goes back centuries. In French homes, the buffet was a side table where food was set out so guests could serve themselves. Today it still works as a self-serve station, with the added bonus of closed storage below.
What Goes Inside
- Dinnerware: Holiday china, extra plates and serving bowls.
- Serving pieces: Platters, trays, gravy boats and cake stands.
- Table linens: Tablecloths, runners, napkins and placemats.
- Flatware: Everyday or special-occasion silverware in lined drawers.
- Barware: Wine bottles, glasses, cocktail tools and coasters.
Buffet vs Sideboard vs Credenza vs Server
Retailers often use these names interchangeably, and you will see the same piece called a buffet on one site and a sideboard on another. Still, a few common differences can help you narrow the search.
Buffet
A buffet is usually a larger, heavier piece with roomy cabinets. It often sits low on short legs or a solid base, and it is made for the dining room.
Sideboard
A sideboard is a long storage piece, often raised on taller legs for a lighter look. It tends to mix drawers and cabinets and works in dining rooms, living rooms and entryways.
Credenza
A credenza is a low, long cabinet, often with sliding doors and little or no legs. It started in offices and is now popular as a modern media console or living room storage piece.
Server
A server is a lighter-duty piece built mainly for setting out food and drinks. It often has open shelves or fewer cabinets and works well in smaller dining rooms or kitchens.
Buffet and Hutch
A buffet and hutch pairs a buffet base with a tall display cabinet on top, usually with glass doors and shelves. It shows off china and collectibles and needs a full wall and tall ceiling.
Which Term Should You Search?
- Maximum dining storage: Search for a buffet or dining room buffet cabinet.
- A piece that may move between rooms: Search for a sideboard.
- A low living room or media piece: Search for a credenza.
- A smaller, more open serving station: Search for a server.
- Display space for china: Search for a buffet and hutch.
Dining Room Storage Pieces Compared Side by Side
Use this chart to compare the five most common dining storage pieces. Sizes vary by brand, so check the dimensions on each product page.
| Feature | Buffet | Sideboard | Credenza | Server | Buffet with Hutch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical height | 32 to 36 inches | 30 to 36 inches | 24 to 30 inches | 30 to 40 inches | 75 to 85 inches |
| Typical length | 60 to 72 inches | 48 to 72 inches | 48 to 72 inches | 36 to 60 inches | 60 to 72 inches |
| Base style | Short legs or plinth | Taller legs | Low or no legs | Legs, often open | Plinth or short legs |
| Storage layout | Cabinets and drawers | Drawers and cabinets | Sliding doors, shelves | Open shelves, some doors | Base cabinets plus display shelves |
| Display capacity | Top surface | Top surface | Top surface | Top and open shelves | Glass-door hutch |
| Best placement | Dining room wall | Dining or living room | Living room or office | Dining room or kitchen | Large dining room wall |
| Ideal room size | Medium to large | Small to large | Any | Small to medium | Large, tall ceilings |
| Best for | Maximum dining storage | Flexible use | Media console | Serving station | Showing off china |
A dining room buffet cabinet is the best fit when you need lots of hidden storage close to the table plus a sturdy surface for serving. If display matters more than storage, step up to a buffet with hutch.
How to Choose the Right Size Buffet Cabinet
A buffet that is too big crowds the room, and one that is too small looks lost on the wall. These guidelines help you find the middle ground.
Length, Height and Depth
- Length: Aim for a buffet that is shorter than your dining table, often around two-thirds of the table length, with space on each side of the wall.
- Height: Most buffets stand between 30 and 36 inches, close to dining table height or a little taller, which makes serving easy.
- Depth: Standard depth runs about 16 to 20 inches, enough for platters and chafing dishes.
Walkway Clearance
Leave at least 36 inches between the edge of the table and the front of the buffet. That gives guests room to pull out chairs and lets someone walk behind them while carrying a dish. If you have the space, 42 to 48 inches feels even more open.
Small Dining Rooms
- Shallow depth: Look for pieces closer to 15 or 16 inches deep.
- Raised legs: A buffet on legs shows more floor, which makes the room feel bigger.
- Shorter widths: A 50- to 60-inch piece fits tight walls.
- Wall-mounted options: A floating cabinet or wall shelf can hold serving dishes without using floor space.
Quick Measuring Checklist
- Measure the wall width where the buffet will go.
- Measure your dining table length and note two-thirds of it.
- Measure from the table edge to the wall, then subtract 36 inches for clearance to find your maximum depth.
- Check window sills, outlets, vents and light switches along the wall.
- Measure doorways and hallways on the delivery path.
- Note the height of your table so the buffet top lines up nicely.
Our furniture team often suggests one extra step before you buy. Outline the buffet footprint on the floor with painter's tape, then pull out every dining chair as if guests are standing up. If anyone bumps the tape, choose a shallower piece.
Read More: Choosing the Right Dining Table Shape for Your Home | Space-Saving Dining Table Sets for 6 People
Popular Dining Room Buffet Cabinet Styles
The right style ties the dining room together. Here are the looks shoppers search for most.
Modern
Clean lines, flat fronts and slim metal hardware define a modern buffet. Look for matte finishes, black or brass accents and simple rectangular shapes.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century pieces sit on tapered legs and often use warm wood veneers like walnut. Sliding doors, rounded corners and reeded or slatted fronts are common.
Farmhouse and Rustic
Farmhouse buffets use solid wood, distressed or washed finishes and sliding barn doors. Black iron hardware and visible wood grain add a casual, lived-in feel.
Traditional
Traditional buffets feature turned legs, raised panel or picture frame drawer fronts and rich wood tones. Bronze or nickel hardware adds a classic finish.
Coastal
Coastal styles lean on light woods, white or gray finishes and rattan or cane door fronts for a breezy look.
Industrial
Industrial buffets mix reclaimed-look wood with metal frames, open shelves and dark hardware.
Coordinating Without Matching
Your buffet does not need to match your dining table exactly. Instead, repeat one element, such as the wood tone, hardware finish or leg shape. Mixing finishes on purpose often looks more designed, like a gray washed buffet with a warm wood table or a black buffet with natural oak chairs. Stone or marble-look tops and glass doors add another layer of texture.
Read More: Top Trending Styles of Dining Room Cabinets | Which is Better: A Matched Dining Table Set or a Mixed Set?
Dining Room Buffet Cabinet Pros and Cons
A buffet cabinet adds a lot of storage and makes hosting easier. It also takes up floor space and can be a sizable investment for a solid wood piece.
Pros
More storage near the table:
Dishes, linens and serving pieces stay right where you use them.
Extra serving space:
The top works as a self-serve station for holidays and parties.
Style anchor:
A buffet gives the dining room a focal point for art, lamps and decor.
Flexible use:
Many pieces work just as well as a bar, media console or entry cabinet.
Organized entertaining:
Wine storage, lined drawers and adjustable shelves keep hosting gear in order.
Cons
Needs floor space:
In small dining rooms, a full-size buffet can crowd the walkway.
Heavy to move:
Solid wood pieces can weigh well over 150 pounds, which makes rearranging harder.
How to Style and Use a Buffet Cabinet Beyond the Dining Room
A buffet is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can buy. Style it well and it works hard every day, not just on holidays.
Styling the Top
- Anchor the wall: Hang a mirror or art above the buffet, roughly two-thirds of its width.
- Add light: A pair of lamps on each end frames the piece and adds a warm glow.
- Bring in life: A plant or a bowl of fresh fruit softens the hard lines.
- Group in odd numbers: Sets of three or five objects look more natural than pairs.
Everyday Uses
- Coffee station: Keep a coffee maker on top and mugs, pods and sweeteners inside.
- Home bar: Store bottles and glassware inside and set out a tray with a shaker and ice bucket.
- Entertaining hub: Clear the top for chafing dishes, desserts or a drink station.
- Hidden storage: Tuck away seasonal dishes, holiday linens and extra candles.
Beyond the Dining Room
A buffet cabinet works well in an entryway for keys, mail and shoes. In the living room, it can serve as a media console, especially if it has cord cutouts. In open-concept spaces, it can define the dining zone and divide it from the living area.
Keep the Top Ready for Serving
Leave at least half of the surface open so you can set out food without clearing it first. Keep decor to the ends or the back edge, and store a tray of everyday decor inside that you can swap in or out in seconds.
Read More: Checklist: Is Your Dining Room Ready for Guests? | Six 9-Piece Dining Sets Perfect for Hosting
Materials, Quality and Care for a Buffet Cabinet
A well-made buffet lasts for decades. Knowing what to look for helps you compare pieces in the showroom.
Construction Markers
- Solid wood vs engineered wood: Solid wood is strong and can be refinished, while quality engineered wood with real veneers resists warping and keeps costs down.
- Dovetail drawer joints: Interlocking joints hold up to years of opening and closing.
- Full-extension or undermount glides: Drawers open smoothly and give you access to the back.
- Soft-close hinges and drawers: Doors and drawers close quietly without slamming.
- Adjustable shelves: Fit tall pitchers, stacked plates or wine bottles.
Value-Adding Details
Felt-lined or velvet-lined drawers protect silverware from scratches. Wine racks, stemware holders and cord pass-throughs add everyday convenience. Some buffets even include built-in power outlets for a coffee maker or warming tray.
Care Basics
- Wood finishes: Dust with a soft cloth and wipe spills right away.
- Painted finishes: Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry.
- Glass doors: Use a gentle glass cleaner sprayed on the cloth, not the wood.
- Serving days: Use trivets under hot dishes and coasters under glasses.
In-Store Inspection Checklist
- Open every drawer all the way and check that it glides smoothly.
- Close a door gently to test the soft-close hinges.
- Look at the drawer corners for dovetail joints.
- Press on the top and sides to check for wobble.
- Check the finish under bright light for even color and smooth edges.
Protect Your Buffet From Central Valley Heat and Dry Air
Most buying guides ignore local climate, but in Bakersfield and the Fresno area it matters. Long, hot summers with low humidity can dry out wood, while strong afternoon sun through west-facing windows can fade finishes. A few simple habits keep a new buffet looking its best.
- Keep it out of direct sun: Place the buffet away from bright windows or use sheer shades in the afternoon.
- Avoid vents: Do not set it directly in front of an air conditioning or heating vent that blows on the wood.
- Watch indoor humidity: Wood is happiest at roughly 35 to 55 percent humidity, so a humidifier can help during very dry stretches.
- Rotate decor: Move lamps and vases now and then so the top fades evenly.
- Use pads under heavy items: Felt pads protect the finish from scratches and heat.
Stylish Dining Room Buffet Cabinets to Shop at Urner's
These six buffet cabinets cover every style in this guide, from classic and traditional to transitional and contemporary. Each one adds serving space and smart storage to your dining room. Visit Urner's to see the finishes in person and find the right size for your wall.
aspenhome® Camden Domino Sideboard
The aspenhome Camden sideboard brings a classic silhouette that blends with almost any decor. Its black Domino finish gives a crisp, modern edge, while custom aged bronze pulls add warmth and a touch of excitement to the design.
Inside, a felt-lined silverware tray keeps everyday and holiday flatware protected and organized. Adjustable, removable shelves let you fit tall serving pieces or stacks of plates. At 66 inches wide and 34 inches tall, it suits medium to large dining rooms and leaves plenty of room to serve.
Top Features
- Classic Transitional Style: A timeless shape that works with many dining sets.
- Aged Bronze Hardware: Custom pulls add warm contrast to the black finish.
- Felt-Lined Silverware Tray: Protects and organizes your flatware.
- Adjustable Shelves: Removable shelves adapt to your storage needs.
- Generous Top: 66 inches of serving space for holiday spreads.
Flexsteel® Athens Brown Buffet
The Flexsteel Athens buffet makes a grand, transitional statement in any dining room, with a stately silhouette that feels built to last. It is crafted from FSC-certified solid rubberwood and oak veneers in a rich brown finish, with reeded door fronts and custom antique bronze pulls.
Two double-door cabinets each hold a drawer, an adjustable shelf and a cord cutout. The shelves store up to seven wine bottles each, then flip over for a solid surface. Soft-close drawers on undermount glides and concealed European hinges keep every motion quiet and smooth.
Top Features
- Solid Rubberwood and Oak Veneers: FSC-certified materials for long-lasting quality.
- Flip Shelves With Wine Storage: Hold up to seven bottles each or flip flat for dishes.
- Soft-Close Everything: Soft-close drawers with undermount glides and concealed European hinges.
- Cord Cutouts: Run cords for a lamp or coffee maker through the back.
- Reeded Door Fronts: Textured detail adds visual interest.
New Classic® Home Furnishings Richland Stonewash Gray Sideboard
The New Classic Richland sideboard is a great fit for smaller dining rooms that still need real storage. At 52 inches wide and 42 inches tall, it fits shorter walls and tight corners while giving you a raised, comfortable serving surface.
A hand-applied blend of vintage cream and gray tones brings out the natural grain of the acacia veneers. Velvet-lined drawers protect your flatware, spacious compartments hold china and serving pieces, and a built-in wine rack keeps favorite bottles within easy reach for dinner parties.
Top Features
- Compact Footprint: A 52-inch width suits small dining rooms and tight walls.
- Stonewash Gray Finish: A hand-applied cream and gray blend with farmhouse charm.
- Velvet-Lined Drawers: A safe spot for flatware and serving utensils.
- Built-In Wine Rack: Keeps bottles close for entertaining.
- Mixed Wood Construction: Solid rubberwood with genuine acacia veneers.
Signature Design by Ashley® Dilenno Dark Brown Server
The Ashley Dilenno server brings casual contemporary style with a modern vibe. Its rich, warm brown finish and mango wood veneer show off beautiful natural grain, while full-length matte black metal rail pulls add a cool contrast.
Two double-door cabinets hide dishes, linens and serving bowls, and two open shelves give you room to display pottery, cookbooks or a row of drinks for guests. At about 32 inches tall and 60 inches wide, it sits close to table height, which makes serving and refilling easy.
Top Features
- Contemporary Design: Clean lines with a modern, on-trend look.
- Mango Wood Veneer: Warm grain over hardwood solids and MDF.
- Matte Black Rail Pulls: Full-length metal pulls for a sleek finish.
- Two Double-Door Cabinets: Plenty of hidden storage.
- Two Open Shelves: Display decor or keep serving pieces handy.
Flexsteel® Azalea Walnut Sideboard
The Flexsteel Azalea sideboard brings new traditional style to the dining room with turned legs, finial details and classic picture frame drawer fronts. Rubberwood solids and walnut veneers in a Legacy Walnut finish pair with brushed nickel hardware for a warm, polished look.
Soft-close drawers with dovetail joinery and fully finished interiors show real craftsmanship. Interior wine glass storage and flip-to-solid bottle shelves make hosting easy, and a duplex power outlet with USB-A ports and cord pass-throughs can run a coffee maker or warming tray.
Top Features
- Built-In Power: Duplex outlet with USB-A ports and cord pass-throughs.
- Dovetail Drawers: Soft-close drawers with fully finished interiors.
- Wine Glass Storage: Interior stemware storage keeps glasses safe.
- Flip Bottle Shelves: Store wine bottles or flip to a solid shelf.
- Turned Legs: Classic details with a raised, airy profile.
Flexsteel® Lincoln Walnut Buffet
The Flexsteel Lincoln buffet takes inspiration from influential architect Frank Lloyd Wright, bringing timeless style and an architectural, transitional look to the present. FSC-certified solid rubberwood and walnut veneers in a rich walnut finish pair with gleaming gunmetal hardware.
Two glass-door cabinets with adjustable shelves let you show off glassware, and each shelf holds up to seven wine bottles or flips over for a solid surface. Three soft-close drawers on undermount glides keep linens, napkins and flatware close at hand for your next dinner party.
Top Features
- Architectural Design: Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright with mixed materials.
- Glass-Door Cabinets: Display glassware while keeping it dust-free.
- Flip Wine Shelves: Store up to seven bottles each or flip flat.
- Three Soft-Close Drawers: Undermount glides for smooth, quiet use.
- Gunmetal Hardware: Custom pulls with a modern edge.
Find the Perfect Dining Room Buffet Cabinet at Urner's
The right dining room buffet cabinet starts with the right term, then the right size for your wall and walkway, then a style that ties the room together. Measure carefully, look for quality details like soft-close drawers and dovetail joints, and leave space on top for serving.
When you are ready to shop, visit Urner's in Bakersfield or at our Fresno and Clovis showroom. Our furniture experts can help you compare finishes in person, check your measurements and arrange local delivery. You get personal service from a hometown team, not a big-box checkout line.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dining Room Buffet Cabinet
The difference between a buffet and a sideboard is mostly in shape and use, though retailers often use the names interchangeably. Buffets tend to be larger with short legs or a solid base, while sideboards often sit on taller legs and move easily between rooms.
A dining room buffet should usually be 30 to 36 inches high. That puts the top near dining table height or a little higher, which makes serving comfortable.
The right size buffet for your dining room is usually about two-thirds the length of your table and 16 to 20 inches deep. Leave at least 36 inches between the buffet and the table so chairs can pull out freely.
A buffet should go on the longest open wall in the dining room, close to the table and ideally near the kitchen. That placement makes serving easy and keeps the walkway clear.
You store dinnerware, serving pieces, table linens, flatware and barware in a dining room buffet cabinet. Lined drawers protect silverware, and adjustable shelves fit tall pitchers and wine bottles.
Yes, you can use a buffet cabinet in a living room as a media console, bar or storage piece. Look for one with cord cutouts or built-in power if it will hold a TV or electronics.
Why Trust Urner's and Urner's Mattress?
Urner’s started on the back of a bicycle - yup! A bicycle! David E. Urner, a local high school teacher, who spent his summer months selling Wear-Ever cookware off the back of a bicycle (think 100+ degrees). David teamed up with another local teacher, Errol P. Janes to create “a new type of store – one that would cater exclusively to providing an easier way of living for the women of Kern County”, and on September 19, 1919, Home Appliance Store was opened to the public. The store boasted a rather impressive selection of “modern” appliances, including a washing machine, a freezer, a gas range, an automatic dishwasher, and an assortment of small appliances. Since then, Urner’s has expanded selections to appliances, furniture, mattresses and cabinetry!
For nearly one century, the Urner family and Urner’s business have both been an integral part of Bakersfield and Kern County, with contributions to the community (Better Business Bureau, Sister City Projects, Bakersfield Symphony), charity (Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Dream Home, House of Hope) and education (CSU Bakersfield, Ray Dezember Leadership Development Center. Explore the website, visit the store, or join us socially. We’re all about home, all about fun, and all about you… and we’re ready to make you a part of the Urner’s family today.
Shop Dining Room Buffet Cabinets at Urner’s
Stop by any of the 6 Urner’s and Urner’s Mattress locations in Bakersfield, CA to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop Smart Refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you get the best Smart Refrigerator that your kitchen needs— whether you call us at 661-396-8400, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.