19th century mirror back credenzas, French and English

An Italian term describing a buffet or sideboard containing shelves enclosed by cupboard doors. The word has a particular meaning in the Australian and British market, referring to an ornate Victorian drawing room cabinet, either with or without a mirrored back in a carved Rococo frame. The base may have either a white marble top or a timber top, and below there may be mirrored doors. The distinguishing feature is the shape of the piece, with the two sides either rounded, or running at an angle towards the front and fitted with doors in section resembling half a hexagon. Commonly found in burr walnut or mahogany, and frequently inlaid. In current everyday usage, a credenza refers to a storage cabinet at the side or behind an office desk.