How to Choose the Right Buffet for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Buffet

Overview

A buffet is a versatile piece of furniture that provides a stylish and convenient storage solution for dining and entertaining. While it is often the focal point of a dining room, its uses extend far beyond its traditional purpose. A buffet can be used to store linens, kitchenware, and even as an extra counter space for food preparation. When shopping for a buffet, there are a few key factors to consider, including size, style, materials, and additional features. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of buffets available and the important factors to consider when selecting one.

Key features

  1. Style/Size - Consider the size of the space you have available for a buffet and the style of your existing furniture to determine what type of buffet will fit best.
  2. Drawers/Shelves - Determine how much storage space you need and the number of drawers and shelves you would need to accommodate your storage needs.
  3. Material - Consider the material of the buffet. Depending on the style and décor of your room, choose a wood, metal, or glass buffet.
  4. Additional Features - Look for any additional features such as cabinet doors, wine racks, or table leaves.
  5. Price - Consider your budget and the quality of the buffet you are buying.

See the most popular Buffet on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Functionality: Buffets are designed to help you efficiently store and display food, dishes, and other items, providing a convenient and organized way to entertain guests.
  • Versatility: Buffets come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect piece to fit your space and décor.
  • Durability: Buffets are often made of materials like wood or metal, which are resistant to wear and tear.
  • Functional Storage: Buffets can have concealed shelves and drawers, allowing you to store items out of sight but still within easy reach.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Buffets can be decorated with ornate trim and accents, allowing you to add an elegant touch to any room.

Cons

  • Size of the Buffet - Depending on the size of the space available in your home, the size of the buffet cabinet may be an issue. The size of the buffet could determine where it can be placed and whether it will fit in the desired spot.
  • Style of the Buffet - When selecting your buffet cabinet, you should consider the style and design of the buffet as it should fit with existing décor. As styles can vary from traditional to modern, a buyer should select a style that complements their space.
  • Construction Quality - Consider the construction quality of the buffet cabinet, as this will determine its durability and longevity. Look for quality materials like solid wood or metal with finishes that resist deterioration.
  • Price Range - Different buffets can range in cost from low-cost to high-end. Depending on your budget, you should consider the price of the buffet cabinet before you make a purchase.
  • Storage Capacity - Think about what items you plan to store in the buffet cabinet and consider its capacity. The storage features should meet your needs and provide enough room for the items you plan to store.

Best alternatives

    Sideboard - A piece of furniture consisting of a long, low table or cabinet, typically one with cupboards or shelves, used for the display or storage of items. Credenza - A sideboard, buffet, or bookcase, typically one with drawers or shelves, used for storage. Breakfront - A piece of furniture consisting of a cabinet with doors that open outward, typically one with shelves above and cupboards below. China Cabinet - A cabinet with glass doors associated with displaying items of china. Cupboard - A piece of furniture with doors and shelves, used for storage.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Table Linens - Materials such as tablecloths, runners, and placemats that can be used to dress up the buffet.
  • Tableware - Include plates, bowls, and cutlery for the buffet.
  • Display Dishes - Bowls, platters, and serving trays to display the food items.
  • Food Warmers - Equipment to keep the food warm during the buffet.
  • Serveware - Utensils for serving the food, like tongs, ladles, and spoons.
  • Beverage Containers - Such as carafes, decanters, and pitchers.
  • Chafing Dishes - A device for keeping food warm during a buffet.
  • Ice Buckets - Containers to keep drinks chilled during the buffet.
  • Cake Stand - A decorative stand used to display cakes and other desserts.

Common questions

  1. What size should I buy? The size of the Buffet will depend on the size of the room, the space available and the number of people you want to serve. Generally speaking, a larger Buffet can accommodate more items and serve more people, but it may take up more space.
  2. What materials are best for a Buffet? Different materials like wood, metal, glass, and even plastic can all be used to construct a Buffet. Generally, wood is the most common material because it is the most durable and aesthetically pleasing. Metal is also a good option for larger Buffets.
  3. What features should I look for in a Buffet? There are a variety of features to consider when shopping for a Buffet, such as storage drawers, adjustable shelves, and built-in wine racks. Keep in mind that the more features a Buffet has, the more expensive it may be.
  4. What style should I choose? The style of the Buffet will depend on the overall look and feel of the room. Traditional, modern, and rustic styles are all popular options. Consider the other furniture and decor in the room when making your decision.
  5. How much should I expect to spend? The cost of a Buffet can vary significantly. Generally, the price range is between $100 and $2,000, depending on the size, material, and features.

Trivia

In 2020, Buffett announced that he had given away more than $37 billion since 2006 to various charities. This makes him one of the most philanthropic individuals in the world, and he has often said that it is one of the more important lessons he has learned from his parents. He has also said he intends to give away 99% of his wealth in his lifetime. This has been reported by various news outlets including the BBC. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.