Furniture Terms

a light fabric, often silk, that depicts patterns, florals or other designs in the weave with a tone-on-tone or two-tone effect. Use for draperies or upholstery.

a large sofa.

originally, a term applied to extended chairs for lounging, for example, a chaise lounge. Today the term is applied to twin-sized beds that double as sofa-like seating with the bed frame consisting of a headboard, footboard and a higher "board" along one side that serves as the "sofa" back.

the surface directly under the seat cushions on an upholstered piece of furniture.

a surface decoration of glued-down, cut-out (often printed) paper.

a coarse twill fabric made with cotton.

decorative molding of rectangular blocks evenly spaced. So named for its resemblance to teeth.

a flat weave rug from India, often made from cotton fibers, but may be silk on occasion.

French style coinciding with the Directoiry government form 1795 to 1799. As the style of the revolutionary government, it is smaller in scale and is less ostentatious, replacing regal themes with symbols of liberty: oak boughs, liberty caps, pikes and clasped bands. The style bridged the Neo-classicism of Louis the XVI and the Empire style of Napoleon's reign with the introduction of Roman martial motifs such as spears and drums.

a surface that has been artificially aged with sanding, punctures or gouges.

two sets of drawers side-by-side, used for the storage of clothing in a bedroom. A double dresser is usually wider than it is tall and a mirror is frequently placed above.

construction technique of interlocking wedges used on wood furniture, frequently in drawer construction, to increase strength and stability. See also English dovetail and French dovetail.

a construction technique in which wood corners are reinforced with glued dowels through the joints.

fine, soft feathers from the breast areas of ducks and geese; when used in seat and pillow cushions the effect is luxuriously soft.

a tightly-woven, inner lining of a cushion that prevents the migration of tiny feathers to a cushion's exterior.

an interlocking track that help ensures a drawer is guiding along a straight path when it is pulled out or reseated in its station. Glides may be mounted underneath a drawer or mounted on the sides and can be made of wood, metal or nylon; metal and nylon glides may incorporate small wheels or ball bearings.

a set of drawers that is wider than it is tall, used for the storage of clothing in a bedroom. A mirror is usually placed above a dresser.

a skirt that extends from base of the cushion to the floor on upholstered furniture. Also known as a waterfall skirt.

a table with hinged leaves that are unfolded for table extension.

a cylindrical table with storage below. Often used as an end table or side table.

linings between drawers in case goods that prevents the migration of dust, thus keeping clothing and other stored items cleaner.