Furniture Glossary of Terms
There are currently 18 terms in this directory beginning with the letter F.
Federal style
Historically 1780-1820. Style that emerged in the US after the revolutionary war that was similar to Sheraton, Hipplewhite and Adams with simplified forms. Classicism had an influence as the young country considered itself the rightful heir to the republic of ancient Rome. Scantly used decorative motifs include acanthus leaves, pineapples, scrolls and pilasters.
feng shui
Chinese philosophy of design which seeks to balance the yin and yang energies in a space through the arrangement of objects.
finish
protective coating applied to wood furniture; may also refer to the combination of the protective coating and the color effect applied to wood or metal.
fleur de lis
a symbol from French heraldry, this abstraction of an iris remains a popular motif in many decorative arts.
flip top table
table is distinguished by a table top that can be doubled over on itself. As it is unfolded it is either rotated or shifted on the table base for support.
French dovetail
wood furniture constriction technique consisting of one long grove that fits with an interlocking wedge.
French provincial
style characteristic of 17th and 18th century France. May also be referred to as European country.