Furniture Glossary of Terms
There are currently 27 terms in this directory beginning with the letter P.
paisley
a multicolored woven or printed design. Though the design motif originated in India as a stylized plant form (mango), it was popularized in the west by jacquard weavers in the town of Paisley, Scotland.
panel bed
a bed frame with a panel of wood or other material for the headboard and foot board. Panel beds are not flanked by vertical posts at the corners.
Parsons chair
chair style intended to be used with a table, dining or otherwise, that features a high, rectangular, upholstered back and an upholstered seat.
Parsons table
rectangular table with straight legs at the corners. Named for the Parsons School of Design.
Phyfe, Duncan
Historically 1795-1848. Scottish-born American cabinet maker who helped to popularized empire and neoclassical styles in the states. His prolific New York cabinet shop employed over 100 carvers and cabinet makers. His designs were distinguished by elegant lines, perfect proportions, reeded legs and classical motifs.
pickled finish
a rubbed-through, white-washed finish applied over previously stained and finished wood.
pigmented leather
leather with coloration applied to the top surface, as opposed to dyed. This process hides imperfections and adds durability.
pile
cut loops of yarn forming surface with upright tufts. May refer to fabric or carpet. Velvet, ultra suede and corduroy are examples of fabrics with a pile.
platform beds
a bed that does not require a box spring. Instead of slats, platform beds in corporate a solid surface for the mattress to rest on. Sometimes this surface extends a few inches beyond the dimensions of the mattress.
pleated arm
arm of upholstered sofa, loveseat, or chair with the front plane covered by fabric continuing from the inside of the arm; the excess fabric on the front plane is pleated in a arch.
plush (mattress)
a mattress with a softer feel and some comfort padding over a base with strong support.
poster bed
a bed frame with tall posts, often capped with finials, at the corners of the headboard and footboard.
pub back
a soft, gathered and billowing cushions attached to the back of an upholstered sofa, chair or loveseat.