Furniture Glossary of Terms
There are currently 16 terms in this directory beginning with the letter W.
wainscoting
The lower part of an interior wall when finished in a material different from that of the upper part
wall-away recliner
a recliner that shifts the body forward as it reclines, instead of leaning the body back. Wall-away recliners require less rear clearance space and may therefore be placed closer to a wall.
wardrobe
tall, upright cabinet with doors. Traditionally used for storing clothes on hangers or in drawers, today wardrobes are refitted to serve as entertainment centers or computer workstations.
warm colors
generally, colors that are associated with fire, heat and the sun: reds, yellows and oranges. It should be noted, however, that colors that are generally warm can have cool qualities, for example a dark burgundy-red can have blue overtones and be considered a cool red.
warp (fiber context)
the yarns or thread that run the length of a fabric or area rug. The warp is the foundation through which the weft fibers are interlaced or woven.
warp (wood context)
a change in the shape of a piece of wood; warping usually occurs when wood was not thoroughly dried before being used in construction.
water chamber beds
mattress that uses pockets of water that can be inflated or deflated at will, rather than using coils or springs. This allows for two people to have different mattress firmness in one bed. The chambers are surrounded by high density foam for support and structural integrity.
waterfall back
two or more vertical layers of gathered and billowing cushions attached to the back of an upholstered sofa, chair or loveseat.
waterfall skirt
on a sofa loveseat or chair, a skirt that extends from base of the cushion to the floor. Also know as a dressmaker skirt.
webbing
the foundation of a seat on upholstered furniture. Composed of interwoven strips of jute or synthetic material that is two to three inches wide, the strips are attached to the frame to create a hammock-like suspension that is covered with padding and fabric for seat cushions to rest on.
weft (fiber context)
the horizontal yarns or threads of a fabric or area rug. The weft is interlaced through the lengthwise warp fibers of the fabric or area rug.
Welsh cupboard
an open-shelved hutch atop a base cabinet with drawers or doors, used in dining rooms, as a buffet.
welt
fabric-covered cord used as a trim in the seams of upholstery or toss pillows. Also known as cording or piping.
William and Mary
Historically, 1685-1725. The English interpretation of European baroque style that emerged during the reign of William III and Mary II. Elaborate turned legs and spindles are characteristic of this style. Detailed inlays and marquetry are common in this style with carvings depicting acanthus leaves, flowers, shells and seaweed.
Windsor chair
a style of chair that features turned spindles along the back, often with a carved saddle seat, turned and angled legs, and turned stretchers between the legs. They were originally made by wheelwrights instead of cabinet makers and were named for the town of Windsor, England where the style originated. As many as six distinct styles of Windsor chairs emerged when the style was carried to the Americas.