Furniture Terms Glossary

Terms — A

A/V Cabinet

A cabinet designed to store audio/video devices such as DVD players, video game consoles, etc.

Abattant

Also known as Secretaire ? Abattant, a drop-front desk with drawers or cabinets underneath.

Acanthus

Decorative carving in the shape of a leaf; specifically, the leaves of the Acanthus Spinosus plant.

Accent Chair

Any type of chair chosen to match or complement the furniture in a living room or other seating area.

Accent Furniture

Furniture chosen for its aesthetic appeal, such as to compliment another piece of furniture as part of a set. Can be functional or sometimes purely decorative.

Acetate

A type of man-made cellulose fiber, used in some upholstery weaves.

Acroterion

A classical or gothic type of carving which is mounted on the apex of a pediment, such as atop an armoire or dresser.

Acrylic

A type of upholstery that is less soft, but more durable and which holds its shape well over time.

Adjustable Bed

A bed with an adjustable surface, allowing the feet to be raised or the back to be lifted into a sitting position.

Alabaster

A translucent white stone, often used in decorative carving, lamps, and candlesticks.

Alder

A type of wood from the Alder tree of the Birch family. A light brown hardwood used in making cabinets and other types of furniture.

Almond

A reddish wood commonly used in high-grade cabinetwork.

Amboyna

A reddish-brown wood with a mottled grain, often used in veneers.

Andiron

A metal support leg that holds wood in a fireplace.

Angel Bed

A type of bed that has a canopy supported by posts on the headboard, but not by the footboard.

Aniline Dyed

Leather upholstery which has been dyed in a dye bath, rather than a coated finish, so that the dye fully penetrates the leather.

Anthemion

A carving in the shape of a stylized flower and leaves, resembling a honeysuckle.

Antique

Any piece of furniture that is over a century old.

Antique Finish

Finish designed to mimic the appearance of the natural process of aging, giving wood furniture the look of being antique.

Apothecary Chest

A chest with small drawers, originally used to store herbs.

Apple Wood

A wood ranging from yellow to pink to orange, with interesting grain patterns that are useful for furniture and inlays.

Applique

A decorative ornamental piece made by sewing one piece of material over another, such as decoration sewn onto upholstery.

Apron

Also known as a skirt, a piece of wood beneath the seat rail of a chair or under a tabletop for support.

Arabesque

A carving designed with floral patterns with geometric scrolls, spirals, and zigzags.

Area Rug

A rug that only covers a certain section of the floor

Arm Caps

Fabric covers that fit over the arms of a chair or sofa to protect the upholstery.

Armchair

A dining room chair with arms, which is usually placed at the head or foot of the table.

Armoire

A tall, narrow piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothing.

Arrow Back

A chair back made from wide wooden slats that narrow to tapered tips.

Arrow Foot

A tapered, cylindrical foot topped by a small ring.

Art Deco

A style from the 1920s and 1930s, consisting of geometric shapes in various bold and colorful patterns.

Ash

A type of light colored hardwood, usually used in cabinets and wooden furniture.

Astragal

A wooden strip or molding overlapping the seal between two doors, such as in a cabinet or armoire.