Furniture Terms Glossary

Terms — C

Cable Molding

A type of decorative molding that resembles the shape of a rope.

Cabochon

A decorative piece in the shape of a polished, round gem, sometimes mounted on decorative carvings or the legs of furniture.

Cabriole Leg

A furniture leg with an S-shaped curve, often ending with a base shaped like an animal�s foot or claw.

Cake Plate

A plate raised on a central stem, used to hold a cake or dessert.

California King Bed

The longest standard bed size, though not as wide as a King Bed. Dimensions: 72 in � 84 in

Cambric

A fine, lightweight cloth often used in upholstery.

Camel Back

A chair back with a curve or hump on top.

Campaign Chair

A foldable chair consisting of a sling seat supported by a collapsible scissor-like structure.

Candle Holder

A decorative piece designed to hold candles.

Candle Jar

A decorative jar that holds candles, with a lid so the candle can be stored when not in use.

Candlesticks

Matches sets of thin, decorative sticks that hold thin candles.

Canopy Bed

A canopy bed has four posters that support a canopy over the top of the bed.

Canterbury

A small book rack or magazine stand with a handle and wheels.

Captain�s Bed

A Captain�s bed is designed with drawers underneath the bed for additional storage space.

Captain�s Chair

A chair with a short, curved back and arms supported by spindles.

Caquetoire

An armchair with a high, narrow back and a trapezoid-shaped seat.

Card Table

A felt-topped table, used for playing poker or other card games.

Casegoods

A term referring to any non-upholstered furniture, such as tables, cabinets, and shelves.

Cassapanca

A long wooden bench with arms and a back, and a hinged seat revealing a storage compartment underneath.

Casters

Small wheels attached to the bottom of furniture legs for easy moving.

Casual Dinette Chairs

Casual chairs such as might be found in a kitchen for everyday use.

Casual Dinette Set

A matched set of chairs and table used for casual dining, such as in the kitchen instead of the main dining room.

Casual Dinette Table

A simple table used for informal occasions and everyday use.

Catalyzed Lacquer

A clear, glossy coating applied to wood for protection and aesthetic appeal, with a catalyst added to accelerate the process and reducing curing time.

Cedar

Wood with a sweet odor that is often used in chests.

Celadon

A type of East Asian green porcelain, used in lamps and decorative pieces.

Cellaret

A portable chest for storing wine bottles and glasses.

Center Support Rail

An extra support rail across the center of a bed frame for extra strength.

Centerpiece

A vase or other decorative item placed at the center of a dining table for aesthetic effect.

Chai Back Sofa

A type of sofa with a back that resembles several chairs set side by side.

Chair and a Half

A cushioned and upholstered chair larger than a regular armchair, but smaller than a loveseat.

Chaise Fumeur

A small chair, designed to be straddled with one�s forearms resting on the back.

Chaise Lounge

A sofa or elongated chair designed for reclining.

Chamfer

A decorative furniture design in which the corner is cut away to make a symmetrical sloping surface.

Changing Table

A table with a padded top and railings, where a baby can be changed safely.

Channel Back

An upholstered chair with the back sectioned into vertical grooves.

Cherry Wood

The bright red or reddish wood of a cherry tree, popular in many types of furniture.

Chest

A piece of furniture used for storage, usually with drawers or cabinets.

Chest on Chest

A piece of furniture consisting of two stacked chests with drawers, a smaller one perched atop a larger one.

Cheval Mirror

A full-length mirror supported by two posts on either side which allow it to pivot.

Chevron

V-shaped decorative patterns, such as in upholstery.

Chifforobe

A piece of furniture with a tall space on one side for hanging clothes, and a set of drawers on the other side.

China Cabinet

A cabinet with glass doors, used to display fine china.

Chinoiserie

Western art or furniture designed in imitation of Chinese styles and motifs.

Chintz

Upholstery made from brightly colored and polished fabric.

Chip Carving

A style of decorative woodwork made by chipping out a pattern in a wooden panel.

Chromium Tanning

Leather upholstery which has been tanned with chromium salts to increase flexibility.

Clock

Any device which tells the time, whether digital or analog.

Club Chair

An upholstered chair with a low back.

Coat Rack

A tall standing post with pegs on top for hanging coats, scarves, and hats.

Cocktail Table

A long, narrow table similar to a coffee table.

Coffee Table

A long, narrow, low to the ground table, usually placed in the living room in front of the couch.

Coffer

A large, hinged-top chest that can double as a table or seat.

Coil Count

The number of coils inside an innerspring mattress; the more coils there are, the better support the mattress provides.

Coil Springs

Wire coils in the seat and back of a sofa to give extra support.

Coils

The springs inside a mattress that support a sleeper�s weight.

Colonial

Furniture styled after the 18th century designs, often made of oak, pine, maple, cherry, or mahogany.

Comb Back

A type of Windsor chair with an elongated back resembling a comb.

Commode

A low chest of drawers with short legs.

Concealed Hinge

A hinge hidden inside the door of a cabinet for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Confident

An S-shaped chair which allows two people to sit while facing opposite directions.

Console

A small table used to hold a TV or other electronics.

Contemporary

Furniture designed in a modern style.

Coquillage

Furniture designed with patterns of decorative shells.

Corduroy

A type of upholstery made from a thick cotton fabric with ridges.

Core

The inside of a mattress, which may contain coils, foam, or foam-encased springs for support.

Corner Cupboard

A triangular shaped cupboard designed to fit in the corner of a kitchen or dining room.

Corner Rack

A multi-tiered storage rack shaped to fit comfortably in the corner of a room.

Cornice

An ornamental molding projecting from the top corners of a piece of furniture, such as a dresser or armoire.

Cornucopia

A decorative carving shaped like a horn overflowing with fruit.

Coromandel

A heavy, hard wood with a hazel brown color and black stripes, highly valued for its distinct appearance.

Corrected Grain Leather

Leather upholstery which has had the grain buffed out and replaced with a newly finished surface.

Cottage Furniture

A furniture style with simple, casual designs and painted surfaces.

Cotton

A soft, absorbent upholstery that is easy to clean and resistant to heat.

Counter Height Bar Stool

A stool that stands between 24 to 26 inches, for use at a kitchen counter.

Counter Height Bench

A bench for seating two or more people which stands between 24 to 26 inches, for use at a kitchen counter.

Counter Height Table

A table that stands between 24 to 26 inches, the same as a kitchen counter. Often matched with counter height chairs.

Country Style

A furniture style with handcrafted, natural designs and a more rustic look.

Credenza

A low, long piece of furniture with drawers and cabinets.

Cresting

Carved decorative patterns across the top rail of a chair, mirror, or headboard.

Crib

A baby�s bed, usually tall with raised sides.

Crocking

When one type of upholstery material rubs off on another, leaving color smudges.

Crotch Veneer

A type of veneer made from a V-shaped piece of wood formed where a tree�s branches meet the trunk.

Crust

Unfinished leather upholstery which has been tanned and dyed.

Cupboard

A kitchen cabinet with shelves for holding food, plates, cups, and other kitchen supplies.

Curing

A process by which leather is immersed in a salt solution to protect it from deterioration.

Curio Cabinet

A cabinet with glass doors and shelves, usually used to display trinkets and other collectibles.

Cut Velvet

A type of upholstery made from velvet with the pile cut into different levels to make patterns.

Cypress

A hardwood that is resistant to decay and commonly used in wood paneling.