Furniture Terms Glossary

Terms — M

Magazine Rack

A rack with one or more compartments that holds magazines, newspapers, or books.

Magazine Table

A small table with drawers or racks meant to hold magazines.

Magnolia

A light-colored wood used to make furniture.

Mahogany

A high quality wood often used in cabinet making.

Mantel

A shelf across the top of a fireplace, where pictures and collectibles can be stored.

Maple

A lightweight, pale hardwood, usually found in cheaper furniture.

Marble

An expensive white, veined stone used for tabletops and countertops.

Marbling

A decorative technique using finish or paint to create streaks of color similar to those found in marble.

Marquetry

A decorative technique of applying small, flat pieces of wood in elaborate patterns on a veneered surface.

Massage Chair

A recliner with electric massage units built directly into it.

Master Bedroom

The main bedroom of the house, usually belonging to the parents of the family.

Matte Finish

A low-gloss finish which is applied to leather for enhanced texture.

Mattress

The thick, padded support of a bed where a person sleeps. May be made with coiled springs, memory foam, or air chambers for the sleeper�s support.

Medallion

An ornamental relief pattern in a circular frame, such as in a mirror.

Media Chest

A piece of furniture designed to hold televisions and electronics, with storage drawers and compartments.

Memory Foam Mattress

A mattress made from a resilient foam that conforms to the body�s shape and helps distribute a sleeper�s weight more easily.

Meridienne

A type of sofa that has one arm higher than the other.

Mesquite

A dark hardwood used in furniture making.

Metal Bed

A strong bed made from a sturdy metal frame.

Metal Laminate

Durable, easy to clean laminates used for countertops and tabletops. Similar to other laminates, but with a thin layer of metal on top in a variety of finishes.

Microfiber

Super thin fibers used to make more resilient and stain-resistant material.

Micropigment

A finishing process that colors the hide with clear, transparent pigments for a more uniform shade.

Milling/Tumbling

A leatherworking process where hides are tumbled in heated drums to increase softness.

Mineral Tanning

A tanning process using mineral agents which is faster than Vegetable Tanning, and results in a more stretchable leather.

Miter Joint

A joint that fastens two pieces of wood at a 90 degree angle.

Mohair

A type of upholstery made from a lustrous cotton-wool blend.

Molding

A decorative strip of wood used for ornamentation.

Mortise-and-tenon

A technique in which a hole is cut into one piece of wood and a matching peg carved into another so they can be fit together in a secure joint.

Motif

The theme or dominant feature of a furniture design, such as a repeated design feature found in all pieces of a matched set.

Mule Chest

A type of chest with drawers underneath and a hinged top above with a storage compartment.

Muntin

A supporting bar or strip of wood between adjacent panels of glass, such as on a china cabinet�s doors.