Furniture Terms Glossary

Terms — P

P-top Desk

Similar to a Bullet Desk, but with an P-shaped extension on the rounded end.

Pad Foot

A round foot with a circular base, usually at the end of a Cabriole leg.

Palmette

A decorative woodworking technique consisting of fan-shaped leaves like a palm tree.

Panel Bed

A bed with tall, flat headboards and footboards, which may be decorated with molding and groove work.

Papasan Chair

A large, round chair with a bowl-like shape, often with a wicker or rattan base.

Paperweight

A decorative item used to hold down stacks of paper.

Parsons Chair

An armless chair with a straight-lined back and a cushioned back and seat.

Parsons Table

A rectangular table with straight, blocky legs.

Partner�s Desk

A large desk that seats two people, one on each side, facing each other.

Patera

Oval carving on the skirts and legs of tables.

Patina

A term used to refer to the surface luster of leather which grows more beautiful over time.

Patina

A natural wood finished made over time by age and regular polishing.

Pearling

A decorative pattern of round shapes in the appearance of a string of beads or pearls.

Pearwood

A light colored wood commonly used in carving.

Pecan

A strong hardwood commonly used in dining room and office furniture.

Pedestal Desk

A desk supported by a pair of pedestals on either end.

Pedestal Table

A table supported by a single central pedestal in place of legs.

Pediment

An arched or crowned top of a cabinet or armoire.

Pegged Joint

A joint that holds two pieces of wood together with wooden pegs.

Pickled Finish

A wood finishing technique of rubbing white paint onto already stained and finished wood.

Pigment Finish

Leather upholstery which has been coated with a colored pigment for a more uniform shade and resistance to fading.

Pile Weave

Any type of upholstery with raised nap, such as velvet or corduroy.

Pillowtop Mattress

The softest style of mattress, with extra padding for maximum comfort.

Pine

A type of wood that is resistant to swelling and warping, commonly used for furniture and molding.

Piping

Individually stuffed strips or pipes of upholstery on a piece of furniture�s back.

Plant Stand

A small table or pedestal that holds a potted plant.

Planter

A decorative container for holding plants.

Platform Bed

A platform bed sits low to the floor, and typically doesn�t need a box spring for support.

Playpen

A portable piece of furniture with raised sides and a padded bottom, where a small baby can play safely.

Plush Mattress

A softer style of mattress with less support but more comfort.

Plywood

Manufactured wood created by alternating layers of wood with the grains perpendicular to each other.

Pneumatic Height Adjustment

An adjustment on an office chair that allows the seat to be moved up and down.

Poly Dacron Wrap

A seat cushion made from a soft polyester material wrapped around a polyurethane core.

Polychrome

A term referring to decorations that include three or more colors.

Polyester

A type of upholstery that is durable and easy to clean.

Polystyrene

A synthetic material used to reproduce wood trim or frames.

Polyurethane

A synthetic foam material used for couch cushions.

Poplar

A type of wood that is common in woodworking because it is inexpensive and easy to work with.

Porte-parapluies

An umbrella stand.

Portemanteau

A coat rack or hall tree.

Pressboard

Also known as particle board, a strong, glazed wood often used as the backing of a shelf.

Pressure Points

The points on a mattress where pressure can build up while sleeping, usually around the shoulders and hips.

Print

A fabric with a decorative design printed onto the surface, instead of being woven into the material itself.

Provincial

A furniture style based on simple, peasant-like designs.

Punch-out Back

Panel backing on an entertainment center with sections that can be punched out to make room for cables and wires.

Pure Aniline

Leather upholstery that has been Aniline Dyed and shows off the natural markings and grain of the leather.