Furniture Glossary

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Furniture Glossary

Our guide to help you better understand furniture.

Choose a letter or scroll down below.

A	H	O	V
B	I	P	W
C	J	Q	X
D	K	R	Y
E	L	S	Z
F	M	T
G	N	U

A
ABS	Name of fully or semi-synthetic molded plastics. Commonly used in contemporary bar stools and chairs.
Acanthus Leaf	Comes from the Greek Acanthus Leaf. It is a classic decorative carving used on multiple types of furniture from bar stools to bedroom dressers and more.
Adaptations	Captures the look of a piece of furniture, but is a variation of the original. Some call them knock-offs.
Antique	Usually an item that is 100 or more years old.
Aluminum	Usually made to be lightweight. Resists rust. Primarily used in outdoor bar stools and outdoor furniture.
Antique Finish	A finish that is purposely painted or constructed to capture the look and feel of an antique.
Apron	Usually the rim underneath a seat or table top that supports the weight. Some have decorative carvings for appeal.
Armchair	Some chairs are built two ways: with and without arms. The chair with arms is called an armchair. The arms are for comfort in resting your elbows and arms.
Armoire	A large, movable closet with shelves, and occasionally with a hanging rod or television shelf. The French used them as an armor closet. Today, they are an alternative to a bedroom chest.
Arrow back	It is usually in a bar stool or chair. Instead of having the rounded spindles on the backs, the spindle is wide and narrow and the ends are shaped like an arrow.
Artificial Laminate	It is a cheaper substitute to real wood. It is usually a paper or plastic layer that is glued to particles or an MDF board. The outer appearance is similar to real wood.
Attached Back Pillow	This is common on upholstered stools and sofas. The back pillow is not removable. It is sewn into the furniture.

B
Bachelor's Chest	Very short set of chest drawers. Usually 30 to 36 inches tall.
Backless	Usually on a bar stool or chair. It is without a back. Made to go under counters and bars without the back interfering.
Baize	Looks like felt made from wool. Usually covers game tables and pool tables.
Baker's Rack	Originally used to cool pies after baking. Used in the kitchen for storage. Usually made of wood or metal with glass, stone, slate, or wood tops.
Ball Foot	Very bottom of a leg. The "ball" is a round styled foot.
Baluster Leg	Used on bar stools and chairs. Shaped like a vase or Baluster.
Banding	Narrow strips of veneer used to make a decorative pattern on table tops and drawer fronts. Usually in a slightly different finish to add an effect to the wood.
Bamboo	Hollow cane wood used in bar stool and outdoor furniture. Grown in moist areas.
Bar	Bars are made for storage and seating areas. Usually bar or counter heights. Storage for wines and liqueurs.
Bar Height	Bar stool that is taller than a counter stool. Usually in the 28" to 34" seat height range.
Bar Stool	Basically a chair that comes in counter stool and bar stool heights. Some bar stools are stationary, swivel, wood, metal, wood/metal, upholstered, or backless.
Baroque	Very heavy, ornamental, and expensive style of furniture. Also used in architecture.
Barrel Chair	Barrel-shaped chair or bar stool. Looks rustic and nostalgic. Made to appear like a cut out from an actual barrel
Baseball Stitching	Primarily used on upholstered furniture. The stitching appears like that of a baseball.
Batting	Used to stuff or pad the seat or back of a bar stool, chair, or seat. Usually made from cotton.
Beech Wood	Actually comes from a Beech Tree. A very hard wood used in flooring. Used in commercial bar stools, chairs, and seats.
Bent Wood	Wood that has been steamed, soaked, or bent into a formed shape.
Bedside Chest	Sometimes called a nightstand. Usually has 3 or fewer drawers.
Bird's Eye	Small spots in wood grain that appear as a bird's eye. Primarily found in Sugar Maple.
Bergere	Very high end, comfortable arm chair inspired by the French. Features squab cushions and upholstered back and sides.
Billiard Stool	A bar stool for a billiards setting. Some have cue holders and billiard style fabrics.
Bombe	Small armoire. French Inspired. Features an extruding, round front.
Bonnet Top	Sometimes found on a China Cabinet top. It is a rounded top crown shaped like a bonnet. Comes from early English and American furniture.
Brass	Durable, gold-tinted metal. Used on high end bar stools and bars.
Brazilian Wood	Durable, dense, and weather resistant wood.
Brocade	Embossed-appearing, patterned fabric made of heavy silk.
Buffet	The base of a China Cabinet that supports a Hutch. Used to store kitchen items.
Bun Feet	Decorative, carved foot that is shaped like a ball. Found on bar stools, pub tables, bars, and dining tables. Sometimes have a flat side or bottom.
Burl	The knot in the wood grain. Sometimes makes a decorative swirl or pattern.

C
Cabriole Leg	A style of leg that features an outward curved top that curves back into the base at the foot.
Cane	Rattan that is split. Sometimes used on bar stools and chairs to cover the seat and back.
Captain's Stool	Features a rounded, short back with arm rests and spindles.
Case Piece	Term used in furniture to represent a piece that is not upholstered.
Caster	Small wheel used to make items movable. Found on game chairs.
Casual	A very simple, straight line style of furniture. Not very exotic.
Chamfer	Sometimes found on the edge of tables. Features a beveled edge that is cut at an angle.
Channel Back	Chair or Stool with vertical lines sewn into the back. Commonly found on retro furniture.
Chenille	Fabric type that has long threads. Usually made with yarns that are tightly woven.
Cherry Wood	Hardwood that is commonly used for furniture. Features a very dark stain.
China Cabinet	Cabinet that sits on a buffet. Used to show and store dishes.
Chintz	Very shiny surfaced fabric. Appears glazed.
Chippendale	Very ornate, delicately carved style from 18th century England.
Chrome	Chromium-plated metal. Features a deep shine. Easy to maintain.
Claw Foot	Foot on furniture that resembles an animals claw.
Credenza	Sometimes referred to as a sideboard or server. Has cabinets for storage and display.
Console	Table that is usually placed against the wall. Usually narrow in design.
Contemporary	New-age, very modern look with a sophisticated appearance.
Counter Height	Refers to the height of a stool that is lower than a bar stool. Usually within the 24 to 27 inch range.
Counter Stool	The actual stool that is shorter than a bar stool. Works with counter height pub tables and bars.
Cupboard	Storage cabinet sometimes referred to as a buffet and hutch. Usually has doors and is located in the kitchen.
Curl Veneer	The wood from the bent part of a tree. The wood features a grain that is shaped like a "V".

D
Damask	Reversible, elaborate floral design in silk.
Distressing	Finish on wood that gives the appearance of old, antique furniture. Usually shows signs of worm holes and small scratches.
Dovetail	Used in joining two pieces of wood. It is a jointed piece that is shaped like a dove’s tail. Smaller on one side than the other.
Dowel	Small, wood pin used to join two pieces of wood and make a stronger joint.
Down	Comes from ducks or geese. Soft feathers used to fill upholstery and pillows. The comfort comes from the trapped air between the feathers.
Drop-leaf Table	Has hinges that extend a leaf to make a longer table or fold down for storage.

E
Embossing	The wood is compressed around a mold to look like intricate carvings.
Engineered Wood	Commonly known as MDF or medium density fiberboard. Man-made substitute for hardwoods. It is glued under pressure to create a durable board.
Etagere	Decorative shelf used to display items.

F
Faux	The definition is "False". Many manufacturers will make something appear to be real when it’s not. It is called Faux.
Fiberboard	Has compressed, wood fibers that are glued and pressed to form a durable board.
Fiddle-back	Also referred to as splat-back. The back is shaped like a fiddle.
Finish	When the raw material is painted or stained. It is now "Finished" or complete. It is the final coating on the material. Usually a protectant from stains.
Flare	The outward curving of a leg. Commonly found on bar stools and chairs.
Footrest	The lower brace on a bar stool where the feet "rest". Sometimes covered with metal or brass for durability.
Fleur De Lis	The design of three leaves or pedals. The middle pedal stands tall and the others bend away. Dates back to medieval times.
Fluted	Circular grooves in a leg or post that is carved to the foot.

G
Gallery	Tables top border or edge that is made of metal or wood.
Game Table	Refers to a table that is used to dine on one side and game on the other. Has a felt padding on the game side.
Gathering Table	Table that accepts counter stools instead of chairs. Usually 36" inches high.
Gimp	Used to hide tacks and seams in upholstery. Form of fabric fold.
Glazing	A processing step where the finish is hand wiped and blended to show highlights in the wood grain.
Grain	The natural pattern of the wood. All woods have unique grains.
Grille	The wood or metal lattice used in glass doors on china cabinets and bookcases.

H
Hampton	A style of furniture modeled from Colonial or European Style
Hand Distressing	A distressing technique that is hand applied to make a piece of furniture appear worn.
Hardwoods	Made from broad-leaved, deciduous trees. It is higher in density than most and makes durable, long lasting furniture.
Hutch	The upper part of the buffet and hutch. Usually has glass doors for displaying china and storage.

I
Inlay	When one type of wood is laid into another to create a two dimensional effect in the wood. Usually found in table tops.

J
Jacquard	A woven, patterned fabric named after the punch card loom inventor.

K
Keeled	Cabriole Legs feature this sharp edge.

L
Lacquer	Top coat of furniture. It is a protective, clear finish.
Ladder-Back	Usually has two vertical posts with horizontal braces that make the back appear as a ladder. The back can be constructed of wood or metal.
Laminated	When two or more sheets of wood are glued in opposite directions. This makes a wood that is lighter and more pliable than solid wood.
Lattice	A design that uses materials that can be constructed in cross hatched or "x" shaped designs. This is a design that is used on chair and bar stool backs.
Loose Pillow Back	When the cushions on furniture are not sewn into the piece and can be removed if necessary.

M
Marble	Marble is a stone derived from Limestone. It can be highly polished to a luster. It is one of the more durable and extravagant materials available. It can be found on bars, tables, and pub tables.
Marble Veneer	This is like the real marble, but only with a thin layer attached to an MDF board or similar. It is usually more economical in price, while still giving some of the same features of the real thing.
Marquetry	Wood or Ivory inlay. Usually made into a decorative pattern found in table tops and bars.
Metal	This is one of the most popular materials to construct chairs, bar stools, and baker's racks. It can be many different types of metals in different makes and qualities.
Micro fiber	This material is usually the Faux version of many fabrics. It’s washable, breathable, and usually stain resistant.
Mission Style	This is a style of furniture from the early 20th century. It usually features classic oaks and cherries in very straight line styles.
Modular Seating	Seating that can be rearranged into different configurations using interchangeable pieces.
Modern	Some call this new-age furniture or big city. It is usually sleek in design with vibrant rich colors and straight lines. Usually features silvers and chromes.
Motion Furniture	Furniture that contain mechanisms that allow the furniture to go into motion. It will either recline, rock, glide, or make other movements.

N
Natural	This is a wood finish that represents the natural colors of the material. It usually only contains a clear coat finish for protection.
Non-Swivel	Bar stools and chairs are made with and without swivels. The bar stools without swivels are called non-swivel or stationary.
Novelty	These items usually represent a collection or sports team.

O
Oak	This is a tree with spirally arranged leaves and that grows in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a very common material for furniture.
Outdoor	This type of furniture is specifically designed to be used outdoors. It is usually constructed of resins or non-rustable aluminum.

P
Parawood	This Asian hardwood is used in furniture construction. It is a strong and durable wood that compares to the Maple Tree.
Parsons Chair	Usually a skirted chair or stool. Also describes a 20th century furniture style.
Particle Board	This wood is made from chips or shavings of wood and is glued under pressure to create a cheaper alternative to solid wood.
Pedestal Table	This table design uses a single pedestal with extruding legs to support its weight.
Pillow Top	This can be a mattress, chair, or bar stool with an extra layer of padding for comfort.
Polyurethane	This material is used in seating. It contains many different densities and feels.
Powder Coat	This is the process of applying a dry paint electro statically. After it cures under heat, it forms a skin that is more durable than conventional paint.
Pub Table	A pub table is a table that is taller than a dining table. The pub table usually measures at least 36 inches and taller.
PVC	Is a thermoplastic polymer that is used in molding furniture and other goods. It is one of the cheapest materials in construction.

Q

R
Rail	Horizontal slats in the backs of bar stools and chairs.
Rattan	This is an Asian native vine like palm used in furniture. It is very strong and pliable.
Reeding	These grooves run up and down a leg in a circular pattern.
Reproduction	It is an almost perfect replica of a product . It is a remake of the original.
Retro	This type of furniture is styled from the 40's and 50's. It is usually from the diner and drive-in era.
Round Top	This is a popular backless stool that features a circular top.
RTA	Ready to assemble. There is usually a common myth that RTA means cheap, but this is not entirely true. Because there is some assembly required, the shipping and freight from overseas or nationwide is usually less and it makes the prices.
Rush Seat	This is a wicker or weave seat. It is a common seat on rocking chairs and on some bar stools and chairs.
Rustic	This style of furniture is designed to look old. It sometimes has rough, unfinished qualities are simply a rustic style fabric or finish.

S
Saddle seat	This is a seat style that is carved and has a contoured seat. This is one of the most popular backless stool styles. The name comes from a horse saddle.
Scalloped	This is an edge that is found on a dining or pub table that is meant for decoration.
Scroll Design	This is usually molded into the metal to give the furniture a decorative appearance.
Seat Height	This is the measurement of the actual height of the seat. For example, the counter stools are generally 24 to 26 inches high and the bar stool are usually 28 to 32 inches tall.
Shaker	This design came from the "Shakers". This furniture is still widely used and has simple designs and little decoration.
Side Chair	This is the traditional dining chair. It is usually 18 to 21 inches high.
Sideboard	Primarily used in the dining room or kitchen to serve and store dishes.
Slat Back	This style of bar stools and chairs feature vertical slats in the back made of wood or metal.
Spindle Back	Common in the traditional type of bar stools and chairs, these backs contain round, thin spindles that run from top to bottom.
Stacking	Many commercial chairs need to be stacked on top of each other to conserve space, these chairs and bar stools are called stacking chairs.
Stainless Steel	A very durable and anti-corrosive material used in seating and table legs.
Stretchers	These are the braces that stretch around the chair and bar stool. They are usually glued or screwed on to make a rigid frame.
Swivel	This contraption mounts between the bar stools base and seat, making the stool spin either 180 or 360 degrees. These are usually industrial strength.

T
Taper	This usually describes the contour of the leg found on bar stools, chairs, and tables. It tapers or thins down when it reaches the foot or base.
Tapestry	This solid background fabric features needle pointing effects.
Tempered Glass	Often called toughened glass, it shatters into small squares and is very durable. It’s used where heat and safety may be a key.
Traditional	This style is a very common one. It uses old world, classic designs with beautiful woods, carvings, and finishes.
Transitional	This type of style will blend with contemporary and traditional furniture. It uses many characteristics of each while staying simple enough to be its own genre of furniture.
Tubular Steel	This is a common material in bar stool and chairs. It is a metal tube that is hollowed to save weight and make it more economical to produce.

U
Unfinished	This type of furniture will arrive with no stain or finish. It gives the consumer the opportunity to stain or paint in any fashion needed.
Upholstery	This is the materials that cover seats of bar stools and chairs when a metal or wood seat is not used. It consists of many different types of fabrics, leathers, faux suede, and microfibers.

V
Veneer	This construction method used thin layers of wood that are glued together to form a piece that is as strong as solid wood. Veneers can also be constructed to show different patterns and wood types.

W
Webbing	This is the foundation of some seating. It has straps that are woven together and attached to the seat base to support the weight of the seat, while giving enough support to provide a comfortable seating environment.
Welt Chording	This is a decorative trim piece that is simply a covered fabric cord, sewn into place
Wicker	This a woven flexible plant material that is often used in seats and backs.
Windsor	This is a general styled back that features a curved design and can consist of many different designs.
Wine Cabinet	Usually a piece of furniture used to store wine and used as a small bar.
Wrought Iron	Solid metal that is hand-forged and formed into many different unique designs.