Learn more about furniture construction and design. Glossary of home decorating and furniture terms. Furnishing names explained.

Furniture Insider Glossary

Heart And Crown: Heart and Crown is a furniture term that refers to a specific type of decorative motif commonly found on certain pieces of furniture, particularly on chairs and tables. Heart and Crown features a carved or molded design consisting of a heart-shaped motif (representing love) topped with a crown (symbolizing power or royalty). This motif is often intricately crafted and can be found on the backrests, armrests, or legs of furniture.

Library Table: A library table is a type of furniture that is traditionally used in a library or study room. It is a large, sturdy table designed for reading, writing, and studying purposes. It typically features a flat top surface, usually rectangular in shape, along with drawers or shelves for storing books, documents, or other study materials.

Shellac: Shellac is a natural resin extracted from the secretions of the female lac bug. It is commonly used as a wood finishing product due to its excellent properties. Shellac is soluble in alcohol, which means it can easily dissolve and mix with alcohol-based solvents.

Snake Foot: The snake foot is a unique and intriguing design element found on a tripod table. It is called a snake foot because its curved shape resembles that of a snake. This decorative foot adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to the overall design of the table.

Hall Clock: The furniture term Hall Clock refers to a type of tall, freestanding clock that is specifically designed to be placed in a hallway or entrance hall. Also known as a grandfather clock or a longcase clock, it typically features a pendulum, a weight-driven mechanism, and a long case that houses the clockworks. Hall clocks are often highly decorative with intricate carvings and ornamental details, serving as both functional timekeepers and elegant focal points in the homes entryway.

Prince Of Wales Plumes: The term Prince of Wales Plumes in furniture refers to a decorative motif commonly found in traditional English furniture designs. It consists of a feather-like design resembling the plumes associated with the Prince of Wales, which is characterized by a cluster of upwardly, outwardly oriented curved lines or shapes. This motif is often carved or inlaid into the wood on various furniture pieces such as chair backs, headboards, or decorative elements, adding an elegant and regal touch to the overall design.

Borne: Oval or round, French sofa, with a pillar in the center. The term Borne typically refers to a type of furniture that is used for support or elevation. It typically consists of a decorative column or pillar-like structure, often with a circular or square base, that is used to support other furniture pieces such as tables, cabinets, or lamps.

Birch: Wood found in temperate zones. Used for structural work. White and sap birches are soft.

Welsh Dresser: A Welsh Dresser is a traditional piece of furniture that originated in Wales. It is typically made of solid wood and consists of a lower section with drawers and cabinets for storage, topped by an upper section with open shelves for display. The lower section usually features several drawers of varying sizes, providing convenient storage for smaller items such as cutlery, linens, or other household essentials.

Bar Stool: A narrow and high stool with a foot rest, designed for seating in a bar. A bar stool is a type of tall chair with a footrest, usually found in bars and informal dining areas. It is designed to be used at a bar, counter, or high table for people to sit on while having drinks, eating, or socializing.

Mattress: A mattress is a large, soft pad typically placed on a bed frame or base to provide a comfortable surface for sleeping or lying down. It is designed to support the body and provide cushioning to promote a good nights sleep. Mattresses can be made from various materials, such as memory foam, latex, or innerspring coils, and come in different sizes to fit different bed frames.

Kerf: In the context of furniture, the term kerf refers to a narrow groove or slit made in a piece of wood or other material. This groove is typically created by sawing or cutting into the material, and it is often used for various purposes in furniture-making. The kerf can be used to insert different elements like splines or decorative accents, or it can act as an allowance for expansion and contraction of the wood.

Coffee Table: A coffee table is a low table designed to be placed in a living room or sitting area, usually near a sofa or chairs. It is typically used to hold various items such as drinks, books, magazines, or decorative objects. Coffee tables come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and are often characterized by their low height compared to other tables.

Lavabo: The term lavabo refers to a piece of furniture that typically consists of a basin or sink used for washing hands or small items. It is often found in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. Washstand.

Modillion: A modillion is a type of decorative element commonly used in classical architecture and furniture design. It is a projecting bracket or corbel with a rectangular or curved shape, typically found beneath the cornice of a structure. Modillions are often seen in the form of scroll-like brackets or volutes, creating a repetitive pattern along the underside of a cornice or shelf.

Desk Box: A desk box typically refers to a small, portable storage unit or container that is used to organize and store items on a desk or workstation. It is often designed to fit on top of a desk or to sit nearby for easy access to frequently used items such as pens, paperclips, and other office supplies. A desk box can come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, and may have compartments or drawers to help keep items organized.