Furniture Design & Décor Glossary

A

A man-made fiber with a soft, woolly feeling; fair resistance to sunlight. It has good cleanability characteristics and takes vivid color well. Acrylic is normally used to create velvet, plush looks.

Furniture that is constructed of materials suitable for all weather types, for example resin wicker.

Light, durable, functional metal that is rust-proof and often used in outdoor furniture.

Decorative panel that connects the surface or legs of a table or chairs.

Also known as full aniline leather. A top-quality, natural leather that is only finished with transparent or translucent dyes, as to preserve all of the natural markings, character, and soft hand-feel of the hide. It will develop its own unique patina and wear pattern over time. Typically made using full grain leather.

Chair with side structures to support arms or elbows.

Large movable cupboard with doors and shelves that is typically used to store clothing or used as an entertainment center.

Back cushions made to resemble loose pillows but which may not be removed.

B

The wood frame section which supports the back springs and/or cushioning material.

A coating material used on the reverse side of the upholstery fabric or cover to give it more strength.

Tiered open, slatted back shelving unit used for storing utensils or other kitchen amenities.

Chair type that is named after chairs that were originally made from half a wine barrel.

The part of the wood frame lowest to the floor.

A double row of sewing which runs along both sides of a seam. It is used for a decorative effect but also strengthens the seam.

A simple plain flat fabric which gives the appearance of a woven basket.

Flexsteel’s life-time-guaranteed seat spring, which serves as the foundation for almost all of their sofas.

A cheaply-made non-leather upholstery that uses leather scraps combined with polyurethane to create a leather-like appearance.

Foundation for a mattress.

The base of a China Cabinet that supports the hutch and is often used as a place for storing dishes.

Bottom of leg with rounded feet.

Knot in wood grain surface. Sometimes creates a decorative pattern or swirl.

Wood that has been singed or burned in certain areas and then stained over the burned part.

The leaf of a table with a center section folds and stacks to slide under the table. It’s named for appearing to have wings like a butterfly when it opens.

The use of buttons to decorate or accentuate tufting.

C

An "S" curved leg on a chair or table with an outcurved knee and an incurved ankle.

A slightly longer mattress than a standard king, measuring 72” wide and 84” long.

An umbrella supported by a freestanding pole on the side, instead of the middle.

Rolling wheel that helps facilitate the mobility of furniture.

A chaise lounge is an extra long chair that is long enough to support the legs. A chaise sofa is a sofa that includes at least one chaise seat, often seen in L-shaped sofas.

Fuzzy plush yarn used to create upholstery fabric.

A combination of a dresser and a chest.

A repeating line or stripe in the shape of a V or an inverted V. Often called zig zag.

An upholstered chair with a low back.

A multipurpose furniture piece that can be used as a footrest or extra table space. Often referred to as coffee table ottoman.

Long, low table most often used in front of a sofa.

When resilient spring wire is coiled into a cone shape. Such springs are used in multiple rows for good seating comfort.

Table that is intended to be placed against a wall.

When a mattress conforms to the shape of the body, typically a memory foam mattress.

Also known as pigmented leather or protected leather. With this type of leather, the hide is buffed or sanded significantly to remove any and all blemishes from the surface. It is then sprayed with a coating that colors, seals, and protects the leather. This process creates a very consistent, even finish that is very stain-resistant. Typically made using top grain leather or split leather.

Term used for daybed in the 17th & 18th century.

Refers to the height of a stool that is lower than a bar stool and usually between 24" - 27" range.

A light bedding layer that is placed on top of a thicker bedspread for extra warmth or a decorative layer. Typically made of cotton, linen, velvet or silk.

A buffet, sideboard, or bookcase, especially one without legs.

D

Silk with an elaborate floral design that is reversible.

A dual purpose piece of furniture that can serve as a seating piece or can be used as a bed.

Ornamental cornice molding consisting of rectangular blocks spaced at regular intervals resembling teeth.

Wood finish that gives furniture the appearance that it has aged and looks like an antique. Also applies to leather, see antiqued.

The back of a sofa is given the look of detachable pillows or cushions.

Soft feathers (duck or geese) used to fill upholstery or pillows.

Interlocking joint on a piece of furniture.

Extension leaves that are built with hinges which can be lowered when not in use.

A soft bed cover with down, feathers or synthetic fiber protected with a removable cover.

E

A special heavy gauge wire, which acts as a support framing for coils.

A series of twine strings tied, by hand, 8 ways to support the seat. Modern production provides for the use of machine applied metal clips and wire stabilizers to keep coil springs permanently in position, instead of hand tying.

Creating a 3-dimensional design or pattern on paper or on a surface of wood.

A man-made substitute for hardwoods. Also known as medium density fiberboard (MDF).

A decorative piece of storage furniture with open shelves.

F

Any enhancing effect applied to leather after it has been tanned. Examples are dyeing, embossing, buffing, antiquing, waxing, waterproofing, and so on.

The outward curving or slant on a furniture leg or arm.

A design that consists of three leaves or pedals and the middle pedal stands taller then the other two.

Grooves in a post or leg of furniture that typically is carved to the foot.

The lower bracket on a bar stool that acts as a resting spot for feet and is often times covered with metal or brass for extra reinforcement.

Basic structure or skeleton of an upholstered sofa or chair. Kiln-dried hard wood is best for durability in wooden frames.

Pure, uncut leather with only the hair removed. This is the highest quality and most authentic grade of leather, as it retains all of the thickness, strength, natural texture, and markings of the original hide - from pores, to bug bites, to natural folds in the skin.

A piece of furniture that has dual purpose; can be a couch or transform into a bed.

G

One side of the table is used for dining while the other side is used as a surface for playing games.

Also known as a split leather. When a hide is cut or split during processing, this grade of leather is made from the second or even third cut of the hide. This is a lower quality than top grain leather, which uses the first cut of outermost skin on the hide. Since genuine leather is taken from the interior of the hide, it doesn't have the same look or feel as full grain leather or top grain leather, such as pores, skin folds, wrinkles, scars, etc. Suede is a specific style of genuine leather.

Buttons of plastic or metal applied to bottom of legs to make furniture easier to move around.

The natural pattern or design of the wood. All woods have unique grains that can be artistic. Also, a word used to describe the natural characteristics of an unprocessed leather hide, such as its pores, wrinkles, markings, and texture.

H

A technique that is hand applied to make furniture appear as though it is worn or aged.

Wood that comes from deciduous trees. Furniture created with hardwoods are higher in density and therefore are usually more durable.

A broken checkered pattern with notched corners that resembles a canine tooth.

The upper enclosed part of a multiple tiered structure. Typically this area has glass doors and is used for displaying china.

I

An Indonesian dyeing technique where the threads are tie-dyed before weaving. The patterns are formed by binding individual yarns or bundles of yarn with a tight wrapping applied in the desired pattern.

When two different types of wood are laid to form a two-dimensional effect.

J

A pattern fabric that has been woven on a Jacquard loom.

K

Similar to a futon, a klik klak converts from a sofa to a bed - perfect for small spaces.

L

A protective, clear top coat of finish applied to furniture.

Back of chair that has horizontal cross bars that connect the two vertical posts thus forming a ladder effect.

Process of taking two or more sheets of wood and gluing them together with the grains going in the opposite direction. This produces a material that is lighter and thinner than solid wood.

A design using materials in a crisscross, diagonal or square pattern that form visual intrigue.

If you are standing in front of a sectional and the chaise is on the left hand side, with the rest of the sofa going to the right, then it is left-arm facing.

When cushions can be easily removed and are not sewn into the piece of furniture.

Smaller version of a sofa typically with two cushions.

M

Medium Density Fiberboard. A type of hardboard that is comprised of wood fibers that have been glued under heat and pressure.

Marble is a very durable stone derived from Limestone and is often times used as an accent on bars and tables.

Microfiber refers to the tiniest man-made fiber (less than one denier) that today's technology can produce. It has great appeal aesthetically and is lightweight and requires minimal care.

Upholstered seating units that can be rearranged to form different types of seating configurations.

N

Decorative head nails or a simulated nail head strip used to accentuate a style, usually used on arms and rails.

Describes the soft, "fuzzy" effect achieved in leather by buffing or brushing. Most notably present in suede and nubuck leather.

A leather that displays its original grain.

A set of occasional tables that can slide one under the other to "nest" into one spot.

A specific type of top grain leather where a thin top layer is buffed away to give the leather a slight nap, or velvety feel. Similar to suede, but made with top grain instead of split leather.

Generic name for an important man-made synthetic fiber. Among the most durable synthetic fibers used for furniture fabrics.

O

Tables that are considered accent pieces like coffee table or sofa table.

Man-made synthetic fiber, good properties of strength, and resistance to abrasion, excellent cleanability.

Footstool or the footrest attached to a reclining chair.

P

An ornamental textile design using a teardrop-shaped motif that curls up at the end.

Usually refers to a chair or stool that is skirted.

Wood type that is comprised of chips of wood coated with glue and pressed together under heat.

The aura or luster that develops in a quality piece of leather with age.

A type of table that is supported by a single, central pedestal with legs that extend to support its weight.

Also known as corrected leather or protected leather. With this type of leather, the hide is buffed or sanded significantly to remove any and all blemishes from the surface. It is then sprayed with a coating that colors, seals, and protects the leather. This process creates a very consistent, even finish that is very stain-resistant. Typically made using top grain leather or split leather.

Refers to a mattress, chair or bar stool that has an extra layer of cushion for added comfort.

A pattern of crossed horizontal and vertical lines that form squares.

A material made from recycled plastic that won’t warp, fade or deteriorate.

A man-made fiber. Most like cotton in its appearance and physical properties.

A type of plastic used for furniture because of its light weight, durability and sustainability.

Man-made synthetic foam used for filling and for cushions. Rigid polyurethane can also reproduce wood trim or make entire frame. Often used in furniture cushions.

Also known as corrected leather or pigmented leather. With this type of leather, the hide is buffed or sanded significantly to remove any and all blemishes from the surface. It is then sprayed with a coating that colors, seals, and protects the leather. This process creates a very consistent, even finish that is very stain-resistant. Typically made using top grain leather or split leather.

Table top that typically measures higher than 36" and is taller than a dining table.

Q

An ornamental design with four lobes that resembles a four-leaf clover.

A bed covering, blanket or decorative piece with a top layer made up of different fabrics stitched or woven together.

R

Horizontal slats in the back of chairs or bar stools.

A type of furniture that is constructed with natural climbing palms that come from tropical Asia.

A man-made cellulose fiber. Dyes well with high luster. Works well in dense pile or closely woven fabrics. Usually used in a blend with other fibers.

If you are standing in front of a sectional and the chaise is on the right hand side, with the rest of the sofa going to the left, then it is right-arm facing.

Arms that flair out and then curve down to meet the sides of a chair or sofa.

Ready to Assemble.

S

A style of seat that is carved and contoured.

A tightly woven, high luster flat-weave fabric.

This refers to a decorative edge on a dining or pub table.

A sofa with several segments that may be "u" shaped.

A leather finished in a similar fashion to aniline leather, but with the addition of slight pigmentation and protective qualities. Some of the leather's surface may be lightly buffed or sanded to remove the most significant blemishes, but the natural characteristics of the hide are left mostly intact. Typically made using full grain leather or top grain leather.

A large bench or seat with back and arms that seats two or more people.

A chair without arms.

A strip of fabric which carries the sofa or chair design down to the floor and hides legs or casters. A skirt is sometimes also called a flounce. It can be gathered or pleated.

A type of chair back that resembles a ladder with two or more horizontal slats.

A sofa which can be converted into a bed.

A style of bed that resembles the old sleigh front with large scroll-like footboard and headboard.

Refers to a style of chair that has spindles placed vertically in the back to form both an artist design and provide support for the chair.

A single slat of wood, often ornamental, in the middle of the back of a straight chair.

Also known as a split, split grain leather, or genuine leather. When a hide is cut or split during processing, this grade of leather is made from the second or even third cut of the hide. This is a lower quality than top grain leather, which uses the first cut of outermost skin on the hide. Since split leather is taken from the interior of the hide, it doesn't have the same look or feel as full grain leather or top grain leather, such as pores, skin folds, wrinkles, scars, etc. Suede is a specific style of split leather.

Metal springs used to give interior support and resiliency to seat and back construction. Rarely used inside seat cushions today. Springs consists of two general types: Coil or cone and convoluted flat springs.

A specific type of split grain leather that has been buffed and brushed to create a nap, or a fuzzy, velvety hand-feel. Similar to nubuck, but made with split leather instead of top grain.

A sample of upholstery fabric, often shown with other pieces, in what is called a Swatch Book.

A chair that is able to turn back and forth on its base in a 360° motion.

T

A type of leg that decreases in diameter towards the bottom.

Very durable glass that shatters into small squares when broken.

When a hide is cut or split during the leather making process, this grade of leather is made from the first cut or outermost layer of skin. Despite being thinner than pure full grain leather, it still retains the exterior texture and character of the original hide. This is in contrast to split leather, which is a lower grade made from the second or third cuts of the hide. Nubuck leather is a specific type of top grain leather.

A decorative design applied to the outside of furniture. It could appear on arms, back or base. It can be made of wood, metal or plastic.

The process of drawing a cord through a deep cushion giving high puffs of padding and small low valleys where the cord is drawn. Names are given to tufting describing the shape of the tuft such as "diamond," "biscuit," or "square." Buttons are often attached to cords to highlight the tufting design.

A style in which the arms are the same height as the back.

An effect created by applying layers of similar or contrasting dyes to a piece of leather in order to create a mottled or aged appearance. Antiqued and Sauvaged leathers are examples of two-tone leathers.

U

Furniture that is covered with fabric, leather, vinyl or other such material.

W

A recliner that can sit closer to the wall because as it reclines, the chair moves forward away from the wall.

Cupboard or large cabinet used for hanging clothes.

The manner in which cloth is woven both in terms of tightness and in terms of texture.

Straps that are woven together and attached to a seat base and form the foundation & support for bottom of a chair.

A fabric covered cord that is used as a decorative trim piece.

Durable matting (willow, reed or rattan) that is woven to construct furniture.

Wing-like projections from the side of the back, often found in Early American furniture, where wings were used during early pioneer days as protection against drafts.

Solid metal that is formed into multiple and unique designs.

An upholstered chair that has wings at the sides.

X

Used to connect four legs of a chair or table and provide additional reinforcement to the piece of furniture.

Y

Z

Trade name for convoluted or S-shaped springs. These are commonly used in upholstery furniture instead of coil springs.