Different Antique Furniture Terminology From A to Z.

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Different Antique Furniture Terminology From A to Z.

Below is a list of terminology very often used in antique furniture in alphabetical order. This will be very helpful if you are interested in antiques and want to learn and understand the styles and construction. Although some of the terminology may be confusing it is helpful to read them below and then view our antique furniture for sale so you can put a picture to the different words.

Antique Amboyna

 

Amboyna

Amboyna is a type of wood from south east Asia usually a reddish-brown in colour with a curled and mottled grain and was used for veneers in furniture.

 

Acanthus Carving

 

Acanthus

An acanthus is a leafy carved ornament in the top of the columns of the Corinthian. They are found in mahogany furniture from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods.

 

carved apron

 

Apron

An apron is situated below the seat rail of a chair, settee, cabinets and tables, it can be shaped like on this wonderful card table.

 

Alabaster

 

Alabaster

Alabaster is usually translucent and white or grey in colour, form of the mineral gypsum which can be polished to a smooth and waxy finish. Often used in sculpture, decorative stone panelling, beads and cabochons.

 

 

 

Arcading

 

Arcading

Arcading is a carved architectural ornament in the shape of arches. Can be seen on chair-backs and applied on panels on coffers.

 

 

Astragal Glazed

 

Astragal

Astragal is a small moulding used on glass for glazing bars.

 

 

antique Armoire

 

 

Armoire

An armoire is a wardrobe, usually from France.

 

 

 

Antique Ash

 

Ash

Ash is a figured hardwood having a variety of shades in the grain.

 

 

Baise

 

Baize

Baize is a lining cloth usually in card tables.

 

 

Ball & Claw

 

Ball-and-Claw Foot

Ball-and-Claw is a talon or claw grasping a ball on the feet of some furniture.

 

 

 

Antique Bamboo

 

Bamboo Turning

Bamboo turning is turned timber made to simulate bamboo, usually painted.

 

 

Ball Feet

 

Ball Foot

A ball foot was used in the 17th century on cabinets or to the turned legs on tables.

 

 

Baluster

 

Baluster

Baluster is a turned vase-shaped post supporting the rail of a staircase or splat of a chair.

 

 

 

Cross Banding

 

Banding

Banding is a decorative, inlaid border or edging around a piece of furniture.

 

 

 

Baroque

 

Baroque

Baroque is a style of architecture, art and decoration which is bold details and sweeping curves usually gilt in decoration.

 

 

Beading

 

Bead

Bead or beading is a moulding resembling a string of beads.

 

Beech

 

Beech

Beech is a wood with very little grain

 

 

bergere

 

Bergere

Bergere is a chair with upholstered sides and usually caned or upholstered.

 

 

 

Antique Satinbirch

 

Birch

Birch is a hardwood with a close grain and is one of the strongest cabinet woods.

 

 

 

Beval mirror

 

Bevel

A bevel or bevelled edge is an edge that has been cut at a slant.

 

 

 

Biedermeier

 

Biedermeier

Biedermier is a style of furniture produced in Austria and Germany during the Victorian period.

 

 

 

Antique Birds Eye Maple

 

Bird’s eye Maple

Birds eye or birds eye maple is a decorative wood from maple and has a striking grain.

 

 

 

black forest carving

Black Forest

Black forest furniture is highly carved and is known for carved bears and other creatures of the forest, such as deer and birds.

 

 

 

Bolection moulding

 

Bolection moulding

Bolection moulding is a projecting moulding of ogee shape, raised round a panel.

 

 

Boulle

 

Boulle

Boulle is decorative type of marquetry which tortoiseshell, brass, copper and tin were used in elaborate floral or curving designs.

 

 

 

Antique Bombe Wardrobe

 

Bombe

Bombe is a French term, meaning “blown out”, describing a large outward swelling curve on the front of a piece of furniture.

 

 

 

Bonheur Du Jour

 

Bonheur-du-jour

A Bonheur-du-jour is a small, pretty lady’s writing desk

 

 

 

bracket foot

 

Bracket foot

A Bracket foot is used on chest, chest on chest or a cabinet. It is a straight corner edge and curved inner edges.

 

 

Braiding

 

Braiding

Braiding is a finishing decoration used in upholstery around the edges of chairs.

 

 

 

Break Fronted

Breakfront

A breakfront is a piece with a front of which has one or more projecting portions.

 

 

 

carved bulb

Bulb

A bulb is the bulb like part of the turned supports of furniture on tables, chairs etc. they are sometimes carved.

 

 

burr wood

 

Burr

Burr or also known as burl is a curly-grained veneered surface cut from irregular growths of the tree, such as the roots or crotches.

 

 

 

bun foot

 

 

Bun foot

A bun foot is a foot that resembles a slightly flattened ball or sphere.

 

 

 

Bureau

 

Bureau

A Bureau is a desk with a sloping fall-front. The flap is hinged above a chest of drawers.

 

 

 

 

cabriole leg

 

 

Cabriole leg

Cabriole leg is a leg with a double curve. It is stylised form an animal hind leg with elongated “S” shape; usually the foot is in the shape of a hoof, bun, paw, claw and ball or scroll feet.

 

 

 

 

Cabochon

 

Cabochon

A cabochon is in the form of a gem shape, polished and usually convex, it is usually found on the knees of chair legs.

 

 

 

 

Camel Back

Camel back

A camel back is a chair or sofa back and the top rail is in the form of a serpentine curve with two humps downward and three humps upward.

 

 

Candelabra

 

 

Candelabra

A Candelabra is a branched candlestick or lamp stand, can be found on dressing tales and some chests.

 

 

Caining

 

 

Caning

Caning is a woody stem of rattan or sugar cane used for wickerwork, seats of chairs, summer furniture, etc.

 

 

Canopy

 

Canopy

A canopy is a draped covering of fabric suspended over a piece of furniture and supported by four posts usually on four poster beds.

 

 

canted corner

 

Canted

A canted surface is bevelled, chamfered, or obliquely faced can be seen on the corners of chest of drawers and are called canted corners.

 

Antique Canterbury

 

 

Canterbury

A Canterbury is an ornamental stand having compartments and divisions for papers, portfolios, envelopes, magazines etc.

 

 

carcass

 

Carcase

A carcase is the term used for the body of a piece of furniture.

 

Antique Carlton House Desk

 

Carlton House Desk

The original Carlton House desk was made in the 1790s for George IV, then the Prince of Wales, living at Carlton House in London.

 

Cartouche

 

Cartouche

A cartouche is usually oval in shape, a cartouche is an ornamental motif with curved or scrolling edges. Often the cartouche contains a coat-of-arms, ornamental monogram or an inscription.

 

 

 

Caryatid

 

 

Caryatid

A caryatid is a decorative upright female figure used in the place of a column. In the early 18th century it can be found on chests and cupboards and quite common on some French furniture.

 

 

 

 

Case Furniture

 

Case furniture

Case furniture is furniture which provides storage space.

 

 

 

Castellated

 

Castellated

Castellated is a type of moulding in the shape of the top of a castle, usually on top of wardrobes and bookcases.

 

 

Cavetto

 

Cavetto

A cavetto is a hollowed moulding forming in profile the quadrant of a circle. A prominent cornice in large pieces of antique furniture.

 

 

Cellaret

 

Cellaret

A cellaret is a portable chest, case, or cabinet for storing bottles, decanters and glasses, dating from the 18th century. Ideal for storing wine and can be seen in some sideboard drawers.

 

Chaise Lounge

Chaise lounge

A Chaise lounge is a long chair designed for relaxing and is upholstered.

 

chamfer

 

Chamfered

A chamfered edge is bevelled or cut away from the square of the top or edge of a piece.

 

 

 

Antique Chesterfield

Chesterfield

A chesterfield is an overstuffed sofa of large size with upholstered ends.

 

chequer banding

Chequer banding

Chequer banding is inlay of light and dark woods forming a pattern of  squares like that of a chess or chequer boards.

 

 

Chest On Chest

 

Chest-on-chest

A chest on chest is a chest of drawers consisting of two parts, one on top of the other. They are also known as a tallboy.

 

 

 

Cheval Mirror

 

 

 

Cheval mirror

A cheval mirror is a large full-length mirror, usually standing on the floor.

 

 

Chiffonier

 

 

Chiffonier

A chiffonier is a small sideboard, or cabinet with cupboard or drawers below.

 

 

claw and ball foot

 

Claw and ball foot

Claw and ball foot is usually on the end of a cabriole leg representing an animals paw or dragons or birds claw, clutching a ball.

 

Chippendale

 

Chippendale

Thomas Chippendale 1718-1779 was one of the greatest cabinet makers of the 18th-century in England.

 

 

cabriole leg

 

Club foot

Club foot is to the base of a cabriole leg but is more well known as a pad foot.

 

 

 

 

 

Cock Beading

 

Cock beading

Cock beading is small moulding, around the edges of drawers.

 

 

Commode

 

Commode

A commode is a low chest-of-drawers but later became a term for bedroom cupboards to store the porcelain potty. The commode was also used in library steps and other pieces of antique furniture.

 

Console Table

 

Console table

A console table is a small table that can be attached to the wall, has two legs in front or can be free-standing against the wall.

 

carved corbel

 

 

Corbel

A corbel is a bracket and can be seen on antique bookcases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cornice

 

Cornice

A cornice is a horizontal moulding at the top of pieces, such as bookcases, cabinets and antique wardrobes.

 

 

Antique Mahogany

 

Crotch veneer

Crotch veneer is a thin sheet of wood cut from the intersection of the main trunk and branch of a tree, showing an irregular patterned effect of graining. A good example is curl mahogany veneer.

 

Antique Calamander or Coromandel

 

Coromandel

Coromandel is a very hard wood similar to ebony and is very hard waring.

 

 

Crackle

 

Crackle

Crackle or crackle glaze is cracks painted furniture as decoration. Crazing is another term for surface cracks in the glaze painted furniture.

 

Antique Credenza

 

Credenza

A credenza is a sideboard and is usually very elaborate with a mirror back.

 

Cross Banding

 

Cross banding

Cross banding is thin strips of decorative cross-grained veneer.

 

 

 

Crown moulding

 

Crown moulding

Crown moulding is the highest moulding on a door, window, or cabinet.

 

 

 

 

Davenport Desk

 

Davenport desk

An antique davenport desk is a small writing desks with usually a sloping top, brass galleries, a set of drawers on one side and false drawer fronts on the other. It is said that Gillows of London, first created the desk around 1790 for a Captain Davenport.

 

 

carved dental mouldingDentil

Dentil or dentil moulding is the moulding under the cornice consisting of a series of small rectangular shaped blocks or “teeth”.

 

 

georgian dovetail joint

 

 

Dovetail

Dovetail is a term in carpentry used to construct drawers, can be seen in antique chest of drawers.

 

 

Antique Drop Leaf Table

 

Drop-leaf

A drop leaf is a leaf which is hinged to the side of a table, which drops at the side when not in use.

 

 

Dowel

 

 

Dowel

A dowel is a headless pin of metal or wood which fits into a corresponding hole on another piece, forming a joint fastening them together, can be seen on table leaves.

 

Antique Drum Table

 

Drum table

A drum table is a round table with a deep apron resembling a drum and usually has drawers in the frieze.

 

Dumbwaiter

 

Dumbwaiter

A dumb waiter is a serving table, consisting of several shelves and can also be known as a tier table.

 

 

 

 

Edwardian

 

Edwardian

Edwardian furniture was made during King Edward VIIs reign in Britain from 1901 to 1911

 

 

Ebony

 

Ebony

Ebony is the name of woods that are very dark in colour, sometimes dark brown or green to black in colour.

 

 

Ebonised

Ebonizing

Ebonizing is the staining of wood to black to simulate ebony.

 

 

Egg & Dart

 

Egg-and-dart

Egg-and-dart moulding is a decorative motif consisting of egg shapes alternating with dart-like points.

 

 

Antique Elm

 

Elm

Elm is a wood a light wood with very striking grain.

 

 

Embossed

 

Embossing

Embossing is a process of stamping or hammering wood and leather so that a design protrudes beyond the surface.

 

 

Etagere

 

 

Étagère

An Étagère is a free-standing cabinet or wall shelves used to display small objects, sometimes with drawers and doors.

 

 

Empire

 

Empire

Empire is a period of design during the reign of Napoleon 1804-14. Greek, Roman, and Egyptian motifs were widely used.

 

 

 

Engraving

 

Engraving

Engraving is the process of cutting or carving lines into a wood surface.

 

 

 

Escutcheon

 

 

Escutcheon

An escutcheon is a metal plate fitted around a keyhole for protection and decoration, they are usually in brass.

 

 

fedral

 

Federal

Federal is An American period 1780-1830 influenced by English styles such as Adams, Sheraton, Regency, Hepplewhite and Empire. Mahogany, pine and maple were used. The most common ornament on this period of furniture was the eagle.

 

Fauteuil

 

Fauteuil

A Fauteuil is a French arm chair with upholstered seat and back.

 

 

 

fielded panel

 

Fielded panel

A Fielded panel has bevelled edges, enclosing a flat central field can be seen on antique coffers.

 

 

 

Finial

 

Finial

A finial is an ornamental knob crowning, sometimes found on stretchers on a table, chairs and stools, on cabinets and at the top of pole screens.

 

 

Tilt Top Table

 

 

Flip-top

A Flip-top table is an antique dining table that tilts.

 

 

fluting

 

Fluting

Fluting is a decoration formed by making parallel, concave grooves usually seen on column shafts and run in a vertical direction.

 

 

 

french polishing

French polish

French polishing is a durable finish of high gloss created by applying lots of layers of shellac to wood. The name is used because it is believed to have been first used in France in the late 1600s.

 

Frieze

 

Frieze

A Frieze is the edge below the top of a piece of furniture can be plain or sometimes carved with fretwork.

 

 

 

Gallery Rail

 

Gallery

A Gallery is an ornamental metal or wood railing around the edge of a piece of furniture.

 

 

 

Geometric

 

Geometric

Geometric is a type of moulding used on 17th century Oak furniture

 

 

 

French Provincial

 

 

French Provincial

French Provincial is a furniture style created by craftsmen in the French provinces.

 

 

Carved gadrooning

 

Gadrooning

Gadrooning is an applied series of small vertical, diagonal or twisted flutes commonly used as a border decoration on the edges of tables.

 

GeorgianGeorgian

The Georgian period is English furniture from 1714 to 1800. Among the best known designers and cabinet makers were Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Chippendale, and Adams. Mahogany and walnut were the main woods used.

 

Gesso

 

Gesso

Gesso is a plaster of chalk and white lead which may be cast to make ornamental forms to be applied to wood panels, plaster surfaces etc. like the surrounds of mirrors.

 

 

 

 

gilding

 

Gilding

Gilding is the decoration of an object with a thin layer of gold, gold leaf or gold foil usually around mirror frames.

 

 

 

Gillows

 

Gillows

Gillows was Founded in 1703 by Robert Gillows, the Gillows firm operated from Lancaster, England, Gillows was especially noted for their quality and innovative designs.

 

 

 

Hepplewhite

 

 

Hepplewhite

Hepplewhite is an English designer from the18th century, He wrote “The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide”.

 

 

Hassock

 

Hassock

Hassock is a tightly stuffed, upholstered cushion used as a footstool or seat.

 

 

Feather BandingHerring bone

Herring bone or also known as feather banding is a decorative border of inlay around furniture and is different to cross banding in that two strips of veneer compose the banding and are laid at an angle of approximately 90 degrees one with the other and so forming a herringbone pattern.

 

Hockey Stick Beading

 

Hockey Stick Beading

Hockey Stick Beading is a type of beading used on the edges of cupboard and bookcase doors overlapping the opposite door.

 

 

 

Horse Hair

 

Horse hair

Horse hair is hair cloth, used for covering of chairs and used for upholstery filling.

 

 

Inlay

 

Inlay

Inlay is a form of decoration used on furniture, inlay is thin layers of wood with a contrasting material is used to create a pattern.

 

jardinière

 

Jardinière

A Jardinière is a plant or flower container

 

 

 

Jacobean

 

Jacobean

Jacobean is a period in English design from 1603 to 1688, it is usually in oak and is heavy furniture.

 

 

Japaning

 

Japanning

Japanning is a term used to imitate designs from the Far East usually painted.

 

Joinery

Joinery

Joinery is the craft of woodwork, making furniture etc. by means of mortise and tenon, dovetail, tongue and groove, dowels, etc.

 

 

Antique Kingwood

 

Kingwood

Kingwood is a Brazilian wood which is used in fine cabinetwork and was given its name because it was the preferred wood by the kings of France in the 18th century.

 

 

Antique Kneehole Desk

 

Kneehole desk

An antique kneehole desk is a desk with pedestals down either side and has a central opening for the knees of a person seated at it.

 

 

Lowboy

 

Lowboy

A Lowboy is a Chest of drawers mounted on short legs.

 

 

Lacquer

 

Lacquer

Lacquer is the oriental varnish obtained from the sap of the lacquer tree. It gives a high-gloss finish to furniture.

 

 

 

Liming

 

Liming

Liming is a finish usually seen on period oak furniture due to its grain pattern, using a white paste to fill the open wood pores, giving a distinctive look.

 

 

carved linen fold

 

Linen fold

Linen fold furniture is furniture that has panels of decoration in the form of folded linen.

 

 

 

lion head carving

 

Lions Mask Carving

Lions Mask Carving is a carved ornamental feature in the form of a lion’s head.

 

 

Antique Mahogany

 

Mahogany

Mahogany is a straight grained hard wood ranging in colour from salmon-pink through bright red.

 

 

 

Maple

 

Maple

Maple is a light wood and usually golden in colour

 

 

 

Marquatry

 

Marquetry

Marquetry is several shaped pieces of wood used as a veneer on furniture to create decorative patterns.

 

Mitre Joint

 

Mitre joint

A mitre joint is usually used on frames, each of the edges being cut at an angle of 45 degrees and joined together.

 

 

Mother of Pearl

 

Mother-of-pearl

Mother-of-pearl is a term used to reference the hard, iridescent inner lining of certain shells such as oyster and mussel. Used as a decorative inlay in furniture like key escutions.

 

 

Neo-Classic

 

Neo-classic

Neo-classic refers to the second revival of classic design for interior decoration in the 18th century.

 

 

 

Nest of Tables

 

 

Nest of tables

A nest of tables is a group of tables, constructed so that one fits under the other.

 

 

Antique Oak

 

Oak

Oak is a hardwood which varies from light tan to deep leathery brown with a fine grain.

 

 

 

Antique Occasional Table

 

 

Occasional table

An antique occasional table is a term for small tables such as side tables, coffee tables, lamp tables etc.

 

 

 

Ormolu

 

 

Ormolu

Ormolu is French for ground gold, the term refers to brass mounts.

 

 

 

Antique Ottoman

Ottoman

An ottoman is a low, upholstered seat without backs or arms. Sometimes used as a foot-rest and can have storage space inside.

 

Oyster veneer

 

Oyster veneering

Oyster veneering is a technique used on William and Mary furnishings; it was achieved by cutting or slicing the smaller branches of certain trees such as walnut or olive. These small, rounded veneers, with their circular striations, resembled the inside of an oyster and when pieced together produced a most dramatic effect.

 

Pad foot

 

Pad foot

A Pad foot is a club foot resting on an oval disc.

 

 

Parquetry

 

Parquetry

Parquetry is the inlay of geometric design.

 

 

 

Partners DeskPartner’s desk

An antique partners desk is a desk large enough to seat two people facing each other with working drawers or cupboards on both sides.

 

Patera

 

Patera

Patera is a round or oval motif incorporating fluting leaves or flower petals and is usually carved or inlaid.

 

 

 

Patina

 

Patina

Patina is a term used to describe a mellow sheen formed on the surface of furniture due to wear, age, exposure, and hand-rubbing.

 

 

Pedestal

 

Pedestal

A Pedestal is a term for an upright support either turned or in the form of a cupboard.

 

 

Swan Neck Pediment

 

Pediment

A Pediment is usually above a cabinet and can have scrolls.

 

Pembroke Table

 

Pembroke table

A Pembroke table is basically a drop-leaf table.

 

 

 

 

pie crust edge carving

 

Pie-crust edge

A Pie-crust edge is usually on tables and the tops edge is carved or moulded in scallops.

 

 

Pier glass

 

 

Pier glass

Pier glass is a tall, narrow framed mirror .

 

 

 

Pilaster

 

Pilaster

A Pilaster is an term for a flattened column for decoration rather than a structural support.

 

 

 

Antique Pitch Pine

 

Pine

Pine is a wood that is uniform in texture with the occasional knots.

 

 

Plinth

 

Plinth

A Plinth is the low square base of a piece of furniture.

 

 

Poplar

 

Poplar

Poplar is an even-textured and straight-grained wood used for cross-banding.

 

 

 

Queen Anne

 

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is a period in English furniture design from 1702-1714.

 

 

Reeding

 

Reeding

Reeding is a term for carved tall, straight lines in a piece. Usually seen on edges of furniture.

 

 

Regency

 

Regency

Regency is the Period from 1810-1820 but in the trade antique regency furniture made from 1800 – 1830 is often called Regency.

 

ReliefRelief

Relief is forms of moulded, carved or stamped decoration raised from the surface of a piece of furniture forming a pattern. It is a decoration that protrudes from the surface.

 

Renaissance

 

Renaissance

Renaissance is the revival of interest in classical design.

 

 

Rococo handle

 

Rococo

Rococo is the period in French design but was copied by English cabinet makers.

 

 

 

Antique Rosewood

 

Rosewood

Rosewood is a wood that is beautifully figured appearance, rosewood was a favourite among upscale cabinet makers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

 

Antique Satinwood

 

Satinwood

Satinwood is a pale wood with a silky appearance.

 

 

Antique Parlour Suite

 

Salon set

A salon set is a complete set of matched seating furniture for a specific room also knows as a salon Parlour Suite.

 

Sarcophagus

 

Sarcophagus

A sarcophagus is a rectangular, coffin-shaped box that has tapering sides.

 

Shell carving

 

Scallop shell Carving

Scallop shell carving is a semi-circular shell with ridges. This ornamental motif was common in furniture design during the Queen Anne and Georgian periods.

 

Scroll Pediment

 

Scroll pediment

A Scroll pediment is a pediment and usually has a finial is placed in the centre of a cornice.

 

Scumble

 

Scumble

Scumble is a type of early paint finish to look like a faux grain.

 

 

Serpentine

Serpentine

Serpentine is a term for a piece of furniture decoration shaped like an s-curve. A Serpentine curve it the winding and curving design often used in furniture legs or on the front of cabinets or desk.

 

 

Sheraton, Thomas

 

 

Sheraton, Thomas

Sheraton Furniture is from 1750-1806, He was an English cabinetmaker who is famous for his designs. He used mahogany as his main wood; he followed the classic, simple design in the wake of Adam and Hepplewhite.

 

 

 

Shield Back

 

Shield back

A Shield back chair has the back in the shape of a shield which was common in Hepplewhite designs.

 

 

 

Sideboard

Sideboard

An antique sideboard is a large piece of dining-room furniture with a flat top and sometimes a back for displaying china and glass. The body is a storage unit, composed of drawers, sometimes flanked on each side by cabinets with doors.

 

 

Cross Stretcher

 

Stretcher

A Stretcher is the rail at the bottom of furniture strengthening or stabilising which often forming X, H or Y shapes.

 

 

 

String Inlay

 

Stringing

Stringing is the term for decorative inlay in the form of fine lines.

 

 

Specimen Table

 

Specimen Table

A Specimen Table is a table made from lots of different veneers to show the different grains and characteristics.

 

 

splat

 

 

Splat

A Splat is the flat central support on a chair’s back or between the seat and the top-rail.

 

 

 

Antique Tea Caddy

 

Tea caddy

A tea caddy is a decorative small box created for storing tea leaves, many with two compartments one for black tea and the other for green tea.

 

 

Antique Tallboy

 

 

Tallboy

A tallboy is a different word for an antique chest-on-chest, it is a high chest-of-drawers.

 

 

 

Tortoiseshell

 

Tortoiseshell

Tortoiseshell was used as an inlay or a decorative overlay on wood surfaces.

 

 

Tapestry

 

Tapestry

Tapestry is heavy hand-woven fabric which can be found on some chair seats.

 

 

 

Antique Teak

 

Teakwood

Teakwood is a strong, tough wood.

 

 

 

Fiddle Veneer

 

Veneering

Veneering is the fixing of thin layers of wood to the surface of a piece of furniture.

 

 

 

Victorian

 

Victorian

The Victorian era is when Queen Victoria was on the throne between 1837 to 1901. Victorian furniture was constructed throughout this era and is well collected today.

 

 

Webbing

 

Webbing

Webbing is the sack like strapping used to support upholstered seats.

 

 

William IV

 

 

William IV

This is a period when King William was on the throne in England from 1830 to 1837

 

 

 

Zebrawood

Zebrawood

Zebrawood is a wood with unusual stripes in the grain.

Hopefully this will be helpful when you have a look around at our wonderful selection of antique furniture available on our website.

44 Comments. Leave new

  • A very comprehensive site for new enthusiasts of the history of furniture. Thank you.

    Reply
    • I have an old cabinet of my mothers that I want to restore. However I don’t really know if it’s worth spending too much money on. I could send you a picture if you can advise me.

      Reply
  • Elsys Gonzalez
    August 25, 2016 8:28 pm

    Hi
    I have a pair of antique armchairs that I am planning to reupholster. I would like to know what style they are and how much they are worth spending. Also, what type of material did they use to upholster them? I would like to keep faithful to their period. Friend’s suggestions range from a leather look navy vinyl to striped, solid, and printed fabrics! May I send you a picture?

    Reply
  • Thanks for the list. Now where is another site that gives pointers on how to accurately describe pieces so we sound like knowledgeable collectors and not like ignorant peasants?

    Reply
  • Frances Andrews-Speed
    October 11, 2016 9:52 pm

    I cannot find anything similar to my writing bureau, but it seems to be from 17th century, its very dark almost black if not black. legs are straight, some simple naive carving on the top band straight lines and what appears to be a small roses inside 3 squares. This came from an old nunnery, it does not appear to be so sophisticated as some on here. I do not think it is a reproduction, extremely dusty and some parts need to be re-attached. I was going to paint over it, but had doubts not wanting to paint over what could be a precious piece of furniture lasting many years. Whatever this is I was and still am delighted to own it no matter what the outcome. At the same time I was given by the nunnery a knole sofa with original horsehair seating which I also treasure. My home has been destroyed by 11 floods and 14 burglaries, hence the kindness of the nunnety. Incidentally I only use emulsion paint which is easy to remove, however will not paint until I hear from you

    Regards Frances A-S

    Reply
  • Frances Andrews-Speed
    October 11, 2016 9:55 pm

    I would appreciate a reply to my question. Can take photo if required. Would suggest as the furniture seems to be of a similar period as the horsehair sofa that this is an old piece.
    Hope to hear back from you
    Regards

    Reply
  • Hi,
    Wonderful site, just what I’ve been looking for as a new enthusiast, thank you! I recently acquired a set of 6 decorative brass foot covers – I would love to know what they are really called!

    Could you help me if I send you a photograph?

    many thanks, Miko

    Reply
  • I have my grandmothers sofa which was bought brand new in the 1980s. It is a replica of a vintage style that I’d like to know the name of. It has 3 mahogany curved legs in the front with a wooden band running between those 3 legs. It had 2 straight legs in the back. There is no more wood showing except for that described. The rest of sofa is all uhpolstered. Arms are rolled. 3 cushion seat. 3 attached cushion back. The top of back is 3 humps being the top of the cushions. No wood on top. Can you tell me what vintage style sofa this is? I wish I could send you a picture but I don’t know how to get a picture onto this comment sight.

    Reply
  • Thanks for writing such a good article on antique furniture and terminology. I am sure people are enjoying the concept your explain for us.

    Reply
  • A very comprehensive site for new enthusiasts of the history of furniture. Thank you.

    Reply
    • I have an old cabinet of my mothers that I want to restore. However I don’t really know if it’s worth spending too much money on. I could send you a picture if you can advise me.

      Reply
  • Thanks for the list. Now where is another site that gives pointers on how to accurately describe pieces so we sound like knowledgeable collectors and not like ignorant peasants?

    Reply
  • Hi
    I have a pair of antique armchairs that I am planning to reupholster. I would like to know what style they are and how much they are worth spending. Also, what type of material did they use to upholster them? I would like to keep faithful to their period. Friend’s suggestions range from a leather look navy vinyl to striped, solid, and printed fabrics! May I send you a picture?

    Reply
  • Frances Andrews-Speed
    September 26, 2018 9:08 am

    I cannot find anything similar to my writing bureau, but it seems to be from 17th century, its very dark almost black if not black. legs are straight, some simple naive carving on the top band straight lines and what appears to be a small roses inside 3 squares. This came from an old nunnery, it does not appear to be so sophisticated as some on here. I do not think it is a reproduction, extremely dusty and some parts need to be re-attached. I was going to paint over it, but had doubts not wanting to paint over what could be a precious piece of furniture lasting many years. Whatever this is I was and still am delighted to own it no matter what the outcome. At the same time I was given by the nunnery a knole sofa with original horsehair seating which I also treasure. My home has been destroyed by 11 floods and 14 burglaries, hence the kindness of the nunnety. Incidentally I only use emulsion paint which is easy to remove, however will not paint until I hear from you

    Regards Frances A-S

    Reply
  • Frances Andrews-Speed
    September 26, 2018 9:08 am

    I would appreciate a reply to my question. Can take photo if required. Would suggest as the furniture seems to be of a similar period as the horsehair sofa that this is an old piece.
    Hope to hear back from you
    Regards

    Reply
  • Hi,
    Wonderful site, just what I’ve been looking for as a new enthusiast, thank you! I recently acquired a set of 6 decorative brass foot covers – I would love to know what they are really called!

    Could you help me if I send you a photograph?

    many thanks, Miko

    Reply
  • I have my grandmothers sofa which was bought brand new in the 1980s. It is a replica of a vintage style that I’d like to know the name of. It has 3 mahogany curved legs in the front with a wooden band running between those 3 legs. It had 2 straight legs in the back. There is no more wood showing except for that described. The rest of sofa is all uhpolstered. Arms are rolled. 3 cushion seat. 3 attached cushion back. The top of back is 3 humps being the top of the cushions. No wood on top. Can you tell me what vintage style sofa this is? I wish I could send you a picture but I don’t know how to get a picture onto this comment sight.

    Reply
  • Thanks for writing such a good article on antique furniture and terminology. I am sure people are enjoying the concept your explain for us.

    Reply
  • Hi, I have an antique file cabinet of some sort. It has unusual drawers that I don’t know what they are called or why they are made the way the are. The back 1/3rd of each drawer has sloped sides with no back, making the back third essentially/apparently useless. I can send pictures if you would like. Hoping someone can shed some light. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • These cabinets would have had a mechanism down the centre of the drawer to store you files in so when you pulled out the drawer, you could push the files to the back without them falling down the back (if that makes sense?)
      I hope this helps
      James

      Reply
  • Very informative. I will earmark this article for future use. My retirement interests now include restoring furniture for my old home. Thanks for the helpful information.

    Reply
  • Thanks for compiling this. I’m trying to find out what the side rail is called on an old console table. Each side has a rail along the side, likely for a kitchen cloth or just for aesthetic but can’t seem to find out what this is called. Any help would be appreciated!

    Reply
  • Hi, very useful list of terms, thank you!

    Maybe I missed it but what is the name for the back detail on top of a sideboard or chest of drawers, if it actually does have a term?

    Many thanks

    Laura

    Reply
  • I just wanted to thank you for this site and all of the information. It has helped me tremendously on describing the furniture that I acquire!

    Reply
  • I have a bedroom set that was my grandparents. It has a round mirror with two drawers on each side, a drawer below the mirror, a double 4 poster bed, and what my mom always called a chefarobe. I am not sure of the spelling. It is a tall chest with a place to hang clothes on the left and 4 drawers on the right. I cannot find anything called a chefarobe. Can you help me?

    Reply
    • Hi, This can be called three different ways. A chifforobe, chiffarobe or chifferobe. It is a type of wardrobe that combines a long space for hanging down one side combined with a chest of drawers.

      Reply
  • Thanks for this terrific ‘catalogue’, James! Do you know if there is a name for furniture made from wooden odds & ends for example: boxes? I have a set of drawers made in the 1920’s from fruit boxes and other scraps timber. The drawer handles were hand carved. Any ideas please? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Hi
      Im glad you like the list. I am unsure on this having a specific name but I know lots of furniture was recycled during this period and you often see quite primitive furniture made from fruit boxes etc.
      Many thanks
      James

      Reply

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