Glossary of Terms

ARM PAD: The upholstered portion of a chair's wooden arms, designed to provide armrests.

ARM RAIL: The curved, horizontal component of a chair, extending across the back and arms to add support and visual continuity.

ATTACHED-BACK SOFA: A type of upholstered furniture where the pillow treatment is fixed and cannot be removed, providing a seamless and tailored experience.

BALL-AND-CLAW SOFA: A furniture foot resembling a bird or animal claw grasping a ball, historically used as a decorative element on the legs of chairs and tables.

BARREL BACK: An upholstered chair or sofa featuring curved arms and back, creating a continuous form resembling a barrel.

BASE RAIL: The wooden trim found at the bottom edge and above the legs of a furniture piece, used to provide additional structural support.

BOMBE: A furniture style typically found in Rococo case furniture and characterized by its outward-swelling front and sides, featuring convex or bulging lines to add visual interest and sophistication.

BOX-EDGED: A square seat front with welting or a sewn seam on the top and bottom, providing a neat and tailored appearance.

BRACE BLOCK: A piece of wood or metal fitted into an angle of a furniture piece to enhance strength and rigidity. Often placed at corners or stress points.

CABRIOLE: A double-curved furniture leg that flares outward at the top (knee), inward near the foot (ankle), and then curves outward again at the foot, adding elegance to a furniture piece.

CAMEL-BACK: A chair or sofa back with a top rail that curves upward at the center, resembling the hump of a camel and designed to add visual interest to a piece.

CHANNEL BACK: A sofa or chair back that features rows of vertical tufting for an elegant look.

CHESTERFIELD: An oversized sofa with closed, upholstered arms typically matching the height of the back of the sofa, giving a luxurious and cozy aesthetic.

CLUB CHAIR: A lounge or easy chair featuring a low-slung profile, squared back and arm, and loose seat cushion to provide comfort and style.

FINIAL: An ornamental knob, often shaped like a vase, used as a decorative crowning element on furniture pieces, lamps, and other decorative items.

LAWSON: A simple seating piece with a straight back and rollover arms, often skirted for a classic, timeless look.

LOOSE-PILLOW BACK: A removable pillow treatment on upholstered furniture, allowing for customizable comfort and style.

ROLLED ARMS: Sofa or chair arms that curve outward then downward, returning to meet the sides and creating a rolled appearance and elegant silhouette.

SPLAT: A vertical piece placed between the uprights of a chair back, often shaped and decorative for added visual interest.

TIGHT SEAT: A fully upholstered seat or back designed without a cushion, offering a sleek and tailored experience.

ACANTHUS: A decorative leaf design commonly used in carved ornamentation to add detail and elegance to a piece’s design.

BENTWOOD: Wood that has been steamed and bent to form structural components of furniture. This technique was first developed in the 19th century and is known for its flexibility.

BLOCK-FRONT: A construction technique used in the fronts of case furniture to create a distinctive profile. It is characterized by three flattened curves – two convex flanking a concave.

BOX PLEAT: A fold technique in upholstery, where the fabric is folded first to the left, then to the right, and then stitched in place to create a neat and structured pleat.

BUTT JOINT: A type of joint in woodworking where two wood ends meet perpendicularly at right angles without notching or overlapping, creating a flush and seamless connection.

COIL SPRINGS: Resilient wire springs used in quality furniture construction to provide durability and support to upholstered pieces like sofas, mattresses, and boxsprings.

CORNER BLOCK: Triangular wood blocks strategically placed for added structural strength in furniture frames, specifically at stress points.

CROWNING: The technique of building the center of a stuffing mound higher than its perimeter, enhancing comfort and support in upholstered furniture.

DECKING: Fabric used to cover areas hidden from view such as under cushions or other platforms in furniture, offering a cost-effective alternative to more expensive upholstery.

DOUBLE WELTING: Two parallel cords wrapped in fabric used to trim upholstery seams and exposed wood, enhancing the finished appearance of furniture pieces.

DOVETAIL: A woodworking joint featuring fan-shaped tongues that fit into corresponding slots, providing strength and durability in furniture construction, often used in Amish craftsmanship.

DOWEL: A round, wooden pin or rod inserted into holes in two pieces of wood to strengthen joints in furniture construction.

EDGEWIRE: A stiff wire that surrounds a spring-based deck and is attached to the outer springs to provide support and stability to upholstered pieces.

HAND-RUB: A technique using cloth, pad, or felt with abrasive compounds and oil to smooth wood finishes by hand.

HAND-TIED: The process of hand-tying single-coil springs to each other and the frame, controlling seat elasticity in upholstery construction and ensuring durability and comfort. This manufacturing process is very popular in our region.

INTARSIA: Decorative inlay or marquetry technique that originates from Italy and involves intricate patterns applied to furniture surfaces.

JAPANWORK: An imitation lacquer finish designed to resemble oriental lacquer and commonly used in furniture decoration.

MARQUETRY: A decorative veneer applied to furniture surfaces that features intricate patterns cut from wood or other materials.

MITER JOINT: A corner joint in furniture framing where each edge meets at a 45-degree angle, framing the panel and providing a seamless finish.

MORTISE: An opening in wood into which a projecting tenon is fitted to join two pieces of wood in furniture construction.

OGEE MOLDING: Molding with a double curvature, featuring a concave bottom and convex top that adds decorative detail to furniture pieces.

ORMOLU: Decorative objects or mounts made of cast and gilt bronze or brass, adding an ornate embellishment to furniture.

PARQUETRY: A veneer technique that creates geometric patterns on furniture surfaces, adding visual interest and texture.

REPEAT: A single, complete unit of pattern that repeats on fabric to contribute to the overall design and texture.

SELF-COVERED SEAT DECK: A technique used in upholstered furniture that uses a cover fabric to conceal areas under loose cushions for a cohesive look.

SERPENTINE FORM: A profile featuring a convex curve flanked by two concave curves, adding fluidity and elegance to furniture design.

TAMBOUR FRONT: A roll-front or shutter made of narrow wood strips and glued to a flexible backing. Commonly used on desks and cabinets.

VENEER: Thin wood sheets glued to furniture surfaces for a decorative effect, adding richness and texture to the piece’s design.

WELTING: Fabric-covered cords sewn into upholstery seams to define edges and enhance both durability and appearance.

ACRYLIC: A synthetic polymer fiber crafted from natural materials and known for its strength, durability, and resistance to sunlight. Acrylic fibers are often used to create soft, plush fabrics.

BATTING: Padding material used to wrap springs or foam slabs before inserting into cushions to enhance comfort and durability.

BROCADE: A luxurious, jacquard-woven fabric that features raised patterns and a glossy finish, adding an embossed appearance and texture to upholstered furniture.

CANE: Thin strips of rattan or other reed-like plants woven together to create chair seats, backs, and side panels, offering elasticity and comfort.

CHINTZ: A plain-weave cotton fabric with a glazed finish, often adorned with printed designs, creating a soft and lustrous appearance.

COTTON: A versatile, natural fiber commonly used for upholstery due to its durability, absorbency, and abrasion- and pilling-resistance.

DACRON: The trademarked name for a strong and resilient polyester fiber that is often blended with other materials in upholstery, providing durability and comfort.

DAMASK: A glossy, patterned fabric featuring a jacquard weave and known for its luxurious appearance and intricate design.

DOWN: Soft feathers from young birds that are used for stuffing pillows, cushions, and upholstered chair backs to provide plush comfort.

FIBERFILL: A soft, synthetic material used for cushioning in furniture upholstery, offering comfort and resilience.

POLYFOAM: A synthetic resin that simulates latex foam rubber, used for cushioning in upholstered furniture and mattresses.

CASE GOODS: An industry term referring to furniture pieces made of wood (not upholstered), typically found in dining rooms and bedrooms.

HAND: A term for the tactile qualities of fabric, including softness, resilience, firmness, and delicacy, as perceived through touch.

KNOCKOFF: A reproduction or obvious copy of a popular furniture design that has been produced at a lower price than usual, and is typically lacking in quality.

OCCASIONAL FURNITURE: Small furniture items that are designed for occasional use, such as cocktail tables, nightstands, end tables, and pull-up chairs.

OPEN STOCK: Furniture items regularly kept in stock for quick delivery, excluding custom-made or specially finished pieces.