Terms Flashcards
Tailored, pleated fabric with uniform exterior and interior appearance
Accordion fold
Manufactured cellulose acetate textile fiber with fast drying, wrinkle and shrink resistant characteristics
Acetate
Plastic resins used in making synthetic fibers as a coating or to bind pigment
Acrylic
Fabric coated with resin for waterproofing
Acrylic coated
Warm or dark colors that make surfaces appear closer or larger
Advancing colors
Tacky material, like glue, mastic, paste or rubber cement, which secures one object to another
Adhesive
Fabric printed or embossed replicating the texture of alligator skin
Alligator skin
Chemical process where a coating is etched onto metal
Anodize
Study that deals with human measurements
Anthropometrics
All items including accessories, art, buildings, furnishings, over 100 years old
Antique
Decorations sewn onto fabric or added to an existing surface
Applique
Horizontal member or decorative band mounted below a work surface, attached to side vertical elements for support and stability; raised panel below a window sill
Apron
Pattern created by multiple design elements of interlaced flowers, foliage, often elaborate symmetrical plaster castings adhered to wood doors and framed wall panels
Arabesque
Originally large cabinet or wardrobe used for storing clothes, often converted into entertainment or computer center
Armoire
Small convex molding sometimes with a repetitive beaded detail
Astragal
French handmade area rugs and tapestries used for wall hangings, featuring figures and scenic landscapes, named after the village in france
Aubusson
Small, low wooden cabinet with drawers
Bachelor’s chest
Vertical area behind a counter with or without a sink, typically measuring 4”
Backsplash
English marble-topped table with a decorative open iron base for cooking pastry, typically 32-33” high
Baker’s table
Small, heavily proportioned pillar used for vertical support in a railing, typically made of wood or stone
Baluster
Railing composed of a series of balusters, bottom rail and top handrail, also used in smaller scale to embellish furniture
Balustrade
Fabric shade creating a gathered bottom edge when raised
Balloon shade
Inlay or marquetry technique producing a contrast with the surface of a piece of wood furniture
Banding
Built in or freestanding upholstered bench
Banquette
Thin layers of natural or synthetic cloth used to line cushions, pillows, quilts or crafts
Batting
Practical, theoretical, and influential industrial art, craft, architecture and design school of the 20th century
Bauhaus
Small round ball made from a variety of materials with a center hole, allowing it to be sewn or stung onto a cord
Bead
Custom handmade or manufactured materials used on a bed for utilitarian or decorative purposes
Bedding
Square panel of fabric with or without elastic edge used to encase the top mattress on a bed
Bed sheet
Fabric bedding treatment, which spans between the upper and lower mattress beginning beneath a comforter to touch the floor
Bed skirt
Fabric bedding treatment, which covers a top mattress
Bedspread
Long seat for several individuals with or without a back support; worktable for machinery
Bench
One artisan creates a piece of furniture from start to finish
Bench-made
Built in bench
Bench seat
Wood steamed and bent to form structural members of furniture
Bentwood
French exposed-wood frame, overstuffed upholstered chair; an armchair with closed arms
Bergere chair
The sloping edge of a panel of glass in cabinet work, so as to diminish the apparent size of the surface, and to provide a play of light and shade
Bevel
Slanted and polished edge detail used on wood, marble, glass
Beveled edge
Custom or machine-made clear glass panel with an angled, polished edge; window composed of multiple pcs of leaded glass
Beveled glass
Furniture cabinet used to store literary and artistic materials
Bibliotheque
Barn-like exterior siding constructed of 12” wide vertical boards joined side to side with smaller 1/2” - 1” boards covering the joints
Board and batten
Glass ring added at the base of a candle to gather wax or on the base of an electric chandelier candle cover to dangle glass prisms
Bobeche
Cylindrical shaped pillow, often with decorative embellishments such as tassels, trims and gathers on either end
Bolster
Outward swelling on commodes, bureaus and armoires
Bombé
Chest constructed of several open shelves to hold books and accessories
Bookcase
Veneer slices, opened and glued in place to create a mirrored image pattern
Book match
Convex cabinet front
Bow front
Board that does not sit flat
i.e. Warp
Bowed
Fabric sleeve constructed to hide box springs, often gathered with elastic on the underneath side
Box spring cover
Decorative objects of art, lighting, plants, area rugs and wall hangings added to an interior space to enhance and reinforce the design style
Accessory
Wire coils connected to one another with an outer metal frame, often padded and encased inquilted fabric
Box springs
Term loosely applied to a form of marquetry wherein veneers of tortoise shells and brass and sometimes combined with other materials are applied
Boulle work
Decorative or structural projection of wood, iron, marble, polyurethane or other materials installed to support overhangs, cantilevered projections or objects of art
Bracket
Large cabinet where the center section projects beyond the 2 side sections
Breakfront
Fabric finishing process using an abrasive surface to create a raised nap on the surface
Brushed finish
Linear furniture piece with storage for flatware used as a counter for serving
Buffet
Long, twisted, heat-set, multi-ply fringe often used in upholstery
Bullion fringe
Thick, round edge detail
Bullnose edge
Furniture leg in the shape of a bun or series of flattened balls
Bun foot
Refers to an American dresser or French writing desk
Bureau
Hardwood with a swirling growth pattern used for veneers and inlays
Burled wood
Fabric composed of 2 fibers chemically printed to dissolve one of the fivers, leaving a see through design or positive/negative appearance
Burn out
Woodwork joint for decorative purposes where 2 pcs of wood are joined together only with glue or nails
Butt joint
Freestanding or built in furniture designed with shelves or drawers for storage and display
Cabinet
Combination of builtin cabinets
Cabinetry
Carved wood furniture leg curving outward at the knee and tapering inward at the ankle, resembling an animal’s hip, thigh and ankle, often finished with a claw foot or rounded pad
Cabriole leg
Thin layer entirely surrounding the trunk that is in active growth
Cambium layer
Sofa style characterized by a large curved rise or hump located in the seat back
Camelback sofa
Multiple candle holders supported on a decorative stand, which can be electrified
Candelabra
Projecting structural member supported on a fulcrum, which is held in place by a downward force behind the leverage point
Cantilever
Process by which woodwork materials are manufactured and produced
Carpentry
Adorn objects by cutting wood with sharp hand-held instruments
Carve
Furniture pcs primarily constructed of wood
Case goods
Semi-sheer, translucent or opaque novelty fabric, typically in neutral color ways
Casement cloth
Custom woodwork, all parts that constitute a finished case or cabinet inclusive of doors, drawers and shelves
Casework
Molten iron poured into a mold to create multiptle castings
Cast iron
Individual seat constructed with a backrest, which is most often supported by 4 legs featuring single or double armrests
Chair
Wood trim installed horizontally on a wall around a room, usually about 30” off the ground, used to scale down a large wall, further adorned with bead board, trim, wallpaper or contrasting colors
Chair rail
Long reclining chair or sofa
Chaise lounge
Large furniture, wardrobe with drawers
Chifferobe
Style of art depicting asian or chinese motifs popular in france and england
Chinoiserie
Stone shaped by a sharp hand tool
Chiseled
Designs having withstood the test of time
Classic
Carved end on furniture leg resembling an animal claw
Claw foot
Free-standing furniture, sheetrock enclosure or custom cabinetry implemented to store belongings, fitted with drawers, rods and racks
Closet
Low table typically placed in front of a sofa
Coffee table
Images, patterns and textures onto another surface, as in decoupage
Collage
Faux paiting technique where a tool with “teeth” is dragged through the wet paint to create striations
Combing
Bedcover with 2 layers of fabric filled with down or a synthetic fiber fill stitched together
Comforter
Cabinet or chest, typically raised off the floor with legs, which can hold a wash basin or chamber pot
Commode
Hinge attached to a door and frame from the inside, making it invisible from the exterior
Concealed hinge
Carved decorative bracket; control panel for monitoring electrical equipment usage
Console
A table supported by ornamental consoles
Console table
Designs with simple lines, curves and geometric patterns
Contemporary
24” european square decorative pillow often used in sets of 3 in a king bedding as a backrest for a bank of pillows
Continental pillow
Machine-made or handmade decorative binding
Cording
Built in or independently crafter cabinet designed to fit tightly into the corner of a room, often symmetrically flanking 2 sides of a room
Corner cabinet
Upholstered furniture used for sitting or reclining
Couch
Horizontal work surface which can be free standing or built in, often constructed at 29” for seating ht or 36-39” for standing height
Counter
Decorative bedspread or bed covering
Coverlet
Surface finish creating a glaze of fine cracks
Crackle
To hand-fabricate an object
Craft
Linear wood chest often used in commercial interiors for computers or work surface or as a sideboard or buffet table in residential interiors
Credenza
French surface mounted hardware locking mechanism with a sliding rod, operated by a center knob, which moves the rod in opposite directions for locking into strike plates mounted on the frame, top and bottom
Cremone bolt
Molding installed where the wall and ceiling meet or applied at the top of case goods
Crown molding
Slender display cabinet, typically with glass shelves
Curio cabinet
Undulating grain in wood, ribbon spiral
Curly
Smooth, continuous line deviating from a straight line
Curve
Soft pillow or padding
Cushion
Made to order
Custom
Clear glass ornamentation created using a diamond wheel to cut a decorative pattern onto the surface of a glass, which are sometimes combined with etched glass patterns
Cut glass
Wrapping foam cushions with a synthetic polyester layers for padding
Dacron wrap
Decoration on the lower portion of an interior wall between the baseboard and the chair rail; section of a column pedestal above the base
Dado
Woodwork joint where a groove is cut across the grain and another board is fitted into that groove
Dado joint
Art of decorating a surface with cut-outs, cards or paper memorabilia, which are then sealed with varnish or lacquer for added protection
Decoupage
Rectangular or square blocks equally spaced along a piece of molding creating a tooth pattern
Dentil
Overall measurement from front to back of any object
Depth
Execute artistic arrangements skillfully
Design
Horizontal or slanted work surface with storage, most often 29-30” high
Desk
Drawing, at larger scale, of part of another drawing indicating in detail the design, location, composition and correlation of the elements and materials shown
Detail
Corner wall cabinet
Diamond cabinet
Spatial qualities
Dimensions
finish technique creating an aged patina, uneven or worn appearance
Distressed
Mechanical attachment on a loom for weaving geometric figures
Dobby
Small symmetrical pattern repeats are formed by the adjustment of the harness attachment on a plain loom
Dobby weave
Furniture joinery technique of interlocking wedge shaped finger cutouts
Dovetail joint
Round wooden or metal pin used to reinforce furniture construction
Dowel
Wooden box, upper side open, with a handle designed to be pulled out horizontally within cabinetry or free standing furniture
Drawer
Horizontal cabinet composed of a series of drawers designed to store clothing or personal items which oftwn has a companion mirror attached from the back
Dresser
Patterns where every other repeat (side to side) is dropped down one half of its length
Drop match pattern
Custom fabric bedding treatment applied between upper and lower mattress, touching the floor
Duvet cover
Utilizing elements from mutliple sources and styles
Eclectic
Coiled springs used in furniture construction, knotted with twine from front to back, side to side and diagonally, interlocking adjacent coils
Eight way hand tied
Ornament with raised work or 3D design impressed into a surface; fabric created by rolling goods between engraved cylinders
Embossed
The act of creating a raised effect on any surface
Embossing
Hard, glossy surface finish
Enamel
Strong woodworking joint where 2 boards are rabbeted and joined
End lap joint
Block, print or surface made from an etched or engraved plate
Engraving
Cabinetry designed specifically to house a television, vcr, dvd, etc
Entertainment center
Ornamental centerpiece with stand supporting several individual dishes for displaying fruit or flowers
Epergne
Study that deals with space planning in relationship with man’s activities, behaviors and movements
Ergonometrics
Human factor engineering, scientific analysis of human beings and how we function with a variety if equipment to improve our health, safety, and welfare
Ergonomics
Writing desk
Escritoire
Protective plate installed behind door knobs or as a key hole cover
Escutcheon
Tall, open shelving unit for displaying accessories; hanging or standing shelves that is open on all sides
Étagère
Design on metal, glass, etc using wax or film created by revealing specific areas with a special needle or tool and applying an etching material for a frosted appearance
Etch
Square pillow shams, 24x24” used in combination with other bed pillows
Euro shams
visible hinge attached to a door frame or two panels
Exposed hinge
Materials forced through a machinery die to form a specific shape (i.e. Synthetic fiber)
Extruded
Item created
Fabricate
Process of creating an object
Fabrication
Carved wood or stone garland of fruit and flowers; window treatment folded
Festoon
Refers to the theoretical point or limit reached by the wood when only its hygroscopic water remains
Fiber saturation point
Board of compressed wood shavings and glue
Fiberboard
Refers to a general pattern or design of timber produced on smooth longitudinal surfaces as a result of structural features like rays, growth rings and changes in texture or variations in colors
Figure pattern
Decorative hardware, wood, metal, or cast materials used to cap drapery rods, newel posts, furnishings, woodwork, etc; turned cylindrical ornament, often vase shaped used as a crowning ornament on furniture
Finial
Final treatment, coating, stain, paint, etc on a surface including lath and plaster, gypsum wallboard, acoustical & ceiling systems, etc
Finish
Final treatments, coatings, stains, paint etc on various surfaces
Finishes
Fabric manufacturing process including weaving, printing, bleaching, dyeing, heat setting, napping, etc
Finishing
Document detailing doors, windows, furniture, room finishes, colors and other components needing clarification for construction purposes
Finish schedule
Hardware such as hinges, locks, catches that has a finished appearance
Finishing hardware
Pertains to either a pipe part, window hardware or decorative or functional item or component in a building which is fixed but not built in
Fitting
Synonymous for floor covering
Flooring
Decoration of parallel grooves, concave and semicircular in section on classical columns and friezes
Fluting
Products with a laminated polyurethane foam backing
Foam back
Stiff sheet of styrofoam sealed with laminated paper front and back
Foam core board
Ornamental geometric pattern repeated within a border
Fret
victorian machine-made decorative wood panels created by combining various shapes, patterns and sizes of wood pieces together into an intricate, openwork design; chinese lattice detailing
Fretwork
Refers to drafting an actual size pattern or elevation for use as comprehensive guide for production
Full-sizing
Artwork, accessories, area rugs, cabinetry, lighting, storage equipment, window treatments and upholstery
Furnishings
Any freestanding or custom built article constructed to provide surfaces for sitting or storing objects
Furniture
Position of furniture and accessories planned for space, shown in relation to walls, windows, electrical, flooring transitions etc
Furniture layout
Convertible frame utilizing a cotton-filled mattress, which can be used as a bed and a sofa
Futon bed
Table with drop leaves and a moveable leg, which can be swung into position to hold the leaf upright or retracted to allow the leaf to remain down
Gateleg table
An object with an thin overlay of gold leaf added to its surface
Gilded
The act of applying a thin overlay of golf leaf added to its surface
Gilding
Term often used to describe elaborate lathe-turned or carved wood details adorning victorian structures, including fretwork, brackets, posts, pilasters, pediments, etc
Gingerbread
Embellished mirror incorporating a pair of sconces wired and installed on a wall permanently
Girandoles
Resin finish applied through a heat pressure process to chintz creating a polished surface
Glazed chintz
Paper thin layers of gold brushed onto a prepared adhesive surface, usually over a red primer to increase vibrancy and luster
Gold leaf
Unbleached woven goods in an unfinished state
Greige, gray, grey goods
2 round metal sleeves crimped together to protect and strengthen an eyelet
Gromet
Decorative pattern of interlacing curves
Guilloche
Woodworking joint with one end rabbeted and the other board is dadoed somewhere in the middle
Half-lap joint
Iron heated and formed by hand (i.e. Wrought iron)
Hand forged
Generic term for panel manufactured primarily from interfelted lignocellulose fibers consolidated under heat and pressure in hot press
Hardboard
Various materials, such as iron, brass, bronze, wood, etc, to mechanize the operation of cabinetry drawers and doors, drapery, etc
Hardware
Wood planks from a slow growing tree, which is dense and strong
Hardwood
Plain or decorative boards or other matl used to create a headrest or end support on a bed connected by side rails
Headboard/footboard
The older and harder usually darker colored portion of the woody stem; part of a tree trunk that is being produced into lumber
Heartwood
Tall queen anne style chest of drawers supported by legs
Highboy
Multi-level pile heights
High low
Any style considered up to date, often costly
High-style
Set one material into the surface of another creating a decorative pattern
Inlay
Baseboard, railing, chair rail, molding and door and window trim
Interior trim
Decorative, hand forged iron or cast irongrilles, screens, gates etc
Ironwork
17th c stylized floral imitating embroidered crewel work
Jacobean
Method of finishing cabinet work in imitation of the lacquer work of Japan and China
Japanning
Various methods of woodworking, a craft assembling woodworking joints
Joinery
Furniture sold unassembled
Knock-down (KD)
Term used to describe furniture sold in parts and pieces which require assembly
Knock-down
Synthetic coating dried to form a protective film
Lacquer
Cloth and synthetic layers bonded together to improve performance and appearance
Laminated
Method of bonding one layer to another under heat or pressure, process by which layer of the same material or alternate material are applied on coordinate surface
Lamination
Wood hinged box, which provides a slanted-writing surface when flipped open, often seen with a leather, tooled inset
Lap desk
Open work fabric featuring diagonal crisscross patterns
Lattice
Preserved and tanned hide of an animal
Leather
Reproduction material emulating an animal hide
Leatherlike
Tudor carved wood detail representing fabric folds on paneling
Linen fold
Upholstered seating designed to seat two, usually with arms and back
Loveseat
Faux finish technique imitating marble
Marblized
Decorative wood veneer inlay, decorative veneer of wood or other materials such as ivory, mother of pearl, etc which thin sheets are cut into delicate intricate pattern and applied into the carcase
Marquetry
A non-shiny finish
Matte finish
MDF
Medium density fiberboard
2 boards are cut at a 45 degree angle and joined (i.e. Picture frame)
Miter joint
Specific unit of measure for calculating area, distance, height, length, width, volume, mass
Measurement
Real or imitated metal finish including brass, bronze, copper, zinc, aluminum, etc
Metal finish
Metal finish with irridescent and reflective qualities
Metallic finish
Woodwork manufactures at a lumber mill used for interior trim, ready made products that are manufactured at a wood mill or woodworking plant
Millwork
Glass panel with mercury backing applied to the back side which reflects an identical or sometimes distored image
Mirror
Any material including wood or fabric folded or joined to create a 45 degree angle
Mitered corner
Panel used on furniture to conceal view
Modesty panel
Refers to the weight of water contained in wood and is expressed as a percentage of the weight of oven dry wood
Moisture content
Form created from an original work of art designed to enable multiple reproductions
Mold
A slot cut into a piece of wood; the tenon fits snuggly into it to create strong wood joinery
Mortise
Soft seating offering swivels, recliners or incliners
Motion upholstery
Mattress and frame, which folds down or is raised and concealed in a built in wall unit or cabinet
Murphy bed
Upholstery detail using a series of decorative tacks
Nailhead trim
Crevice or recess on a wall
Niche
Generic term for any small table
Occassional table
Edge detail with an S shaped profile
Ogee edge
Surface or matl which does not allow light to pass
Opaque
Cast brass, chiseled and gold gilded decorative mountings for furniture
Ormolu
Decorative object or design added to another object
Ornament
Heavy fabric with pronounced crosswise ribs; upholstered furniture piece used as a foot rest or seat
Ottoman
Fabric or materials used to provide additional cushioning
Padding
To coat a surface with an opaque, liquid agent tinted with pigment
Paint
Intricate interlocking curvilinear pattern originating in India
Paisley
Geometric wood patterns inlaid in flooring and furniture, a form of veneer esp. floors creating a geometric pattern
Parquetry
also called chipboard, wood sheet or panel made of small wood chips milled, glued and pressed to form under high pressure and temperature
Particle board
Nonstructural interior dividing wall
Partition wall
Lustrous, aged finish; green film formed on copper or bronze by long exposure or by chemicals which are often valued aesthetically
Patina
Repetitive or random arrangement of designs and decoration onto another surface
Pattern
Increments between horizontal or vertical patterns repeated in fabric, wall coverings, flooring, etc
Pattern repeat
Support for an object of art
Pedestal
Suggesting a specific time in history
Period
Cushions of various shapes stuffed with feathers, polyester fill or foam to provide neck and back support
Pillow
Fabric cover designed to protect pillow from soiling, utilitarian or decorative
Pillow sham
Molded or extruded compounds formed through a chemical process
Plastic
Factory manufactured sheet of wood with pile of thin veneer sheets and solid wood slats on the middle layer core
Plyboard
Several layers of pile of thin wood veneers glued together one on top of another forming a sheet of wood
Plywood
Sunthetic polymer fiber manufactured from coal, water and petroleum, which is resistant to shrinking, stretching or wrinkling
Polyester
Synthetic material composed of monomers which are chemically connected
Polymer
Synthetic resin manufactured from polymers joined by urethane used in adhesives, carpet padding, plastics, sealants etc
Polyurethane
Fabric gathered into a puff; round upholstered ottoman, typically used in a dressing area and often tufted
Pouf
Paint designed to seal or prep wall surface prior to painting or wallpapering
Primer
Comparative relationship between elements or objects
Proportion
Producing 3D sample of designated item either in full size or reduced scale
Prototyping
Logs cut in quarters lengthwise to reveal intricate wood grain patterns
Quarter sawn
A cut into the edge of a board (which can be joined to another board without notches)
Rabbet joint
Carved wood detail combining a series of thin, parallel, convex lines used as inlay or applied carving
Reeding
Raised ornamentation
Relief
Decorative metalwork outlined and embossed, hammered or punched on the back side
Repoussé
Term used to describe styles and fashions from the past, most frequently to describe items from 1940-1960
Retro
Thin band of fabric with finished edges used to tie, trim or embellish
Ribbon
Shell-covered rock work ornamentation, French origin
Rocaille
Younger and softer sap-containing and usually light colored portion of the woody stem
Sapwood
Curved shapes repeated along the edge of an object
Scallop
Woven cloth with errors or flaws
Seconds
Cabinet with a hinged surface opening forward onto pull-out supports revealing cubby holes for writing materials with a bookcase, often with a glass door cabinet above
Secretary
Elongated upholstered seating created with multiple, connected units designed to seat 4 or more, usually with arms and back, often including a right angle or chaise lounge section
Sectional
Furniture utilized in a dining area for storing utensils and table service
Server
Winding and curving back and forth like a serpent
Serpentine
Pattern designs set side by side on the same level
Set match
Medium sized sofa or long bench
Settee
An effect which appears along a seam of the same product, when ink is unevenly applied during the dying or printing process
Shading
Oriental, geometric, wood screen with rice paper panels
Shoji screen
Case goods, often 36” high, used for serving food and storing china
Sideboard
Stationary, vertical windows flanking an operating exterior door
Sidelight
Armless upholstered chair with a skirt, often low to the ground, designed for use in the bedroom
Slipper chair
Upholstered seating designed to accommodate 3 or more people usually with arms and back
Sofa
Detailed outline including all important and necessary criteria for construction or implementation
Specification
Shaft of a door knob in a unit of door hardware connecting knobs (front and back); slender, decorative, vertical support of a stairway or balcony railing; a round stick or turned wood of varied forms often used as a decorative ornament or part of wooden furniture
Spindle
Long metal ruler or tool used to trim selvage edges, as in wallpapering or to mark and cut in a straight line, as in woodworking
Straight-edge
Tanned leather animal hide with the exterior layer removed and napped surface
Suede
Synthetic woven textile with brushed nap surface imitating suede
Suede cloth
Opening enclosed with decorative trim on all sides
Surround
Top surface of a table, which can be made of wood, glass, stone or any manmade materials
Tabletop
Slanted edge, square bottom
Beveled edge
Thick rounnd, full or half edge
Bullnose edge
Indented half-round, square bottom edge
Dupont edge
Straight cut edge
Flat edge
Mutliple S curved edge
Ogee edge
Narrow full-round edge
Pencil edge
Slightly rounded top edge
Radius edge
Roughly and randomly textured edge
Rockface
Rounded top, square bottom edge
Waterfall edge
May be solid wood, wood veneer, metallic face laminate or cork, laminated to a tempered hardboard core with brown fabric backing
Tambour
Gradual transition
Taper
Set of detailed and accurate visual presentations or drawings created through drafting
Technical working drawings
A narrow piece of wood custom cut to fit insude a mortise
Tenon
Specialty seating designed to accommodate 2 people for an intimate conversation, often in an S shape, but can also be seen in side-by-side or end-to-end configurations
Tete-a-tete
Chair utilized by kings, cardinals for ceremonial occassions
Throne
Wood joinery created by milling a tongue on the edge of a flat board, which slips onto a corresponding groove on an adjacent board
Tongue and groove
Standing lamp with indirect upward light
Torchier
Hard, black-brown mottled shell of turtles and tortoises used as inlay or imitated on other surfaces
Tortoise shell
Semi-opaque surface, which diffuses light while partially obscuring a view
Translucent
completely see-through surface or object
Transparent
Decorative textile bands used for edging fabric or upholstery panels
Trim
french mirror incorporating carved wood panels or oil paintings within the framework above the mirror
Trumeau mirror
Daybed/twin bed frame housing an additional mattress below, which is pulled out as needed
Trundle bed
Materials used to make soft seating including wood or metal frames, eight way hand tied springs, foam, batting, fabrics and cording
Upholstery
Liquid coating applied to wood forming a protective barrier
Varnish
Paper-thin wood sheets applied to the outer surface of furniture, which are often inlaid or matched to create intricate, decorative patterns
Veneer
Patterns created by placing thin slices of wood together featuring the grain in various combinations
Veneer match
Greenish patina found on aged brass, bronze or copper
Verdigris
Random pattern of curving, squiggly lines
Vermicelli
Fiber made with a manufactured compound polymer
Vinyl
Glass-sided display cabinet with glass shelves designed to highlight special collections of china or unique artifacts
Vitrine
VOC
Volatile Organic Compound
Materials applied to the bottom third of an interior wall
Wainscotting
Freestanding or built in cabinet designed specifically to house clothing with hooks and rods
Wardrobe
Spindle-backed, turned legged chair with a rush seat
Windsor chair
Wing-shaped, high-back upholstered chair with upholstered arms and often with exposed carved cabriole legs
Wing-backed chair
General alignment or general direction of the wood fibers and other cells relative to the axis of the tree trunk
Wood grain
Floor areas and furniture used by employees to perform their duties
Work station
Any surface designed for accomplishing a task
Work surface
A cabinet or piece of furniture incorporating built in drawers and slots for pens, letters, stationary
Writing desk
Iron, which is heated, bent and hammered into shape by hand
Wrought iron
