a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
bachelors chest: (typically) a three-drawer low chest. May be used
as a nightstand or a foyer item.
bail: inverted arch handle, usually hinged to a back plate, that
is used to pull open a drawer.
balloon shade: balloon shades are similar in construction to a Roman
shades, but the billowy folds along the bottom edge when the shade is raised.
baluster: the supporting post of a handrail, often with a curved,
vase shape; may also refer to a furniture leg, or chair back element of
a similar shape.
bamboo turning: wood that has been turned on a lathe to simulate
natural bamboo.
Barcelona chair: tufted, armless chair with an X-shaped, chrome
base and leather cushions. Designed by Mies Van Der Rohe, the Barcelona
chair is considered to be a classic of "international style."
barley twist: a turned-wood element with encircling spirals along
its length, so that a portion is raised like the threads of a screw. May
be found on beds with posters, or on the legs and spindles of case goods
baroque: Historically from the early 17th century to the mid 18th
century. European style of art architecture and music that features bold
curving forms and elaborate ornamentation.
Base Coat: Color that is applied to a compatible crust color to
achieve the final color of a protected aniline.
bass-relief: low relief carving.
batik: a fabric dyeing method that uses a wax resist (that is later
removed) to create a design or pattern. Batik is often done in successive
layers, with wax applied between multiple dye baths.
batting: sheets of fiber padding (cotton, wool or synthetic fiber)
used in upholstery and quilt making.
Bauhaus: early to mid-20th century German school of art and design
that emphasized the concept that "form follows function." Furnishings in
this style are marked by clean, simple, lines that are often hard-edged.
beading: decorative molding consisting of a line of small, convex
half-spheres.
bed stand: small table used beside a bed as a night stand.
bed steps: a two-step stool intended to be used beside a bed.
bedside chest: a small chest of two to three drawers intended to
be used beside a bed.
bedstead: the framework of a bed that supports a mattress and box
spring.
bench made: furniture that is made one step at a time, piece by
piece, as opposed to furniture constructed on an assembly line.
bentwood: process by which wood or rattan is softened by steam and
bent around molds into a desired shape.
bergere: chair with an exposed wooden frame. The back and seat may
be upholstered or may feature loose cushions.
bi-cast: split leather with a polyurethane coating that gives it
a high sheen and increases durability.
Biedermeier: German style developed in the first half of the nineteenth
century, influenced by French Empire styles, and name for a fictitious "every
man" character.
blendown: a mixture of down and polyester fibers used to fill upholstery
cushions. Blend down is wrapped around high density foam or foam-encased
springs, then encased in down-proof ticking before being covered with the
upholstery fabric. Feathers may also be used with the down and polyester.
block foot: the square end of an un-tapered leg.
bolster: along cylindrical or rectangular cushion.
bombe: from French, meaning curving or bulging outward; refers to
a style of chest or table that has an outward-bulging profile that curves
inward at the base.
bonded leather: leather fibers combined with other materials, such
as polyurethane, and textiles. The leather content of the final material
may range from 20% to 90%.
bonnet top: a rounded, bonnet-shaped crown to the top of a highboy,
armoire or other similar case piece. Common in 17th and 18th century designs.
book matching veneers: veneers that are aligned so that grain patterns
of adjoining pieces are reflective of each other.
Boston rocker: an American rocker (19th Century) with curved seat,
spindle back, and a wide top rail.
boucle: a nubby fabric comprised of uneven yarns that creates a
rough appearance.
bow back: a curved upper support of a chair back that is connected
to the seat with spindles. Common in Windsor style chairs.
bow front: a case piece with a convexly curved front.
box cushion: cushion with four sides connecting the top and bottom
of the cushion, resembling the construction of a box. A welt frequently
runs the perimeter of the top and bottom.
box pleat: a flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric
on either side of it to create an inverted pleat.
box pleat skirt: an upholstery skirt with alternating high/low folds
of fabric to create a dentil pattern.
bracket foot: a low, right angle foot, usually constructed with
a mitered corner. May be plain, molded, or scrolled. Common on Hepplewhite
and Sheraton. Also known as a console leg.
braid: a flat, woven trim used for decorative edges on upholstery
to cover staples or tacks.
breakfront chest: chest, cabinet or bookcase design in which a center
section projects out from the rest. Also known as a block front.
brocade: a heavy woven fabric with raised woven decoration that
resembles embroidery. Used in upholstery.
broken pediment: a crown at the top of case goods that nearly forms
a low-pitched triangle, but has either a void or a finial at the triangle
apex.
buffet: a cupboard or "dresser" used in a dining room used to hold
platters and serving dishes. They are occasionally paired with a china cabinet
hutch atop.
bullion fringe: a thick fringe composed of long, twisted loops of
yarn covered in gold or silver thread.
bun feet: foot in the shape of a flattened ball, often with a slender
ankle above.
bureau: a low chest of drawers; commonly a dresser.
burl: a beautiful swirled pattern in the grain of a piece of wood
caused by a deformity in the tree. Burled wood is often used as a veneer.
butcher block: a wood table top comprised of multiple pieces of
thick strips of hardwood bonded together.
butterfly leaf: a table with self-storing leaf mechanisms.
button tufting: upholstery treatment in which buttons (usually fabric-covered)
are sewn through the surface and tied down to create a tailored, sometimes
undulating, surface.