Furniture Terms
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
wainscoting: The lower part of an interior wall when finished in
a material different from that of the upper part
wall-away recliner: a recliner that shifts the body forward as it
reclines, instead of leaning the body back. Wall-away recliners require
less rear clearance space and may therefore be placed closer to a wall.
wardrobe: tall, upright cabinet with doors. Traditionally used for
storing clothes on hangers or in drawers, today wardrobes are refitted to
serve as entertainment centers or computer workstations.
warm colors: generally, colors that are associated with fire, heat
and the sun: reds, yellows and oranges. It should be noted, however, that
colors that are generally warm can have cool qualities, for example a dark
burgundy-red can have blue overtones and be considered a cool red.
water chamber beds: mattress that uses pockets of water that can
be inflated or deflated at will, rather than using coils or springs. This
allows for two people to have different mattress firmness in one bed. The
chambers are surrounded by high density foam for support and structural
integrity.
waterfall back: two or more vertical layers of gathered and billowing
cushions attached to the back of an upholstered sofa, chair or loveseat.
waterfall skirt: on a sofa loveseat or chair, a skirt that extends
from base of the cushion to the floor. Also know as a dressmaker skirt.
webbing: the foundation of a seat on upholstered furniture. Composed
of interwoven strips of jute or synthetic material that is two to three
inches wide, the strips are attached to the frame to create a hammock-like
suspension that is covered with padding and fabric for seat cushions to
rest on.
Welsh cupboard: an open-shelved hutch atop a base cabinet with drawers
or doors, used in dining rooms, as a buffet.
welt: fabric-covered cord used as a trim in the seams of upholstery
or toss pillows. Also known as cording or piping.
William and Mary: Historically, 1685-1725. The English interpretation
of European baroque style that emerged during the reign of William III and
Mary II. Elaborate turned legs and spindles are characteristic of this style.
Detailed inlays and marquetry are common in this style with carvings depicting
acanthus leaves, flowers, shells and seaweed.
Windsor chair: a style of chair that features turned spindles along
the back, often with a carved saddle seat, turned and angled legs, and turned
stretchers between the legs. They were originally made by wheelwrights instead
of cabinet makers and were named for the town of Windsor, England where
the style originated. As many as six distinct styles of Windsor chairs emerged
when the style was carried to the Americas.
wingback chair: a high-backed, upholstered easy chair with panels
or wings projecting forward from the sides of the back and curving downward
to meet the roll arms.
