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
damask: a light fabric, often silk, that depicts patterns, florals
or other designs in the weave with a tone-on-tone or two-tone effect. Use
for draperies or upholstery.
davenport: a large sofa.
daybed: originally, a term applied to extended chairs for lounging,
for example, a chaise lounge. Today the term is applied to twin-sized beds
that double as sofa-like seating with the bed frame consisting of a headboard,
footboard and a higher "board" along one side that serves as the "sofa"
back.
deck: the surface directly under the seat cushions on an upholstered
piece of furniture.
decoupage: a surface decoration of glued-down, cut-out (often printed)
paper.
demilune: French term meaning "shaped like a crescent or half-moon".
A demilune table top is in the shape of a half a circle and is intended
to be used against a wall, as in an entry way.
denim: a coarse twill fabric made with cotton.
dentil molding: decorative molding of rectangular blocks evenly
spaced. So named for its resemblance to teeth.
dhurrie: a flat weave rug from India, often made from cotton fibers,
but may be silk on occasion.
directoire: French style coinciding with the Directoiry government
form 1795 to 1799. As the style of the revolutionary government, it is smaller
in scale and is less ostentatious, replacing regal themes with symbols of
liberty: oak boughs, liberty caps, pikes and clasped bands. The style bridged
the Neo-classicism of Louis the XVI and the Empire style of Napoleon's reign
with the introduction of Roman martial motifs such as spears and drums.
distressed: a surface that has been artificially aged with sanding,
punctures or gouges.
DM:
double dresser: two sets of drawers side-by-side, used for the storage
of clothing in a bedroom. A double dresser is usually wider than it is tall
and a mirror is frequently placed above.
dovetail: construction technique of interlocking wedges used on
wood furniture, frequently in drawer construction, to increase strength
and stability. See also English dovetail and French dovetail.
doweling: a construction technique in which wood corners are reinforced
with glued dowels through the joints.
down: fine, soft feathers from the breast areas of ducks and geese;
when used in seat and pillow cushions the effect is luxuriously soft.
down-proof ticking: a tightly-woven, inner lining of a cushion that
prevents the migration of tiny feathers to a cushion's exterior.
drawer glide: an interlocking track that help ensures a drawer is
guiding along a straight path when it is pulled out or reseated in its station.
Glides may be mounted underneath a drawer or mounted on the sides and can
be made of wood, metal or nylon; metal and nylon glides may incorporate
small wheels or ball bearings.
dresser: a set of drawers that is wider than it is tall, used for
the storage of clothing in a bedroom. A mirror is usually placed above a
dresser.
dressmaker skirt: a skirt that extends from base of the cushion
to the floor on upholstered furniture. Also known as a waterfall skirt.
drop-leaf table: a table with hinged leaves that are unfolded for
table extension.
Drum Dyed: A dying process in which leather is immersed in dye and
tumbled in a rotating drum allowing maximum dye penetration.
drum table: a cylindrical table with storage below. Often used as
an end table or side table.
dust panels: linings between drawers in case goods that prevents
the migration of dust, thus keeping clothing and other stored items cleaner.
