Basic Furniture Terms


Bi-cast

A split leather with a polyurethane coating that gives it a high sheen and increases durability.

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%.

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.

Butterfly leaf

A table with self-storing leaf mechanisms. The extension is built-in to make your table larger if needed but when not in use, it "hides" underneath the table top.

California king

A mattress size that measures 74" x 86". This style of mattress is popular on the West coast of the United States. The additional size comes in the length creating a rectangular shape rather than the square shape of a standard king (Eastern King).

Canopy bed

A bed with a fabric roof over it. Originally a symbol of rank and privilege, today the canopy may be a wrought iron or wood frame with stretchers between the posters, with or without the fabric draperies.

Chaise

A long chair for reclining. May have one arm, two arms or no arms at all.

Chenille

Incredibly soft, thick, fuzzy yarns that stand out around a velvety cord, usually made of cotton or silk with a raised pile, that is used to make furnishings and clothes.

China cabinet

This is often used in dining rooms, china cabinets generally consist of an upper portion with glass-doored display case, and lower enclosed cabinet for storage.

Footboard

A vertical panel or structure situated at the foot of a bed frame.

Full-grain leather

Considered the highest quality of leather because only the hair is removed from the hide, so it retains the full, natural grain. Variations in the grain will be exposed, evidenced by natural fat wrinkles and a soft, supple feel.

Futon

A Japanese mattress of cotton batting, used either on the floor or on a folding frame. The futon can be use as a furniture during the day and can convert to a sleeping space at night. A futon can take the form of a bed, couch, or chair, which provides a comfortable and sturdy space for sitting or sleeping.

Hutch

An upper cabinet with open shelves or doors that is placed atop a buffet, desk or other case good.

Kiln-dried

The process of slow-drying lumber in a kiln to prevent warping, cracking and checking. Hardwood such as ash, maple or poplar is kiln-dried to remove moisture, ensuring that the frame will not crack, split or warp.

Leather match

Furniture upholstered with a combination of leather and vinyl. The vinyl is died to match the leather and is typically used on the sides and back. Leather is reserved for the cushions or "everywhere the body touches."

Micro Fiber

A synthetic fiber that is extremely soft, lightweight, breathable, durable and ultra fine. In fact, micro fibers are two times finer than silk and one hundred times finer than a human hair. Micro fiber is currently manufactured from acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon.

Modular furniture

Furniture that may be rearranged in to multiple configurations. Entertainment walls and some sectionals are examples of furniture that employ a modular approach.

Motif

A thematic element of design, in carvings, inlay, fabric pattern or other surface decoration.

Nubuck

A favorite type of leather in shoes, belts and jackets since its introduction. Nubuck is the top side of leather, slightly sanded to make it more resistant to scuff marks and give it a suede-like feel. However, the texture of nubuck is finer than suede because a superior brushing technique leaves the natural grain pattern intact. It's made from split-grain (half of a hide) or full-grain (entire hide) leather.

Nylon

The first completely synthetic fiber developed in 1938 by DuPont®. It was introduced to the public in the 1940s in women's stockings. Known for its high strength and excellent stain resilience, nylon boasts superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility. It's often added to natural fibers to boost a garment's durability.

Polypropylene

A lightweight, man-made material characterized by a high-strength, abrasive quality. Also boasts moisture-absorbing, stain- and fade-resistant qualities. Often used in rug fiber and outdoor furniture. (Also known as Olefin®.)

Polyresin

An organic combination of polyester and resin metals reinforced with fiberglass mat. Used in a wide range of home goods and decor, from figurines to plant stands.

Polystyrene

A lightweight plastic often used for insulation. Its heat- and shape-retention abilities make it moldable and comfortable. Commonly used to fill beanbag chairs.

Rattan

The strong, yet pliable stem from a variety of climbing palm, in the genus calamus, used as framing material for wicker furniture.

RTA

Also known as "Ready-to-assemble." Term applied to furniture sold unassembled or only partially assembled.

Suede

The soft, "flesh" side of leather. Considered more luxurious because its surface has been brushed, leaving a nap, velvet-like texture.

Synthetic

Used to describe manufactured materials made to imitate another natural material with some characteristics of the original.

Velour

A mid weight, tightly woven or knitted fabric, usually made of cotton, with qualities similar to velvet. In fact, it originates from the French word for "velvet." Soft and plush with a close, dense pile. Traditionally found in towels, but it's becoming popular in warm-up suits and sportswear.

Velvet

A woven, mid weight fabric made of silk, cotton or rayon. Its pile is cut and brushed for a rich, plush texture and a cut pile that stands straight up.

Veneer

A thin sheet of a wood of superior value or excellent grain that is glued to an inferior wood.

Vinyl

A faux leather that is stiffer and less soft to the touch than actual leather.

Wool

A thick, heavy natural fiber, which is usually spun from the fleece of lambs and sheep.

Wrought Iron

A form of iron in a commercial grade that is characterized as being relatively soft and malleable, yet strong.