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FURNITURE A TO Z
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Sabre Leg: A chair or cabinet leg that has a gentle curve that resembles the
shape of a sword.
Secretaire: A sideboard with false drawers which drop forward to reveal a
desk and writing surface.
Self Assembly: Furniture that comes flat packed; its components are put
together after purchase.
Serpentine Front: A way of describing the front surface of furniture that
is curved in an "S" shape.
Serving Table: A long narrow table with drawers that stands against the
wall and is used as a servery.
Settee: Another name for a sofa.
Shaker Furniture: 1770-1800. Shaker furniture is a unique and isolated
pocket of furniture design. The term originates from an English religious
sect that went to America in 1774, settling in New England, Kentucky and
Indiana. Their simple and utilitarian way of life is reflected in their
furniture. Shapes are kept simple and basic with little to no decoration.
This form of design was way ahead of its time and many modern designs draw
inspiration from it. The originators of "form and function".
Shellac: A varnish or polish finish for wood that protects and strengthens.
A base for lacquer.
Sheraton, Thomas: A furniture designer in the late 1700's. His style is
associated with square backed chairs, large areas of wood bordered with
stringing and banding and very slender tapering legs.
Shield back chair: A chair in the Hepplewhite style having a back in the
shape of a shield.
Sideboard: A long cabinet that is used for storage. The flat surface is
used for serving food from. Smarter versions are called Credenzas.
Slat: A thin flat section of wood. Some examples are sections of wood used
in ladder back chairs or a method of supporting the mattress in a bed base.
Sleigh Bed: A popular French Empire style bed that has a high scrolled
headboard and footboard. This gives the bed the look of a sleigh or a boat.
It is also sometimes called a "bateau lit".
Spindle: A cylindrical piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe.
Detail in the form of ridges can be made at this point. Spindles can then be
used to strengthen and add detail to the back of a chair or as stair
banisters.
Splat: A flat, vertical piece of wood found in the centre of a chair back.
These can often be carved or pierced.
Stretcher: A horizontal arrangement of rails or spindals used to connect
the legs of tables and chairs together. This gives the furniture stability
and structural strength.
Stringing: Complicated arrangements of inlaid strips of wood found at the
edges of antique tables and cabinets. The result is a border with a string
like effect.
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