FURNITURE A TO Z
EUROPE BY NET'S GUIDE TO FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN TERMINOLOGY
Have you ever been puzzled by the way something has been described, or
wanted to know what a certain feature on a piece of furniture was called?
Here is a quick cross-reference guide to furniture terminology:
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I
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N
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Q
R
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T
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A
Acanthus Leaf: A curvy leaf shape often carved in wood also found in floral
designs by William Morris, popular in eighteenth century design.
Acrylic: A synthetic fibre or paint.
Adam, Robert: An English furniture designer in the sixteenth century. An
exponent of the neoclassical style.
Alabaster: A white translucent stone.
American Colonial Style: 1630-1700. Furniture that drew its inspiration
from its mother countries. Simple country furniture with decorative carving
often enhanced by painting.
American Furniture: 1700-1760. During the first half of the 1700's America
continued to follow European patterns. While rococo was in full swing in much of
Europe, Anglo-Dutch style prevailed in America. Simplified versions of the
Queen Anne details appeared on furniture and so too other styles but in a
more diluted form.
Antique: A genuine object of an earlier period, valued for its beauty,
workmanship or age.
Armoire: French term for wardrobe. A description of a French style wardrobe
with curved, wooden detail.
Art Deco: An artistic style dating from the 1920's. It had a strong
geometric style, with simple forms, a move away from the patterned, floral
art nouveau style. Strikingly modern for its time.
Atrium: A central hall extending through several stories of a modern house.
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