bachelors chest
(typically) a three-drawer low chest. May be used as a nightstand or a foyer item.
bail
inverted arch handle, usually hinged to a back plate, that is used to pull open a drawer.
balloon shade
balloon shades are similar in construction to a Roman shades, but the billowy folds along the bottom edge when the shade is raised.
baluster
the supporting post of a handrail, often with a curved, vase shape; may also refer to a furniture leg, or chair back element of a similar shape.
bamboo turning
wood that has been turned on a lathe to simulate natural bamboo.
Barcelona chair
tufted, armless chair with an X-shaped, chrome base and leather cushions. Designed by Mies Van Der Rohe, the Barcelona chair is considered to be a classic of “international style.”
barley twist
a turned-wood element with encircling spirals along its length, so that a portion is raised like the threads of a screw. May be found on beds with posters, or on the legs and spindles of case goods
baroque
Historically from the early 17th century to the mid 18th century. European style of art architecture and music that features bold curving forms and elaborate ornamentation.
Base Coat
Color that is applied to a compatible crust color to achieve the final color of a protected aniline.
bass-relief
low relief carving.
batik
a fabric dyeing method that uses a wax resist (that is later removed) to create a design or pattern. Batik is often done in successive layers, with wax applied between multiple dye baths.
batting
sheets of fiber padding (cotton, wool or synthetic fiber) used in upholstery and quilt making.
Bauhaus
early to mid-20th century German school of art and design that emphasized the concept that “form follows function.” Furnishings in this style are marked by clean, simple, lines that are often hard-edged.
beading
decorative molding consisting of a line of small, convex half-spheres.
bed stand
small table used beside a bed as a night stand.
bed steps
a two-step stool intended to be used beside a bed.
bedside chest
a small chest of two to three drawers intended to be used beside a bed.
bedstead
the framework of a bed that supports a mattress and box spring.
bench made
furniture that is made one step at a time, piece by piece, as opposed to furniture constructed on an assembly line.
bentwood
process by which wood or rattan is softened by steam and bent around molds into a desired shape.
bergere
chair with an exposed wooden frame. The back and seat may be upholstered or may feature loose cushions.
bi-cast
split leather with a polyurethane coating that gives it a high sheen and increases durability.
Biedermeier
German style developed in the first half of the nineteenth century, influenced by French Empire styles, and name for a fictitious “every man” character.
blendown
a mixture of down and polyester fibers used to fill upholstery cushions. Blend down is wrapped around high density foam or foam-encased springs, then encased in down-proof ticking before being covered with the upholstery fabric. Feathers may also be used with the down and polyester.
block foot
the square end of an un-tapered leg.
bolster
along cylindrical or rectangular cushion.
bombe
from French, meaning curving or bulging outward; refers to a style of chest or table that has an outward-bulging profile that curves inward at the base.
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%.
bonnet top
a rounded, bonnet-shaped crown to the top of a highboy, armoire or other similar case piece. Common in 17th and 18th century designs.
book matching veneers
veneers that are aligned so that grain patterns of adjoining pieces are reflective of each other.
Boston rocker
an American rocker (19th Century) with curved seat, spindle back, and a wide top rail.
boucle
a nubby fabric comprised of uneven yarns that creates a rough appearance.
bow back
a curved upper support of a chair back that is connected to the seat with spindles. Common in Windsor style chairs.
bow front
a case piece with a convexly curved front.
box cushion
cushion with four sides connecting the top and bottom of the cushion, resembling the construction of a box. A welt frequently runs the perimeter of the top and bottom.
box pleat
a flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it to create an inverted pleat.
box pleat skirt
an upholstery skirt with alternating high/low folds of fabric to create a dentil pattern.
bracket foot
a low, right angle foot, usually constructed with a mitered corner. May be plain, molded, or scrolled. Common on Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Also known as a console leg.
braid
a flat, woven trim used for decorative edges on upholstery to cover staples or tacks.
breakfront chest
chest, cabinet or bookcase design in which a center section projects out from the rest. Also known as a block front.
brocade
a heavy woven fabric with raised woven decoration that resembles embroidery. Used in upholstery.
broken pediment
a crown at the top of case goods that nearly forms a low-pitched triangle, but has either a void or a finial at the triangle apex.
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.
bullion fringe
a thick fringe composed of long, twisted loops of yarn covered in gold or silver thread.
bun feet
foot in the shape of a flattened ball, often with a slender ankle above.
bureau
a low chest of drawers; commonly a dresser.
burl
a beautiful swirled pattern in the grain of a piece of wood caused by a deformity in the tree. Burled wood is often used as a veneer.
butcher block
a wood table top comprised of multiple pieces of thick strips of hardwood bonded together.
butterfly leaf
a table with self-storing leaf mechanisms.
button tufting
upholstery treatment in which buttons (usually fabric-covered) are sewn through the surface and tied down to create a tailored, sometimes undulating, surface.