A SHORT GUIDE TO FURNITURE TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The subject of furniture design and manufacture is extensive and diversified, including a wide range of terminology and concepts. Modern upholstery techniques and materials stand out as examples of innovation, transforming the way we furnish our homes and spaces.

In this blog, we'll look at furniture terminology, specifically upholstery phrases and meanings. Whether you're a seasoned furniture designer or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you understand the fundamental ideas of the furniture industry.

Furniture Terminology Basics

Understanding furniture terminology is essential whether you're shopping for new pieces, discussing design options, or simply expanding your knowledge. Here’s a guide to some basic furniture terminology:

Types of Furniture

1. Sofa: A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for multiple people.

2. Chair: A seat for one person, typically with four legs and a back.

3. Table: A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, working, or placing items.

4. Bed: A piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on, usually consisting of a mattress on a frame.

5. Dresser: A chest of drawers for storing clothes.

6. Nightstand: A small table or cabinet beside a bed for holding a lamp, alarm clock, and other items.

7. Cabinet: A storage unit with doors and shelves, used for storing items.

8. Bookshelf: A piece of furniture with shelves for storing books.

9. Desk: A piece of furniture with a flat surface for writing, reading, or using a computer.

10. Ottoman: A padded, upholstered seat or bench, often without a back or arms, used as a footrest or additional seating.

UNDERSTANDING FURNITURE TERMINOLOGY

Furniture Styles

1. Traditional: Furniture that is inspired by or reproduces classic designs from past centuries.

2. Modern: Furniture with a sleek, minimalist design that emphasizes simplicity and function.

3. Contemporary: Furniture that is current or on-trend, often incorporating elements of modern design.

4. Rustic: Furniture that emphasizes natural materials and a rugged, earthy aesthetic.

5. Industrial: Furniture that features raw, unfinished materials like metal and wood, inspired by factory and warehouse designs.

6. Mid-Century Modern: Furniture from the mid-20th century, characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and functionality.

Furniture Components

1. Frame: The structural support of a piece of furniture, often made of wood or metal.

2. Upholstery: The fabric, padding, and springs used to cover and cushion furniture.

3. Cushion: A padded support for seating or backrests, often removable.

4. Legs: The supports that hold up a piece of furniture, which can vary in style and height.

5. Drawer: A storage compartment that slides in and out of a piece of furniture.

6. Shelves: Flat surfaces within a piece of furniture used for storing items.

7. Headboard: The upright panel at the head of a bed, which can be decorative or functional.

8. Footboard: The panel at the foot of a bed, matching or complementing the headboard.

Furniture Materials

1. Wood: A common material for furniture, available in various types such as oak, maple, cherry, and pine.

2. Metal: Used for frames, legs, and decorative elements, adding strength and a modern touch.

3. Glass: Often used for tabletops and cabinet doors, providing a sleek and contemporary look.

4. Fabric: Used for upholstery, available in various textures and patterns, including cotton, linen, and velvet.

5. Leather: A durable and stylish material for upholstery, often used in sofas and chairs.

Furniture Finishes

1. Stain: A finish that enhances the natural grain of wood by adding color.

2. Paint: A finish that adds color and protection to furniture surfaces.

3. Lacquer: A high-gloss finish that provides a durable, protective coating.

4. Varnish: A transparent finish that adds a protective layer and enhances the natural appearance of wood.

Furniture Functions

1. Recliner: A chair that can be tilted back for lounging, often with a footrest.

2. Extendable Table: A table that can be expanded by adding leaves or extending sections.

3. Convertible Sofa: A sofa that can be transformed into a bed.

4. Lift-Top Coffee Table: A coffee table with a top that lifts to provide a higher surface for eating or working.

Conclusion

Understanding furniture design and manufacturing terminology is crucial for anyone involved in this field. From the names of different furniture styles to the types of materials and construction techniques, these terms form the foundation of knowledge that allows for effective communication and innovation. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you can enhance your expertise, make informed decisions, and contribute to creating beautiful, functional, and lasting furniture pieces. Whether you're designing a custom piece, selecting the perfect addition to your home, or simply appreciating the craftsmanship of furniture, a solid grasp of furniture terminology is an invaluable asset.

Featured Articles

27-Jun-2024 How to Style Dining Room Chairs in Your Home?

Styling Dining Room Chairs It is a hobby of many to decorate their homes to impress their guests as well as to have a different style. Women around the world know how much difference these things make. They know what it takes to rearrange the home decoration to surprise the residents with something new. You can’t change wall paint or tiles after every few months or years. However, you can rearrange some things to give your home a new interior look. That is not very complicated since you need some creativity and time. After that, you can do your low-scale interior decoration for a better lifestyle.  One of them is styling dining room chairs to make your room spacious and decorated. Many people try these things, and they make a huge difference in their homes. You can also do the same by trying these things in order to style your dining room chairs. Not only will you get a new appearance, but you will also dine more easily. Follow these simple and easy methods to get the style you want. Change the Colors and Patterns of the Chair Cover The easiest thing one can do is change the chair covers. It is up to you what color and design you choose. What you should keep in mind is that it will reflect the theme of home. For example, if it is winter, choose the chair covers accordingly. Go for warm colors to keep the colors match the weather. If it is summer, go for light colors. The floral pattern will give your dining chairs a blooming appearance. While a striped pattern will give a decent appearance.  Polish or Paint their Frames You can do a lot more to enhance the beauty of dining chairs. One of them is polishing the wood with a darker shade. That will give a new shine and layer to the wood. Then you will experience a new look of chairs for the next few months or even a year. You can change the color of the frame if it is metallic. Go and paint the frame with new paint to match the theme of your room. Make sure the paint creates a contrasting look with the wall paint. Choose a lighter color if the pain of the walls is dark, and vice versa.  The Shape of Chair Must Align with the Table Some chairs are tall and some are short. Likewise, some have round shapes and some have square shapes. You will have to choose chairs according to the need and shape of the table. The Edges of the table also contribute to the design of chairs. Many styles are available in the market from classic to chic. It is up to you which one you go for. These styles will also define the theme you create in the home. Some people go for a minimalistic style, and some go for a luxurious one. Once you choose the style, make sure it aligns with the dining table’s style. Match or Mix? Go Accordingly Not always you would like to arrange dining chairs of the same color or design as the table. Sometimes it is better to mix up the chairs to have an unusual arrangement. It makes the dining style look cool in your dining room. You can mix up the chairs of different colors and designs with the same dining table to dine in a more casual way.   Make Space for Movement and Air Passage Do not clutter the dining chairs in your room. Instead, make space in it by placing the chairs in a systematic way. It will help the air in the room to regulate and move easily. Then you will get a fresh air passage in the room for more positivity. Fresh air in the room will make you think and live better, which is good for your health. Many people choose to place their dining table at the corner of the room, so the air can be blocked by it. Also, if you place it near the window, the table will create a hindrance to the fresh air circulating in the room. Make space in the room by placing them wisely. Contrast Between Chairs’ Color with Wall Colors  Make a contrast of the chairs’ color with wall paint. You might have seen people choosing contrast, which makes the dining table more prominent. A dark brown dining table with chairs is more suitable with white, yellow, sky blue, and grey walls. While, white chairs will be suitable with dark blue, red, or any darker wall paint. This contrast makes it chic and modern.  The Color of the Carpet Also Makes a Difference Don’t forget the carpet because it will change the entire look if not chosen carefully. Your dining table and chairs will lose some of their beauty if the carpet doesn’t suit them. You either remove it or replace it with a more pleasant look. It is because the carpet will either elevate or diminish the beauty of chairs and tables. The entire room may compromise its beauty because of that. No one would want that since it would damage the charm of an opulent-looking dining table. Work on Your Lamp Positioning  The lamp on the ceiling will also affect the appearance of dining room chairs. If you have placed the table away from it, there will be problems regarding illumination. Also, if it is very close to it, there will be too much brightness. In both cases, you will not be able to dine easily. Comfort is a primary thing here, and compromising it will eliminate the purpose of using a dining table. The lamp that you install should be at an optimal position where the brightness should neither be very high nor very low. An ideal brightness will keep the diners comfortable all the time.  Final Word When you style your dining room chairs, keep all these things in mind. Then you will find a whole new look in the room, which will impress your guests the way you want.  

READ FULL
27-Jun-2024 Top Trendy Dining Room Chairs for 2024

A dining table is the centerpiece of a dining room or lounge and a stylish dining table can bring a classy touch to any home interior. However, choosing the right style of dining chairs that complement your home interior can be tricky as there is such a large variety of designs available and in this case making a mistake can mean getting stuck with a design that makes the room appear visually unpleasant.  Dining Chair Types Dining chairs can be broadly classified into two types namely side chair and arm chair. Arm chairs have arm rests while side chairs do not have them. Many dining table set consist of two arm chairs on either table end and the rest are side chairs. In other settings all chairs are side chairs for a more laid back look or all are arm chairs for more comfortable seating.   Trendy Chair Styles of 2024 When it comes to chair styles there is truly no shortage of options. Within the dining chairs there is a lot of design variation within different parts of chair ranging from back, leg, arm and seat designs. Let us explore some popular chair designs that are hot selling right in 2024. 1. Crossback Dining Chairs These French country-style chairs have a curved back with an X made out of two diagonal wood slabs at the back. These chairs add a homely touch to the kitchen. The curve back also makes for comfortable sitting.  2. Cutout Back Dining Chairs For a more stunning look that suits modern and traditional style equally well cutout chairs are ideal. This chair style features geometrically shaped cutouts at the back. The cutouts show the creativity of the carpenter and highlights the color of the wood. Cutout shapes can be varied to give the chair either a modern look or a more traditional appearance according to personal taste.  3. Floating Armrest Chairs These uniquely styled chairs feature an armrest that is not joined to the back of the chair, giving the chair a sleek style that perfectly complements a sophisticated interior. When viewed from a side angle, these chairs appear visually striking. For a more balanced look around a table that brings out the beauty of this chair, it is recommended to place it only near the table ends, while the rest of the chairs should be side chairs with identical designs.  4. King Louis Dining Chairs If you want a more luxurious feel to your dining room that makes you feel like a king than this chair design named after the French monarch is quite suitable. These chairs consist of an oval backrest that has inward concave curvature delivering superior comfort. The chair has upholstered cushions that not only make it look aesthetic but make dining a truly comfortable experience. 5. Ladder Back Dining Chair One of the most recognizable and popular designs, the ladder-backed chair is simple yet beautiful at the same time. The backrest consists of horizontal slats that resemble like ladder steps. The design is flexible and can be adapted for a country style home in which case the chair has rounded legs or a more modern design having square legs.  6. Parsons Dining Chair  This revolutionary design that was created in the 1930s is making a comeback this year. The Parsons Chair was created by the Parsons School of Design in Paris. This design struck a striking contrast against the ornate designs of that time by being simple and elegant. The chair has an upholstered back with no curved surface. The chair has a sophisticated and classy feel to it that is appropriate for fine dining, but their stunning profile also makes them suited for contemporary interiors.  Conclusion  The dining room chairs trending in 2024 reflect a blend of style, comfort, and innovation, catering to diverse tastes and interior designs. From the resurgence of vintage-inspired designs and sustainable materials to the popularity of bold colors and ergonomic shapes, this year's trends emphasize both aesthetic appeal and functional comfort. By choosing from these top trendy dining room chairs, you can effortlessly update your dining space, making it not only a place for meals but also a stylish and inviting area for gatherings.  

READ FULL
27-Jun-2024 A SHORT GUIDE TO FURNITURE TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The subject of furniture design and manufacture is extensive and diversified, including a wide range of terminology and concepts. Modern upholstery techniques and materials stand out as examples of innovation, transforming the way we furnish our homes and spaces. In this blog, we'll look at furniture terminology, specifically upholstery phrases and meanings. Whether you're a seasoned furniture designer or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you understand the fundamental ideas of the furniture industry. Furniture Terminology Basics Understanding furniture terminology is essential whether you're shopping for new pieces, discussing design options, or simply expanding your knowledge. Here’s a guide to some basic furniture terminology: Types of Furniture 1. Sofa: A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for multiple people. 2. Chair: A seat for one person, typically with four legs and a back. 3. Table: A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, working, or placing items. 4. Bed: A piece of furniture for sleeping or resting on, usually consisting of a mattress on a frame. 5. Dresser: A chest of drawers for storing clothes. 6. Nightstand: A small table or cabinet beside a bed for holding a lamp, alarm clock, and other items. 7. Cabinet: A storage unit with doors and shelves, used for storing items. 8. Bookshelf: A piece of furniture with shelves for storing books. 9. Desk: A piece of furniture with a flat surface for writing, reading, or using a computer. 10. Ottoman: A padded, upholstered seat or bench, often without a back or arms, used as a footrest or additional seating. UNDERSTANDING FURNITURE TERMINOLOGY Furniture Styles 1. Traditional: Furniture that is inspired by or reproduces classic designs from past centuries. 2. Modern: Furniture with a sleek, minimalist design that emphasizes simplicity and function. 3. Contemporary: Furniture that is current or on-trend, often incorporating elements of modern design. 4. Rustic: Furniture that emphasizes natural materials and a rugged, earthy aesthetic. 5. Industrial: Furniture that features raw, unfinished materials like metal and wood, inspired by factory and warehouse designs. 6. Mid-Century Modern: Furniture from the mid-20th century, characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and functionality. Furniture Components 1. Frame: The structural support of a piece of furniture, often made of wood or metal. 2. Upholstery: The fabric, padding, and springs used to cover and cushion furniture. 3. Cushion: A padded support for seating or backrests, often removable. 4. Legs: The supports that hold up a piece of furniture, which can vary in style and height. 5. Drawer: A storage compartment that slides in and out of a piece of furniture. 6. Shelves: Flat surfaces within a piece of furniture used for storing items. 7. Headboard: The upright panel at the head of a bed, which can be decorative or functional. 8. Footboard: The panel at the foot of a bed, matching or complementing the headboard. Furniture Materials 1. Wood: A common material for furniture, available in various types such as oak, maple, cherry, and pine. 2. Metal: Used for frames, legs, and decorative elements, adding strength and a modern touch. 3. Glass: Often used for tabletops and cabinet doors, providing a sleek and contemporary look. 4. Fabric: Used for upholstery, available in various textures and patterns, including cotton, linen, and velvet. 5. Leather: A durable and stylish material for upholstery, often used in sofas and chairs. Furniture Finishes 1. Stain: A finish that enhances the natural grain of wood by adding color. 2. Paint: A finish that adds color and protection to furniture surfaces. 3. Lacquer: A high-gloss finish that provides a durable, protective coating. 4. Varnish: A transparent finish that adds a protective layer and enhances the natural appearance of wood. Furniture Functions 1. Recliner: A chair that can be tilted back for lounging, often with a footrest. 2. Extendable Table: A table that can be expanded by adding leaves or extending sections. 3. Convertible Sofa: A sofa that can be transformed into a bed. 4. Lift-Top Coffee Table: A coffee table with a top that lifts to provide a higher surface for eating or working. Conclusion Understanding furniture design and manufacturing terminology is crucial for anyone involved in this field. From the names of different furniture styles to the types of materials and construction techniques, these terms form the foundation of knowledge that allows for effective communication and innovation. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you can enhance your expertise, make informed decisions, and contribute to creating beautiful, functional, and lasting furniture pieces. Whether you're designing a custom piece, selecting the perfect addition to your home, or simply appreciating the craftsmanship of furniture, a solid grasp of furniture terminology is an invaluable asset.

READ FULL

Leave Your Comments