Furniture usually composed of two cases: a lower desk with lidded writing surface and an upper bookcase, with or without doors. The two pieces may be constructed separately to facilitate transport. See also desk.

Also called secretary-bookcase, secretary and bookcase, or secretary.

Narrow, lidded writing desk on top of a bookcase. See also desk.

Also called Larkin desk.

Bookcase constructed with two or more adjacent columns of shelves. The columns may differ in depth from the central bookcase. May have doors.

Cabinet mounted on frame or legs.

Also called cabinet on frame.

Cabinet with drawers or shelves intended for the flat storage of sheet music.

Lidded chest constructed with a single drawer, usually at the base of the piece.

Also called blanket chest.

Lidded chest constructed with two or more drawers, usually at the base of the piece.

Also called blanket chest.

Lidded chest constructed with square inner partitions to store and separate bottles of wine or other alcohol. See also celleret.

Also called bottle chest.

Lidded chest intended to store bottles of wine or other alcohol. Frequently constructed with a lock and handles; may be lined so that the case can be filled with ice to cool bottles. See also bottle case.

Also called cellaret, liquor cabinet, or wine cooler.

Small, lidded chest lined with metal intended to hold loose tea.

Also called book tea chest.

Desk or chest of drawers with a flat top surface. Usually has a recessed front center section. In the 1760s and 1770s, this term was used to describe a chest of drawers.

Also called bureau dressing table, kneehole desk, kneehole table, or writing and dressing table.

Furniture composed of two cases: a lower chest of drawers and an upper chest of drawers. The upper chest may be surmounted with a pediment or decorative molding. The two pieces are generally constructed separately to facilitate transport.

Chest of drawers that sits on a separately constructed stand or frame.

Chest of drawers with a looking glass or mirror mounted on the top surface or to one side of the drawers.

Also called dresser with mirror, bureau, or dressing bureau.

Furniture composed of two cases: a lower chest of drawers on legs and an upper chest of drawers. The upper chest may be surmounted with a pediment or decorative molding. The two pieces are generally constructed separately to facilitate transport. May be made as part of a set with a dressing table.

Also called case of drawers, highboy, or tallboy.

Small chest of drawers intended to hold spices. Frequently constructed with a lock. Generally small enough to be placed on a table or shelf.

Cupboard with triangular frame, intended to fit into the corner of a room.

Low, horizontal cupboard with open shelves. Frequently constructed with an enclosed section near the top. Associated with the seventeenth-century style.

Cupboard surmounted with a backboard, shelves, or drawers intended to store and display dishes and other food service items in a kitchen. See also sideboard for pieces with similar structure intended for use in a dining room.

Cupboard with one or more ventilated doors, intended to store food.

Also called pie safe or food safe.

Desk or chest of drawers with a flat top surface and recessed front center section.

Also called bureau dressing table, kneehole desk, kneehole table, or writing and dressing table.

Desk with flat or slanted writing surface mounted on high legs, for use when standing.

Also called countinghouse desk, counting desk, standing desk, or writing stand.

Lidded desk in which the lid is constructed as a rigid cylinder that rolls backward into the case of the desk. See also rolltop desk.

Also called cylinder desk or cylinder top desk.

Narrow desk with slanted writing surface that projects beyond the front of the case. Frequently constructed with drawers and other storage compartments, sometimes accessed from the sides of the piece.

Furniture composed of two cases: a lower desk with lidded or hinged writing surface and an upper bookcase. The two pieces may be constructed separately to facilitate transport.

Also called secretary-bookcase, secretary and bookcase, or secretary.

Desk with slanted writing surface that sits on a separately constructed stand or frame.

Narrow, lidded writing desk on top of a bookcase.

Also called Larkin desk.

Lidded desk that opens to form or reveal a writing surface. Frequently constructed with full-width drawers in the case and drawers, pigeonholes, or other storage compartments visible when the lid is opened. See also slant-front desk.

Also called bureau-cabinet, drop-front desk, straight-front desk, or drop-front cabinet.

Desk with large, flat writing surface mounted on legs. Frequently constructed with a single long drawer.

Also called library writing table or writing table.

Desk with flat writing surface supported by case pieces at either side. Case pieces may be fitted with drawers, shelves, or doors.

Also called partner's desk.

Small desk with slanted writing surface. Intended to sit on a table or other surface.

Also called lap desk.

Desk with slanted writing surface and deep ledge along the bottom front edge to support a book.

Also called reading stand.

Lidded desk in which the lid is constructed as a flexible cylinder composed of horizontal wooden slats that roll backward into the case of the desk. See also cylinder fall desk and tambour desk.

Lidded desk that opens to form a writing surface; when closed, the lid angles back to rest against the case top. Frequently constructed with full-width drawers in the case and drawers, pigeonholes, or other storage compartments visible when the lid is opened. See also fall-front desk.

Also called secretary or secretary-desk.

Desk with doors composed of vertical wooden slats that roll sideways into the case of the desk. See also rolltop desk.

Sideboard constructed with designated space to store bottles. See also celleret.

Sideboard with minimal storage below the top surface. Sometimes made with a single row of drawers and no additional shelves.

Also called hunt board, hunt table, hunting table, or hunter's table.

Small, freestanding clock typically designed with three sections: the upper hood, in which the clockworks are mounted; the middle trunk that houses the hanging pendulum; and the lower base. See also tall case clock.

Also called dwarf clock, miniature tall case clock or grandmother clock.

Freestanding clock typically designed with three sections: the upper hood, in which the clockworks are mounted; the middle trunk that houses the hanging pendulum; and the lower base. See also dwarf tall clock.

Also called long case clock, longcase clock, grandfather clock, or tall clock.

Relatively small, portable clock intended to sit on a shelf, mantel, or tabletop.

Also called mantel clock, acorn clock, lantern clock, lighthouse clock, pedestal clock, or pillar and scroll clock.

Relatively small clock intended to be mounted on wall.

Also called banjo clock, girandole clock, patent time piece, or wag-on-wall clock.

Rectangular container with a hinged lid used for storing bibles, books, or writing materials. Sometimes constructed with a slanted lid on which to rest an opened book.

Also called book box.

Rigid, rectangular container unassociated with the storage or transport of a particular object.

Rectangular container intended to store tapers or dipped candles. Frequently constructed with sliding lids.

Rectangular container intended to store small personal articles, especially during travel. May contain small drawers, partitions, or a looking glass.

Also called dressing box or toilet case.

Container, frequently with a hinged lid, constructed with individual slots to hold the blades of knives or other cutlery.

Lidded container designed to be mounted on a wall and used to store salt.

Tall looking glass mounted on a free-standing base intended for use when dressing. May be adjustable.

Also called cheval mirror, cheval dressing mirror, horse glass, or swing glass.

Small looking glass intended to sit on a piece of case furniture, such as a bureau table or dressing table, for use when dressing. May be mounted on a small chest fitted with drawers.

Also called dressing mirror, dressing table mirror, toilet glass, or toilet mirror.

Circular, convex looking glass with highly decorative circular frame. Frame may support branched candle holders.

Small framed looking glass with a handle.

Looking glass intended to be hung above a fireplace mantel. Frequently large with multiple panes of glass. Frame may support branched candle holders.

Also called chimney glass, over mantel mirror, over mantel lookingglass, overmantel looking glass, or mantel mirror.

Tall, narrow looking glass intended to be hung between two windows. May be part of a set with a pier table.

Keyboard instrument. The case is constructed with one long straight side and one curved side and may have a hinged lid. Hammers attached to the keys cause strings to vibrate, producing sounds of different frequencies. Strings are mounted horizontally within the case. See also square piano.

Also called piano, pianoforte, grand pianoforte, or fortepiano.

Keyboard instrument. The shallow case resembles that of a square piano. Keys control the action of bellows that force air through a set of reeds, causing them to vibrate and produce sound.

Also called reed organ or American organ.

Keyboard instrument. The case frequently resembles that of an upright piano. Hammers attached to the keys cause strings to vibrate, producing sounds of different frequencies. Action of the keys is controlled mechanically, frequently through paper rolls perforated to indicate the sequence of hammered notes.

Also called player pianoforte, piano, pianoforte, or fortepiano.

Keyboard instrument. The horizontal case is rectangular. Hammers attached to the keys cause strings to vibrate, producing sounds of different frequencies. See also grand piano.

Also called square pianoforte, piano, pianoforte, or fortepiano.

Keyboard instrument. The shallow case is taller than that of a square piano. Hammers attached to the keys cause strings to vibrate, producing sounds of different frequencies. Strings are mounted vertically within the case.

Also called vertical piano, upright pianoforte, vertical pianoforte, pinao, pianoforte, or fortepiano.

Small screen intended to be set on a table in front of a candle.

Also called candlescreen, table fire screen, or table firescreen.

Screen intended to stand on the floor in front of a fireplace to provide a shield from direct heat. May be mounted on a pole. The height or angle of the screen may be adjustable. Frequently elaborately decorated; may serve a purely decorative purpose.

Also called firescreen, cheval fire screen, cheval screen, pole screen, banner screen, pole fire screen, or tripod fire screen.

Screen constructed of two or more panels joined by vertical hinges. Intended to stand on the floor.

Small screen intended to sit on a table or piece of case furniture. May be a single panel or constructed of two or more panels joined by vertical hinges.

Bench with high, solid back; arms; and wings.

Also called settle bench.

Bench with turned legs or spindles driven into a plank seat. See also Windsor style.

Chair constructed with arms. The Archive uses this term for armchairs that do not have a more specific structure or function. See also side chair.

Chair with compact upholstered seat and rectangular upholstered back. Constructed without arms to resemble a stool to which a back has been attached. See also slipper chair.

Also called back stool.

Chair with adjustable back and hinged seat that can unfold to become a sleeping surface.

Chair with curule legs and continuous, sling-like leather or cane surface that forms the back and seat. Design based on folding chairs and stools associated with the city of Campeche on the Yucatan Peninsula, although campeche chairs do not fold.

Also called sling chair or Spanish chair.

Armchair constructed with a large, hinged wooden back that can be folded down to rest on the arms and serve as a table.

Also called monks' chair or table-chair.

Armchair or side chair fitted with a chamber pot. The Archive uses this term for chairs that do not have a more specific structure or function, such as an easy chair fitted with a chamber pot.

Also called necessary chair, necessary stool, close-stool chair, or chamber stool.

Chair constructed with a continuous back around two adjacent sides of the chair. Corner chairs have three front legs and one rear leg.

Also called roundabout chair.

Chair with padded, upholstered back, arms, front-projecting wings extending from either side of the back, and seat fitted with a seat cushion.

Also called draught chair, grandfather chair, lug chair, saddle cheek chair, wing chair, wing-back chair, or winged easy chair.

Portable chair with a frame that can be folded flat for storage or transport. May be made with leather, canvas, or metal.

Also called camp chair.

Child's chair constructed with long legs and a footrest. May have an associated table surface.

Also called high chair.

Chair constructed with adjustable components, including ratcheting back, arms, or footrest, or wheels intended for use by people with physical impairments.

Also called invalid's chair.

Chair with sabre legs and a curved, smooth tablet or rail at the top of the back.

Also called Grecian chair or klysmos chair.

Chair with upholstered seat and back and unupholstered wooden arms and arm supports.

Also called Martha Washington chair or upholstered armchair.

Armchair with adjustable back and seat cushion. Named for William Morris, who promoted and sold this type of chair during the second half of the nineteenth century. Associated with the Arts and Crafts style. See also reclining chair.

Easy chair with adjustable back and footrest. See also invalids' chair and Morris chair.

Also called recliner.

Chair with bends to facilitate forward and backward or sideways motion. May or may not have arms. See also Windsor rocking chair.

Chair produced in a variety of sizes for use by students in classrooms. Frequently constructed with wooden back and rotating seat mounted on an iron pedestal that could be bolted to the floor.

Also called desk chair, student chair, student's chair, schoolhouse chair, or school-house chair.

Portable chair intended to be mounted and carried on two long poles.

Chair constructed without arms. The Archive uses this term for chairs that do not have a more specific structure or function. See also armchair.

Also called occasional chair.

Low chair with high upholstered back and upholstered seat. See also backstool.

Also called low chair.

Chair that can be converted into a ladder.

Also called library chair, metamorphic chair, step-ladder chair, or stepladder chair.

Chair constructed with a rotating seat. See also school chair.

Also called revolving chair or revolver.

Chair with solid, paneled back and paneled seat. Frequently decorated with shallow carving.

Also called panel-back chair.

Armchair with turned legs and bentwood or turned back supports driven into a plank seat. See also Windsor style and writing-arm Windsor chair.

Chair with turned legs and bentwood or turned back supports driven into a plank seat. See also Windsor style and Windsor rocking chair.

Also called Windsor side chair.

Chair with bends, turned legs, and bentwood or turned back supports driven into a plank seat. May or may not have arms. See also Windsor style.

Armchair with turned legs and bentwood or turned back supports driven into a plank seat. One arm is fitted with an oblong horizontal writing surface. See also Windsor style and Windsor armchair.

Settee constructed with two or more seat backs joined together to make a continuous back surface. Back, seat, and legs resemble chairs constructed in the same style and at the same time. May have arms.

Also called double-back settee.

Settee with turned legs and bentwood or turned back supports driven into a plank seat. May have arms. See also Windsor style and Windsor chair.

Sofa that can be converted into a bed.

Also called convertible bed, convertible sofa, or sofa sleeper.

S-shaped sofa constructed so that two occupants face each other.

Also called conversation chair, confident, canapé à confident, confidante, vis-à-vis, or siamoise.

Portable stool with a frame that can be folded flat for storage or transport. Frequently made with a detachable leather or canvas seat.

Also called camp stool or folding stool.

Footstool with four splayed legs.

Also called cricket or splayed-leg stool.

Small, low stool on which to place one's feet or provide seating for a child.

Also called tabouret.

Stool with turned legs and stretchers and mortise-and-tenon construction. Associated with Seventeenth-Century style.

Also called coffin stool, joined stool, or low stool.

Stool intended for seating when playing a musical instrument. Frequently adjustable and constructed with a rotating seat.

Also called piano stool.

Upholstered, thickly padded footstool.

Also called ottoman footstool.

Stool constructed with one or more steps to give additional height. Steps may fold away.

Stool with turned legs driven into a plank seat. See also Windsor style and Windsor chair.

Vertical support of a bedstead that serves as a leg, is typically attatched to the bed rails, may be connected to a headboard or footboard, and may support a tester or canopy.

Bed constructed with two mattress platforms stacked vertically.

Also called bunkbed.

Bed intended for use by an infant. Generally made with high sides. May have a hood at the head. Frequently made with bends. See also crib.

Small bed intended for use by a small child. Generally made with high, slatted sides. See also cradle.

Lightweight, portable bed usually intended for short-term use. May have canvas sleeping surface joined to the frame with springs, webbing, or rope. May be hinged so it can be flattened for storage or transport. See also folding bed.

Bedstead with bedposts between four and six feet high surmounted by an arched or serpentine canopy. See also high-post bed.

Also called camp bed or three-quarter-high bed.

Bed that can be folded or collapsed into a compact form. May be made to resemble a piece of case furniture when closed. May be mounted to interior architecture so it can fold into a closet or against a wall. Generally less portable than a cot.

Also called deception bed, folding bedstead, press bed, turn-up bed, turn-up bedstead, or Murphy bed.

Structure that spans the foot of a bedstead. May extend to the floor or project above the mattress. Frequently mounted between two bedposts. See also headboard.

Also called foot board or foot-board.

Structure that spans the head of a bedstead. May extend to the floor or project above the mattress. Frequently mounted between two bedposts. See also footboard.

Also called head board or head-board.

Bedstead with bedposts approximately six feet in height at the corners of the head or at both the corners of the head and foot. A rectangular tester may be mounted on four bedposts to cover the entire bed; a small rectangular tester may extend from two bedposts at the head of the bed; or curtains hanging from a ceiling-mounted canopy may extend over the bed. See also low-post bed and field bed.

Also called canopy bed, four-poster bed, four-posted bed, four-post bed, half-tester bed, half-headed bed, pencil-post bed, plantation bed, or tester bed.

Bedstead with bedposts approximately four feet in height at the corners of the head or at both the head and foot of the bed. See also high-post bed.

Also called lowpost bed.

Bed with headboard and footboard of equal size that project above the mattress. Headboard and footboard frequently curved or scrolled along the top edge.

Also called boat bed, French bed, gondola bed, gondola-shaped bed, or Grecian bed.

Low bed that can be stored beneath another bedstead when not in use.

Couch with scrolled arm. Associated with the Empire style.

Rack with vertical partitions intended to hold sheet music, newspapers, or books.

Rack mounted to a wall or piece of furniture with pegs or hooks to hold coats or hats. See also coat or hat stand for similar free-standing objects.

Also called coat rack, coatrack, hat rack, or hatrack.

Rack with hooks or supports intended to hold billiard cues.

Small rack with hooks or supports intended to hold tobacco pipes.

Freestanding or wall-mounted rack fitted with pegs, hooks, or bars to hold towels or other textiles.

Small wall-mounted structure with one or more shelves. Supported from the underside by an L-shaped wood or metal bracket. See also brackets.

Also called book shelf, bookshelf, or hanging bookshelf.

Small shelf made to be wall-mounted in the corner of a room.

Freestanding structure constructed with multiple, tiered shelves for the display or storage of small objects. May have an open or mirrored back. May have drawers in a low tier.

Also called parlor cabinet, parlour cabinet, what-not, whatnot, or what not.

Table-like stand with horizontal, circular hole or applied rim to support a wash basin. May have shelves, drawers, or rods for the storage of a chamber pot or toiletry supplies. See also corner basin stand and washstand.

Also called bowl stand or toilet stand.

Portable stand intended to support a candle, lamp, or lantern. Frequently constructed with a fixed, small circular or shaped top, pedestal base, and tripod legs. See also tilt-top table for similar objects constructed with a hinged top.

Also called candle stand or guéridon.

Stand with a fixed, small, circular top edged with moldings or galleries. Intended to hold calling cards.

Also called calling card table or card receiver.

Table-like stand with horizontal, circular hole or applied rim to support a wash basin. Constructed to fit into the corner of a room. May have shelves, drawers, or rods for the storage of a chamber pot or toiletry supplies. See also basin stand and washstand.

Also called corner bowl stand or corner toilet stand.

Stand with pegs or hooks to hold coats or hats. See also coat or hat rack for similar mounted objects. See also hall stand for pieces that incorporate additional forms of storage or seating.

Stand with pegs, hooks, or rods to hold clothing in a private space such as a dressing room.

Also called costumer.

Stand with tiers of shelves or trays to hold dishes and other tableware.

Also called dumb waiter.

Stand with an angled front surface and horizontal ledge to support a frame or canvas. May be hinged so it can be flattened for storage or transport.

Stand on which a terrestrial or celestial globe is mounted. Frequently constructed so the globe can be rotated.

Large stand that may include pegs or hooks to hold coats or hats; a receptacle to store umbrellas; shelves; a bench; and a looking glass. See also coat or hat stand for pieces that include only pegs or hooks.

Also called hallstand, hall rack, or hall tree.

Small, portable stand used to support a tea kettle or hot water urn.

Also called tea kettle stand or urn stand.

Stand with an angled front surface and horizontal ledge to support an open book for reading. May be mounted on a pedestal or sit on a table.

Also called lecturn.

Pedestal-mounted stand with an angled front surface and horizontal ledge to support sheet music. The height and angle of the stand may be adjustable.

Also called music rack or music desk.

Table-like stand, usually on a frame or pedestal base, intended to hold a potted plant or vase of flowers.

Also called bouquet stand, flower stand, jardinière, or palm stand.

High, table-like stand intended to hold men's shaving implements. Frequently fitted with an adjustable looking glass.

Also called shaving table.

Small, portable stand with circular or shaped top that is hinged to a pedestal base. The pedestal is usually mounted on tripod legs. See also candlestand and tilt-top table.

Also called screen stand, snap stand, tilt-top candlestand, tilt-top candle stand, tip stand, tip-top stand, tip-up stand, or turn-up stand.

Small stand or cylindrical container intended to store umbrellas. See also hall stand.

Table-like stand with solid, flat surface intended to store a basin, pitcher, and toiletries for washing the face or hands. May have shelves, drawers, or rods for additional storage. See also basin stand and corner basin stand.

Also called wash stand or washing stand.

Small, portable stand intended to store and display a pocket watch with its dial facing outward.

Also called watchstand, watch box, or watch holder.

Small, portable stand fitted with a domed top to support wigs.

Large rectangular table with cloth-covered slate top edged with cushioned rails. Used to play the game billiards.

Table intended as a playing surface for cards and other games. Frequently constructed with a hinged, folding top surface of identical size and shape as the fixed top surface to which it is attached and one or two swing legs. Shallow cavities may be carved in the top to serve as receptacles for counters or other game pieces. The top may be covered cloth. See also drop-leaf table.

Also called game table or gaming table.

Table finished on all sides for use in the middle of a room. May be made as part of a parlor set. See also extension table, tavern table, trestle table, and tripod table for specific types of tables finished on all sides.

Also called centre table or parlor table.

Table intended for the corner of a room with one front-facing side and two wall-facing sides. May have a hinged, folding top surface or leaf.

Also called handkerchief table.

Table with hinged surfaces that can be raised, lowered, and angled to provide a variety of surfaces for writing or drawing.

Also called architect's table, artist's table, or drafting table.

Small rectangular table with four legs and one or more rows of drawers. May be made as part of a set with a high chest of drawers.

Also called dressing bureau, lowboy, toilet table, or vanity.

Table with one or two hinged leaves attached to a fixed top. See also card table and Pembroke table.

Also called drop leaf table, dropleaf table, fall-leaf table, or single-leaf table.

Table with expandable frame that accommodates additional loose leaves to increase the area of the top.

Also called expandable table or extension dining table.

Two or more tables of graduated size constructed to stack or nest.

Also called nested table, nests of tables, stacking table, or stack table.

Small table with top surface and lower shelf or cabinet intended to hold a chamber pot.

Also called bedside cabinet, bedside cupboard, bedside table, bedstand, chamber table, night stand, or nightstand.

Small, portable table. Generally finished on all sides.

Large rectangular table with cloth-covered slate top edged with cushioned rails and six pockets. Used to play the game pool. See also billiard table.

Table intended to sit against a wall. Generally has one unfinished or undecorated surface. See also pier table and slab table.

Table with one or two hinged leaves attached to a fixed top and one or two drawers beneath the top. Named for the Earl of Pembroke. See also drop-leaf table.

Also called breakfast table.

Table intended to sit against a wall, between two windows. Frequently decorated with ornate carving. May have a shaped marble top and elaborately framed legs. May be part of a set with a pier glass. See also side table and slab table.

Also called bracket table, clap table, console, or console table, or pier-console table.

Table with top consisting of a single large piece of stone or wood. See also pier table.

Also called marble slab table.

Long, narrow table used in front of or behind a sofa. May have drop leaves or drawers.

Also called davenport table or occasional table.

Small, rectangular table with overhanging top and turned legs and stretchers. May have a single, long drawer.

Also called tavern stretcher table.

Small, rectangular table on four legs used to hold a tea service. May be composed of a rectangular frame that holds a loose tray. The edge of the top surface may be edged with moldings or galleries. See also tilt-top table for tilt-top tea tables.

Also called China table, dished top, dished-top table, fret table, galleried table, or square table.

Table with circular or shaped top that is hinged to a pedestal base. The pedestal is usually mounted on tripod legs. This form was frequently called a tea table during the eighteenth century. Tilt-top tables with circular tops were sometimes called round tables during the eighteenth century. See also candlestand, tilt-top stand, tea table, and tripod table.

Also called round table, screen table, snap table, tilt-top tea table, tip table, tip-top table, tip-up table, or turn-up table.

Table with fixed top, pedestal base, and three legs. See also center table.

Also called tripod base table.

Table with loose or fixed top of one or more boards that rest on a frame made of inverted Y-, T-, or X-shaped supports connected by horizontal braces or stretchers.

Also called braced table or sawbuck table.

Small, portable table intended to hold needlework supplies. Frequently constructed with one or more drawers. A cloth bag may extend through the bottom of the lowest drawer.

Also called bag table, Martha Washington table, pouch table, sewing table, or worktable.

High, heavy table intended as a work surface for cabinetmaking, joinery, or other trades.

Also called work bench.