The Archive's term for the wood of Liriodendron tulipifera. This material is sometimes called American tulipwood or yellow poplar.

A pediment with a symmetrical curved profile.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Fraxinus spp. This term includes black ash (Fraxinus negra) and American ash (Fraxinus americana).

The Archive's term for the wood of Populus spp. This term is used for cottonwood, eastern cottonwood, and poplar.

The Archive's term for the wood of Chamaecyparis thyoides.

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.

Hinged, U-shaped or arched handles. The hinges may be mounted on a single flat plate or two smaller plates. Also called bail handles or brasses.

Spherical or ovoid feet, especially common on seventeenth-century style furniture. See also bun feet and turned feet.

Spherical or ovoid finials. See also flaming ball finials.

Lathe-turned or carved legs with decorative profiles. Vase, urn, spindle, and ring shapes are common. Also called turned legs.

Strip of inlaid wood that creates a border through the visual contrast of the inlaid wood with the wood that surrounds it. Banding may be plain or patterned. See also stringing for a narrower type of inlaid border.

Chair backs have turned banisters or straight, molded balusters mounted vertically in a row between the horizontal rail at the top of the back and either the seat or a horizontal rail at the bottom of the back.

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.

1. Molding cut into a very narrow, semicircular, convex profile. See also cock-bead molding. 2. Molding carved with a series of tiny, closely spaced half-spheres. Also called beading or roundel molding.

Furniture that functions as a surface for sleeping. Typically consists of a rigid frame, or bedstead, and mattress. The types of beds listed in the Archive are defined by the structure of the bedstead; few object records include descriptions of original or current mattresses and associated soft furnishings. In some cases, only components of a bed survive and are the subject of their own records; see bedpost, headboard, and footboard. See also seating furniture.

Also called bedstead.

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

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Fagus spp.

Long, unupholstered seating furniture intended for more than one person. May or may not have arms and a back. See also stool for similar seating furniture intended for one person. See also settee.

Curved supports that join pairs of legs of an object, allowing it to rock or swing. Also called rockers.

Molding cut with a narrow, flat, angled profile. Also called chamfered molding or chamfering.

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.

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

The Archive's term for the wood of Betula spp. See also figured birch.

The Archive's term for the wood of Juglans nigra. See also walnut and figured walnut.

Square or rectangular feet, usually continuous with squared legs. See also therm feet.

Alternating raised and depressed surfaces on the front of a piece of case furniture. Raised surfaces may be curved or squared. Also called block front, block-front, swell'd front, or swelled.

Cylindrical cushions sometimes intended for use with nineteenth-century sofas. See also cushions.

Convex, rounded or swollen surfaces on the front and sides of a piece of case furniture. Generally the swelling is located in the lower half of the case. Also called kettle, swell'd, or swelled.

Case furniture intended to hold books, usually on one or more shelves. May have doors.

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

Also called bottle chest.

Convex, curved surface on the front or top front edge of a piece of furniture. See also Demi-lune. Also called bow front, bow-front, bowed front, round-front, or round front.

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

L-shaped feet with one horizontal element mounted beneath the object, flush with the plane of the piece, and one vertical element extending down from the corner of the object. Generally, bracket feet have a flat front plane, squared outer vertical edge, and decoratively cut edge along the interior of the foot. Also called bracket braces, Chinese feet, or Goddard feet.

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.

Horizontal structures made of wood or metal that project from a vertical component. Brackets may support weight applied from above, such as a shelf; support suspended weight, such as a hanging object; or be purely decorative.

Raised or projecting center section on the front of a piece of case furniture. Also called break-front or broken front.

A pediment with a gap at the center.

Flattened spherical feet, especially common on seventeenth-century style furniture. See also ball feet and turned feet. Also called bulbous feet, onion feet, or pieds o'oignon.

Bed constructed with two mattress platforms stacked vertically.

Also called bunkbed.

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.

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.

Hinges in which one plate is mortised into the edge of a fixed component and one plate is mortised into a moving component, such as a door.

Surface hinges in which two trapezoidal plates are interlocked along their short sides, forming a butterfly shape. See also surface hinges.

Small piece of case furniture with drawers, shelves, or storage compartments fronted by one or more doors. See also cupboard for pieces with similar function constructed on a larger scale.

Cabinet mounted on frame or legs.

Also called cabinet on frame.

S-curved, tapering legs, usually with a pronounced convex shape above a less pronounced concave shape. The cabriole shape was popularized by William Hogarth in 1753 as the "line of beauty" and is associated with the Queen Anne style. Also called bandy legs, bowed legs, or cabrioles.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

Three-dimensional surface or structure created by cutting material out of a solid such as wood or stone using a tool such as a chisel. In furniture, carving may be done on the structural components of the piece or made separately and applied to the piece. See moldings for continuous, linear cut ornament. See also turning.

Furniture intended to hold or store objects within an enclosed space. Case furniture is usually boxlike. See also support furniture.

Swiveling wheels mounted on the undersides of legs to allow easy movement. Also called casters or wheels.

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.

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

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.

Seating furniture intended for one person. Constructed with seat backs. May have arms. See also stool for one-person seating furniture without backs.

The profile and arrangement of components that constitute the back of a chair or settee. Regardless of design, most seat backs have two key components: the horizontal crest rail that forms the top edge of the seat back and the vertical stiles that form the sides of the seat back and may be continuous with the legs.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Prunus spp., including Prunus serotina.

Case furniture in which the top of the piece is a hinged lid.

Case furniture in which the entire enclosed space is fitted with drawers. Also called bureau or bureau table.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Castanea spp. Also known as American chestnut.

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.

Feet carved to resemble the claw of a bird grasping a sphere or ball. Frequently continuous with cabriole legs. Also called ball-and-claw feet, claw feet, eagles' feet, or talon and ball feet.

Timepiece set in a case, frame, or other supporting structure. The movement, or mechanical components of the timepiece, dial, and case generally have different makers; the types of clocks listed in the Archive are defined by the structure of their cases.

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

Flattened, circular feet frequently continuous with cabriole legs.

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.

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.

Molding cut into a very narrow, semicircular, convex profile around the edges of drawer fronts. Used primarily during the eighteenth century. Also called cock-beading.

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.

Small, portable, enclosed object used for storage or transport.

A pediment that extends without interruption from side to side across the top of a piece of furniture.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Hinges made of two interlocking bent iron rods. Frequently used on seventeenth-century style furniture to attach lids. Also called snipe hinges or snipe-bill hinges.

Long, narrow furniture used primarily for sleeping and reclining. Constructed with a back and one arm. Frequently upholstered. See also sofa for a similar form used primarily for seating and constructed with two arms.

Case furniture constructed with shelves or drawers and a top used as a work surface when a user is standing. May be built into an architectural setting.

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.

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

Molding cut with the concave profile of a quarter circle. See quarter-round molding for the opposite profile.

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.

Footstool with four splayed legs. Also called cricket or splayed-leg stool.

Rack with hooks or supports intended to hold billiard cues.

Case furniture with shelves or drawers for storage or display, generally enclosed by one or more doors. See also cabinet for pieces with similar function constructed on a smaller scale. See also wardrobe for pieces with similar structure intended to hold clothing or other textiles.

Curved, x-shaped supports mounted side to side or front to back. The legs are shaped to appear as a convex curve mounted directly on top of a concave curve. Curule legs are associated with Empire and other classically inspired styles. Also called cross legs or Grecian cross legs.

Portable, pliable containers filled with padding to produce a soft surface for sitting or reclining. See also bolsters.

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.

Long, narrow furniture used primarily for sleeping and reclining. Constructed as a chair with an extended seat. Frequently made with a back that can be adjusted to a variety of angles. May also refer to a long, narrow, upholstered seat with low arms at either end. During the eighteenth century, the term couch was sometimes used to describe this form.

Ornament applied to or cut into the piece of furniture for decorative or aesthetic reasons. Decorative elements include wood, stone, or metal applied to surfaces as inlay, marquetry, or veneer. See surface finish for coatings applied as liquids or pastes, such as paint.

Convex, curved surface including the front and sides, or top front and side edges, of a piece of furniture. The semicircular or crescent shape of a demi-lune includes multiple sides of the piece in contrast to the bowfront, which is restricted to the front of the piece. See also bowfront. Also called demilune, semilunar, or semicircular.

Case furniture intended to facilitate reading, writing, and other business. Constructed with a writing surface. Frequently includes drawers or other types of storage.

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.

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. See also desk.

Also called Larkin desk.

Narrow, lidded writing desk on top of a bookcase.

Also called Larkin desk.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hinged, rod- or teardrop-shaped handles frequently mounted on a flat plate. Also called brasses, drop handles, or drops.

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.

Stand with tiers of shelves or trays to hold dishes and other tableware. Also called dumb waiter.

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.

Carved eagles, sometimes mounted on top of an urn or other plinth.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Juniperus virginiana. This material is sometimes called eastern cedar or red cedar.

The Archive's term for the wood of Pinus strobus. See also pine.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Ulmus spp. Also known as white elm, american elm.

Marks or characters cut into a metal surface, such as a clock face. In contrast to carving, engraving does not remove material.

Large, usually flat plates that surround openings such as keyholes or projections such as door knobs. See also keyhole surrounds. Also called brasses.

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.

Case furniture constructed with glass doors, sides, or lid intended for the long-term storage and display of objects. Frequently intended for use in public spaces such as museums or libraries.

Table with expandable frame that accommodates additional loose leaves to increase the area of the top. Also called expandable table or extension dining table.

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.

Supports at the base of a piece of furniture that raise the piece slightly off the ground. Feet may be continuous with the legs, distinct from the legs, or found on objects that lack legs. See also legs.

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.

The Archive's term for Betula spp. with a distinctive grain pattern. See also birch.

The Archive's term for Swietenia spp. with a distinctive grain pattern. See also mahogany, crotch grain mahogany.

The Archive's term for Acer spp. with a distinctive grain pattern. See also maple.

The Archive's term for Juglans nigra with a distinctive grain pattern. See also black walnut and walnut.

Shaped ornaments applied to and extending upward from points along the top edge of a piece, such as at the front corners or center of an arch. Finials may be attached directly to the top of a piece or mounted on a plinth, a small cube of wood that serves as a base. Finials may be made of wood or metal; brass finials are commonly found on tall case clocks.

Applied, visible components, usually made of metal, that facilitate use of an object by allowing its parts to move, be secured, or attached to one another.

The Archive's term for the wood of Abies spp. Also known as abies spp.

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.

Teardrop-shaped finials carved with curved lines to resemble flames mounted on top of urn- or vase-shaped plinths. See also flame finials and urn finials. Also called corkscrew finials.

Teardrop-shaped finials carved with curved lines to resemble flames. See also flaming ball finials and flame and fluted urn finials. Also called corkscrew finials.

Spherical or ovoid finials carved with curved lines to resemble flames. See also ball finials and flame finials.

A parallel series of concave grooves, such as on a column. See reeding for the opposite profile.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Bracket feet with a slight outward flare or cant at the base and a smooth, concave interior edge. Also called French bracket feet, French scroll feet, flared feet, flaring bracket feet, or common bracket feet.

Molding cut with a parallel series of curved, lobed, convex ridges. See also gadrooning for larger-scale examples of this design.

A parallel series of curved, lobed, convex ridges. See gadroon molding for gadrooning used as narrow edging. Also called knulled decoration, lobed decoration, lobing, nulled decoration, lobing, nulling.

Narrow, raised structures of wood or metal that extend vertically around the top edge of a piece to form a decorative border. Galleries may be applied to the front; front and sides; or front, sides, and back edges of an object's top surface. Galleries are frequently cut or pierced with geometric patterns.

Gold or another metal applied to a surface as thin sheets or powder in order to simulate solid metal. Also called gilt or gilded.

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

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

Simulation of a particular material or texture by selectively drawing a comb, brush, or other tool through a surface coating such as paint before it has hardened.

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.

Couch with scrolled arm. Associated with the Empire style.

Surface hinges in which the center section of the long edge of a rectangular plate is interlocked with the center section of one arm of an L-shaped plate. See also surface hinges.

Surface hinges in which the center sections of the long edges of two rectangular plates are interlocked, forming an H-shape. See also surface hinges.

Hinges in which one plate is surface-mounted to a fixed component and one plate is mortised into the edge of a moving component, such as a door. See half-surface hinges for the opposite installation.

Molding cut with the convex profile of a semicircle. See bead molding for a smaller-scale version of the same profile. See scotia molding for the opposite profile.

Hinges in which one plate is mortised into the edge of a fixed component and one plate is surface-mounted to a moving component, such as a door. See half-mortise hinges for the opposite installation.

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 framed looking glass with a handle.

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.

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.

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.

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

Also called high chair.

Hardware that attaches two adjacent components and allows one component to move in one plane. Frequently made of two interlocking plates joined with a pin that acts as a pivot point.

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.

One type or finish of wood set into or adjacent to a contrasting wood. Inlay patterns may be geometric or figural, depicting stylized motifs such as flowers, shells, and fans. See also marquetry and veneer.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Ostrya virginiana.

A simulation of urushi, or Asian lacquer, created through the application of a series of layers of varnish and pigment. Surfaces may be further decorated with raised ornament or painted and/or gilded Asian-inspired motifs. Two colors are typical of American japanning: black and tortoiseshell, or mottled black and red. See also urushi.

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.

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

Small, usually flat plates that surround keyholes. See also escutcheons. Also called brasses.

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

Also called pie safe or food safe.

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

Also called Grecian chair or klysmos chair.

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

Small, fixed projections. Frequently spherical or rounded.

Hardware in which a moving horizontal component, such as a bolt, holds in place part of an object.

A pediment, usually broken, with a geometric pierced or cut front surface. Also called fretted pediment.

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.

Vertical supports beneath a piece of furniture that substantially raise the height of an object for access or ease of use. In seating furniture, the legs may be continuous with the outer, vertical components of the seat back; in this case, they may be called stiles. See also feet.

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

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

Also called library writing table or writing table.

The Archive's term for the wood of Tilia spp.

Hardware that relies on a key to secure part of an object.

Chair with upholstered seat and back and unupholstered wooden arms and arm supports.
Also called Martha Washington chair or upholstered armchair.

Reflective, two-dimensional surface mounted within a frame that provides support and protection. Looking glass frames are frequently decorative.

Also called mirror.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Swietenia spp. See also figured mahogany.

The Archive's term for the wood of Acer spp. See also figured maple.

Squared, straight legs. The inside edge of the leg may be chamfered, or cut away to produce a narrow, flat surface instead of a sharp edge. See also therm legs. Also called rectangular legs, square legs, or straight legs.

Small pieces of wood or other material set into or applied to an entire surface to form a geometric or figural pattern. See also inlay.

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.

Continuous, linear ornament with a decorative cut profile. Moldings may be cut directly into the surface of an object or applied. Frequently used as decorative elements around the top or base of a piece of case furniture.

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.

Shaped metal ornaments applied for decoration and to protect the corners or edges of surfaces, especially veneered surfaces.

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

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.

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

Sound-producing devices set in or built into a case, frame, or other supporting structure. The Archive includes only free-standing musical instruments with structures similar to case furniture. The types of musical instruments listed in the Archive are defined by the structure of their cases as well as their methods of sound production.

Also called instrument.

Slender metal fasteners used to join materials or components. Nails with large, decorative heads may be applied solely for purposes of decoration, as in some over-the-rail upholstery. Also called brads or tacks.

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.

The Archive's term for the wood of Thuja occidentalis. This material is sometimes called northern cedar or white cedar.

Small, portable table. Generally finished on all sides.

Bracket feet with an S-curve along the outer vertical sides and edge and an elaborately cut, concave interior edge.

Molding cut with an S-shaped or serpentine profile.

Upholstered, thickly padded footstool. Also called ottoman footstool.

Upholstery that is permanently fixed to the frame of a piece of furniture by stretching layers of upholstery over the sides of the frame and attaching them underneath the frame. Some examples of this upholstery are trimmed with lines or bands of decorative nails.

The profile of the front or primary surface of an object.

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.

Concave center section flanked by convex outer sections on the front of a piece of case furniture. See serpentine-front for the opposite profile. Also called oxbow front or reverse serpentine.

Club feet shaped with a thin disc on the underside of the foot; the disc is of smaller diameter than the foot. Also called disc feet, Dutch feet, or round feet.

Soft material, such as dried grasses, curled hair, or wool or cotton batting, that create a cushioned surface. Also called stuffing.

1. Opaque surface coating, frequently tinted with a pigment or other colorant. See also varnishing. 2. Figural or geometric decoration applied free-hand to a surface with an opaque, tinted medium. See also stenciling.

Feet carved to resemble the foot of a mammal such as a lion or bear.

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.

An arched, ogee, or triangular projection from the top of a piece of furniture, usually flush with the front plane of the piece. Pediments may extend the depth of the object or be applied only along the front edge. The profile of a pediment can be characterized by its overall shape and whether it extends across the entire width of the piece of furniture. Pediments may have lavish ornamentation, including carving, moldings, and finials. Pediments are frequently mounted on a cornice, or series of horizontal moldings around the top edges of a piece of case furniture.

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.

Structure that surrounds, protects, and makes visible another work, especially a two-dimensional work of art. Frames may be mounted on a wall or free standing.

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

The Archive's term for the wood of Pinus spp. See also white pine and yellow pine.

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

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.

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.

Columnar finials carved with vertical ribs that flare outward around the top edge.

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.

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

Also called lap desk.

Handles or hand-holds that facilitate opening a door or drawer by providing something to pull. Also called brasses.

The Archive's term for the wood of Peltogyne spp. This material is also called amaranth or amendoim.

Molding cut with the convex profile of a quarter circle. See cove molding for the opposite profile. Also called ovolo molding or thumbnail molding.

Small, freestanding or wall-mounted structure with pegs, hooks, or rods on which small objects can be hung or suspended. See also stand.

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

Also called reading stand.

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

Also called recliner.

The Archive's term for the wood of Thuja plicata. This material is sometimes called western cedar.

A parallel series of convex, usually semicircular ridges. See fluting for the opposite profile. Also called ribbing.

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

Molding cut with the convex profile of three-quarters of a circle.

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.

Molding cut with angled, curved grooves to resemble the twisted strands of a length of rope. Also called cable molding.

The Archive's term for the wood of Dalbergia spp. See also kingwood.

The Archive's term for the wood of Lysiloma spp. This material is sometimes called false tamarind or wild tamarind.

Tapering legs shaped in a slight convex curve, similar to that of a cavalry sabre. The edges of the legs may be rounded or squared. Also called klismos legs, scimitar legs or Waterloo legs.

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

The Archive's term for the wood of Chloroxylon swietenia.

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.

Molding cut with the concave profile of a semicircle. See half-round molding for the opposite profile.

Vertical, free-standing, portable structure used to divide space or shield or decorate an area. May be solid or framed with a center constructed of a different material, such as a textile. Frequently decorative.

Also called standing screen.

Feet carved to resemble tightly coiled scrolls, the ends of which extend up and are continuous with the leg. Also called Flemish scroll feet, French feet, French scroll feet, scrolled toe feet, knulled feet, knurl feet, knurl toe feet, tern feet, or whorl feet.

A broken pediment with a curved center gap flanked by ogee or S-shaped projections. Also called broken-scroll pediment, scroll top, bonnet scroll, swan's neck, or swan-neck pediment.

Furniture intended to support the human body while sitting. See also sleeping and reclining furniture.

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

Convex center section flanked by concave outer sections on the front of a piece of case furniture. See oxbow for the opposite profile.

Seating furniture intended for more than one person. Constructed with a back; may have arms. Seat or back may be upholstered, but is less upholstered than a sofa. See also bench.

Also called loveseat or courting chair.

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

Also called settle bench.

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

Freestanding or wall-mounted structure with one or more horizontal surfaces for the display or storage of small objects. See also bookcase.

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.

The outline of the chair back forms a shield shape, with a horizontal top and two curved sides that meet at a point in the center bottom of the back. The interior of the back may contain a series of curved supports mounted between the lower point of the back and the crest rail. Also called vase-back chairs or urn-back chairs.

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.

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

Case furniture on legs intended to store or display dining wares. Frequently constructed in a long series of sections, each with drawers or shelves and doors. Sometimes surmounted by a backboard, shelves, or drawers. See also dresser for pieces with similar structure intended for use in a kitchen. Also called serving board, side board, or buffet.

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

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.

Chair backs have a series of flat, horizontal rails mounted between the vertical stiles. Also called ladder-back chairs, 2-back chairs, 3-back chairs, or 4-back chairs.

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.

Upholstered seat frames made to fit into chair frames. The upholstery is attached only to the seat frame, rather than to the chair itself. Also called drop-in seats, false seats, loose seats, or pin-cushion seats.

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

Pointed and elongated feet, sometimes with a carved central ridge running across the top of the foot to the leg.

Elongated, S-curved feet that broaden at the end to resemble a snake's head.

Fully upholstered seating furniture intended for more than one person. Constructed with arms at either end. Back, seat, and arms are upholstered; a cushion may also be used. See also settee for less-upholstered pieces and couch for pieces with one arm intended for reclining.

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

Tapering, squared feet that are wider than the leg at the point where they meet.

The Archive's term for the wood of Cedrela spp.

Feet carved with vertical ribs that turn inward at the bottom of the foot to form small scrolls. Also called paintbrush feet, Portuguese feet, tassel feet, and Spanish scroll feet.

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

Narrow finials that taper to a point at the top.

Chair backs have a flat, central, vertically-mounted support. The splat may be solid, pierced, carved, or composed of multiple pieces of wood in an openwork design.

Coils, typically of iron or steel wire, mounted upright within an upholstered surface to provide resilient support.

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.

The chair's stiles and crest rail meet at right angles, forming a square or rectangular outline. The interior of the back may contain supports mounted in a grid or other pattern.

Small, freestanding structure for the display or storage of small objects. Frequently constructed with one or more horizontal surfaces. May have pegs, hooks, or rods on which objects can be hung or suspended. See also rack and table. Also called pedestal.

Figural or geometric decoration applied to a surface with an opaque, tinted medium through the cut-out openings of a pattern or stencil. Stenciling allows the efficient application of identical design motifs to multiple objects. See also painting.

Chair that can be converted into a ladder. Also called library chair, metamorphic chair, step-ladder chair, or stepladder chair.

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

Furniture on which one person can sit or place one's feet. Usually backless. See also bench for similar seating furniture intended for more than one person.

Flat surface on the front of a piece of furniture. Also called flat-front.

Surface hinges with long, narrow plates that extend perpendicular to the pivot point. See also surface hinges. Also called flap hinges.

Very narrow strip of inlaid wood that creates a line of contrasting color. See also banding for a wider type of inlaid border.

Squared, somewhat thick rear legs on a piece with more decorative front legs. Stump legs do not have distinct feet, but the bottom of the leg may have a slight outward flare or cant.

Coatings applied as liquids or paste to ornament or protect the surface of a piece of furniture. See decorative elements for solid materials applied to surfaces.

Hinges in which both plates are attached to exterior surfaces of a piece of furniture. Frequently ornamental.

Chair constructed with a rotating seat. See also school chair. Also called revolving chair or revolver.

The Archive's term for the wood of Platanus occidentalis.

Surface hinges in which the center section of the long edge of a rectangular plate is interlocked with the short edge of a rectangular plate, forming a T-shape. See also surface hinges.

Freestanding structure intended to hold or display objects or provide a work surface for human activities. The types of tables listed in the Archive are defined by their structure as well as function.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Also called book tea chest.

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.

S-shaped sofa constructed so that two occupants face each other. Also known as a siamoise.

Tapering, squared feet, usually continuous with squared, tapering legs. Therm feet are frequently used with therm legs; the legs and feet taper at different rates, creating a double-tapered profile. See also block feet. Also called arrow feet, Connelly feet, haines feet, plinth feet, term feet, or thimble toes.

Squared legs that taper from top to bottom. The inside edge of the leg may be chamfered, or cut away to produce a narrow, flat surface instead of a sharp edge. See also Marlborough legs. Also called tapered legs.

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.

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.

The outermost fixed layers of upholstered surfaces. May be decorative. Also called cover fabric, final fabric, finish fabric, show covers, or top covers.

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

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.

A pediment with the profile of an isosceles triangle.

Feet carved with three or four ribs that widen from top to bottom, ending in a serpentine front edge. Also called drake feet.

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

Lathe-turned legs with cone-shaped profiles that resemble upright trumpets. Also called turned legs.

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

Feet with a decorative profile created by lathe-turning. See also ball feet and bun feet for feet turned into specific shapes.

Three-dimensional surface or structure created by cutting material out of a solid such as wood or stone as it rotates on a lathe. In furniture, turned pieces may be used as structural components or decoration. See also carving.

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

Pliable or padded structures that are attached or associated with a piece of seating or reclining furniture to provide support and comfort to a user.

Different layers and elements that may constitute stuffed or padded upholstery. In the Archive, includes padding, springs, top covers, and webbing.

The general form of upholstery, including whether and how it is attached to a piece of furniture.

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, piano, pianoforte, or fortepiano.

Urn- or vase-shaped finials, sometimes with additional carved decoration. See also flame and urn finials.

A hard, shiny surface finish created through the application of many layers of a resinous compound derived from the sap of a type of flowering tree native to Asia. True urushi, or Asian lacquer, is only produced in Asia, especially China and Japan. Urushi objects exported from Asia may be incorporated into American-made furniture. See also japanning. Also called Asian lacquer, urushi lacquer, or true lacquer.

Translucent or transparent surface coating. See also painting.

Thinly cut pieces of wood or other material applied to large, flat surfaces of another type of wood. Veneers are usually cut from expensive or highly decorative woods and applied to woods that are cheaper or less decorative. See inlay for the application of contrasting materials to small sections of a surface.

Chair with solid, paneled back and paneled seat. Frequently decorated with shallow carving. Also called panel-back chair.

Chair backs are solid, paneled, and frequently decorated with shallow carving. Also called panel-back chairs.

Relatively small clock intended to be mounted on wall.

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

The Archive's term for the wood of Juglans spp. This term includes English walnut and European walnut. See black walnut for Juglans negra. See also figured walnut.

Large-scale case furniture intended to store hanging clothes or other textiles behind one or more doors. Frequently fitted with a rod, hooks, or pegs; may be fitted with shelves. Sometimes made with one or more drawers in the lower section of the case. Also called clothes cupboard, clothes press, armoire, or garderobe.

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.

Strips of linen, cotton, or jute woven together and tacked to the wooden frame of the seat or other surface to be upholstered. Also called girt web, girt webbing, or girth web.

The Archive's term for the wood of Quercus alba. See also oak.

The Archive's term for the wood of Pinus strobus. See also pine.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

The Archive's term for select species of Pinus. This term includes hard pine, loblolly pine, pitch pine, and yellow pine. See also pine.

The Archive's term for the wood of Liriodendron tulipifera. This material is sometimes called American tulipwood or yellow poplar.