Complete Furniture Glossary A–Z | Vancouver Furniture
This glossary serves as a reference guide to furniture terminology, materials, construction methods, and interior design styles commonly used in the furniture and home décor industry. It provides clear, concise definitions to help readers understand product descriptions, compare furniture quality, and make informed decisions when furnishing modern homes, condos, and living spaces.
A
Accent Bench
A decorative bench used in entryways, bedrooms, or living spaces to provide additional seating and visual interest.
Accent Chair
A stylish single-seat chair designed to complement interior décor while adding personality and contrast to a space.
Accent Lighting
Decorative lighting used to highlight furniture, artwork, or architectural features and create ambiance.
Accent Table
A small decorative table used beside sofas, beds, or entryways for lamps, décor, or accessories.
Acanthus Leaf
A classical decorative motif commonly carved into traditional furniture legs, moldings, and ornaments.
Ambient Lighting
General overhead lighting that provides overall illumination in a room.
Antique Furniture
Furniture typically over 100 years old, valued for craftsmanship, historical significance, and collectible quality.
Apron (Furniture)
The structural panel located beneath a tabletop or seat that connects the legs and adds support.
Armoire
A tall freestanding wardrobe or cabinet used for storing clothing, linens, or media items.
Art Deco
A design style from the early 20th century characterized by geometric patterns, luxury materials, and bold decorative elements.
Art Nouveau
A decorative design movement known for organic curves, floral patterns, and flowing natural forms.
Assembly Furniture (Flat-Pack)
Furniture shipped in parts requiring assembly, commonly used in modern and condo living.
B
Back Cushion (Attached)
Fixed cushions attached to a sofa or chair frame for durability and structured appearance.
Back Cushion (Loose)
Removable cushions that allow flipping, rotation, and easier maintenance.
Baker’s Rack
A multi-shelf storage unit used in kitchens or dining spaces for storage and display.
Bar Cabinet
A storage unit designed for organizing liquor, glassware, and bar accessories.
Bar Cart
A portable wheeled cart used for serving drinks and entertaining.
Bed Frame
The structural base that supports a mattress and defines the bed’s height, style, and stability.
Bed Slats
Horizontal support beams that distribute mattress weight and provide ventilation.
Bench Seating
A seating style using one long cushion instead of multiple seat cushions.
Bergère Chair
A traditional upholstered French armchair with exposed wooden frame and padded arms.
Bookcase
A shelving furniture unit used for books, décor, and display items.
Bouclé Fabric
A looped, textured upholstery fabric popular in Scandinavian and modern furniture design.
Breakfront
A large cabinet or storage unit with a center section that projects forward.
Bunk Bed
A space-saving bed with one sleeping surface stacked above another.
Burl Wood
Highly figured wood grain used in veneers and luxury furniture surfaces.
Buffet / Sideboard
A dining storage cabinet used for dishes, linens, and serving ware.
C
Cabinet
A storage furniture piece with doors, drawers, or shelves used in multiple rooms.
Cabriole Leg
An S-shaped furniture leg commonly found in Queen Anne and traditional furniture styles.
Cane (Cane Furniture)
A woven natural material used in chair backs, seats, and decorative furniture panels.
Casegoods
Non-upholstered storage furniture such as dressers, cabinets, and nightstands.
Casters
Small wheels attached to furniture legs for mobility.
Chaise Lounge
An extended upholstered chair designed for reclining and relaxation.
Chesterfield Sofa
A classic sofa style featuring deep button tufting, rolled arms, and luxurious upholstery.
Chinoiserie
A decorative style inspired by Chinese artistic motifs used in furniture and décor.
Coffee Table
A low table placed in front of a sofa for décor, beverages, and everyday use.
Composite Wood
Engineered wood made from fibers, particles, and adhesives for durability and affordability.
Console Table
A narrow table placed against walls or behind sofas.
Contemporary Design
A modern design style focused on clean lines, simplicity, and functionality.
Convertible Sofa (Sofa Bed)
A multifunctional sofa that converts into a sleeping bed.
Corner Block
A structural reinforcement block used inside furniture frames for added strength.
Credenza
A long, low storage cabinet used in dining rooms or offices.
Curio Cabinet
A glass display cabinet designed for collectibles and decorative items.
Cushion Density
A measurement of foam weight per cubic foot indicating durability and support quality.
D
Damask Fabric
A decorative woven fabric with intricate patterns used in upholstery and décor.
Daybed
A hybrid furniture piece functioning as both a sofa and a bed.
Dovetail Joinery
A premium woodworking joint used in drawers for strength and durability.
Distressed Finish
A finishing technique that gives furniture an aged or vintage appearance.
Drawer Slides
Mechanical tracks that allow drawers to open and close smoothly.
Dresser
A bedroom storage unit with multiple drawers for clothing and personal items.
Drop-Leaf Table
A table with hinged leaves that can be folded down to save space.
E
Ebonizing
A finishing technique that darkens wood to resemble ebony.
Eclectic Design
A style that blends elements from multiple design periods and aesthetics.
End Table
A small table placed beside seating for lamps, books, and décor.
Engineered Wood
Composite wood materials such as MDF, plywood, and particleboard.
Entertainment Center
A furniture unit designed to house TVs, media devices, and accessories.
Ergonomic Chair
A chair designed for posture support and long-term sitting comfort.
Etageré
An open shelving unit used for display and storage.
F
Fabric Upholstery
Textile coverings used on sofas, chairs, and beds for comfort and style.
Farmhouse Style
A warm design style featuring rustic wood, neutral tones, and cozy textures.
Faux Leather
Synthetic upholstery material designed to mimic genuine leather.
Frame (Furniture Frame)
The internal structural skeleton of a furniture piece.
Flat-Pack Furniture
Furniture shipped in compact packaging for self-assembly.
Finial
A decorative ornament placed at the top of bedposts or lamps.
Foam Density
A key indicator of cushion durability and comfort quality.
G
Grain (Wood Grain)
The natural pattern and texture visible in wood surfaces.
Glider Chair
A chair that moves smoothly back and forth on a fixed track mechanism.
Genuine Leather
High-quality natural leather used in premium furniture upholstery.
Glass Top Furniture
Furniture featuring tempered glass surfaces for a sleek and modern aesthetic.
H
Hall Tree
An entryway furniture piece with hooks, seating, and storage.
Hardwood
Durable wood from deciduous trees such as oak, walnut, and maple.
Headboard
The vertical panel attached to the head of a bed frame.
Hide
Natural leather material used in upholstery and décor.
Hutch
A two-part cabinet with a base and upper shelving section.
Hygge Design
A Scandinavian concept emphasizing comfort, warmth, and cozy interiors.
I
Industrial Style
A design aesthetic featuring raw materials like metal, concrete, and reclaimed wood.
Inlay
A decorative technique embedding contrasting materials into furniture surfaces.
Innerspring Mattress
A mattress with a coil spring core for support and resilience.
J
Japandi Style
A fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality.
Joinery
Woodworking techniques used to connect furniture components securely.
K
Kiln-Dried Wood
Wood dried in a controlled chamber to prevent warping and cracking.
Knock-Down (KD) Furniture
Furniture designed for easy assembly and transport.
L
Laminate
A synthetic surface layer designed to replicate wood or stone finishes.
Leather Upholstery
Durable and premium furniture covering made from animal hide.
Lift-Top Coffee Table
A coffee table with an adjustable surface that lifts for work or dining.
Loveseat
A compact two-seat sofa ideal for smaller spaces and condos.
Loft Bed
An elevated bed frame that maximizes floor space below.
M
Marble Furniture
Furniture featuring marble surfaces known for luxury and durability.
Marquetry
Decorative veneer inlay technique forming intricate patterns.
Microfiber
A stain-resistant synthetic upholstery fabric known for softness and durability.
Mid-Century Modern
A timeless furniture style featuring clean lines and functional design.
Minimalist Design
A design philosophy focused on simplicity, functionality, and clean aesthetics.
Modular Furniture
Furniture composed of multiple sections that can be rearranged.
Mortise and Tenon
A traditional woodworking joint used for strong furniture construction.
N
Nightstand
A small bedside table used for lamps and personal items.
Nesting Tables
Stackable tables designed for flexible and space-saving use.
O
Ottoman
A padded furniture piece used as a footrest, seating, or storage.
Open-Concept Layout
A furniture arrangement style used in modern open living spaces.
P
Panel Bed
A bed frame with decorative headboard and footboard panels.
Performance Fabric
Durable, stain-resistant upholstery fabric designed for everyday use.
Platform Bed
A bed frame with a solid base that does not require a box spring.
Power Recliner
An electronically adjustable reclining chair.
Pouf
A soft cushioned furniture piece used as a footrest or accent seating.
Patina
The natural aging effect on wood, leather, or metal surfaces.
R
Rattan Furniture
Furniture made from woven natural palm materials.
Recliner
A chair with an adjustable backrest and footrest for relaxation.
Resin Furniture
Furniture made from durable synthetic resin materials.
Rustic Design
A style emphasizing natural textures, reclaimed wood, and organic elements.
S
Scandinavian Design
A minimalist design style emphasizing functionality, light colours, and natural materials.
Sectional Sofa
A multi-piece sofa configurable into L-shaped or modular layouts.
Sideboard
A dining storage cabinet used for serving ware and linens.
Side Table
A small table is placed beside seating areas.
Sinuous Springs
Z-shaped metal springs used in sofa seating support systems.
Sofa Bed
A convertible piece of furniture that functions as both a sofa for seating and a bed for sleeping.
Solid Wood Furniture
Furniture made entirely from natural wood for durability and longevity.
Space-Saving Furniture
Compact furniture designed for small homes and condos.
Storage Bed
A bed frame with built-in drawers or hidden storage compartments.
T
TV Stand
A furniture unit designed to support televisions and media devices.
Transitional Design
A balanced style blending traditional and contemporary elements.
Tufting
An upholstery technique using buttons or stitching to create patterns.
U
Upholstery
The fabric, leather, padding, and cushioning used to cover furniture.
Under-Bed Storage
Storage drawers or compartments beneath a bed frame.
V
Vanity
A dressing table with drawers and a mirror for grooming.
Veneer
A thin decorative wood layer applied to furniture surfaces.
Velvet
A luxurious upholstery fabric with a soft pile texture.
W
Wall Unit
A large integrated storage and display furniture system.
Walnut Wood
A premium hardwood known for rich colour and durability.
Woven Fabric
Textile created by interlacing fibres for upholstery use.
Wood Furniture
Furniture crafted from natural timber materials such as oak, maple, and ash.
Z
Zero-Wall Recliner
A recliner designed to fully recline while placed close to a wall, ideal for condo living and space efficiency.