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10 Furniture Classics

Confused by the arcane names of furniture pieces? Peruse our helpful, illustrated guide to common terms and their meanings.

Breakfront
Courtesy of Baker Furniture

Breakfront

This tall cabinet was traditionally designed for the dining room to house extra china and flatware. The center section is deeper than the side sections, so it sticks out a few inches more than the sides.

Chippendale Mahogany Breakfront
Available at Baker Furniture

Chaise
Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Chaise

This extended chair is the ultimate in relaxation. It’s best suited for a bedroom, since whoever sits in it is bound to doze off.

Jackie Chaise
Available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Pembroke Table
Courtesy of 1stdibs

Pembroke Table

The handsome, slender lines of a Pembroke table work well in both modern and traditional settings. A pair of drop leaves on either side of hte table make it endlessly versatile.

George III Pembroke Table in Mahogany
Available at 1stdibs

Pedestal Table
Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Pedestal Table

A single leg supports a round top, making this ideal for a library table, side table, or nightstand.

Arthur Table
Available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Nesting Tables
Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Nesting Tables

Every house needs a set of nesting tables, which can expand to provide more surface for guests. There’s a style to suit every decor.

Moreno Nesting Tables
Available at Crate and Barrel

 

Wing Chair
Courtesy of Baker Furniture

Wing

The "wings" on this upholstered chair were originally designed as protection against drafts, and were noted as especially suitable for napping in late 17th-century England.

Wing Chair
Available at Baker Furniture

English Club
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

English Club

A curvaceous chair that suits many interior styles, the club chair looks especially great when part of a pair.

Sylvester Chair
Available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Sideboard
Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Sideboard

Traditionally English, this cabinet works double-time in the dining room both as storage for linens and silver and as an extra surface for serving a meal.

Pascal Sideboard
Available at Crate and Barrel

secretary cabinet
Courtesy of Somerset Bay

Secretary

Traditionally a tall piece of furniture with two parts (top with cabinets and bottom with drawers), what makes the secretary unique is the hidden writing surface that can be pulled out. Popular in 18th-century England, this style is still a favorite today.

Sea Island Secretary
Available at Somerset Bay

 

Camel Sofa
Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Camelback Sofa

With one hump, not two, the camelback sofa can be spotted by its rolling arched back. This curved sofa has feminine lines and works well in traditional styles, but is equally at home with other looks.

Celia Sofa
Available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams


Printed From:
http://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/design-ideas/furniture-glossary-10000001847747/