Furniture Terms

An arched back of an upholstered piece, with peaks at the center and/or sides. HISTORY - First found in the 18th century and attributed to the design studios of Thomas Chippendale. Chippendale was an influential British furniture designer and cabinet maker at the fore of fine craft. The Chippendale style, associated with various forms of furniture, was the first style to be named after a designer rather than a monarch.

An upholstered seat for one person.

An over-sized upholstered seat that is wider than a chair but narrower than a loveseat.

An upholstered chair, with or without arms, used for lying back in a resting position, typically with a seat lengthened to form a complete leg rest. HISTORY - Chaises have existed in some form in ancient cultures across the world. From Egyptian to Olmec, artifacts depict gods or nobility lounging on bench-like daybeds. Greeks called their chaise longues ‘klines’ and Romans used their long chairs for dining. In the Victorian Era, chaises were also known as fainting couches, and used by women who were feeling faint from wearing corsets.

An upholstered multi-piece seating arrangement, similar to a sectional sofa, with a lengthened seat.

See Chofa.

A sloping arm of an upholstered piece with a dip and a peak. Typically pleated, and found on traditional and vintage styles.

A sofa with a chaise attached, typically one long cushion that is reversible and flippable.

A foot stool with a flat or rigid top that can be used with a tray for holding items like a cocktail table.

A large, low table typically placed in front of a sofa. Also known as a coffee table.

A tall cabinet with storage.

A small cube that is upholstered on all sides, typically used as a stool, foot stool or as a table when paired with a tray. Also known as a cube ottoman, and sometimes a pouf.