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Our Knowledgebase section contains a vast resource for the furniture restoration professional, or anyone who has a general interest in furniture. Amongst the BAFRA Members there is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and the knowledgebase is our attempt to begin to document this.
- Some Background Dates for English Furniture
| Monarch | Important Events
and Developments | Influential Designers |
Henry VII
1405–1509 | Better Furniture made by joiners (oak) | |
Henry VII
1509–1547 | | |
Edward VI
1547–1553 | | |
Mary 1
1553–1558 | | |
Elizabeth 1
1558–1603 | Renaissance style influential | |
James 1
1603–1625 | | |
Charles I
1625–1649 | 1642–8, Civil War in England
Betters Chairs made by turners | Inigo Jones (1573–1652) |
Commonwealth
1649–1660 | | |
Charles II
1660–1685 | 1666, Great Fire of London
Walnut becoming more popular | |
James II
1685–1688 | Veneer and Marquetry coming into use | |
William and Mary
1699–1694 | | Grinling Gibbons (1648–1721) |
William III
1694–1702 | Better furniture made by cabinet makers | |
Anne
1702–1714 | Baroque style influential | |
George I
1714–1727 | Mahogany becoming more popular | |
George II
1727–1760 | 1756–1763, Seven Years War with France
Rococco style influential | William Kent (c.1685–1748) |
George III
1760–1820 | 1775–1782, American War of Independence
Neo–classical style influential | Thomas Chippendale (1718–1779)
Robert Adam (1728–1792)
George Heppelwhite (d. 1786) |
Regency
1810–1820 | 1793–1815, Napoleonic War with France | Thomas Sheraton (1751–1806) |
George IV
1820–1830 | Greek Revival style influential | Thomas Hope (1769–1831) |
William IV
1830–1837 | French Polishing and seat springing introduced | George Bullock (1777–1818) |
Victoria
1837–1901 | Gothic Revival
1851 Great Exhibition
Arts and Crafts style influential | Augustus W N Pugin (1812–1852)
Edward Godwin (1833–1876)
William Morris (1834–1896) |
Edward VII
1901–1910 | Art Nouveau style influential | Christopher Dresser (1834–1904)
Charles Voysey (1857–1941) |
George V
1910–1936 | 1914–1918 First World War | Ernest Barnsley (1863–1926)
Sidney Barnsley (1865–1926) |
Edward VIII
1936 | | Charles Ashbee (1863–1942)
Ernest Gimson (1864–1919) |
George VI
1936–1953 | | George Walton (1867–1933)
Charles Mackintosh (1869–1928) |
- Botanical Names of Timber Species
| Abeto mexicano | Abies guatemalensis |
| Abeto | Abies guatemalensis |
| Acajou amérique | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Acajou de Cuba | Swietenia mahagoni(= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Acajou de Santo Domingo | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| African cherry | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| African Teak | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Afrormosia | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Agalloco | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Agar wood | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Agar | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Agaru | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Agaru | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Agarugandhamu | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Aggalichandanam | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Agru | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Aguano | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Aguano | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Ají | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Ajillo | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Ajo | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Akyaw | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Alerce | Fitzroya cupressoides(= F. patagonica) |
| Almendrillo | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Aloewood | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Alumty | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Amanu | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| American mahagony | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Amunu | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Anyesan | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Araputanga | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Araucaria | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Araucaria de Chile | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Araucaria espinuda | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Araucaria imbricada | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Assamela | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Atti | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Awawai | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Ayin | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Bahia Rosewood | Dalbergia nigra |
| Balukhat | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Banuas | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Baracara | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Baranthuri | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Barme salle | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Basmi | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Bastard lignum–vitae | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Bhirmie | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Bigleaf mahogany | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Birmi chogam | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Birmi | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Black pine | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Bohala | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Bois de gaïac | Guaiacum officinale |
| Bois de vie | Guaiacum officinale |
| Bois saint | Guaiacum officinale |
| Boramthuri | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Brahmi | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Brazilian Rosewood | Dalbergia nigra |
| Brown pine | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Bukiti | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Burmie | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Caballo–kup | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Cabeuna | Dalbergia nigra |
| Cabiuna do mato | Dalbergia nigra |
| Cabiuna rajada | Dalbergia nigra |
| Cabiuna | Dalbergia nigra |
| Cachar | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Cagui | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Calambac | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Calamboe | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Camboriuna | Dalbergia nigra |
| Caoba de Centro América | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Caoba de Cuba | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Caoba de hoja ancha | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Caoba de Honduras | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Caoba de Honduras | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Caoba de la costa del Pacífico | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Caoba del Atlántico | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Caoba del Sur | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Caoba española | Swietenia (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Caoba | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Caoba | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Caoba | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Caobach | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Caobilla | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Cedro | Pilgerodendron uviferum (= Juniperus uvifera, Libocedrus tetragona, L. uvifera, Thuja tetragona) |
| Champak | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Chandanam | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Chandanum | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Chawari | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Cheongbu | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Chiculte | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Chile Pine | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Chilean false larch | Fitzroya cupressoides(= F. patagonica) |
| Ciprés de Chile | Pilgerodendron uviferum (= Juniperus uvifera, Libocedrus tetragona, L. uvifera, Thuja tetragona) |
| Ciprés de la Patagonia | Fitzroya cupressoides(= F. patagonica) |
| Ciprés de las Guaitecas | Pilgerodendron uviferum (=Juniperus uvifera, Libocedrus tetragona, L. uvifera, Thuja tetragona) |
| Ciprés de las Islas Len | Pilgerodendron uviferum (= Juniperus uvifera, Libocedrus tetragona, L. uvifera, Thuja tetragona) |
| Ciprès | Pilgerodendron uviferum (= Juniperus uvifera, Libocedrus tetragona, L. uvifera, Thuja tetragona) |
| Ciprés | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Cipresillo | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Ciprisillo loreto | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Coabillo | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Coabillo | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Cóbano | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Cóbano | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Cóbano | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Cocobolo | Dalbergia retusa |
| Commoner Lignum–vitae | Guaiacum officinale |
| Cristobal | Platymiscium pleiostachyum |
| Cuabilla | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Cuban Mahagoni | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Dakua | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Dhengra salla | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Dhum | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Dhunu | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Dilang | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Dingsableh | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Dionai | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Djamudju | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Dominican mahagoni | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Eaglewood | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Egbi | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Ejen | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Elo | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Flor de venadillo | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Gaharu | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Gaïac femelle | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Gaïac mâle | Guaiacum officinale |
| Gaïac officinal | Guaiacum officinale |
| Gaïac | Guaiacum officinale |
| Gallu | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Gateado | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Gateado | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Gateado | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Gateads | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Gavilán blanco | Oreomunnea pterocarpa (= Engelhardia pterocarpa) |
| Gavilán | Oreomunnea pterocarpa (= Engelhardia pterocarpa) |
| Gia | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Giogi | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Graúna | Dalbergia nigra |
| Guaiaco | Guaiacum officinale |
| Guatemalan fir | Abies guatemalensis |
| Guayac | Guaiacum officinale |
| Guayacán blanco | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Guayacán genuino | Guaiacum officinale |
| Guayacán negro | Guaiacum officinale |
| Guayacán | Guaiacum officinale |
| Guayacancillo | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Guayach | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Guayaco | Guaiacum officinale |
| Guayami | Abies guatemalensis |
| Gunsi | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Gwane | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Hallarin | Abies guatemalensis |
| Harré | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Hasi | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Himalayan Yew | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Honne | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Igem | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Iichujhau | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Jacarandá de Bahía | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jacarandá de indios | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jacarandá negro | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jacaranda preto | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jacaranda | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jacaranda–caviuna | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jacarandazinho | Dalbergia nigra |
| Jamaican mahagoni | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Jamuju | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Jati | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Jatobaly do Igapo | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Jiniari | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Kalambak | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Karas | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Kirah | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Klaw | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Kokriki | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Kokrodua | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Kuasi | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Lahuan | Fitzroya cupressoides(= F. patagonica) |
| Lahuén | Fitzroya cupressoides(= F. patagonica) |
| Lal Chan | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Lalchandan | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Lampias | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Landin | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Lant | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Lignaloes | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Lignum vitae | Guaiacum officinale |
| Lignum vitae | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Lluo | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Lohansung | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Mabu | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Madeira | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Madera de Agar | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Madera de gaiac | Guaiacum officinale |
| Mahog | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Mahogany | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Mahogany | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Mahogany | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Malaalmaciga | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Manduparni | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Manio | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Maniu | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Manú | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Mara boliviana | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Mara | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Matai | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Mekoe | Pericopsis elata (=Afrormosia elata) |
| Melu | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Merak | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Mexican fir | Abies guatemalensis |
| Mgambo | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Miro | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Mkomohoyo | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Mogno | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Mogno | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Mogu | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Mohole | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Monkey Puzzle | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Mova | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Mse | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Mseneo | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Muiri | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Musenene | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Mushunga | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| New World Mahogany | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Ntasesa | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Ñambar | Platymiscium pleiostachyum |
| Obang | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Ole | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Olel pardo | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Orura | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Orura | Swietenia mahagoni (= Cedrela mahagoni, Cedrus mahogani, S. mahogoni, S. fabrilis, S. acutifolia, S. mahogani var. praecociflora) |
| Oyamel | Abies guatemalensis |
| Palisander | Dalbergia nigra |
| Palisandro de Brasil | Dalbergia nigra |
| Palisandro de Río | Dalbergia nigra |
| Palissandre du Brésil | Dalbergia nigra |
| Palo de hierro | Guaiacum officinale |
| Palo de rosa | Dalbergia nigra |
| Palo de zopilote | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Palo sano | Guaiacum officinale |
| Palo Santo | Guaiacum officinale |
| Pankakro | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Paradiesholz | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Parana Pine | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Pasnig | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Patpatta | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Patrangam | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Pau preto | Dalbergia nigra |
| Pau rosa | Dalbergia nigra |
| Pau santo | Guaiacum officinale |
| Paya | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Payarmei | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Pehuén | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Peonio | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Pianowood | Dalbergia nigra |
| Pin du Chili | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Pinabete | Abies guatemalensis |
| Pine | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Pinho bravo | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Pino | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Pino blanco | Podocarpus parlatorei (= P. angustifolia) |
| Pino castaneto | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Pino chaquiro | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Pino de Chile | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Pino de Neuquén | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Pino de Paraná | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Pino del cerro | Podocarpus parlatorei (= P. angustifolia)White pine |
| Pino montano | Podocarpus parlatorei (= P. angustifolia) |
| Piñón | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Piñonero | Araucaria araucana (= A. imbricata, A. chilensis, A. dombeyi) |
| Piquia | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Plomillo | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Plumajatzin | Abies guatemalensis |
| Plumajillo de montaña | Abies guatemalensis |
| Podo de Asia | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Podo lant | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Podo | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Podoc | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Postil | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Raktachandan | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Raktagandhamu | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Ratanjali | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Red Sandal Wood | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Red stinkwood | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Redsanders | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Rempayan | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Rio rosewood | Dalbergia nigra |
| Roble colorado | Platymiscium pleiostachyum |
| Rosewood | Dalbergia nigra |
| Saborana | Dalbergia nigra |
| Safan | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Sampinur | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Sándalo rojo | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Sasi | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Satinwood | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Sawari | Caryocar costaricensis |
| Sentada | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Setada | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Siffo | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Sivappu | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Slusalu | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Swiéténie | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Talis patra | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Taungme | Magnolia hodgsonii (= Talauma hodgsonii) |
| Tcheiraygulab | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Teca africana | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Teheiraysulah | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Tejo de Asia | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Tejo del Himalaya | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Ten | Pilgerodendron uviferum (=Juniperus uvifera, Libocedrus tetragona, L. uvifera, Thuja tetragona) |
| Tenduet | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Tento | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Thaner | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Thitmin | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Thitmin–po | Podocarpus neerifolius |
| Thuner | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Thuner | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Thuno | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Tilaparnni | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Tree of life | Guaiacum officinale |
| Tugge | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Tunsi | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Ugar | Aquilaria malaccensis (= A. agallocha) |
| Urauna | Dalbergia nigra |
| Venadillo | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Venadillo | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Vera blanco | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Vera negro | Guaiacum officinale |
| Vera | Guaiacum officinale |
| Vera | Guaiacum sanctum (= G. verticale, G. guatemalense) |
| Vla | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Wood of life | Guaiacum officinale |
| Wotangue | Prunus africana (= Pygeum africanum) |
| Yellow Satinwood | Pericopsis elata (= Afrormosia elata) |
| Yerra | Pterocarpus santalinus |
| Zapatón | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Zapatón | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
| Zirnupbirmi | Taxus wallichiana (= T. baccata, T. baccata. ssp. wallichiana) |
| Zopilote | Swietenia humilis (= S. bijuga, S. cirrhata) |
| Zopilote | Swietenia macrophylla (= S. candollei, S. krukovii, S. belizensis, S. macrophylla var. marabaensis) |
- A glossary of terms relating to English furniture
by Christopher Claxton Stevens
| Acanthus | A Classical fleshy leaf decoration of the acanthus mollis, used for example on capitals (qv) of the Corinthian order (qv). |
| Acroteria | The finials (qv) or pedestals (qv) flanking a pediment (qv) and at its apex. Used for statues, urns etc. and sometimes for Regency bracket feet. |
| Annulet | A narrow flat band or collar (qv) encircling a Gothic column. |
| Anthemion | A Classical stylised honeysuckle ornament, the petals curving inwards (cf palmette). |
| Apron | A shaped and often decorated length of wood applied beneath the bottom framing of a drawer, table top, chair seat etc. |
| Arabesque | A decoration of flowers, fruit, trophies (qv) and figures in symmetrical foliate scrolls or strapwork (qv), derived from the Middle East. When human figures are incorporated properly known as Grotesque work. |
| Arcading | A series of arches, generally supported on columns. |
| Arc en arbalète (Fr.= crossbow) | A complex cusped (qv) serpentine (qv) edge shaping of a table, tray or panel in the form of a bow. |
| Architrave | The lowest part of an entablature (qv), the moulding beneath the frieze (qv); also used of mouldings round a doorway, window, mirror or picture frame, sometimes shouldered or eared with projections at the corners. |
| Astragal | A narrow moulding of semi–circular form, sometimes carved, used particularly for glazing bars and the closing edges of doors (cf beading). |
| Bail handle | An iron or brass loop handle suspended from a pommel (qv) at either end. |
| Ball and claw | A common carved decoration of the feet of cabriole legged (qv) furniture from the early 18th century, inspired by the Oriental Pearl of Wisdom gripped in a dragon’s or eagle’s talons. |
| Baluster | A turned column in a balustrade or the stem of a table, shaped to swell out in the lower half. Known as an Inverted baluster when the swelling is in the upper half. |
| Banding | An ornamental inlay, generally in contrasting wood, laid cross–grain or diagonally, or in other materials such as ivory or brass. Herringbone banding of mitred (qv) form was used on walnut from the early 18th century. |
| Baroque | An architectural and decorative style originating in Italy and spreading through Europe in the 17th century; characterised by its exuberant grandeur and bold curvaceous forms, sometimes tending towards heaviness and pomposity. |
| Beading | See Astragal Also used of moulding of small repeated roundels (qv) (ie beads). properly called Pearling.Bearer A horizontal member used constructionally to support another part, eg the leaves of a dining table. |
| Bellflower | A Classical motif of bell–shaped flowerheads similar to husk. (qv), generally used in chains (qv) or swags (qv). |
| Bevel | The angled cutting of an edge, particularly of a panel or mirror plate (cf chamfer). |
| Birdcage | Device on four columns used to mount a table top on to a tripod base, allowing circular movement. |
| Block foot | A cube–shaped foot, generally used with a square untapered leg. |
| Bobbin–turning | Repeated bell–turning, much used on 1 7th century legs and stretchers (qv).Bole Clay of varying colour according to period, which was mixed with glue size and applied over gesso (qv) to prepare a ground for gilding. |
| Bolection moulding | A bold convex moulding, often used to cover a joint between two surfaces. |
| Bombé (Fr.) | The vertical swelling shape of concave and convex curves found on the front or sides of commodes or other cabinet furniture of the Rococo period (qv) (cf serpentine). |
| Boss | An ornament, generally carved and often circular, applied over joints or decoratively at the top at the top of legs etc. |
| Boulle | Foliate and figural marquetry (qv) of turtle (‘tortoise’)–shell and brass (and sometimes pewter, mother–of–pearl and ivory) made fashionable in France by André–Charles Boulle (1642–1732). The term Première–partie is used when the ground is brass, and Contra–partie when it is turtle–shell. |
| Bow–front | The shaping of the front of a cabinet or chest of slightly convex or segmental shape often called ‘sweep–front’ in the 18th century. |
| Bracket–foot | A flat two–piece symmetrical foot, set at a corner and shaped like a bracket on the outer edges. |
| Breakfront | The front of a cabinet or chest etc. whose ends are recessed. A recessed centre is known as a Reverse breakfront. The term Wing bookcase is also used. |
| Bun foot | A 17th century type of depressed ball shape, attached with a dowel (qv). |
| Butt Joint | A simple glue joint between two surfaces. |
| Cabochon (Fr.) | An ornament generally carved on the knees of cabriole legs (qv) and popular in the mid–18th century, based on a round or oval convex polished stone, usually with rocaille (qv) or foliate surround. |
| Cabriole leg (It. capro=goat) | An elegant leg, most popular in the first half of the 18th century, formed of a convex curve above a concave one and resembling an animal’s leg. |
| Camel back (or hump back) | A settee with a serpentine–shaped top rail to the back. |
| Candle–slide | A thin slide to support a candlestick, extending from a slot and found particularly beneath the mirrored doors of 18th century cabinets where reflection would enhance the light; or a circular support swiveling from beneath a drawing–table etc. |
| Capital | The top of a column or pilaster (qv), frequently carved following a Classical order. |
| Cartouche | An ornately–edged tablet, properly in the form of a scroll unrolled to bear an heraldic coat of arms. |
| Caryatid | A Classical female figure supporting an entablature (qv). The male equivalent is called an Atlantis. (cf term) |
| Cavetto moulding | A moulding of concave or ‘hollow’ quarter–circular section, used on cornices (qv) etc. |
| Chain | A pendant (qv) of flowers and fruit suspended vertically from one end (cf festoon). |
| Chamfer | A bevelled (qv) edge, usually at 458 and applied to solid members such as legs. Sometimes ‘stopped’ with another bevel. |
| Chequered inlay | Lines of inlay with alternating light and dark wooden squares. |
| Cleat | Properly a nautical wedge, but used of the framing joint across the ends of a table top to secure and stabilise the boards. |
| Club foot | A foot popular in early to mid 18th century and generally used on a cabriole (qv) or turned tapered leg which swells to a depressed circular pad, often resting on a wooden disc, when properly termed Pad foot. |
| Cockbead | A small half–round moulding often applied to the edges of drawer fronts and doors. |
| Collar | A thin banding or moulding applied round a leg etc. |
| Composition | A mixture of resin, whiting and glue size, used to make mouldings such as picture frames. |
| Console | A scrolled bracket or Truss; or a table attached to a wall, the top supported by one. |
| Corinthian order | An elaborate Classical order with a moulded base, fluted (qv) column, carved acanthus (qv) capital (qv) with volute (qv) scrolls and a decorated frieze (qv). |
| Cornice | A projecting moulded ledge finishing off the top of a piece of case furniture, sometimes embellished with dentils (qv) etc. See entablature. |
| Coved top | A flat top generally on a lid, with a cavetto (qv) moulded edge. |
| Crenellation | A repeated geometric decoration based on the battlements of a fortified building (in Heraldry called ‘embattled’). |
| Cresting | An ornamental decoration set in the centre of the top of a mirror, cabinet or chairback, etc. |
| Cross–tongued | A slither of wood let in along the grain to join two pieces of wood together, often used as a mitre joint (qv). The slither may be dovetailed (qv). |
| Curvilinear | Originating from Gothic window tracery, shaping which is marked by continuous flowing lines. |
| Cusp | From Gothic window tracery, a re–entrant meeting point of two arcs or foils. |
| Dentil | A small rectangular block used in an equidistant series along a cornice. Taken from the Ionic and Corinthian orders (qv). |
| Diaper | Repeated geometric decoration of diamond shapes, sometimes as a pierced trellis or lattice. |
| Dishing | Making a turned depression in the top of the table, candlestand etc. with a view to saving objects from slipping off; or the shaping of the wooden seat of a Windsor chair for comfort. |
| Domed top | Properly a three–dimensional vault, but also used of the arched top of a late 17th/early 18th century cabinet, or of a box etc. |
| Doric order | The earliest of the Greek orders of architecture, initially the columns without bases, with fluting (qv), plain moulded capitals (qv) and decorated frieze (qv). |
| Dovetail | In jointing two pieces of wood together at right angles, one of a series of wedgeshaped projections on one piece which fit into corresponding slots on the other. A Half–dovetail has one side angled and the other straight; a Lapped–dovetail does not extend all the way through on one surface. |
| Dowel | A small wooden peg used in joinery for securing a mortice and tenon (qv) or other joint. |
| Drop–leaf | A hinged extension flap to a table, dropping vertically when not in use, which can be supported horizontally by a swing leg, a fly bracket (qv) or a loper (qv). |
| Dustboard | A thin board, generally of softwood, fixed to the rails (qv) between the drawers of a chest. |
| Egg and dart or Echinus | A Classical decorative carving, repeating these motifs usually applied to an ovolo moulding (qv). |
| Engaged column | A column which is partially attached rather than free standing. |
| Entablature | In Classical architecture, the beam supported on top of columns, which is divided up into the architrave (qv), frieze (qv) and cornice (qv). Used at the top of cabinet furniture, mirrors etc. where different elements were adapted by furniture makers. |
| Escutcheon | An heraldic shield for a coat of arms, extended through its shape to the pivoting metal guard over a keyhole, and the keyhole surround itself. A metal–edged keyhole surround is known as a Thread escutcheon. |
| Fall–front | The vertical or sloped front or flap of a cabinet or bureau, hinged at the bottom edge to form a horizontal surface when lowered, generally as a writing surface. |
| Festoon | A Garland or swag (qv), of flowers and foliage, suspended from both ends (cf chain). |
| Fielded panel | A wooden panel with a raised central area and bevelled (qv) or moulded surround. |
| Fillet | A narrow flat band or moulding between two larger mouldings or flutes (qv). |
| Finger joint or Knuckle joint | A wooden hinge with a metal pintle used to support the flybracket (qv) of a drop leaf (qv) table or the swing leg of a card table. |
| Finial | A knob or ornamental projection at the top of an upright member or on a pediment (see acroteria). A downward–pointing finial is called a pendant (qv) |
| Flare | The outward concave curve of a leg etc. The general term for a flared rim is Everted (cf splay) |
| Fly bracket | A shaped vertical bracket hinged with a finger joint (qv) to support a flap on a table etc. |
| Fluting | Repeated half–round concave channels used on Classical orders and found particularly on columns, pilasters (qv), friezes (qv) and legs. Counter or Stop–fluting: where part of each channel is filled with a reed (qv) of wood or brass. Fret Pierced or applied (Blind fret) decoration repeated, often used in bands, with Chinoiserie, Gothic or Greek key (qv) designs. |
| Frieze | A horizontal band, flat or convex (Pulvinated) and often decorated, properly between an architrave (qv) and cornice (qv), but also used of the framing beneath a refectory or side table etc. |
| Gadrooning (Fr. godron=ruffle) | A carved decorative edge moulding of repeated convex tapered ribs, generally diverging obliquely either side of a central point. When set square to the edge, may be differentiated by the term Nulling. |
| Gesso (It.=chalk) | A mixture of whiting and glue size applied to wood to provide a smooth or low–relief carved surface before painting, gilding or lacquering (qv). |
| Gouging | Decoration of a surface, especially oak, with repeated small carved–out semi–circular depressions. |
| Greek key | A Classical interlocking geometric decoration repeated in bands. |
| Grisaille (Fr.) | Monochrome painting, generally in stone colour, to give a trompe l’oeil effect or relief. |
| Guilloche | A Classical decoration of repeated interlaced circles, properly formed of plaited ribbons. Sometimes in the form of overlapping disc. |
| Hipped | Architecturally, a roof with sloping instead of gabled ends, used of some lids (see pitched); also an extension at the top of a cabriole leg (qv) which clasps the rail (qv) above; also used of the protuberance at the top of the flared (qv) legs of a 19th century centre support table. |
| Ho–ho Bird | A carved and gilded Chinoiserie bird based on a crane, often found on Rococo (qv) mirrors or crestings (qv). |
| Husk | A Classical motif, properly the catkin of the garrya eliptica, but often similar in appearance to the bellflower (qv). Imbrication a decorative carved motif resembling overlapping fish scales. |
| Inlay | Decorative patterns or figural designs made up of pieces of different coloured woods etc. set into cut–out sections of the ground wood (cf marquetry). |
| Inscrolled foot | A carved foot (especially of the late 17th/early 18th century) which curls under and inwards (also known more fancifully as Braganza, Spanish or knurled foot), as opposed to the later and more elegant Outscrolled (or French) foot. |
| Ionic Order | A Greek order with a moulded base, fluted column, volute (qv) capital (qv), and plain frieze (qv). |
| Japanning | The European imitation of Oriental lacquer (qv), using spirit and oil varnishes, from the late 17th century. |
| Keeled | The sharp edge found especially on the corner of some cabriole legs, having the profile of the keel of a boat. |
| Kerfing | The cutting of one side of a piece wood with a number of deep close–set parallel slits so as to bend it. |
| Kicker | A strip or block of wood fixed on the carcass either side just above a drawer (generally a top drawer) to prevent it from tipping downwards when open. |
| Lacquer | A Chinese or Japanese decorative finish of figures in landscape etc. on a ground built up with the sap of the lac tree in black or more rarely in other colours. |
| Lappet | In clothing, a rounded flap, the shape of which is found in decorative carving. Similar to a Lambrequin (Fr.=pelmet). |
| Linenfold | A relief carved motif popular on panelling from the 16th century, depicting vertical folds of cloth. |
| Lipping | A strip of superior timber added to a board, such as a dustboard (qv) of inferior timber, where it is most visible. |
| Loper | A bar extending out of a slot to support a table leaf or bureau fall etc. |
| Lotus | A decorative motif of a stylised waterlily flower, originally Egyptian but popular circa 1810–1840. |
| Lunette | A decorative semicircle, especially found in carving on oak furniture, used in repeated bands or intersected. |
| Marquetry | Architectural, figural or foliate surface decoration made of veneers of different coloured woods laid on to a wooden ground (cf inlay and parquetry). Seaweed marquetry was a type depicting feathery fronds, popular circa 1700. |
| Mitre | The oblique bisecting line at the joint of two pieces of wood, generally set at right angles. |
| Mortice and tenon | A joint of two pieces of wood where a square or rectangular projection cut on the end grain of one (tenon) fits into a socket of identical size cut into the other (mortice). Through–tenon: where the mortice is cut right through a piece of wood. |
| Muntin | A main vertical framing member in joinery (cf stile) . |
| Neo–classicism | An architectural and decorative style derived from a new interest in the Classical world which spread through Europe in the second half of the 18th century. Made popular in Britain particularly by Robert Adam (1728–1792) . |
| Octangular | An elongated octagonal shape, similar to a rectangle with chamfered (qv) corners. |
| Ogee | A double–curved Gothic moulding consisting of a concave above a convex arc. Also used of bracket feet (qv) of this three–dimensional profile on mid–18th century cabinet furniture and clock cases. |
| Ormolu | Cast brass or bronze ornaments or mounts with fire (mercury) gilt surfaces. |
| Outset corner | A circular or square projection beyond the line of the sides of a table top etc. See also architrave. |
| Ovolo moulding | A sunk convex moulding of quadrant profile, used especially at the corners of panels etc. |
| Oysters | Veneers cut across the grain of small branches of trees such as walnut, olive and laburnum, and laid decoratively. Popular circa 1700. |
| Palmette | A Classical ornament based on a stylised palm leaf with outcurved fronds (cf anthemion). |
| Papier mâché (Fr.) | A durable and malleable material made from paper or cardboard and gluesize, popular in the 18th and l9th centuries for architectural mouldings, boxes and smaller items of furniture. Also known as Carton pierre (Fr.) |
| Parcel gilt | A surface which is partially gilded to highlight features. |
| Parchemin | A relief carved motif on panelling from the 16th century, based on two addorsed ogee–shaped (qv) mouldings. |
| Parquetry | Geometric veneered surface decoration of various coloured woods (cf marquetry). |
| Patera (Lat.=shallow dish) | A circular or oval Classical disc ornament, sometimes containing a flowerhead or fan motif. |
| Pedestal | A tall block, sometimes with a stepped base, used to support a statue or vase (cf plinth). Also used for the cupboards flanking a serving table in a dinning room. |
| Pediment | A Classical gable of low pitch, used as a cresting (qv) on mirrors or cabinets (triangular, segmental, open, broken, scrolled or swan neck). |
| Peg foot (Fr.toupie=top) | A slender turned foot used on cabinet furniture in the late 18th/early l9th century. |
| Pendant or drop–finial. | See finial. Repeated pendants beneath a rail (qv) may form an apron (qv). Also another term for a chain (qv). |
| Piecrust | The usual term for the shaped moulded edge of a circular tripod table top or tray from the mid 18th century, with alternating serpentine, curved and incurved sections, copying the shape of the early silver salvers. |
| Pilaster | A flat column, usually of a classical order, used decoratively in low relief. |
| Pitched top | Generally of a lid, where four sloping or hipped (qv) sides rise to a ridge or flat centre. Called Pyramidal where the slopes meet at a point. |
| Plinth | Properly the low square block supporting a Classical column, but also used of the solid board on which some case furniture rests instead of feet (cf pedestal). |
| Pommel | A bolt with a rounded or decorative head which passes through a drawer front etc. and secures a bail handle (qv) etc. |
| Pot–board | A low shelf under a dresser or buffet on which flagons and pots were kept. |
| Pounced | A granular or sanded ground found on early 18th century gesso (qv) furniture, in contrast to a Punched or Pitted ground also used for texture at the time. |
| Putto (It.–pl.putti) | A winged cherub. Amorini (It.) is also used. |
| Quadrant stay | A sliding piece of metal of quarter circle circumference, used to support a fallfront (qv) or secretaire drawer. |
| Quadrant hinge | A hinge with two long arms rotating on a short pintle, often used at the top and bottom of a cabinet door, or in similar form on a card table flap or fall–front (qv). |
| Quartering | Four matching figured sheets of veneer laid to produce a symmetrical design. Found particularly on early 18th century walnut furniture. |
| Quarter–sawn | The cutting of a log radially to achieve maximum figure and stability. |
| Rail | A horizontal framing member in joinery, such as a seat–rail, back rail etc. |
| Rake | The inclination or slope from vertical, for example of a chair back (cf splay). |
| Rebate (pron. rabbit) | A right–angled recess cut in the edge of a piece of wood, or formed by two pieces, to house another piece such as a panel or drop–in seat. |
| Reeding | Repeated half–round convex mouldings used especially round pillars or legs and sometimes in flutes (qv). |
| Renaissance | A revival of Classical architecture and decoration etc. in 15th century Italy which spread to Northern Europe during the 16th century and brought a new naturalism. |
| Ribbing | A repeated decoration of small–scale reeds (qv), often used in flat panels or bands. |
| Rinceaux | A repeated Classical decoration composed of a band of acanthus scrolls, curling in opposing directions. |
| Rococo | An architectural and decorative style developed in France in the early 18th century as a reaction against the heaviness and seriousness of Baroque (qv). Its essence was frivolity, lightness and asymmetry. The name derives from Rocaille (Fr. = rockwork). |
| Roundel | A circular applied or inlaid decorative motif (cf patera, boss) |
| Rule joint | A stopped hinged joint used on table leaves, press doors etc., involving a long ovolo moulding (qv) which leaves no gap. |
| Runner | The strips of wood fixed to the carcass either side on which a drawer runs. |
| Sabot (Fr.=hoof) | A cast brass or ormolu (qv) foot mount used on furniture in French taste. |
| Scagliola (It.) | A coloured composition of plaster and marble chips etc.used to imitate marble and sometimes pictorially, especially on table tops in 17th century Italy. |
| Scalloped | The shape of a scallop shell, with a lobed or foiled edge. |
| Serpentine | A convex curve flanked by two concave curves: the sinuous shape used in a horizontal plane on better furniture of the Rococo period (qv) (cf bombe) |
| Shoe or shoe–piece | A shaped horizontal bar used on many 18th century chairs, fitted round the bottom of the splat (qv) over the upholstery and tacked through into the back rail (qv). |
| Spade foot | A square tapered or ‘thermed’ foot, generally used in late 18th century on a tapered leg. |
| Spandrel | The triangle space formed between the curve of an arch and its square framing. Without the arch, the shape is that of a Bracket. |
| Spindle | A slender turned baluster (qv), often decoratively used in rows. |
| Spiral twist | The turning of a leg or column etc. in the form of a screw thread . |
| Splat | A vertical board, usually flat with shaped sides and often pierced or carved, used in the back of a chair between the top and seat rails (qv) . |
| Splay | Originally of a window recess or reveal: the angled taper of the sides. When curved, this is termed flared (qv). |
| Spoon back | A l9th century chair whose back resembles the bowl of a spoon. |
| Stiff leaf | A Gothic carved motif or curled acanthus leaves (qv), used on capitals (qv) etc. |
| Stile | A subsidiary vertical framing member in joinery (cf muntin). |
| Straight–front | The front of a cabinet or chest that is flat and not recessed (cf breakfront) |
| Strapwork | A symmetrical ornament of flat interlaced bands or ribbons, of Northern Renaissance (qv) origin. |
| Stretcher | A horizontal member or rail (qv) which connects and braces legs, sometimes used decoratively, such as a cross–stretcher or arched stretcher. |
| Stringing | A thin decorative inlaid line of brass or contrasting wood, generally in veneer. |
| Swag | An ornamental garland or festoon (qv) of flowers and foliage, or of drapery, suspended from both ends (cf chain). |
| Table clip or ‘fork’ | A two–pronged, generally brass, clip which slides into sockets to link two table leaves. Other similar methods were patented. |
| Term | A pedestal (qv) or pilaster (qv) tapered to its base, the top formed as a human figure (cf caryatid). |
| Tester | A flat canopy, especially over a bed. |
| Tongue–and–groove | A joint in the same plane formed by cutting a groove along the centre of the edge of a board, usually along the grain, to house a corresponding tongue rebated (qv) in another board. |
| Tracery | Pierced or blind decoration with Gothic detail derived particularly from windows (cf fret). |
| Trefoil | A Gothic motif of three cusped (qv) arcs or lobes. |
| Trifid foot | A club foot (qv) generally found on a cabriole leg (qv) formed into three parts, sometimes with foliate decoration. |
| Trophy | A Classical motif of superimposed thematic emblems such as military or musical. |
| Tunbridge work | A small–scale mosaic of various coloured woods used geometrically or pictorially, popular in the 19th century. |
| Tuscan order | A simple Classical order, similar to Doric (qv) but with plain, unfluted column, a moulded base and plain frieze (qv). |
| Vernis Martin (Fr.) | A form of translucent japanning (qv) developed in France in the first half of the 18th century by the Martin brothers. |
| Vitruvian scroll | A repeated Classical scrolled wave decoration named after the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. |
| Volute | A scroll based on a ram’s horn, as used on the capital (qv) of the Ionic order (qv) etc. |
| Wainscot (Dutch–wagenschott) | A type of fine straight–grained quarter cut (qv) oak imported from the Baltic and originally used for wagon shafts. Later synonymous with oak. |
| Waterleaf | A decorative motif based on waterlily foliage, popularly carved on mouldings circa 1810–1840. |
| Wave moulding | A convex curve between two concave curves (cf serpentine) |
- Chronological list of some Furniture Designers and Craftsmen in Britain from 17th to 20th Centuries
| 17th Century |
| Cornelius Austin (senior) | 1660 – 1704 |
| Daniel, Marot | c1662 – |
| Elizabeth & John Gumley | 1674 – 1751, 1691 – 1727 |
| William Kent | 1685 – 1748 |
| Cornelius Austin (junior) | 1698 – 1729 |
| 18th Century |
| Benjamin Goodison | 1700 – 1767 |
| Gerrit, Jensen | c1700 – |
| William Linnell | c1703 – 1763 |
| Robert Gillow | 1704 – 1772 |
| John Boson | 1705 – 1743 |
| William Hallet | 1707 – 1781 |
| John Belchier | 1717 – 1753 |
| Richard Roberts | 1714 – 1729 |
| John Cannon | 1711 – 1783 |
| Thomas Chippendale | 1718 – 1779 |
| John Cobb | 1715 – 1778 |
| George Hepplewhite | 1727 – 1786 |
| Robert Adam | 1728 – 1792 |
| John Linnell | 1729 – 1796 |
| William France | 1730 – 1773 |
| John Joseph Merlin | 1735 – 1803 |
| John Mayhew | 1736 – 1811 |
| Henry Holland | 1745 – 1806 |
| John Gordon | 1747 – 1778 |
| Thomas Chippendale (Junior) | 1749 – 1822 |
| Samuel Beckwith | c1750 |
| John Bradburn | 1750 – 1781 |
| Thomas Sheraton | 1751 – 1806 |
| George Seddon | 1753 – 1868 |
| Pierre Langlois | 1759 – 1781 |
| Thomas Hope | 1769 – 1831 |
| Charles Heathcote Tatham | 1772 – 1842 |
| William Trotter | 1772 – 1833 |
| John B Papworth | 1775 – 1847 |
| Robert Campbell | c1777 |
| George Trollope & Sons | 1778 – c1890 |
| Richard Bridgens | c1780 |
| George Bullock | c1782 – 1818 |
| George Morant | 1790 – 1839 |
| Nicholas Morel | 1795 – 1830 |
| 19th Century |
| Augustus W N Pugin | 1812 – 1852 |
| William Burges | 1827 – 1881 |
| Philip Webb | 1831 – 1915 |
| Edward Godwin | 1833 – 1886 |
| William Morris | 1834 – 1896 |
| Christopher Dresser | 1834 – 1904 |
| Bruce Talbert | 1838 – 1881 |
| T E Colcutt | 1840 – 1924 |
| Holland & Sons | 1843 – 1908 |
| Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo | 1851 – 1942 |
| Charles Francis Annesley Voysey | 1857 – 1941 |
| William R Lethaby | 1857 – 1931 |
| George Walton | 1867 – 1933 |
| Ernest Barnsley | 1863 – 1926 |
| Charles Robert Ashbee | 1863 – 1942 |
| Ernest Gimson | 1864 – 1919 |
| Sidney Barnsley | 1865 – 1926 |
| Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott | 1865 – 1945 |
| Frank Brangwyn | 1867 – 1956 |
| Charles Rennie Mackintosh | 1868 – 1928 |
| Peter van der Waals | 1870 – 1937 |
| Arthur Romney Green | 1872 – 1945 |
| Ambrose Heal | 1872 – 1959 |
| Harry Peach | 1874 – 1936 |
| Harry Davoll | 1876 – 1963 |
| Eileen Gray | 1878 – 1976 |
| Edward Gomme | 1886 – 1973 |
| Eric Sharpe | 1888 – 1966 |
| Lucian Ercolani | 1888 – 1976 |
| Frederick Gardiner | 1890 – 1963 |
| Gordon Russell | 1892 – 1980 |
| Stanley Webb Davies | 1894 – 1978 |
| 20th Century |
| Edward Barnsley | 1900 – 1987 |
| Betty Joel | 1906 – 1985 |
| Ernest Race | 1913 – 1964 |
| Robin Day | 1915 – |
| Oliver Morel | 1916 – |
| Hugh Birkett | 1919 – |
| Alan Peters | 1933 – |
| John Makepeace | 1939 – |
| Tony McMullen | 1942 – |
|
