The arrival of a new year -- and particularly a new millennium -- inspires
many of us to try our hand at ambitious pursuits. Take buying furniture,
for instance. The year 2000 may suddenly trigger the notion that it's time
to rid yourself of that card table and chairs you've been calling your
dining room ensemble. If you're not buried in Christmas debts, you just
might be inspired to purchase new furniture for your home, perhaps for the
first time. The urge to buy new furniture often comes with the realization
that we've grown up, and that maybe it's time our homes reflected that
transition.
If you haven't shopped for furniture since olive green countertops and
magenta shag were in style, you may be in for a surprise. These days, it
seems as if consumers are barraged in a sea of excessive adjectives that
are supposed to be describing the various furniture styles on the market.
Ever heard the term "baggy chic" to describe a slipcover that lazily drapes
over a loveseat and doesn't fit tightly across its frame? Consumers
practically need a glossary to translate the terminology they're going to
encounter at furniture stores. Before you head out on your furniture hunt,
you may want to do a little "brushing up" on your furniture vocabulary. Go
ahead ... roll your eyes. Most of us do. But at least you'll be educated
before you begin.
Antique Finish: An artificial patina applied to wood to give its surface
an aged and even weathered look.
Armoire: The French variation of the wardrobe, this cabinet usually
contains double doors, at least two to three removable shelves and a
hanging rod for clothing. Can be converted into an entertainment center,
although you'll have to cut a hole in the back to run cords. The primary
difference between an armoire and a wardrobe is the presence of drawers in
the lower half of a wardrobe.
Camel-Back: This 18th century style is often found in sofas, loveseats and
chairs. "Camel-back" describes the broad curve of the design, reaching from
the arms upward to the center of the back.
Chaise Lounge: Consumers don't hear this term very much anymore, but some
manufacturers still use it to describe a long arm chair that allows for
stretching out and relaxing. Sounds like a piece of furniture everyone
needs, doesn't it?
Chest of Drawers: Literally, a chest or box containing a stack of drawers.
Console Table: This long, narrow table is designed to be placed against a
wall and may either stand alone or sit behind a sofa. Can be used for
decorative items or lamps, and often contains a shelf on the bottom for
additional storage.
Highboy: Another 18th century design, this one hailing from America, the
highboy sits on tall legs and supports four or five drawers. Its top is
usually rounded and contains a decorative design or carving at the center.
Ottoman: This bench-like piece (it contains no arms or back) is meant to
be placed in front of your comfy chair and supports your legs when you're
in the mood for reclining. Today's ottomans come in a variety of sizes, and
retailers typically offer several different slipcovers for them. An ottoman
may also be used as an impromptu chair for one or two people.
Patina: This glossy finish, found in wood, is achieved through age and
years of polishing. However, newer pieces can be made to look old through
an artificially created patina.
Period Piece: Furniture resembling any period which is not the present.
The majority of period pieces are interpretations of a style; they
incorporate some features of the desired era, not all of them.
Reproduction: Unlike period pieces, reproductions strive to capture all
design elements of a particular style and era, including scale and texture.
Such pieces are sold as reproductions and not as bona fide antiques.
Sleeper Sofa Can include anything from a full-size sofa to an oversized
chair. All styles, however, contain a spring-mounted sleeper hidden
underneath the seat to accommodate guests.
Veneer: A thinner and often less expensive variety of wood, veneer is
comprised of sliced wood cut vertically from a log and then glued together
over a thick core section to create strength. Veneer isn't as vulnerable to
heat and moisture as other varieties of wood. However, if you're eyeing a
piece of veneer to hold your collection of books or other heavy objects,
make sure you ask the retailer how much weight the furniture is capable of
withstanding. Some veneer pieces have been known to buckle under the weight
of heavy objects.
A quick primer in furniture lingo will save you time and frustration as you
shop around. And while we're on the subject, make sure that you do, indeed,
shop around. Don't place yourself under pressure to close a deal in one
day. Do some comparison shopping. Ask friends for their own
recommendations. You may be suprised at what you hear. Unfortunately, many
pieces of furniture look great in the showroom but don't withstand the
pressures of daily use. Taking your time and paying attention to other's
recommendations will lead to a home filled with solidly built pieces that
will stand the test of time.
Also See:
Rental Furniture: Convenience or Scam?
Furniture Ploys for Small Apartments
Why Only Certain Colors Are Available to Decorate With
Published: January 20, 2000
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.
Courtney Ronan is a freelance writer who contributes a weekly column profiling various communities. She also writes a weekly review of real estate related web sites. Courtney's career in journalism has included recent stints as managing editor of Agent News and as associate editor of Texas Business magazine.
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