Glossary

Antiqued Finish

A painted finish that creates the illusion of age. Furniture is subtly rubbed, primarily at the edges, exposing material underneath for an "heirloom" appearance. Finish may vary from piece to piece.

Beadboard

A method of carving paneling so it appears to be a series of thin slats placed side by side. Commonly used as wainscoting on walls, beadboard traces its ancestry to 19th century Victorian and English country styles. It was associated with less formal homes and spaces, particularly vacation cottages.

Double-Doweled Joints

Corner joints are reinforced with two pegs, also known as "dowels," at each connection for a sturdy, durable frame.

Finial

The decorative top of a bedpost, headboard or footboard.

Foam Density

The weight of one cubic foot of foam. The higher the density, the better and longer lasting the cushioning and support.

Glide

A mechanism on the sides or bottom of a drawer or keyboard tray that allows effortless, smooth movement. A modern replacement for the slotted wooden drawer guide.

Hardwood

Timber obtained from trees that lose their leaves annually. Hardwoods differ from softwoods by structural differences, not by pliability. Hardwoods tend to grow slower and live longer than softwood trees, so the wood is more compact. Hardwoods have a tight, smooth grain, due to dense rings.

Kiln-Dried Wood

Wood that is dried in an oven to eliminate any moisture that could later cause cracking or warping.

Melamine

A durable, plastic resin finish that's resistant to scratches and stains.

Moulding or Molding

Carved or contoured trim, most commonly an architectural element. Often used to frame pictures and mirrors, as well as to add visual interest to furniture, ledges and shelves.

Platform Bed

A bed with a solid platform between the headboard and footboard, rather than slats or a center rail. This type of bed makes a box spring unnecessary.

Rattan

A tropical vine with a hard outer shell and a tough fibrous center core. The vine is shaped after being softened with steam. Once dry, it becomes strong and durable.

Shelf Apron

A lip or ridge around the edge of a shelf to prevent items from rolling off.

Side Rails

The pieces that run along the sides of the bed from headboard to footboard. On metal frames, the side rails support the box spring and mattress. On wooden frames, they are often made from wood and sometimes support cross slats.

Sleigh

Named for its resemblance to a horse-drawn sleigh; this type of bed was created as a cozy refuge from drafts.

Tip-Resistent Kit

A furniture safety system that consists of one sturdy bracket that attaches to the furniture piece and another bracket that attaches to the wall. The two brackets are then connected with a nylon safety strap that helps prevent the furniture from tipping over.

Trundle

A low bed that slides or rolls out from beneath a standard bed. Ideal for sleepover guests. Most of our trundles require our trundle mattress, sold separately. Trundles can also be used without a mattress as extra under-bed storage.

Turned Feet/Legs/Post

"Turning" is the process by which cylindrical pieces of wood — such as furniture feet, legs and posts — are carved in symmetrical patterns. Sharp tools, held against the wood as it spins on a lathe, create grooves and contours such as those commonly seen on porch posts.