Abacus: The topmost member of the capital of a column.
Acanthus Leaf: A scalloped leaf decoration (Mollis Acanthus) used on column capitals and other architectural mouldings and often used on furniture, particularly on brackets and legs.
Accent colors - Colors that compliment each other that are opposite on the color wheel,
Accessories - Complimetary objects such as pictures, mirros, vases, lamps, and decorative pieces.
Acorn: Turned ornament resembling an acorn; common in Jacobean furniture as finials on chair posts and bedposts, as pendants and as the profile of leg turnings in Jacobean tables.
Acrilan: A synthetic fiber used in producing Wear-Dated® fabrics.
Acroterium: A sculptural figure or ornament mounted on the apex or corners of a pediment
on the roof corners of Greek temples. In classical furniture, similar ornaments applied to the top corners of furniture.
Ageing: Decorative technique used to create a weathered look on a wooden, painted, plastic or other surface.
Alcove: Recessed part of a room for desks cabinets and bookcases. In the 18th century special beds were designed to fit such recesses.
American Primitive: Late 1700’s to 1800’s furniture, primary or basic construction. Pieces of this period were usually painted black or in primary colors.
Antique - piece of furniture, art or decorative object 100 years in age or more
Antique Finish / Antiquing: Painting or stain applied to an object to give it an aged or weathered look.
Antique Satin: one of the most common drapery fabrics that has a lustrous effect, normally made of rayon/acetate blends.
Apothecary Chest: A compact chest with multiple small drawers, originally used to store herbs and spices for cooking or medical purposes.
Area rug - A small section of carpet or woven fabric that covers a specific portion of the floor.
Armoire: A tall wardrobe with doors and shelves for clothing or linens, more recently converted into entertainment centers to house electronic equipment.
Art Deco: A style which was most popular during the 1920s and was characterized by the use of chrome and plastic, that is geometric and streamlined.
Art Nouveau: Elegant French decorative art style characterized by finely detailed patterns of curving lines, popular during 1890 and 1910.
