The Basics of Furniture Terminology

When looking at furniture, it can be overwhelming just trying to figure out what each term, piece, trend, and so on is being discussed. Like what is the actual difference between a chair and a recliner? What on earth does “power headrest and lumbar” mean?!? How do you know what is important to you, and what isn’t, if you don’t even know what these things mean? The simple answer is, you can’t! That is why we are going to break down these terms, from the more basic to the more complex so you can have a more informed shopping experience! We want our customers to feel confident in their purchases and ensure they are getting the best possible product fit we can find!

 

So, without further ado, let’s get into this comprehensive furniture glossary! 

 

Chairs 

Chairs come in a variety of shapes, types, and designs. A typical chair is going to seat one person, it may swivel but for the most part, they are stationary and do not move. 

 

• Accent/Statement Chair

This would be considered more of a trend, but adding one chair to make a statement in a room, whether it be because of the pattern on the chair or the shape or color! 

 

• Armless Chair

No term can be considered too obvious! Armless chairs are a variety of chairs that do not have arms and offer a unique look to the space. These chairs typically are a statement piece, but they can offer a chic and sophisticated touch depending on the chair and styling! 

 

• Recliner

A type of chair that reclines into feet up, head back type of position. These can be manual, meaning a handle or the pressure from leaning back puts them in their lounging position. Recliners can also be powered by electricity; these power recliners typically come with buttons to take them from seated to lounging. 

 

• Lift Chairs

Lift chairs are a type of power recliner, but instead of only going from seated to lounging, they also can lift the bottom half of the chair up, to assist in getting up from the seated position to the standing position. Not all, but SOME lift chairs are designed to be slept in, great after medical care because they are easier to get in and out of, compared to a traditional mattress. 

 

• Chair and A Half (½)

There are chairs that are meant to be oversized but still considered chairs and they will only have one large cushion making up the seat and back. (These can sometimes be confused with Loveseats, which have two cushions!)

Loveseats

The easiest way to remember what a loveseat is? A loveseat is for the love birds, two people who do not mind snuggling in close together! While it may have two cushions, they are definitely smaller than a traditional sofa! (But a bit bigger than a Chair and ½!) Some loveseats will even have a console in the middle, these consoles serve a variety of purposes for different people! Some are meant to store extra items, and some have cupholders, charging ports, and more! 

 

Loveseats like most furniture can come in a variety of patterns, textures, and designs! Loveseats come in leather, and upholstery, and can also come with power recline options. This is like two recliners attached by a center console. Perfect to relax and rewind with your favorite person! 

 

Sofas / Couches

Did you know, there is actually a difference between these two words? In this day and age, these words are used basically as synonyms for each other. Do not worry, we will tell you the difference, just for curiosity's sake! But, for the purpose of keeping this simple, we just use the word sofa, to describe both styles on our website and showroom floor. 

 

• Fun Fact: 

Couches are meant for laying down and typically do not have arms, to make lying easier. Sofas, on the other hand, are meant for sitting, so they would have arms. 

 

• Sleeper Sofa

This type of sofa can easily transform into an extra bed! They come in various mattress sizes, and fold up to a normal-size sofa when not in use! These are perfect for people hosting guests, and needing an extra bed at night, but it is conveniently stored inside a sofa that can still be used! 

 

Sectionals

Sectionals are a type of sofa, with two or more pieces (sections) that come together to form a bigger sofa. These types of sofas can be arranged in a variety of ways. They come in various shapes and sizes, similar to a normal sofa. The main difference is the number of people who can typically fit on a sectional sofa! 

 

These are perfect for large living rooms, where you know you will be entertaining guests or piling in for a whole family, or family movie night! You can choose the sectional that works best for your needs because they come in different sizes, pieces, and styles! 

 

Chaises

There seems to be a bit of controversy when it comes to whether a chaise is considered a sofa or a chair. But regardless of what it is “classified” as, this is what it looks like a chair with a longer base, so you can put your legs up! These can be stand-alone pieces, but they can also be attachments in the above categories: sectionals, sofas, and loveseats!

 

Ottomans

These are pieces that are meant to be in front of other pieces, that allow people to put their feet up. They can also be placed at other places, and be used as extra seating if needed! Ottomans come in various shapes and sizes, and various upholstery options like fabric or leather. Some ottomans open, and have a large storage place in the center! (When we say large, we mean it, we fit a whole person in their one!) 

 

• Pouf

Poufs are a trendy item that serves a similar purpose as an Ottoman, somewhere to kick your feet up and relax! These poufs, on the other hand, have a bit less structure than an Ottoman, and there are no storage options here. More like a little beanbag for your feet, but they come in so many fun colors and patterns!! 

 

End and Side Tables

These tables are typically around sofa height, meant to sit around the end of another furniture piece, appropriately named “end table.” These tables can come in wood, metal, glass, and more. They can be large or small, but their main purpose is extra storage and surface space. 

 

Coffee and Cocktail Tables

These tables are typically shorter than furniture height and placed in the center of the room or of the furniture. These are also meant to offer more storage or surface space. We think of this as a more centralized space, possibly a spot to play board games, definitely a place to set down your morning cup of joe and the daily paper! 

 

Consoles

Decoration for some, TV stands for others! Consoles can be a huge help with extra storage, plus a great place to sit a TV, or maybe hang stockings in the winter! 

 

This would be fitting because some consoles can come with a special fireplace insert! Bring on the heat! Consoles can add a lot of character to a room, and everyone is sure to find one that fits them! Between wood, metal, glass, and more, there has to be a console for you! 

 

POWER

Okay, you may see the term power BLANK, and wonder what the heck does this mean?? Well we are giving you a quick lesson, that you can come back to if you need! 

 

Power means connected to electricity, the piece of furniture needs to be plugged into an outlet. 

 

• Power Recline: 

The reclining mechanism in the furniture is controlled with electricity. There should be buttons that control the furniture reclining movement and positioning. 

• Power Headrest: 

The headrest in the furniture is controlled with electricity. There should be a button that controls the furniture's headrest movement and positioning. 

 

• Power Lumbar: 

The lumbar (lower-back support) in the furniture is controlled with electricity. There should be a button that controls the furniture's lumbar movement and positioning. 

 

We hope this guide helped break down some of these more complex terms. These terms may seem basic to the salesperson, but some of us are first-time furniture buyers, and we just need a little help understanding each feature being thrown our way! Feel free to check back with this guide, anytime you may have a question!