Semainier-A tall bedroom chest with seven drawers, introduced in the Louis XV period. The original design was intended to offer the lady of the house A separate drawer for each day of the week.
Torchie`re-A standing floor lamp usually with an inverted bowl shade which casts light to the ceiling.
Armoire-a French word for a large, movable clothes wardrobe or closet which was originally used to store armor. It is usually placed in the bedroom for clothing but more contemporary placement is for concealing a television.
Armarium- A bookcase or cupboard. Originally the armarium was a bookcase near the entrance to a church in the cloister of a monastery.
Demilune- A half of a circle or half-round plan. A Semicircular commode, console, or sideboard. Usually patterned after an 18th century Sheraton Design.
Sheraton, Thomas-1751-1806- The last of the great 18th century furniture designers. He published The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing Book from 1791 to 1794. Sheraton was greatly influenced by Hepplewhite and Chippendale, but even more so by the Louis XVI style in France. He used satinwood veneers, Straight lines, and inlays rather than painted decorations, And there was an overall elegance, grace and refinement in his early and middle years.
Biedermeier. A German furniture and decoration style (1815-2848). An unaristocratic, clear and simple style, mainly Empire and classic in line but rendered”homey” and bourgeois with painted details in Black and gold made to simulate carving. The furniture was made largely of fruitwoods and mahogany, an was characterirzed by arches, pediments, columns, simple escutcheons, burl woods, lyres, plumes, wreathes and rounded back chairs. The name derived from “ Papa Biedermeier,” a comic symbol of money comfort, well –being, and middle-class contentment. Biedermeier furniture was also made in Austria and Northern Italy.
Siamoise-An S-shaped two-seater of the mid-19th century. It may be an upholstered sofa or a double armchair. When seated, two persons are facing in opposite directions and they must look over their shoulders in order to converse with each other. This design was named after the Siamese Twins, Chang and Eng, who created a sensation at that time. This type of seating unit is also called a Te^te-`a-te^.
Grecian Sofa-Another name for an Empire-style couch. The head part is higher and rolls over. As does the lower of foot end.
