Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Face Frame - In cabinetmaking a face frame is flat frame attached to the front of a carcase. Used to conceal the exposed edges.

Fan Carving - A carving composed of radiating lines in a half round fan shaped pattern.

Fantasy Furniture - Unusual, whimsical and exotic furnishings produced throughout Europe, America, and the Far East during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Fauteuil - French open armed chair with upholstered seat and back.

Federal - An American period 1780-1830 influenced by English Adam, Sheraton, Regency, Hepplewhite, French Directoire, and Empire. Mahogany was used extensively but cherry, pine, and maple were also used. The most common ornament on this period of furniture was the eagle.

Festoon - Renaissance and Neoclassical motif in the shape of a suspended loop of drapery or a garland of flowers and fruit.

Fiddleback - A type of wood figure obtained from certain logs that are quartersawn to produce very straight grain with nearly perpendicular curls running uninterrupted from edge to edge. The name 'fiddleback' is taken from its customary use for violin backs.

Fielded panel - A solid wood panel with molded or beveled outside edges and a flat raised center section.

Filigree - Lace Like ornament made from delicately curled and twisted gold or silver wire. Also can be used as a decorative carving motif on furniture.

Finial - An ornament used as a terminating motif usually in the form of a ball, flame, flower, acorn, pineapple, or vase.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - Created in 1993, its has developed a certification system for wood that has become widely supported by the worlds top environmental groups. It accredits international certifiers that are required to follow principal ecologically sound standards.

Flame - A spiral carved that resembles a flame atop an urn shaped finial.

Flat-sawn Lumber - In softwood a method of sawing lumber where the log is cut tangential to the growth rings, Also called plain-sawn.

Flip-top - A table having two leaves, one on top of the other.

Fluting - Decoration formed by making parallel, concave grooves. In classical architecture they are commonly seen on column shafts and run in a vertical direction.

French Provincial - Furniture style created by craftsman in the French Provinces. Local woods were generally used for pieces that were practical for the home. Tended to be simpler versions of the Louis XV style.

Fretwork - Interlocking geometrical designs cut from the pieces own wood and used ornamentally.

Frieze - A broad, flat band in a cornice or beneath a case top, usually ornamented.