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

Ladder Back - An arm and side chair having a back composed of several horizontal slats in a ladder-like fashion.

Laminate - A thin material used to cover a board.

Latewood (Summer Wood) - The portion of a tree's rings that forms after the earlywood and is often characterized by smaller cells and a higher density.

Lattice - An openwork criss-cross pattern.

Lectern - A pedestal support for a large book.

Linenfold - Form of carving which imitated vertical folds of drapery. Probably Flemish in origin, it was widely used in the 15th and 17th centuries to decorate furniture and wall paneling.

Lip Mold - The molded edge on a drawer or door front that is extended with a rabbet to cover the joint between the front and case structure.

Lopers - Poles, normally rectangular, which could be pulled out from the sides of a cabinet to support the flap-top of desks.

Louis XIV - Reigned in France between 1643 and 1715. Influenced the Baroque style in furniture during the earlier part of the reign which later developed into the Regence style. Mahogany and oak were widely used. Baroque was large, masculine, and symmetrical. Regence was characterized by its use of curves and introduction of Chinoiserie. Ornamentation was often done with rocks, shells, and flowers.

Louis XV - Known as the Sun King, Reigned in France between 1715 and 1774. The style of furniture was essentially Rococo with soft, flowing lines, shell and flower ornamentation, rich upholstery, inlaying and painted furniture.

Louis XVI - Reigned in France 1774-1793. Characteristic of this style were rectangular lines, architectural ornamentation, classic symmetry, marquetry, and the predominant use of mahogany.

Lowboy - Chest of drawers mounted on short legs. Usually about three feet high.

Lumber Core Plywood - Plywood where thin sheets of veneer are glued to a core of narrow boards. Lumber core plywood differs from regular plywood in that regular plywood is made up of successive layers of alternating grain veneer.

Lyre Back - Design commonly used by Duncan Phyfe on the backs of chairs. A representation of lyre figures carved from wood with brass wires used to represent the strings.