Purchasing Amish furniture is a thoughtful decision and sometimes it can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with furniture jargon. At DutchCrafters we recognize that the furniture industry can have its own words to describe certain features. We decided to come up with our own Amish furniture glossary based on the questions we often get from customers. We hope that by providing this glossary we can help our customers feel more comfortable with Amish furniture purchases and they can distinguish the quality and value in their investment.
Back Splat or Slat
A splat or slat is a vertical support in a chair back. Deep bend slats in the chair back help provide lumbar support and added comfort to the chair.
For further reference see: Anatomy of An Amish Dining Chair
Bamboo Turnings
Some of our hardwood chairs and benches have a unique style of turnings that resemble a bamboo stalk. Bamboo turnings can be found in Windsor chairs and these types of Windsors are often called rod back Windsor chairs or Federal Windsor chairs. This bamboo-style turning brings an elegant and exotic look to a traditional Windsor chair.
Bent Parts
Some of our Amish chairs, benches and bar stools have steam bent parts. The wood is steam bent to create beautiful bow back designs. A steam bent bow back is often found on our Windsor chairs.
Bow Top/Bow Back
Found on Windsor chairs, a bow top/bow back is the curved top rail of the chair that’s made by steam bending. Vertical spindles fit into the bow top. A bow back is continuous down to the arms or seat.
For further reference see: Anatomy of An Amish Dining Chair
Breadboard Ends
A breadboard end is a piece of wood that’s added to the end of a larger panel. They are often found on the ends of some Amish tables. They run perpendicular to the larger panel. Breadboard ends serve two purposes, they add a decorative feature to the table’s design and they function to help maintain the structure of a large center table panel as it expands and contracts.
For further reference see: What’s Up with Breadboard Ends?
Breakfast Nook
Our Amish breakfast nooks (also known as kitchen nooks) can be customized to fit your space. Nook sets are dining furniture consisting of table and benches that can be made to fit your cozy kitchen. Breakfast nooks can include benches that offer storage inside, saving you space. Contact one of our Amish furniture specialists today with your kitchen corner dimensions and wood choice and they will be happy to provide a quote for a custom corner nook set for your kitchen.
Buffet
A buffet is used for storage and display and for serving food on occasion. Buffets are found in the dining room and offer more space horizontally than vertically. They offer plenty of cabinet and drawer space for storage.
For further reference see: Buffet, Sideboard or Hutch: What’s the Difference?
Butterfly Leaf
Some of our Amish dining tables offer a butterfly leaf option. Butterfly leaves have “wings” that fold up on each side and easily store inside the table just beneath the table top.
For further reference see: The Dish on Dining Table Extensions and The Essential Guide to Extension Dining Tables.
Cabriole Legs and Feet
Cabriole legs and feet are known for their beautiful curves. This furniture feature is often found on Chippendale and Queen Anne style furniture. Cabriole legs were modeled after an animal’s legs, and they are the most recognizable feature of Queen Anne furniture.
For further reference see: The History of Queen Anne Style Furniture
Chifforobe (also spelled Chifferobe and Chiffarobe)
A chifforobe is basically a large armoire with a combination of a chest of drawers and a wardrobe. It combined the chiffonier (a French furnishing featuring drawers) with a wardrobe (a large movable cupboard used to store hanging clothes). Chifforobes are popular in bedroom suites that do not have much closet space.
For further reference see: The History of the Chifforobe
Convertible Crib
A convertible crib offers three beds in one that adjusts to your child’s needs as they grow. The three beds include a crib, a daybed, and a full bed. Our Amish handcrafted cribs are tested and certified to meet federal standards.
Corner Brace
Corner braces are often used in the corners of tables or frame chairs to create a corner triangle for added strength. These corner braces are sometimes grooved and glued as well.
Cupola
Cupolas add an attractive rooftop accent perfect for any structure from beach house to cottage to outdoor shed or workshop. Many models have pointed roofs and the sides of the cupola feature windows or vents. Cupolas come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but most often are square or hexagon shape.
Custom Furniture
Custom furniture offers the opportunity to contribute to a design and help build furniture that fits your vision exactly. Amish furniture is customizable: built in the wood, stain and hardware you select and it’s also custom—available in special dimensions with added features custom built to fit your needs. Please ask for a custom quote on any of our Amish furniture.
For further reference see: Custom Furniture: What Does that Mean?
Dentil Moldings
Dentil moldings are marks made in a vertical row along the molding of a piece of Amish furniture. The marks are squared and shaped to look like teeth which is where they get the name “dentil.”
Desk Grommet
A desk grommet is a round edged cover that seals and smooths over an uneven or hard edge of a hole to make it a smooth pathway for anything passing through. Desk grommets cover sharp edges on wood, metal and other materials. Desk grommets provide smooth passage for cords to pass through in one spot. Desk grommets help prevent pulling, snags and wear that can happen over time and they help to organize cords and prevent them from creating clutter.
Distressed Furniture or Distressing
Distressing involves manually creating signs of wear and age on a piece of wood furniture. Craftsmen use different tools for distressed finishes, including things like hand planers, ice picks, chains and drill bits. A combination of stains, paints, glazes and markings can all be used in creative ways to create a unique “aged” look. Distressing levels vary from light to heavy for those who just want a bit of aging to those who want an antique look. Eased edges, nicks and pinholes are just some of the markings that contribute to distressed furniture. A rubbed distressed finish is another technique where the paint is rubbed to create a worn look. Distressing techniques are for those who want to create an old look for their new furniture.
For further reference see: Wood Furniture Distressed Finishes, Distressed Furniture: How Old Do You Want It To Look? and What is Furniture Distressing?
Dovetail or Dovetail Joint
A dovetail or dovetail joint is a technique used to join the front, side and back of a drawer. A dovetail joint is a strong, secure joint that cannot come apart easily. To make a dovetail, the woodworker cuts the wood boards so that they interlock with one another. Dovetail joints are glued together.
Dovetailed Bed Slats
These are secure joints for beds and they are used for some of our Amish beds. Wood bed slats fit snugly into metal holders, and they prevent the slats from moving around. A dovetailed bed slat offers support for side rails and prevents bowing.
Eased Edges or Wear Points
These distressing techniques are used to create signs of wear in areas they would normally occur over time. The wood is sanded and scuffed to simulate years of use. Areas where furniture would begin to show signs of wear include chair rungs and wooden knobs or handles.
End Grain and Edge Grain
An end grain butcher block has the hardwood put together with the ends in a vertical orientation. This makes them gentler for receiving knife blades. End grain blocks allow more “give” for the knife versus edge grain blocks that the knife just cuts against. It’s even more important to keep up with oiling and maintaining an end grain butcher block since the vertical orientation lets the oil evaporate more easily. An end grain block lasts long and wears well. While edge grain blocks are strong, they can show markings from chopping and slicing more easily over time.
Fiber Seats
Some of our Shaker dining chairs come with the option of woven fiber seats that bring to mind a French provincial feel.
Finials
Finials, also called hip knobs, are rounded and sometimes elongated. Their purpose is strictly decorative, and they serve as decoration on the tops of different furniture pieces like chair posts and bed posts. They can be made of different materials and have been around a long time and were even used in ancient Greek buildings. They’re a popular addition to Amish Shaker ladderback chairs.
For further reference see: 10 Amish Furniture Terms and What They Mean
Floating Panel Construction
DutchCrafters paneled doors will have floating panel construction. The inside panel will float inside the frame and be held in place by soft rubber balls. This construction technique lessens the chance of cracks and splits that often occur with temperature changes.
Full Extension Drawer Slides
Many of our Amish case goods like hutches, dressers and chests come with full extension drawer slides. Full extension drawer slides allow the drawer to extend the entire length of the cabinet, creating ease of use and access to the most space in each drawer. Full extension drawer slides can be either under mounted or side mounted.
For further reference see: Why Table and Drawer Slides Make a Difference
Full Extension Soft Closing Drawer Slides
Case pieces with full extension soft closing drawer slides offer drawers that extend fully, but also come with the luxurious feature of closing on their own. Just a gentle tap or push and the drawer will easily self-close.
For further reference see: Soft Close Drawers
Furniture Feet
Our furniture comes with a wide variety of foot styles such as claw feet (resembling an animal paw, often a lion’s), empire feet, cabriole feet (an elegant and formal style associated with Queen Anne), mission feet and more.
Gateleg Table
A gateleg dining table is also called a swing table. It has extensions that fold down, and the legs swing in to fold the table up. A gateleg table consists of a top panel with two hinged leaves that are supported by legs that pivot. It’s versatile, easy to store and works well for small spaces.
For further reference see: 10 Amish Dining Room Furniture Terms and What They Mean
Geared Slides
Many of our Amish pedestal tables and trestle tables come with heavy duty, easy to use double equalizer geared slides. Geared slides allow one person to open the table from one side. They allow for smooth motion and help open dining tables easily. They are made of metal and will stand up to every day use.
For further reference see: The Essential Guide to Extension Dining Tables
Glazed Finishing
Glazing is a finish option that helps create a time-worn aged look. The glaze is applied over the finish and then hand rubbed to make the Amish furniture look old and antique. Glaze is often used with other finishing techniques such as heavy distressing. The finished look is a beautiful patina on the furniture.
Hand Hewn Finishing
Our hand hewn finishing is a multi-step finishing process. Hand hewing brings out natural character of the wood by roughing up the surface using a curved, narrow blade. Combined with hand planing and distressing, hand hewing contributes to creating a true work of art.
Hand Planed Furniture
A hand planed option is offered for a variety of our Amish tables, buffets, chairs and accent tables. Hand planing involves using the long flat sole of a hand plane to remove the top layers of a surface. Woodworkers apply force as they run the hand planer over the surface of the wood. This technique reduces thickness and smooths the wood surface somewhat. A hand planed top will include imperfections that contribute to a vintage look. Hand planing is often used for different levels of distressing for a time worn, aged look.
For further reference see: Wood Furniture Distressed Finishes
Highboy Dresser (also called a Tallboy Dresser or Flattop Highboy Dresser)
A highboy dresser is basically a high chest of drawers on four elegant turned cabriole legs with a decorative bonnet top and finials. Highboy dressers stand over seven feet high and can have anywhere from six to eight drawers. This style of dresser is often built in cherry, mahogany or walnut wood with a dark finish. Highboy dressers come in three styles: Queen Anne, William and Mary and the Chippendale. The top is flat on some highboy dressers.
For further reference see: 10 Amish Bedroom Furniture Terms and What They Mean
Hope Chest
The hope chest, also called a dowry chest, trousseau chest and glory box dates back centuries and was a chest that was given to young women as a symbol of luck in preparation for marriage. Brides would collect items they would use after marriage in the hope chest. Cedar wood is a good choice for hope chests since it naturally repels insects to prevent them from harming the chest contents. Our Amish hope chests are available in several wood types and styles and today the hope chest is used in bedrooms and other areas of the home for all kinds of storage.
For further reference see: The History of the Hope Chest
Hutch
A hutch is a set of shelves and cabinets added on top of a lower storage unit, desk or dresser. Lots of our custom case pieces offer the option to add a hutch top as well as many of our L-desks, U-desks and other solid wood office storage. Hutches add to the style of the piece while they provide storage and display space. Hutches are often used in dining room and kitchen, but they are quite versatile and can be used in many places.
For further reference see: Buffet, Sideboard or Hutch: What’s the Difference?
Jelly Cabinet
The jelly cabinet came into use during the 19th century as storage for jams and preserves. Early jelly cabinets featured two doors with storage shelves and two drawers at the top and were often made of pine wood and kept in the kitchen. Many variations of the jelly cabinet appeared. Our Amish made jelly cabinets come in different styles and woods, combining drawers and cabinets to meet different storage needs.
For further reference see: Modern Ways to Use A Jelly Cabinet
L Desk
An L desk is a spacious desk that includes a desk, bridge and return. L desks fit well in a corner and often come with hutches that add even more storage and display space. An L desk offers lots of room to work, but its size does not fit in all spaces.
For further reference see: 8 Office Desks That’ll Get Your Job Done
Lazy Susan
A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray that’s used on a table or counter to share food and/or condiments. It can be made of wood, glass or plastic and is often round in shape. Our Amish made Lazy Susans come flat or with a variety of additions like napkin and salt and pepper holders. They can be customized in different woods.
For further reference see: The History of the Lazy Susan
Leaf Lock
Table leaf locks are often made of brass and can be added to your dining table to help secure table leaves, particularly if you plan on keeping the table leaves displayed in the table the majority of the time.
For further reference, see: Things to Know About Table Leaf Locks
Leg Levelers
Leg levelers are options that are frequently offered for our dining room chairs and tables. For older homes with uneven floors, the leg levelers are attached and can be adjusted to prevent tables or chairs from wobbling.
Leg Table
Leg tables offer a simple, casual look that can be dressed up or down. It’s easy to add extensions to them and to move them. They offer space to push chairs in under the table.
For further reference see: Table Base Buying Guide
Mattress Support
For larger Amish made beds, a center leg is added to ensure that your mattress has the support it needs. Other types of mattress support for Amish beds include slats and box spring, slats and a plywood platform or Bunkie board, a slatted foundation or an under-bed storage platform.
For further reference see: Platform Bed vs. Box Spring: Mattress Support Options on Amish Beds
Mortise and Tenon Construction
A simple construction technique that’s been around for thousands of years, mortise and tenon joinery provides solid, sturdy furniture assembly. A tenon (a wood piece also called a rail), is wedged into the mortise (hole cut in the wood) to join the two together. Glue is sometimes added for additional strength but isn’t often necessary. This joining is considered the strongest joint for supporting wood furniture.
For further reference see: 10 Amish Furniture Terms and What They Mean
Nesting Table
Nesting tables provide added table space when needed without taking up much room. They often come in sets of three and underneath one another for easy storage. Our Amish nesting tables are available in a variety of styles.
Parsons Chair
The Parsons chair was designed at the Parsons School of Design in Paris, France during the 1930s. The design is simple and versatile, featuring clean lines, slightly curved or tapered legs, a tall straight padded back and an upholstered seat that fits both a formal and casual look.
For further reference, see: The History of the Parsons Chair
Pedestal Tables
Our hardwood pedestal tables come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles with many options to choose from. Choose from a single pedestal, double pedestal or a large triple pedestal to seat a maximum number of family members and guests. We even offer a split pedestal dining table as well. Pedestal tables are a popular choice to easily add extra seats. All pedestal tables come with numerous custom options to create the look that best fits your kitchen or dining room.
For further reference see: Table Base Buying Guide and The Magic of the Split Pedestal Dining Table
Pergola
Pergola, from the Late Latin “pergula” that means projecting eave, is an outdoor structure consisting of four sturdy columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters that create a lattice top. While pergolas provide some shade, the roof is open, letting in light. Pergolas come in a variety of sizes from large to small as well as simple to fancy designs. They help define outdoor spaces and create areas to relax and socialize. Our Amish pergolas are available in kit form and can be a fun DIY project or one that is built by a professional contractor.
For further reference, see: 5 Reasons to Pick a Pergola
Pie Safes
Our Amish handcrafted pie safes are not used to store pies and baked goods anymore, but they remain popular storage cabinets for the kitchen and many other places throughout the home. Also known as pie cabinets, pie cupboards, pie chests or kitchen safes, pie safes are basically cabinets or cupboards with doors. Some pie safes features raised panels or punched tin on the doors. Some come with handpainted designs.
For further reference see: The History of the Pie Safe
Plate Grooves
Glass shelves inside Amish china cabinets and hutches come with plate grooves. These little plate grooves are cut into the shelves, adding a convenient way to display your heirloom china or collectible plates. Some wood shelves also have plate grooves.
Platform Bed
A platform bed has a level base that consists of either a slat support system or a solid panel. They are fairly low to the ground and do not need a box spring. They are simple bed frames available in different styles. Platform beds often have a contemporary look due to their simple style.
For further reference see: Springtime Showdown: Panel Beds vs. Platform Beds
Poly Lumber
Eco-friendly, durable, colorful, and requiring low maintenance, poly lumber sets a new standard for outdoor furniture. Poly lumber is made with recycled plastics, won’t splinter, crack or warp, and is weather and pest resistant. Poly lumber has been dubbed a “miracle” material for outdoor furniture.
For further reference see: Wood vs. Poly Outdoor Furniture: Help for Deciding, Poly Furniture Spring Cleaning and The Benefits of Having an Outdoor Fire Pit Made of Poly.
Quilting Hoop
Popular with those who love quilting, a quilting hoop holds a quilt in progress in place and aides in both supporting quilting practice as well as showcasing the quilt.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Reclaimed wood furniture is made with wood that’s been salvaged from old barns in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Reclaimed wood furniture is eco friendly and features a rustic look, but its natural beauty fits modern décor as well. Reclaimed wood furniture has history to it, being made with wood that’s recycled, cleaned and crafted into furniture. Reclaimed wood will have original knots, worm and nail holes and sun spots on the surface of the wood.
For further reference see: Worn and Weathered with Worm Holes: The Nature of Rustic and Reclaimed Furniture, and Reclaimed vs. Rough Sawn: What’s the Difference?
Scooped Seats
A scooped seat has a carved out area in the seat for added contouring and comfort. There are different types of seats including a regular scoop, a deep scoop (center area is carved out more deeply), a saddle scoop (separates the legs, shape resembles a saddle), and a Benton scoop (seat dips toward the back of the chair.)
For further reference, see: Anatomy of An Amish Dining Chair
Self-Storing Table Leaves
Some of our Amish dining room tables and kitchen tables have the option of self-storing the leaves inside of the table. This feature should be noted in the product quick specs. Please contact one of our Amish furniture specialists regarding having table leaves store inside of the table.
For further reference see: The Dish on Dining Table Extensions
Shiplap
Shiplap is a decorative feature used in furniture and often found in our Amish made hutches and bookcases. Long wood planks are arranged vertically in an interlocking arrangement that creates a little overlap or gap between them. This creates a sophisticated, attractive look that often fits well with rustic or farmhouse décor.
For further reference see: Let’s Talk Shiplap
Sideboard
Sideboards are long, low cabinets often with short legs; some have cabinets that extend to the floor. They were originally used to serve food, but over time drawers and cabinets were added for storage. Sideboards are versatile and are often referred to as buffets when used in the dining room for serving food, displaying dishes and added storage.
For further reference see: Buffet, Sideboard or Hutch--What’s the Difference?
Silverware Insert
Some of our hutches, buffets, sideboards, and hunt boards come with the option to add silverware inserts to the drawers. They are used to separate and organize your silverware.
Skirt or Apron
Table aprons are also called table skirts or skirting. This is the underside of the table top or extension that wraps around the table and can range from 1 ½” to 3”. Some Amish tables have options for different styles or types of skirts. It’s important to note that arm chairs will often not fit under tables with skirts.
For further reference see: Who Wears the Apron in Your Kitchen?
Soft Close Drawer Slides
Soft close drawer slides use a hydraulic cylinder or other mechanism to engage the drawer as it closes, pulling it closed gently and quietly. The soft close drawer slide upgrade is offered for a wide range of Amish furniture with drawers.
For further reference see: Why Table and Drawer Slides Make a Difference and Soft Close Drawers.
Spindles
Spindles are cylindrical shaped slats found in chair backs. They are often found on Windsor chairs.
For further reference see: Anatomy of an Amish Dining Chair
Stowleaf Table or Draw Extension Table
The leaves on our stowleaf tables and draw extension tables pull out and store underneath the table at the ends. Draw extensions operate on hinges and wooden slides. The table’s end extensions normally rest underneath the table. When the extensions are used, they slide over the center of the hinge and are raised upward, then drawn back against the edge of the table for a solid, sturdy fit.
For further reference see: The Dish on Dining Table Extensions, and 10 Amish Dining Room Furniture Terms and What They Mean.
Stretchers
Stretchers are horizontal supports that join chair legs in dining chairs.
For further reference see: Anatomy of an Amish Dining Chair
Touch Lighting
Many of our Amish hutches have touch lighting. Simply touch the hinge of the hutch and the inside light comes on. Touch the hinge again, and the light goes off. A popular feature on hardwood hutches, china cabinets and corner hutches. Check the quick specs box to see if this feature is included in the hutch you are looking at.
Tongue and Groove Furniture Backs
Many of our Amish hutches and china cabinets come with solid wood tongue and groove backs, as do some of our bookcases, hutch top desks and other items. Tongue and groove boards fit together. One board has an extension shaped like a tongue, and that fits in the groove or slot of another board, locking them together. One side of the board has a tongue and one side a groove. Tongue and groove furniture backs add a rustic look to furniture.
For further reference see: 10 Amish Dining Room Furniture Terms and What They Mean and Let’s Talk Shiplap.
Trestle Table
Trestle tables feature a trestle base that combines a long stretcher attached to end supports. This base supports the table top. The trestle and stretcher base is one piece. The trestle table design is one that’s been around a long time.
For further reference see: Table Base Buying Guide
Wood Inlays
A wood inlay is a piece of often contrasting, colored material that’s cut out to fit a shape cut in a piece of furniture. It is fit and sanded flush with the piece it is added to. The purpose is mainly decorative.
For further reference see: Things to Know About Wood Inlays
Wood Slides
Many of our leg tables come with easy to open wood table slides. These smooth wood slides are durable and sturdy for holding table extensions. Two people are needed to open tables with wood slides.
For further reference see: Why Table and Drawer Slides Make a Difference
