Our furniture glossary covers some of the most frequently used industry terms related to the product ranges on this website. If you have any questions about these furniture terms, or any queries about contract furniture that you would like answered at this stage, contact our expert team.
Common Furniture Terms Explained
- Poseur table – Tall tables typically found in pubs, bars and hotels. They can be paired with tall chairs to dine at, or simply used as a lean-to for drinkers wishing to stand.
- Banqueting/conference chairs – Chairs suitable for large venues as they can be stacked easily.
- Bentwood chairs – Chairs crafted from wet wood that’s been bent into shape and left to harden.
- Tub chairs – A more comfortable choice of seating. They feel like a sofa but are only a fraction bigger than standard dining chairs.
- Stacking chair trolley – Used to transport stacking chairs. It makes it quicker and easier to clear floor space.
- Shabby chic furniture – Furniture made to look slightly worn or dated. Often used in quirky pubs, bistros and cafes and popular with young female customers.
- Chesterfield sofa – Sofa known for its deep buttoned, quilted upholstery. It’s believed this style of sofa got its name from the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, who commissioned the first sofa of this design.
More furniture terminology demystified by the Trent Furniture team
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- Table trolley – Used to transport and store stackable tables. They allow event space owners to clear/set up a room quickly and easily.
- Farmhouse furniture – A rustic but traditional style of furniture that looks like it belongs in a country home.
- American diner furniture – Retro 50s-style furniture, typically cream and red in colour. An iconic look for American diners, this furniture looks great in themed restaurants and bars.
- Contemporary furniture – Furniture ideal for modern interiors, including cafes, bars and bistros.
- Bistro – A small restaurant that serves a selection of simple meals, as well as wine and coffee. They tend to have a casual atmosphere and a middle-of-the-road price range.
- Art deco furniture – Art deco is a visual arts design known for featuring geometric forms such as zigzags, rectangles, spheres, sunbursts and polygons. This style of furniture is often made with modern materials, including aluminium, stainless steel, chrome and plastic.
- Trestle table – A simple style of table that can easily be collapsed. Commonly used at events such as weddings and conferences due to their ease of set up and storage.
- Chiavari chair – A wooden chair first created in 1807 by a cabinetmaker from Chiavari, a small town in Italy. They are ornate in design, but very practical. They are typically used at banquets, weddings and conferences.
- Pedestal table – A table supported by a single central column. They are popular with pub, café and bistro owners.
