|
Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
antique coffee grinder articles and products to help you on your way
to success.
Antique Furniture Terminology Demystified
By Brijesh
So, you think you know your stuff? It seems that while so many of us are
wonderfully obsessed with collecting antiques, we're really not all that
clear on the meaning of some of the pieces of furniture that we do obtain.
For example, that 'dresser' in your room, would you call it a highboy, a
chest of drawers, or perhaps a chiffonier? Why? Such is the sometimes
dreadfully confusing task of classifying antique objects.
Before an explanation of highboys, let's first consider the difference
between a sideboard and a buffet. Often, the two terms are used
interchangeably, and for good reason, as they are more or less the same
thing. As defined by the French, a buffet is a small sideboard for storing
dishes. Maybe a sideboard might look a litter larger than a buffet, but both
serve the same purpose. Serving utensils and dishes can be kept below with a
large flat surface above to display and serve food. Many have mirrored backs
and shelf space, but some have no back at all.
Getting back to the bedroom where lies the highboy-chiffonier-chest of
drawers conundrum, you may now be wondering: 'indeed, what do I have here?'
Well, the answer might just be as frustrating as the question. It seems a
chiffonier is a high and narrow chest, whereas a highboy is defined as a
tall chest with a legged base. Both of these are considered chests of
drawers. So there
you have it.
Onwards to the armoire... or is it a wardrobe? Well, both have a rod within
them for hanging clothing on and again, both have doors. Here's something
definitive though: a wardrobe often possesses a smaller, streamlined look
while armoires tend to be bigger and more ornate.
There are a few English wardrobes that were designed for gentlemen which
contain an area for hanging garments of one side and having labelled
compartments for certain other articles. These particular pieces, mostly
manufactured in the early 20th century aren't too big on decorative flare,
but are definitely amassing popularity, as they are still cheaply priced.
All in all, the differing terminology for similar pieces tends to rely
heavily on the sellers preference. The only thing that's truly important is
that you do indeed love the piece of antique furniture you're buying, if
that is so, the name of your piece doesn't matter at all. www.tudor-rose-antiques.co.uk/”>Tudor Rose Antique Centre is an www.tudor-rose-antiques.co.uk/”>antique shop uk offers rare including antique sofas and antique chairs, antique furnitures uk, antique silver.
|
