Words

Acanthus Leaf:
Ornamentation, typically carved, that resembles the thick, thistle-like leaves of the Mediterranean acanthus plant. Originally used in ancient Greek architecture, it has appeared as a decorative motif on furniture as far back as the Renaissance, particularly on the knees of cabriole legs on Queen Anne pieces.

Ball-and-Claw Foot:
A foot on a piece of furniture that resembles the claw of a bird or animal grasping a ball, particularly popular in England during the 18th century. It’s believed that this decorative element may have been Chinese in origin, replicating a dragon’s foot holding onto a pearl.

Bombé:
Referring to a specific shape, the term bombé (bom-bay) is most often associated with a chest or other case piece, featuring both concave and convex curves. (See definition of “serpentine.”)

Cabriole leg:
The cabriole leg is a carved, double-curved form. It extends outward and then curves back in, creating the “knee,” then tapers down and curves outward once more, ending in a speci?c type of foot, such as the ball-and-claw foot.

Camelback:
A design element on the back of a chair or sofa that replicates the hump of a camel.

Case furniture:
Any piece of furniture built in a box-like form and intended for storage, including chests, cupboards, and secretary desks.

Four-Poster Bed:
A bed with posts rising from all four corners of the bed, although the posts at the foot of the bed are sometimes shorter than those at the head. If the posts are all of the same height, the bed may support a tester or fabric canopy.

Queen Anne:
A style named for England’s Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 through 1714. It remains one of the most popular traditional styles, characterized by cabriole legs, serpentine arms, and rounded seats. Ornamentation, for the most part, is minimal but sometimes includes intricate carving on the cabriole legs, including a scallop shell at the knee or a ball-and-claw foot.

Rococo:
Originating in France at the turn of the 18th century before spreading to other European countries, Rococo furniture is characterized by elaborate scrollwork, naturalistic forms such as shells and ?owers, and a variety of curvilinear motifs.

Serpentine:
A word that, literally, means “snakelike.” On a chest there may be a convex curve (think of an arc or rainbow) at the center of the piece flanked by two concave curves (think of the inside of a bowl), forming a serpentine front. Pieces with serpentine forms were popular in 18th-century England.

design school:

Winged Victory

The very form of the wing chair bespeaks long-running tradition as well as unconditional comfort. There is, after all, a reason it was once dubbed the “forty-winks” chair. It’s all too easy to rest your head against one side or the other and settle in for a catnap. The protruding side wings that are the hallmark of this chair had a practical purpose, however, when the design was introduced in late 17th-century France: They helped shield the occupant from chilly drafts in an unheated room. They protected ladies’ delicate skin from the heat of a roaring ?re. Some French priests even out?tted the wings with detachable blinds, transforming the chairs into “confessionals.”

While its purpose has changed over the centuries—comfort is the primary function today—the wing chair has changed very little from a stylistic point of view. In its most classic form, it’s a high-backed upholstered chair with outward scrolling arms and side panels that all but hug you. Not surprisingly, though, the wing chair now comes in numerous style variations.

First, the size of the wing itself can differ dramatically, ranging from a slight protrusion to a large, exaggerated “ear.” For the most part, it’s a matter of personal preference. You will, however, want to avoid chairs with the most exaggerated “ears” if there’s any chance they’ll interfere with conversation.

Likewise, there are some stylistic differences in terms of the arms and legs. Some of these variations, in fact, offer clues to the design origins. Boston-made chairs, for instance, were often identi?ed by double-scroll arms, cabriole legs, and pad feet. Likewise, Philadelphia examples were famous for their C-scroll arms as well as Chippendale’s signature rococo embellishments such as carved legs and claw-and-ball feet.

Finally, look for some quiet concessions to today’s lifestyles. No longer are wing chairs limited to traditional settings. You’re just as likely to ?nd contemporary examples—with angular wings in lieu of curved ones, for example—or even those with a hint of Asian in?uence. Take a careful look, too; beneath the stylish façades of many wing chairs are discreet recliner mechanisms. It’s a concept that takes the comfort level of this seating piece one step further.

Whether you choose a line-for-line reproduction of a centuries-old style or opt for a more contemporary version, you can be certain of one thing: This chair is a quintessential classic. It’s been around for years and will be around for years to come.

fresh outlooks:

Holiday Prep Pointers

The leaves are falling. There’s a crispness in the air. And the days are getting shorter. Now’s the time to get your home ready for the holidays. “A new item or two can do wonders for your holiday spirit,” says Jackie Hirschhaut of the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA).

Because so many gatherings center around food, it’s a good idea to consider your dining room. Is it time to splurge on the dining table of your dreams, one that expands easily? Removable leaves and drop-down sides are just two options. And don’t forget seating. Do you have enough chairs? Accent chairs can provide extra seating in the dining room and throughout the house.

The family room, too, should be high on your priority list. Do you have an entertainment center to showcase your TV for watching the big games? What about your upholstery? Is it time for a new sofa or sectional? Leather seating is particularly popular for family rooms because it looks good, feels great, and holds up beautifully. If you’re planning a little old-fashioned entertainment, look for a game table and chairs. In addition to providing the perfect place for card and board games, it also can be used for extra seating at mealtime.

More than ever, guests seem to congregate in the kitchen, but have you thought about what will make that experience most enjoyable? Do you have seating for guests who want to chat with the cook? Take stock, too, of your storage and display space. A baker’s rack can beautifully store and display your dinnerware; some styles also feature wine racks for stashing those extra special bottles that you’ve saved for the holidays.

Finally, take a good look at your guest room, keeping in mind that it doesn’t have to serve as full-time sleeping quarters. Put a sofasleeper in the room, and then make it serve double duty as a library, den, or, home office.

Left and Above:
Even round tables can be enlarged beautifully for holiday dinners. Fully expanded, this innovative version increases its diameter from 60 inches to 84 inches. Radial Expansion Table from the Oscar de la Renta Collection for Century.