Renaissance

The Renaissance is considered the revival interest in classical design, beginning in Italy during the 14th century and continuing to spread throughout Europe until the 17th century. Renaissance furniture design is simple in structure with a generous use of classical ornament, such as the acanthus leaf, animal forms, and pilasters. Renaissance furniture typically has moderate ornamentation and decoration consists mostly of wood carvings. Renaissance furniture is usually dark in color and common materials consist of walnut and chestnut. The canopy bed and marriage chest are two popular pieces of furniture produced during the Renaissance style.

Patina

Term used to designate a shift in wear or change in material on the surface of furniture, due to age, exposure, and hand-rubbing. Usually used to describe a shift in color on metal as oxidization occurs such as the greenish tint, formed on copper or bronze after long exposure.

Pedestal

A tall, narrow base which supports a statue, lamp, vase or any decorative object. Usually treated with moldings at the top and a base block on the bottom. Without moldings it is called a plinth.

Relief

Relief work is a form of molded, carved or stamped decoration raised from the surface of a piece of furniture to form a pattern

Torchiere

A style of floor lamp that provides indirect light by placing the candle or bulb in an upward-facing bowl shade that casts ambient light towards the ceiling. "Torchiere" derives from the French word for “torch.”