Queen Anne

A period of English and early American furniture design in the early to mid 18th Century. The style emphasized form over ornamentation and carving was minimal, often restrained to simple shell and acanthus shapes. The aesthetic instead relied on curved lines that accentuated woodgrains and materials (walnut was favored), and the cabriole leg exploded in popularity. Likewise, ogee curves, pediments, crest rails, and shapely furniture feet, legs, and arms were prevalent. This period also saw the advent of the tilt-top tea table. Though it was overtaken by the Chippendale style later in the century, elements of Queen Anne design remain popular in modern furniture design.

Apron

A structural support placed at right angles to the underside of a shelf, chair seat, or table top to provide additional weight bearing strength and often decorative flourishes.

Pine

A popular wood for furniture-making, valued for its softness and workability. Because of its softness, it is more shock-absorbent than other hardwoods. It is a lighter wood in color, ranging from tan to a creamy white color, sometimes with dark, distinct knots. It is an extremely common wood variety.

Sideboard

A sideboard, also called a buffet, is a long, large piece of dining-room furniture used for displaying china, storage, and for serving food. The body is a storage unit, composed of drawers, sometimes flanked on each side by cabinets with doors.