Antique Furniture Terminology Demystified

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 labeled 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.

Tudor Rose Antique Centre is an antique shop uk offers rare antiques including antique sofas and antique chairs, antique furnitures uk, antique silver.