Accent Chair Glossary

A glossary of accent chair features, materials, and styles Chair Features Dovetail: in woodworking, a strong mortise and tenon joint that uses interlocking cutouts shaped like a dove's spread tail. Dowel: a headless, cylindrical rod or peg. Also the name of a joint that uses a dowel to align and secure two adjacent pieces of wood. Embossing: a raised surface or shapes sculpted or carved into wooden accent chairs for decorative purposes. Fretwork: often elaborate ornamental woodwork carved into the backs of accent chairs. Often features geometrical designs or patterns. Mortise and Tenon: the joining of two pieces of wood at a right angle via a protruding "tenon" that fits into an open hole or "mortise" on the other piece of wood.

Chair Materials

Beech: a strong, workable hardwood similar in appearance to maple, with a light grain and a light creamy-red tone.

Birch: a very strong close-grained hardwood with a satiny texture and curly, straight, or wavy woodgrain patterns. Similar to mahogany or walnut when stained.

Leather: leather accent chairs are made from full aniline leather (top grain), semi-aniline leather, or split leather (parts of the hide other than the top grain).

Mahogany: a reddish-brown, rich, fine-grained hardwood that becomes golden or deep red with time, and is known for its excellent durability and workability.

Maple: a very hard, strong, close-grained, and heavy wood with distinctive burl patterns and a color ranging from off-white to light reddish-brown.

Oak: colored a rich brown with attractive grain markings, oak is renowned for its strength and hardness, and is a popular choice for accent chairs.

Pine: a straight-grained, white to yellowish softwood that's often used in country- or rustic-style accent chairs or chairs with distressed finishes.

Teak: a tropical hardwood, yellow to dark brown in color, that is resistant to warping and is tremendously strong and durable.

Walnut: a tight-grained, dark brown hardwood that takes a very smooth finish.

Chair Styles

Art Deco: popular in the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco is distinguished by streamlined shapes, bold colors, and geometric designs.

Club: comfortable and luxurious, club chairs typically feature curved and flared arm rests, cushioned seats and backrests.

Country: a casual style focused on nature, simplicity, traditional and rustic designs, and the use of light and sometimes unfinished woods.

Mission: a late 19th/early 20th century style featuring simple lines and emphasizing the values of usability and durability.

Modern: in general, modern accent chairs would feature neutral colors; sleek, smooth finishes; and strong geometric or asymmetrical shapes.

Papasan: a casual style featuring a large bowl-shaped cushion that rests in an upright frame made of rattan, wicker, or wood.

Parsons: a contemporary style featuring tall rectangular backs and full upholstery for a sophisticated, upscale look.

Queen Anne: an elegant and traditional style characterized by graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornate scroll carvings.

Slipper Chair: contemporary armless chairs that sit lower to the ground and feature a slightly curved back for greater comfort.

Traditional: casual and comfortable, traditional accent chairs typically feature classic lines, understated ornamentation, handcrafted wood, and darker finishes.

Victorian: in general, Victorian accent chairs feature exaggerated curves and size, darker finishes, lush upholstery, and elaborate carvings.

Wing: classic and stately with large upholstered wings mounted to the armrests.