Glossary of Terms,
Antique Furniture
V
Valance:
Drapery of a canopy bed;
also the horizontal part of drapery treatment.
Vanity:
Modern name for a dressing table.
Vargueno:
Spanish drop-front desk-cabinet on a stand.
Varnish:
Wood-finishing material of gum dissolved in linseed oil, applied in films or
skins, by brush or spray, to protect and beatify wood surfaces.
Vase Splat:
Chair with back splat whose silhouette suggests that of a vase or urn.
Velour:
Velvet or plush, often of wool or mohair.
Velvet:
Fabric with soft close pile, usually of silk or rayon;
velveteen is of cotton.
Veneer:
A thinly-cut slice of decoratively-marked wood glued to a stronger, thicker,
solid wood or plywood backing.
Victorian:
A period (1837-1901) marked by tasteless eclecticism;
a melding and exaggeration of many styles. Although some reproductions have a
quiet charm, the elaborately-carved, elaborately-curved, heavy originals were
stiff and unbending as those who used them.marble tops, pedestal bases, spool
turnings;
sofas with sweeping curved backs, tufted upholstery, cabriole legs, beds with
high head and foot boards are characteristic. Favorite woods were mahogany,
black walnut, and rosewood.
Vine Motif:
Running band ornament of grapes and leaves.
Vinyl:
A supple, non-woven coated fabric which can be embossed or printed to simulate
other materials such as wood, leather, silk, etc. Often has a stretchable
knitted elastic backing.
Vitrine:
Cabinet with clear glass door, sometimes glass sides and top, for the storage
and display of china, curios, etc.
Vitruvian Scroll:
Wavelike series of scrolls in a band ornament, carved, inlaid, or painted. Also
called "running dog."
Volute:
A spiral scroll.
