> Style Guide

Definitions - What's an Occasional Table?
They're pretty, practical and an essential part of any decor. Here's the skinny on occasional tables.

Furniture Glossary
This is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand listing of common furniture terms, with an explanation of each.

What Style Is It?
What’s the difference between art deco and art nouveau? Transitional and traditional? This handy guide offers descriptions of the most common furniture styles.

Definitions - What's a Bergère?
They've been around since the 18th century. But what exactly is a bergère? Here's a defination and an example.

What Style is Right for You?
What makes a room contemporary, traditional or casual, and which look is right for you? These guides will help you zero in on the style that suits your taste and life.

An Illustrated Guide to Decorating Styles
This clear, well-organized glossary from HGTV offers descriptions and illustrations of more than 40 different decorating styles.

Which Design Style Suits Your Personality?
A fun--and very unscientific--quiz to determine what design styles suit you best, courtesy of HGTV.

An Index of Famous Furniture Designers
Design Addict has assembled this exceptional alphabetical listing of more than 500 well-known furniture and product designers. It includes biographical information, photos of the designer's work and a listing of related books.

Modern Furniture: A Guide to Midcentury Modern Design
Modern furniture (sometimes called midcentury modern) is hotter than ever. Learn about the three major types of modern furniture, and some of the important names to watch for, in this article from Martha Stewart Living.

A Glossary of Fabric Terms
Want to know the difference between broadcloth and brocade? Ramie and rayon? This comprehensive fabric glossary is a good place to start.

A Glossary of Furniture Woods
What does ash look like? Is cherry hard or soft? This wood glossary describes nearly two dozen different species, from ash to walnut, with notations about appearance, durability, and how each wood is used in furniture production today.

A Glossary of Window and Window Covering Terms
What's a Roman shade? A valance? A lambrequin? Get the answers in this comprehensive guide to window and window covering terms.

A Guide to Historical English Styles - Period Style Guide
This informative guide from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London illustrates 21 historical styles, from Jacobean to Arts and Crafts, and explains how to recognize designs from each period.

Vintage Metal Office Furniture
Fans of vintage metal office furniture value it for its durability and classic modern styling. Learn more about metal office furniture and how to refinish it in this article from Martha Stewart Living.

Tea Tables - A Guide to Antique Tea Tables
Tea tables are a decorating classic. Learn how to identify various styles of antique tea tables, and get a sense of what they sell for.