Help Center - Furniture Lingo

Solid wood is lumber that has been cut directly from trees, not manufactured from composites like fiberboard or plywood.

Solid wood remains a superior investment for many consumers as the longest-lasting furniture. You may remember the oak table that grandma had, or the wood armoire that seemed to be around forever.

It’s important to remember that because solid wood does come directly from trees, each piece will have different color shadings than the floor model you saw at the store. Solid wood also requires extra care and attention, including more dusting and using tablecloths and placements to protect it from liquids and food.

Wood also swells in high humidity and can shrink in low humidity. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help if you live in an extreme climate, like Arizona and Colorado where it’s dry or Texas where it can get humid. We recommend never storing wood furniture in basements or attics where the climate can be unpredictable.

Pine furniture comes from a softwood tree, making it softer and more lightweight than other woods, like oak.

Pine furniture is durable and strong, but tends to dent and scratch very easily.

Some consumers new to pine mistakenly think they’ve received a poor-quality product when they didn’t know that pine is a beautiful, sensitive wood. Pine also tends to be lighter in color, making it more vulnerable to stains.

This wood is popular in kid bedroom sets due to being lighter and cost-friendly, but parents should take special note of this tag when shopping at AFW to make the best decision and avoid surprises.

Rustic furniture is beautifully constructed as an intentionally rugged, organic look.

It’s made to look cozy and comfortable while functionally celebrating the natural elements the piece is made of.

This design is purposely distressed and has an antique appearance in finish.

Rustic design can be captured in tables, bedroom sets, benches, lamps, shelves, photo frames, cabinets, and more.

Marble adds a classic elegance and tone to furniture.

It has stylish gradients and multiple patterns, with a soft, smooth finish that can pair with any décor.

Marble is a natural stone product and variations in pattern, texture, or color are inherent in the material. These features enhance the natural beauty of the stone and aren’t reflective or poor-quality.

Marble has many advantages worth the investment, but also needs maintenance to get the most of it.

For marble top, we recommend using placemats and coasters on tables to avoid scratches and stains. Protect the surface from hot or cold items. Wipe spills immediately, especially coffee, wine, and vegetable juice.

Vintage-style furniture uniquely pays homage to the antiques and artistry of the 20th-century.

Known for its aged and distressed design, each piece is custom with cracks, uneven paint, and dents that give it its warm and weathered signature.

This furniture should also be treated with care, including regular dusting using a dry, soft cloth.

A large, modular sofa that is composed of multiple sections, typically arranged in an "L" or "U" shape, to accommodate more seating space. The individual pieces can often be rearranged to fit different room layouts.

This term refers to a sectional piece where the arm is on the left side when you are *facing* the sofa. It’s used to describe corner or end sections. For example, an "LAF Chaise" means the chaise (extended seat) has the arm on the left when you're looking at the sectional.

This is the opposite of LAF, meaning the arm is on the right side when you are *facing* the sofa. A "RAF Chaise" would have the armrest on the right-hand side of the extended seat when viewed from the front.

A wedge is a curved or triangular section that connects two or more pieces of a sectional, creating a smooth transition between them. It typically allows for an angled or rounded corner, offering more seating space and creating a cozier look.

An elongated seat or lounge that allows you to stretch out. On sectionals, chaises can be LAF or RAF, depending on the placement of the armrest.

A piece of the sectional that has no armrests on either side. It can be positioned between other pieces to extend the sectional without changing its configuration.

A piece used to form a right-angle connection between two sectional pieces. It allows the sectional to wrap around a corner, typically adding more seating in a compact space.

A separate, cushioned piece that can be added to a sectional for extra seating or to rest your feet. Ottomans may be free-standing or modular, meaning they can be moved and repositioned with the sectional.

A sectional with a hidden pull-out mattress, converting part of the sofa into a bed. This is ideal for homes that need extra sleeping space.

A sectional with one or more reclining seats that can tilt back for relaxation. These are often motorized or manual, depending on the model.

A design style popular in the mid-20th century (1940s–1960s) known for clean lines, organic shapes, and minimal ornamentation. Often features tapered legs, natural wood, and vibrant colors.

A simple, utilitarian furniture style characterized by clean lines, minimalist design, and quality craftsmanship, often in natural wood finishes.

A classic style of sofa with deep button-tufting, rolled arms, and a back of equal height as the arms, typically upholstered in leather.

A piece of open shelving, often ornamental, used for displaying decorative objects, plants, or books.

A sofa with arms and backrest of equal height, creating a sleek, boxy look. Often associated with more formal or modern interiors.

A long dining table with a central support beam and two or more legs on either end, often with a rustic or farmhouse style.