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.
