Whether you're new to the world of antiques or a connoisseur with a curated collection, Lolo's A to Z Glossary of French Antiques
furniture terms with photographs and illustrations is an essential tool that will help educate and enlighten you.
D
damask: A linen, cotton, rayon, or silk fabric with a reversible jacquard weave and a lustrous surface.
demi-lune: Type of crescent-shaped table, commonly placed against the wall. Also referred to as “half moon.”
diamante: Literally, "diamond." Carved diamond or gem cut shape, characteristic of decoration from Brittany region. Commonly used during the reign of Louis XIII.
dentil: A rectangular cubic form, which resembles a tooth, aligned in rows with intervening spaces to form dentil moldings, usually found below projecting cornices in classical architecture.
diaper motif: Trellis of repeated square or lozenge shapes sometimes enclosing carved decoration.
Directoire : A transitional period (between the Louis XVI and the Consular and Empire styles) of design in France that followed the French Revolution, from 1795-1799. Characterized by ancient Greek and Roman motifs and named for the Directory, the French government during that period. Directoire style reflects the charm and grace of Louis XVI, but with more simplistic forms and motifs. Furniture is adorned with symbols of the Revolution, such as arrows and wreaths. The swan, lyre, and stars were also commonly used, and wood was often painted. One of the most notable pieces of Directoire furniture was the day bed, made famous in the portrait of Madame Récamier, by artist Jacques-Louis David. All chairs in the Directoire style have rear legs that curve outward.
dos d'ane: A drop-front or slope-front desk.
doucine: A molding that is convex and concave in continuous curve (ogee). A soft curve, most often associated with Louis Philippe style furniture.
dovetail: A fan-shaped tenon that forms a tight interlocking joint when fitted into a corresponding mortise, hence the name dovetail. From the 18th century, the highest quality furniture construction made use of lapped, dovetail joinery that allowed the details of the construction to show only on the inside of the piece.
drop-front: A top or front of a desk hinged at the bottom that drops to a horizontal position, forming a surface for writing.
drop-leaf: A leaf, hinged to the side of a table, which drops at the side when not in use.
duchesse brisée: A set of two hand-carved armchairs and an ottoman or one hand-carved armchair and an ottoman in the Louis XV style that nest together to form a sort of chaise lounge. Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Literally, "broken duchess."
Diamante Carving
19th Century French Louis Philippe Period Buffet
D'appui with Doucine Drawers