Furniture Terminology: A Helpful Glossary

Discover our comprehensive glossary of cabinet and wardrobe terminology, covering everything from alcove cabinets and bookcases to CNC technology and different door styles.

A recessed space that opens into a room, typically found on either side of a fireplace or chimney breast. Perfect for installing a custom DIY Alcove Cabinet or wardrobe.

The top surface of a base cabinet that sits above the cupboard doors and extends the furthest. It determines the depth of the cabinet and comes in various thicknesses and designs.

The upper section of a traditional alcove cabinet, designed for storing books or displaying decorative items.

The internal framework of an alcove cabinet or fitted wardrobe that supports doors and shelves. All our cabinets feature full carcass construction for durability.

A small, traditional moulding detail commonly used around the frames of cabinets and bookcases for a classic look.

A precise machining process that uses computer-controlled tools to manufacture flat-pack furniture. CNC technology ensures our alcove cabinet and wardrobe doors are free from visible joints that might crack or show “whisper lines” after painting.

A design detail that softens the external corners of base cabinets or bookcase columns, enhancing their appearance.

A decorative trim used at the top of a bookcase. Available in plain or decorative styles to complement different cabinet designs.

Custom curved components created using CNC technology for a unique and elegant design detail in our cabinets that cannot be replicated on site or by hand without huge expense.

A design option that offers a distinctive look or increased shelf flexibility, especially useful for wider alcove spaces or heavier book collections.

  • Flat Panel Door: A contemporary, minimalist door with no detailing.
  • Inner Mould Door: Features a convex “ovolo” detail, ideal for classic architecture.
  • J Handle Door: A modern style with clean lines, often accented with oak or walnut details.
  • Ogee Mould Door: An “S”-shaped moulding popular in the housing industry.
  • Panel Mould Door: A Victorian-style door with mitred moulding on a Shaker base.
  • Raised Panel Door: An Edwardian-style door with a detailed centre panel.
  • Sailing Door: A door that finishes 20mm off the floor for a sleek, contemporary look.
  • Shaker Door: A simple, popular door style following Shaker design principles.
  • Tongue & Groove Door (T&G): Vertical lines within a Shaker-style frame, ideal for cottage-style properties.

A machine that applies paint preparation tape for a smooth paint base, reducing dust and mess.

Custom-made cabinets, such as alcove dressers, media units, and wardrobes, tailored to the specific dimensions and style requirements of a room.

Permanently installed shelves, ideal for wide spaces or heavy items, often combined with shelf lighting.

Cabinets designed to “float” within an alcove space or against a wall, creating a sleek, modern look. Supplied with all necessary installation components.

Shelves without visible brackets, available in various thicknesses. Should match the thickness of the cabinet base top to avoid a “top-heavy” look.

Decorative vertical lines typically used on the columns of base cabinets or bookcase columns.

An international certification ensuring that wood products are sourced from sustainably managed forests or recycled materials.

Includes hinges, drawer runners, and other fittings. We use only premium brand hardware with soft-close mechanisms.

A cabinet or bookcase that fits flush between walls, aligned with the chimney breast.

Lights installed inside alcove cabinets, wardrobes and media units, activated when doors are opened.

A flat, uniform finish used primarily for the interiors of alcove wardrobes and cabinets.

Low-power, dimmable lights with colour options, suitable for various applications with easy “plug-and-play” installation.

An engineered wood product made from recycled wood fibres, known for its stability, durability, and superior painting properties. For more information What Are Our Cabinets and Wardrobes Made From?

A shelf positioned above cupboard doors to house media devices like DVD players or TV boxes.

The unit of measurement used for all cabinet dimensions to ensure precision and consistency. How to Measure Your Space Like a Pro

A bookcase that extends out from a shallow alcove, wrapping around the chimney breast for added depth.

Decorative trim placed under the cornice or at the top of a bookcase, available in flat or arched designs.

Dimmable LED lights installed along the back perimeter of floating cabinets to create ambient lighting.

A base that conceals adjustable feet beneath a cabinet, providing a seamless finish from cabinet to floor.

An option that accelerates on-site installation by pre-assembling key cabinet components like the kitchen cabinets and drawers.

A super-flat laminate board that eliminates the need for interior painting.

A tape applied to MDF edges for a flawless paint finish, minimising the need for sanding.

A base coat used before painting, available in three colours (white, mid-tone, dark-tone) to match the final cabinet colour.

A decorative finish along the front edge of bookcase shelves.

Lights installed with fixed-position shelves to provide even illumination across shelf bays.

LED strips installed along the sides of a bookcase, allowing adjustable shelf heights.

A skirting that wraps around the cabinet base, usually shorter than the room’s skirting for a balanced aesthetic.

A board used behind floating cabinets for secure mounting, hidden once installed.

A guide provided for fitting alcove base cabinets, ensuring an accurate installation.

A bookcase customised with shelf placement tailored to the size of your TV.

A finishing detail that adds a polished look to alcove base cabinets.

Columns along the sides of alcove cabinets, used to hide gaps caused by uneven walls or accommodate plug sockets and skirting.

Refers to the uneven walls common in both period and new-build properties. Our cabinets, wardrobes and media units include a 20mm tolerance to accommodate such variations.

A thin layer of real wood applied to surfaces to achieve a solid wood effect, often used on base cabinet tops and bookcase back panels.