Guide to Wood Furniture Terms: Part 1

We’re days away from our summer Wood Furniture Sale and because we love every opportunity to geek out over furniture education, we figured it is the perfect time to dig into some wood furniture terminology. It’s easier to shop for and find what you want when you know what to search for, after all!

Wood furniture is all about texture, craftsmanship, and character. From woven natural fibers to sculptural rattan frames, from richly wrapped case goods to dramatic burl wood and graphic inlay patterns, each material tells a story. Because these details often get grouped together or are used interchangeably, we’re breaking them down into a clear, approachable series.

Part 1 focuses on the woven, wrapped, and woodgrain styles you’ll see throughout the shop, giving you a foundation for recognizing the materials and techniques that make each piece special. Let’s dive in!

 

 

Woven & Wrapped Furniture Styles

It’s no secret that we have an incredible mix of wood furniture textures at Nell Hill’s – chairs with airy cane backs, sculptural rattan frames, tightly woven wicker details, and beautifully wrapped case goods. While all distinct, sometimes this category gets all “wrapped” into one – so let’s differentiate to make it easier to spot what you love.

 

Woven Furniture - Woven furniture is a broad category that includes pieces made with natural fibers shaped, braided, or woven into seats, backs, or frames. These pieces add warmth, texture, and an organic, hand-crafted feel to a room. Within woven furniture, you’ll see a few distinct styles throughout the shop:

 

Wicker - Wicker refers to the weaving technique rather than a specific material. It’s often crafted from rattan, reed, or similar fibers and creates a tight, textured pattern. Wicker pieces feel relaxed, timeless, and slightly vintage — perfect for cozy corners and layered interiors.

 

 

 

 

 

Rattan - Rattan is a material – a sturdy climbing palm used for both frames and woven details. Rattan furniture has a sculptural, airy silhouette and a natural warmth that works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and sun‑filled spaces. It’s one of the most versatile woven looks.

 

 

 

 

Cane - Cane is a material and a technique - it’s made of the outer bark of the rattan plant, cut into thin strips and woven into open airy patterns, typically hexagonal or square. You’ll see it in chair backs, cabinet doors, and headboards. Cane adds a breezy, classic texture that feels both traditional and fresh, making it ideal for pieces that need visual lightness.

 

 

 

 

Rush - Rush is a material and a technique – it’s a natural fiber traditionally twisted into rope‑like cords and woven into seating or other furniture types. It has a heritage, hand‑crafted look — often seen in ladder‑back chairs or classic woven seats. Rush adds a rustic, organic texture that feels warm and timeless, and it pairs beautifully with both traditional and collected interiors.

 

 

 

 

 

Wrapped Furniture (Grasscloth & Raffia) - Wrapped furniture features natural fibers applied directly to case goods, drawers, tables, and chests. Grasscloth and raffia create a refined, relaxed, organic texture that brings a coastal-meets-classic feel to a room. The fibers are typically woven together, and backed for stability, then applied to the piece with adhesive.  While often seen in natural tones, these materials can also be dyed or tinted, offering soft neutrals, rich colors, and subtle pastels for a more tailored look.

 

 

Wood Furniture Terms

Beyond woven and wrapped textures, many of the wood pieces throughout the shop feature distinctive materials and finishes that give them their character. These terms help describe the natural patterns, surface treatments, and craftsmanship you’ll see in our case goods, tables, and accent pieces.

 

Burl Wood - Burl wood is not a type of tree, but rather a natural pattern that comes from a tree growth where the grain twists and swirls, creating dramatic, organic shapes. These unique patterns come from environmental stress or some other trauma to the tree. Burl is prized for its rarity and visual richness, often used on tabletops, drawer fronts, and case goods to add warmth, movement, and a touch of glamour. How amazing that these beautiful pieces come from what would otherwise be considered “deformities”!

 

 

 

 

Chevron - Chevron refers to a V‑shaped, directional pattern created by arranging wood veneer pieces so the grain meets at an angle. It’s not carved or applied — the visual interest comes from how the wood grain is laid out. Chevron patterns add movement, structure, and a graphic element to headboards, cabinet fronts, and tabletops.

 

 

 

Inlay - Inlay involves setting contrasting materials — leather, upholstery, resin, differing wood tones or types — into the surface of a piece to create pattern or detail. Inlay adds craftsmanship and visual interest, often seen on tabletops, drawer fronts, and decorative boxes.

 

 

 

Fretwork - Fretwork is an ornamental pattern, often geometric, lattice‑like, or interlocking, carved into or applied onto wood surfaces. You’ll see it on cabinet doors, mirror frames, consoles, and architectural details. Both game tables below have inlay and fretwork features. The daybed features fretwork on each of the panels connected by the posts.

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re drawn to classic oak, sculptural walnut, or beautifully painted case goods, our team is here to help you find pieces that fit your home and your style. Stop by the shop, explore our vignettes, and see these details up close… you may never look at wood furniture the same way again.

This first chapter in our wood furniture guide covers some of the tactile textures and distinctive grain patterns that bring warmth and personality to a space, from cane and wicker to burl wood, chevron, inlay, and fretwork. In Part 2, we’ll continue exploring additional wood finishes, construction details, and design terminology that shape the furniture we love. Understanding these elements makes it easier to choose pieces that feel intentional, collected, and uniquely yours.

During our Wood Furniture Sale (July 15–August 15), every piece, whether in stock or special order, is 20% off, making it the perfect time to invest in furniture built to last for generations. Until next time – Happy Decorating!