Furniture Terms Every Designer Should Know
Speak the Same Language as Your Furniture Partner
There’s nothing worse than getting deep into a custom furniture project and realizing you and your builder are picturing two totally different things. At Fortner, we’ve been building and reupholstering commercial furniture since 1929. Along the way, we’ve found that the best projects always start with a shared understanding of what’s being built and how.
This blog gives you a peek into the upholstery and fabrication terms our design team uses every day. Want the full guide? Drop your email and we’ll send you the full Fortner Terminology Sheet—packed with visuals and definitions from our internal shop drawings and upholstery plans..
A Few Terms That Can Change Everything
Apron vs. Boxing
The apron is the front panel of a seat, while seat boxing refers to the vertical edge of a cushion. These details matter for both aesthetics and construction—especially when specifying fabric layouts or seams.
Welt, Flange, and Top Stitch
These are finishing details that help your piece feel polished. Want a clean modern look? Go for a top stitch. Want a classic detail? A contrast welt might be your best friend.
Seat Styles
Do you want a waterfall seat that curves seamlessly into the apron, or a boxed seat with crisp lines? Maybe you’re designing around a bullnose cushion with soft curves? Knowing the terms makes a big difference when you’re communicating vision.
Channeling, Tufting, and Slip Covers
It’s easy to say you want a “button back,” but do you mean hand diamond tufting, biscuit tufting, or sewn channels? They’re all different and they each require unique construction and foam support.
Tight Wrap vs. Loose Cushion
A tight wrap is fabric stapled directly to the frame. A loose cushion sits on top and can be removed. A semi-attached cushion lives in between. Each has different comfort levels and design applications.
Why This Matters for Your Projects
When you know the terms, you get more control. Your drawings are more precise. Your fabric choices are more strategic. And most importantly—there are fewer surprises during production.
We created this guide to empower our partners. Whether you’re working on hotel lobbies, college housing, restaurant booths, or spa lounges, knowing how to speak the language of fabrication can help your project run smoother and look better.
Download the Furniture Terminology Kit for Designers.
Our internal design team uses this resource every day—and now you can too. We’ve compiled every key furniture and upholstery term into one downloadable PDF, complete with diagrams, definitions, and practical notes.
Why Fortner is Your Partner
Creating flexible commercial spaces is more than a trend—it’s an essential strategy to future-proof your projects. Thoughtful design, versatile furniture, and innovative planning empower you to deliver spaces that thrive in any scenario. At Fortner, we specialize in custom commercial furniture designed to adapt. If you're planning your next commercial project, our team is here to help.
At Fortner, we specialize in hospitality reupholstery, offering customizable solutions tailored to your brand and design needs. Based in Columbus, OH, we proudly serve clients throughout Ohio and beyond.
Contact us today to refresh your space.