Furniture Glossary

adjustable tilt mechanism

Angles the seat and back of an office chair. See also tilt angle.

armoire

A large wardrobe or cabinet.

caster

A small wheel on a swivel attached under a piece of furniture to facilitate moving it.

computer workcenter

A desk designed to accommodate a computer and accessories, and oftentimes a printer and other peripherals. A computer workcenter often has hutch compartments and storage shelves.

console

Furniture-style TV or audio system cabinet that sits on the floor.

credenza

A cabinet, buffet or sideboard.

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ergonomic

Something that is designed to reduce user fatigue and discomfort.

grommet

A hole drilled in a piece of home office or home entertainment furniture through which power and interconnect wires and cables are passed.

hutch

A chest or bin for storage, often with shelves.

lumbar support

A specially designed area of the back of an office chair that supports the lower, lumbar region of the spine.

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mobile computer cart

A computer-accommodating cart with casters that can be easily moved.

monitor shelf

A raised shelf which holds a computer monitor; designed for more comfortable viewing.

Pendaflex file folder

A brand name of file folder that hangs from metal rails inside a drawer.

pneumatic lift

A feature on many office chairs that uses air compression, with a lever to raise the height.

polyurethane

A thermoplastic or thermosetting resin.

powder coat finish

A highly durable paint finish that's applied electrostatically with a spraying technique, then baked into a smooth coating.

pull-out keyboard shelf

A small shelf that holds a computer keyboard and slides out of the way, under a desktop.

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rack system

Prepackaged audio or audio/video system sold in a rack or cabinet; seemingly separate components may actually be attached to one another and/or linked by a common power supply.

tilt angle

The angle at which an office chair's seat and back tilt simultaneously at the same ratio.

tilt lock

Locks chair in any tilt position for greatest comfort.

tilt tension

Increases or decreases the resistance of the chair tilt.

tower CPU

storage compartment A vertically designed compartment that accommodates a computer/CPU.

upholstery

The stuffing, springs, cushions and covering fabric of a piece of furniture.

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workcenter/workstation

A desk designed to accommodate a computer and accessories, and oftentimes a printer and other peripherals. A computer workstation commonly has hutch compartments and storage shelves.

wrist comfort rail

A pad or rail that elevates wrists to their proper, ergonomic height for using a computer.

wrist rest

A comfortable pad that elevates wrists to their proper, ergonomic height for using a computer.

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