Furniture Glossary

Durability and style are the two most important qualities of our children’s furniture. Below you’ll find useful care instructions, as well as descriptions of various furniture components and safety features.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Pottery Barn Kids furniture should not be exposed to direct sunlight or excessive temperatures.
Wood
Dust pieces often using a clean, soft, lint–free cloth such as a cotton diaper. Do not use a sponge or dishcloth. Slightly moisten the cloth with water – a damp cloth collects dust and avoids scratches. Dry thoroughly. Apply furniture polish only as needed. Waxing is not recommended on our lacquered finishes.
Slipcovers
Our slipcovered furniture offers easy care. Machine wash the Anywhere Sleeper Sofa and Chair slipcovers in cold water and tumble dry warm. Do not dry-clean. The Lullaby Rocker, Dream Rocker, Sleigh Glider and Ottoman slipcovers should be dry cleaned for optimal care, but can be machine washed. We recommend using cold water in an industrial-sized machine without an agitator. Tumble dry for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Remove when slightly damp and place on furniture – any wrinkles will smooth out. Do not line dry. Consult a professional dry cleaner for questions regarding spot cleaning and deep cleaning. Dust and vacuum crevictes regularly.

GLOSSARY

Antiqued Finish
A painted finish that creates the illusion of age. Furniture is subtly rubbed, primarily at the edges, exposing material underneath for an "heirloom" appearance. Finish may vary from piece to piece.
Beadboard
A method of carving paneling so it appears to be a series of thin slats placed side by side. Commonly used as wainscoting on walls, beadboard traces its ancestry to 19th century Victorian and English Country styles. It was associated with less formal homes and spaces, particularly vacation cottages.
Double Doweled Joints
Corner joints are reinforced with two pegs, also known as "dowels," at each connection for a sturdy, durable frame. The frames of most Pottery Barn Kids furniture have double-doweled joints that are reinforced by corner blocks for extra stability.
Finial
The decorative top of a bedpost, headboard or footboard.
Foam Density
The weight of one cubic foot of foam. The higher the density, the better and longer lasting the cushioning and support.
Glide
A mechanism on the sides or bottom of a drawer or keyboard tray that allows effortless, smooth movement. A modern replacement for the slotted wooden drawer guide.
Hardwood
Timber obtained from trees that lose their leaves annually. Hardwoods differ from softwoods by structural differences, not by pliability. Hardwoods tend to grow slower and live longer than softwood trees, so the wood is more compact. Hardwoods have a tight, smooth grain, due to dense rings. We use hardwoods such as maple, poplar and rubberwood.
Kiln-Dried Wood
Wood that is dried in an oven to eliminate any moisture that could later cause cracking or warping.
Melamine
A durable, plastic resin finish that is resistant to scratches and stains. Perfect for a child's play area.
Moulding
Carved or contoured trim, most commonly an architectural element. Often used to frame pictures and mirrors, as well as to add visual interest to picture ledges and shelves. Also used on cabinets and dressers.
Platform Bed
A bed with a solid platform between the headboard and footboard, rather than slats or a center rail. This type of bed makes a box spring unnecessary, and its low–to–the–ground design makes it ideal for young children.
Rattan
A tropical vine with a hard outer shell and a tough fibrous center core. Vine is shaped after being softened with steam. Once dry, the vine becomes very strong and durable.
Rush Seats
Seats of durable, resilient woven reed. Ideal for kids, this style of seating is generally a bit more rustic and casual than seating with solid wood or upholstered seats.
Shelf Apron
A lip or ridge around the edge of a shelf to prevent items from rolling off.
Slide Rails
The pieces that run along the sides of the bed from headboard to footboard. On metal frames, the side rails support the box spring and mattress. On wooden beds, they are often made from wood and sometimes support cross slats. Pottery Barn Kids cribs feature side rails that lock safely into place. They can be unlocked and lowered easily with one hand, providing better access to baby and crib.
Sleigh
Named for its resemblance to a horse-drawn sleigh; this type of bed was created as a cozy refuge from drafts. Our version offers a high headboard and footboard as well as high, graceful curved side rails that create a safe and cozy refuge for little ones.
Tip-resistant Kit
A furniture safety system that Pottery Barn Kids includes with all furniture items over four feet tall. The kit consists of one sturdy bracket that attaches to the furniture piece and another bracket that attaches to the wall. The two brackets are then connected with a nylon safety strap that helps prevent furniture from tipping over.
Toddler Bed
A bed that combines elements of a crib and a twin bed for comfort and convenience. Made for children 35" or taller, or those who can climb out of the crib, our toddler beds give kids the security of a crib with the easy access of a bed. By replacing one of the crib's side rails with a bed side rail, most of our cribs can be converted to toddler beds (conversion kits sold separately). Our toddler beds conveniently use crib mattresses and crib fitted sheets.
Trundle
A low bed that slides or rolls out from beneath a standard bed. Popular for children and their sleepover guests. Most of our trundles require our Trundle Mattress, sold separately. Trundle can also be used without a mattress as extra under-bed storage.
Turned Feet/Legs/Post
"Turning" is the process by which cylindrical pieces of wood–such as furniture feet, legs and posts–are carved in symmetrical patterns. Sharp tools, held against the wood as it spins on a lathe, create grooves and contours such as those commonly seen on porch posts.