The Cabinet Dictionary

work by Sheraton

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June 22, 2026

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The Cabinet Dictionary was a significant work by Thomas Sheraton, an English cabinetmaker and influential Neoclassical furniture designer. Published in 1803, it aimed to explain terms used in cabinetmaking, chair making, and upholstery, and also included guidance on varnishing, polishing, and gilding. While the selection of terms was somewhat eclectic, the dictionary provided technical knowledge relevant to the furniture trade. Sheraton's work, including this dictionary and his earlier Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterers' Drawing Book, greatly influenced furniture design in England and America during the late 18th century.12

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bureau
…1803 Thomas Sheraton stated, in The Cabinet Dictionary, that it had “generally been applied to common desks with drawers under them, such as are made very frequently in country towns.” In the early 18th century one form of bureau consisted of a bank of drawers below a sloping writing flap,…
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…1803 Thomas Sheraton stated, in The Cabinet Dictionary, that it had “generally been applied to common desks with drawers under them, such as are made very frequently in country towns.” In the early 18th century one form of bureau consisted of a bank of drawers below a sloping writing flap,…
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cane furniture
Thomas Sheraton suggested in The Cabinet Dictionary (1803) that cane should be used for bed ends and “any thing where lightness, elasticity, cleanness, and durability, ought to be combined.” Cane furniture based on English styles was introduced into Germany, Spain, and the American colonies; the council chamber in Williamsburg,…
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Thomas Sheraton suggested in The Cabinet Dictionary (1803) that cane should be used for bed ends and “any thing where lightness, elasticity, cleanness, and durability, ought to be combined.” Cane furniture based on English styles was introduced into Germany, Spain, and the American colonies; the council chamber in Williamsburg,…
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cheval glass
Thomas Sheraton, in The Cabinet Dictionary (1803), included a design with a nest of drawers at one side and another with a writing surface. When wardrobes were fitted with mirrored doors, the cheval glass became unnecessary in bedrooms.
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Thomas Sheraton, in The Cabinet Dictionary (1803), included a design with a nest of drawers at one side and another with a writing surface. When wardrobes were fitted with mirrored doors, the cheval glass became unnecessary in bedrooms.
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Thomas Sheraton
…minister in 1800, published his Cabinet Dictionary (with plates), containing An Explanation of All Terms Used in the Cabinet, Chair and Upholstery Branches with Dictionary for Varnishing, Polishing and Gilding. Unfortunately, the selection of terms is arbitrary and eclectic, suggesting that he was increasingly more interested in the eccentric. Of…
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…minister in 1800, published his Cabinet Dictionary (with plates), containing An Explanation of All Terms Used in the Cabinet, Chair and Upholstery Branches with Dictionary for Varnishing, Polishing and Gilding. Unfortunately, the selection of terms is arbitrary and eclectic, suggesting that he was increasingly more interested in the eccentric. Of…
Read More