British terminology: a quick guide to UK furniture words

If you shop for furniture online, you’ll soon notice that some words sound different in the UK. Knowing the local terms can save you time, avoid confusion, and help you pick the right piece for your home. Below we break down the most useful British words you’ll meet on Bamboo Tiger’s site and in everyday conversation.

Why British terms matter

Most furniture blogs, product pages, and even sales staff in the UK use a mix of British and international words. A US‑style “couch” is usually called a “sofa” here, while a “sectional” often appears as a “corner sofa”. If you miss the nuance, you might end up ordering a piece that doesn’t fit your space or expectations.

Understanding the language also makes it easier to compare prices, read reviews, and follow care tips. For example, a “dressing table” in the UK is what Americans call a “vanity”. Knowing this means you’ll look at the right product when searching for a bedroom makeover.

Common UK furniture words explained

Sofa – The go‑to term for a padded seating unit with arms. It covers everything from a two‑seater to a large three‑piece design.

Chair – Used for any single‑seat piece, including “armchair”, “wingback chair”, or “recliner”. When a brand mentions a “Lazy‑Boy”, they’re talking about a recliner chair.

Corner sofa – A sofa that wraps around a corner of the room. You’ll see variations like “left‑hand facing corner sofa” or “right‑hand facing”, which tell you which side the chaise sits on.

TV stand – The low cabinet that holds your television. Guides often talk about the “best TV stand size for a 55 inch TV”, meaning the width of the stand should be a little wider than the TV.

Coffee table – The low table placed in front of the sofa. When you read “ideal coffee table height”, the rule of thumb is the table should be about two‑thirds the height of the sofa seat.

Dresser – A tall piece with drawers, often used for clothing. Some people repurpose a dresser as a “TV stand” to add storage.

Garden furniture – Outdoor pieces, usually made of wood, metal, or woven synthetic material. Articles about “protecting garden furniture from rain” focus on waterproof covers and proper storage.

Round coffee table – A coffee table with a circular top. Guides for “best size round coffee table” suggest a diameter that allows easy movement around the sofa.

Sofa bed – Also called a “pull‑out couch”, “convertible sofa”, or “sleeper sofa”. It works as a regular sofa by day and a bed by night. Tips on “where to place a sofa bed” help you keep it functional and stylish.

Colour trends – In the UK, “most popular furniture colour of 2024” often refers to shades like muted green, warm grey, or deep navy. Knowing the trend helps you pick a piece that feels current.

Getting comfortable with these UK terms means you can browse Bamboo Tiger’s collection with confidence. Whether you’re hunting for a bamboo dining table, a tiger‑inspired accent chair, or a sturdy sofa that lasts years, the right words get you to the right product fast.

Next time you read a product title like “Left‑hand facing corner sofa: meaning, layout tips, and how to choose”, you’ll know exactly what to expect. And when you see a blog post about “Do expensive couches last longer?”, you’ll understand the focus is on durability, not just price.

Use this guide as a cheat sheet, keep it handy while you shop, and enjoy the smoother, more informed buying experience that comes with speaking the local furniture language.