Which of these terms refers to a decorative moulding used on furniture?

Which of these terms refers to a decorative moulding used on furniture?

• A. Gadrooning
• B. Festoon
• C. Swag
• D. Carquetoire

Answer: (A)

Gadrooning refers to a moulding formed by a row of convex, rounded lobes—like a string of beads or grapes—that is turned or carved along the edge of furniture. This creates a distinct edge decoration, making it a true moulding. In contrast, festoon and swag describe draped garlands (garlands of flowers or fruit) that hang or curve along surfaces, not edge mouldings. Carquetoire isn’t a standard term for a furniture moulding, so it doesn’t describe an edge decoration. So the term that best fits a decorative moulding on furniture is gadrooning.

Gadrooning refers to a moulding formed by a row of convex, rounded lobes—like a string of beads or grapes—that is turned or carved along the edge of furniture. This creates a distinct edge decoration, making it a true moulding. In contrast, festoon and swag describe draped garlands (garlands of flowers or fruit) that hang or curve along surfaces, not edge mouldings. Carquetoire isn’t a standard term for a furniture moulding, so it doesn’t describe an edge decoration. So the term that best fits a decorative moulding on furniture is gadrooning.