Furniture Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing (And the Stories Behind Them)

Ever walked into a furniture store and stumbled over the names of certain pieces? You're not alone. Furniture has a long history, and many of the terms we use today come from other languages. While you may know what a chaise longue or an étagère is, you might not be pronouncing them correctly. Let’s clear up some common mispronunciations and dive into the fun stories behind these tricky furniture terms.

Chaise Longue (Pronounced "Shezz Long")

This one trips people up all the time. The chaise longue (which literally means "long chair" in French) is that elegant, elongated recliner you often see in stylish living rooms or by the pool. Most people mistakenly call it a "chaise lounge," but the correct term is chaise longue. So, next time you're lounging, you can correct your friends with a little French flair.

Just like how we sometimes struggle with the proper names of motorcycle brands—Is it "Ducati" or "Doo-cot-ee"?—nailing the pronunciation of chaise longue will give you that extra touch of sophistication.

Étagère (Pronounced "Ay-ta-zher")

An étagère is a French shelving unit that’s open on all sides, usually with multiple tiers for displaying decorative items. The name comes from the French word "étage," meaning "shelf." It’s a sophisticated piece that can elevate any space, but most people stumble over its pronunciation. The proper way to say it is ay-ta-zher.

If you’re familiar with motorcycle parts, this is similar to pronouncing “Brembo” brakes correctly. You want to get it right because these are high-end pieces of equipment. Just like high-quality brakes deserve proper recognition, so does the elegant étagère!

Armoire (Pronounced "Arm-wahr")

This is a large, often ornate cabinet, used primarily for storing clothes or linens. It’s not "armoire-ay" or "arm-war," but rather arm-wahr. The armoire has its origins in France, where it was designed to hold armor (hence the name). Over time, it evolved into a piece of furniture for clothing storage, but its stately appearance has remained.

Like a vintage bike that’s been lovingly restored, an armoire has a classic feel that adds character to any room. Learning the correct pronunciation will let you appreciate this timeless piece even more.

Tête-à-Tête (Pronounced "Tet-ah-Tet")

The tête-à-tête is a two-seater sofa designed in an S-shape, allowing two people to sit facing each other without actually sharing the same space. Its name comes from the French for "head-to-head," referring to the intimate way people can sit and chat.

Much like mastering the jargon of motorcycle parts—do you know what a “scrambler” is?—understanding and properly pronouncing tête-à-tête gives you a better grasp of furniture design’s subtleties.