The simple nail serves as a key to furniture dating. Until about 1800, nails were hand-forged – tapered square shafts and hand-hammered heads. During the 1800s, cut nails have tapered rectangular shafts and rectangular heads. In the 1900s, the round wire nail with straight sides and a round head are the standard.

What are nails in furniture called?

Decorative nails, also called upholstery tacks, take a piece of furniture from humdrum to wow. As long as your furniture has a wood frame to anchor the nails, you can embellish just about any piece, including chairs, bookcases, cabinets, tables or ottomans.