Frieze is the middle band on this Doric classic order, Drawing by author.
rieze. On ancient post and lintel construction, the lintel is divided in three horizontal bands: architrave, frieze and cornice. The frieze is a wide facia, sometimes left plain and sometimes carved in low relief.
A frieze was often decorated with low relief carving
Since much of our furniture design is post and beam or in furniture parlance – post and rail, we see often see a similar arrangement in miniature.
This cabinet uses a subtle color shift in the frieze just below the cornice. (photo by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks)
Just like in architecture a frieze invites us to play with carving, inlay, or interesting texture or color. Any post and rail chair, table, or cabinet has the potential to incorporate a frieze just waiting for your creative expression.
If you have a nice example of a frieze, send me a picture at georgewalker.design@gmail.com and I’ll add it to this post.
George R. Walker
Chris Bame contributed this photo of a frieze on a cabinet from an antique shop. Thanks Chris!
Jonathan P. Szczepanski sent a photo of a frieze (see below) he incorporated on an arts and crafts inspired bookcase. Nice to see this on a variety of different design approaches.
Design Matters 
Beautiful work! Both your writing and Chris and Jonathan’s contributed photos! Keep them coming 🙂