Hi, Gail.
I would suggest you take a look at the Smithsonian Guidelines for Exhibitions. Here's the link for furniture specifically:
http://www.si.edu/opa/accessibility/exdesign/sectionb2.htm#fur
Click on the (fig. #) indications to see the diagrams.
I would recommend you take a look at the whole document. I have found it very useful, and sometimes making furniture accessible depends as much on it's placement as it's design. Also some locations/styles (e.g. wall hung cases) dictate specific design parameters if you want to avoid railings, etc.
Good luck with your project!
-Ann
Ann Marshall
ELY, Inc.
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