If you are decorating your home, building a new home, or are interested in interior decorating or interior designing, you may run into some decorating words that you may not know.
Some interior design words and acronyms are used to communicate precisely with architects, to display credentials, or to describe fabric and furniture.
Here is a small glossary of terms interior designers and interior decorators commonly use but you may not know.
photo courtesy of The Sharpteam flickr.com/photos/sharpteam/2808317225
Accent Wall
A wall within a room that is painted or decorated differently from the others to create visual interest or highlight a specific area.
AFF
AFF is a designer, architectural, and builder abbreviation for "above finished floor". AFF is often used to note the location of light switches, electrical outlets, and the height of a chandelier or pendant light fixture. For example, a chandelier might be hung 60" AFF.
Ambiance
The overall atmosphere or mood of a space, influenced by factors such as lighting, color, and furnishings. Ambiance evokes emotions and sets the tone for a room.
Antique
An antique is any item that is at least 100 years old. Do not confuse with vintage.
Armoire (pronounced arm wahr)
An armoire is a large piece of furniture with doors and maybe drawers that can hold clothes, a TV, or other items.
Art Deco
A design style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious materials such as chrome, glass, and mirror.
ASID
ASID refers to the American Society of Interior Designers, an organization that interior designers might want to join. Members who are professional interior designers list ASID after their name. Members who are designers who have completed school, but not all of the requirements to become a professional interior designer (rigorous testing and more) list Allied ASID after their name. Members who are designers who do not have an interior design degree and are not professional interior designers list Associate ASID after their name.
Backsplash
A protective surface installed behind a sink, stove, or countertop to prevent water damage and stains. Backsplashes are commonly made of tile, glass, or stone and come in a variety of colors and patterns, adding visual interest to kitchen and bathroom designs.
Banquette (pronounced bank ette)
A banquette is a built in bench, often used in a breakfast room along a wall with a pedestal dining table.
Bohemian Style
An eclectic and free-spirited design approach inspired by global travels and cultures. Bohemian interiors feature layered textures, vibrant colors, and a mix of patterns and textiles.
Bolster Pillow
A bolster pillow is a decorative cylindrical pillow.
Buffet
A buffet is a storage cabinet in a dining room that is approximately 30" high where the top is used to serve food.
Cabriole Leg (pronounced cab ree ole)
A cabriole leg is a leg in a slight S shape.
Case Goods
Case goods are any unupholstered piece of furniture, such as a wood table or metal night stand.
Casing
Trim used to frame doors and windows, covering the gap between the wall and the door/window frame. Casing can be simple or elaborate, adding architectural detail and enhancing the overall design of a room.
Chair Rail
A chair rail is a piece of molding applied to the wall approximately 30" above the floor. Chair rails are most often used in a dining room because they were originally intended to protect the wall from chairs bumping against it. Chair rails are now mostly used for decorative purposes, so they are seen in other rooms in the home.
Chaise Longe - also called Chaise or Chaise Lounge (pronounced Shaze Long or Chase Lounge)
A chaise long is a comfortable lounge chair with and extended seat forming a leg rest.
Chenille (pronounced shin eel)
Chenille is a soft but thick textural fabric that has a bit of iridescence to it. It is used for upholstery and heavy draperies.
Chevron
A chevron is a wide zigzag pattern that often switches between 2 different colors. A chevron tile pattern is created using rhombus shaped tiles (a rhombus is a rectangular with angled sides). Not to be confused with herringbone.
Chintz
A chintz is a printed floral pattern.
Chinoiserie (pronounced chin wah ser E)
Chinoiserie is furniture, fabric, or accessories with an asian motif or style.
Coffered Ceiling
A coffered ceiling is a ceiling with many sunken panels for architectural interest. Not to be confused with a tray ceiling.
Color Palette
A selected range of colors used throughout a space to create a cohesive and unified look. It includes primary colors, secondary colors, and accent colors.
Console Table
A console table is a small rectangular table, sometimes wall hung, that sits against a wall. They are often used in an entryway.
Contemporary
Contemporary style refers to interior decorations that are in style now. Do not confuse with modern.
Contrast
The degree of difference between elements within a space, such as light and dark colors, smooth and rough textures, or modern and traditional styles. Contrast adds visual interest and depth to a design.
Credenza
A credenza is a piece of furniture that is approximately 30" tall with enclosed storage below. Credenzas are often found in dining rooms, however they are also found in offices with file storage below.
Demilune (pronounced demmy lune)
A demilune is a console table that is in a half circle or arch shape.
Eclectic
Eclectic is a decorating style that mixes decor and furniture from different styles, periods, and cultures to create a unique and personalized look. Eclectic interiors often feature a mix of colors, patterns, and textures.
Etagere (pronounced et a jere)
An etagere is a small piece of furniture with several open shelves for displaying accessories.
Faux Finish (pronounced fo finish)
Faux finishing is a finish technique, usually involving paint, that tries to mimic a different finish (such as stone or leather).
Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway)
Feng Shui, literally meaning wind and water, is a Chinese practice of positioning items in a positive way to harness chi, or energy.
Finial (pronounced fin e ul)
A finial is a decorative ornament often used at the end of a curtain rod or the top of a lamp.
Focal Point
A focal point is a part of a room that visually grabs your attention, such as a beautiful light fixture or fireplace.
Futon (pronounced foo taun)
A futon is a mattress on a frame that is able to bend in half and convert from a sofa to a bed.
Grout
A mixture of cement, water, and sand used to fill the gaps between tiles and secure them in place. Grout comes in various colors and finishes, enhancing the appearance of tiled surfaces.
Hearth
The area surrounding a fireplace, typically made of brick, stone, or tile, extending into the room or built into the wall.
Herringbone
A pattern characterized by a series of interlocking rectangles, resembling the bones of a fish. Herringbone patterns are commonly used in flooring, tile, and textiles. Not to be confused with a chevron pattern.
Hue
Hue is another word for color.
Kilim (pronounced key leem)
A kilim is a flat woven rug produced near Pakistan.
Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle is a guide for positioning the main elements of your kitchen - your sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Knock Down (often shortened to KD)
Knock down refers to furniture that you purchase unassembled.
Laminate
Laminate is an item topped with a decorative veneer. The veneer could be wood, but more often paper printed with a pattern. In a home, laminate is often used for countertops (many people refer to the brand name Formica), in wood looking flooring, and other items.
Lanai (pronounced lan I)
A lanai is another name for a covered and screened in back porch.
Lumbar Pillow
A lumbar pillow is a small rectangular pillow intended to support your back, however many are used purely for decoration.
MDF
MDF refers to medium density fiberboard. It is a cheap wood product that has no wood grain so it must be painted.
Mid Century Modern
Mid century modern is a term that is used to describe furniture and architecture that was modern in the 1950's (the middle of the 20th century). Mid century modern (MCM) is characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and minimalist aesthetics. MCM interiors often feature iconic furniture designs and natural materials.
Minimalism
A design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and the elimination of excess. Minimalist interiors feature clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces.
Molding
Decorative trim or edging used to embellish walls, ceilings, or furniture. Molding can be made of wood, plaster, or composite materials and comes in a variety of profiles and styles, such as crown molding, baseboard molding, and chair rail molding.
Monochromatic
Monochromatic mean one color. You can decorate your home in an all white monochromatic style.
Mullion
A vertical or horizontal divider between panes of glass in a window or door, often made of wood, metal, or plastic.
Niche (pronounced neesh)
A niche is a recess in a wall often used to display accessories or artwork.
Ottoman
An ottoman is an upholstered footstool often upholstered in the same fabric as a chair. It can also refer to an upholstered coffee table.
Patina
A patina is a finish that has been produced after another material has aged. Patina can be naturally caused over time or it can imitated to give a new item and old look.
Pedestal Sink
A freestanding sink supported by a single column or pedestal, typically used in bathrooms or powder rooms. Pedestal sinks save space and add a classic, vintage-inspired look to the room, however are not always preferred because they do not offer storage below the sink like a traditional sink on top of a cabinet.
Ready Made
Ready made refers to items that are mass produced the exact same and available for sale at stores or online.
RID
RID refers to a registered interior designer
Scale
The proportion and size of elements within a space relative to each other and the overall room. Proper scale ensures that furniture and decor are appropriately sized for the room and create a balanced composition.
Scandinavian Design
A design style originating from the Nordic countries, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Scandinavian interiors feature clean lines, neutral colors, and an emphasis on light and space.
Sconce
A sconce is a wall mounted light fixture that is usually hard wired to the wall but sometimes plugs into an electrical outlet.
Sectional Sofa
A sectional sofa is a sofa that is sold in different sized and shaped pieces that you can combine to create the perfect size and shape for your room.
Shabby Chic
A design style that embraces a worn, aged, and distressed aesthetic, often incorporating vintage furniture, floral patterns, and soft pastel colors. See the article How to Decorate in an Updated Shabby Chic style.
Shiplap
A type of wooden board with a groove along its edge, allowing the boards to overlap and create a tight seal. Prior to people using drywall as their interior finished walls, shiplap was used as a hidden structural element that was covered in wallpaper. Shiplap has recently been used as wall paneling, adding texture and rustic charm to interiors.
Slipper Chair
A slipper chair is a smaller upholstered armless chair.
Steampunk Style
Steampunk style is a retro futuristic style from the mid 1800's. It depicts what people in the mid 1800's thought the future was going to look like.
Texture
The tactile quality of surfaces within a space, such as smooth, rough, soft, or coarse. Texture adds depth, warmth, and dimension to interior design.
Toile de Jouy - also called Toile (pronounced twall)
Toile is a French word meaning canvas. It is a fabric with a pattern that depicts a country scene.
Torchere
Torchere is a lamp style that is freestanding (but can sometimes refer to a wall sconce) that points light up to the ceiling.
Transom
A horizontal window located above a door or another window, allowing additional natural light to enter a room. Transoms can be fixed or operable and are often used for architectural interest or ventilation.
Tray Ceiling
A tray ceiling is a ceiling that has one or two stair steps up on the exterior perimeter of the room. Not to be confused with a coffered ceiling.
Tromp l'oeil (pronounced tromp loy)
Tromp l'oeil is a painting technique that seems realistic and 3 dimensional.
Trundle Bed
A trundle bed is a bed on wheels that is stored underneath another bed in the same room. Children often have a trundle bed for guests when they come to visit.
Tufting
Tufting is a technique where buttons are recessed into upholstered furniture creating an interesting detail. Tufting is often used on sofa backs and upholstered headboards.
Upholstery
Upholstery is furniture that is fully or partially covered in fabric.
Valance
A valance is a decorative window covering that only covers the top portion of a window.
Veneer (pronounced vin ear)
A veneer very thin decorative layer often made of wood, brick, or stone. Underneath a veneer is a lesser expensive and/or more durable building material.
Vintage
An items that is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old. Do not confuse with antique.
Wainscoting (pronounced wains cotting or wains coating)
Wainscoting is a decorative wood paneling on the lower portion of a wall only - usually 30" high and below.
You might also like........
The Art of Accessorizing: Tips for a Polished Look
Tips and Tricks for Quality Home Decorating on a Budget
Interior Designer Tips & Tricks for How to Create a Cohesive Color Scheme in Your Home
