A Glossary of Interior Design Terminology
Interior Design is a profession like any other that incorporates its' own terminology and jargon. DCR interiors is happy to provide a list of industry vocabulary to help its' clients and the public better understand our services, design options, and the profession as a whole.
ASID - American Society of Interior Designers
AIA - American Institute of Architects
ACCENT LIGHTING - controlled and focused light used to accent interior elements or architectural details
ARMOIRE – originally large cabinet or wardrobe used for storing clothes, often converted into entertainment or computer center
BACHELOR'S CHEST - small, low, wooden cabinet with drawers
BANQUETTE - built-in or free-standing upholstered bench: straight-run, back-to-back, L-shaped, island, U-shaped, octagonal, circular, radius-U, saw-tooth, serpentine.
BALLOON SHADE - fabric shade creating a gathered bottom edge when raised
BAUHAUS - practical, theoretical, and influential industrial art, craft, architecture and design school of the 20th century
BAY WINDOW - typically composed of three windows constructed with two angled side windows projecting from an exterior wall
BEAM - horizontal structural support for another floor or roof
BEAD BOARD - 4 x 8 sheet of plywood with regularly spaced grooves
BEVELED EDGE - slanted and polished edge detail used on wood, marble, glass, etc
BISECTING - divide into two parts
BOMBÉ – outward swelling on commodes , bureaus , and armoires
BROCADE - jacquard fabric design, often silk , with raised patterns and floating yarns on the back of the fabric , imitating embroidery
BUDGET - estimated spending level
BUFFET – linear furniture piece with storage for flatware used as a counter for serving
BUNGALOW - the term is often used to describe a single- or 1½-story Arts & Crafts "Craftsman" or "Prairie" style house built between 1890 and 1930 featuring casement window s, gabled and shingled roofs with wide overhangs, large porches, wood floors
BUREAU - refers to an American dresser or French writing desk
CABRIOLE LEG - carved wood furniture leg curving outward at the knee and tapering inward at the ankle, resembling an animal's hip, thigh and ankle, often finished with a claw foot or rounded pad
CAD/CADD - computer aided drafting and design
CAFE CURTAIN - window treatment typical gathered, stationary, hung from rods and rings installed half-way up a window
CAPITAL - decorative cap placed on a column , pillar or pilaster i. e. Doric , Ionic , Corinthian , Composite , Tuscan architectural orders
CASE GOODS - furniture pieces primarily constructed of wood
CASING - trim around a window or door opening
CC&Rs (Covenants Conditions and Regulations) - The restrictions governing the use of real estate, usually enforced by a homeowners' association and passed on to the new owners of property. For example, CC&Rs may tell you how big your house can be, how you must landscape your yard or whether you can have pets.
CEILING - permanently constructed, affixed or suspended horizontal structural-plane designed to protect individuals or objects from exterior weather conditions
CEILING TREATMENT - decorative details applied to any type of ceiling
CHAIR - individual seat constructed with a back rest, which is most often supported by 4 legs, featuring single or double armrests, i.e. Captain's chair, host and hostess chairs, ladder-back chair, side chair, wing chair
CHAIR RAIL - wood trim installed horizontally on a wall around a room, usually about 30" off the ground, used to scale down a large wall, further adorned with bead board, trim, wallpaper or contrasting paint colors , above and below
CHAISE LOUNGE - long reclining chair or sofa
CHANDELIER - ceiling mounted light fixture with arms branching out from a central support
CHARETTE - intense design exercise
CHIFFEROBE - large furniture wardrobe with drawers
CLASSIC ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE - a formulation by noted scholars of Greek and Roman architectural designs into five distinct orders; i.e. Greek Doric Order, Ionic Order and Corinthian Order, with the Roman Composite Order and Tuscan Order
CLAW FOOT - carved end on a furniture leg resembling an animal claw
COFFERED CEILING - recessed panels created in a ceiling
COLOR - a visual perception of light casting on objects in various hues , lightness and saturation. See ANALOGOUS , SECONDARY , TERTIARY
COLOR PALETTE - a specific group or range of traits in various colors , which can be contrasting, complimentary or monochromatic , utilized in a specific project
COLOR WAY - a variety of color schemes in a particular pattern created for a textile fabric , carpet , wall covering , etc.
COMBING - faux painting technique where a tool with "teeth" is dragged through the wet paint to create striations
COMPLIMENTARY COLOR - colors opposite each other on a color wheel i.e. Red vs. Green, Blue vs. Orange, Purple vs. Yellow See ANALOGOUS , PRIMARY , SECONDARY , TERTIARY
CONTEMPORARY - designs with simple lines, curves and geometric patterns
CORBEL - architectural detail projecting from a wall, which extends upward and outward
CORNER CABINET - built-in or independently crafted cabinet designed to fit tightly into the corner of a room, often symmetrically flanking two sides of a room
COUNTER - horizontal work surface, which can be free-standing or built-in, often constructed at 29" for seating height, or 36-39" for standing height
CROWN MOLDING - molding installed where the wall and ceiling meet or applied at the top of case goods
CURIO CABINET - slender display cabinet , typically with glass shelves
CUT PILE - tufted wool , nylon or other yarn shirred by machine, leaving the ends of the fibers evenly cut; carpet with a smooth and consistent surface
DAMASK - reversible jacquard woven of linen , cotton , silk , rayon or blends creating a contrasting satin and matte surface, typically woven into floral motifs
DECO - streamlined designs depicting design motifs from the Art Deco Period
DECORATOR - Our definition of an interior decorator is an individual with an interest and experience in residential decorating, but one who also lacks a formal education in interior design, which includes training in architecture, space planning, interior fixtures, furniture and finishes, lighting design, custom furniture and textile design, furniture and textile history, business ethics and standards, in conjunction with the ability to draft, execute floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, perspectives by hand or digitally for formal presentation
DEMISING WALL - any interior wall dividing one leased portion of a building from another
DIMENSION - spatial qualities; height, width and thickness
DISTRESSED - finish technique creating an aged patina , uneven or worn appearance
DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW - window of two sashes operating to slide past one another in a wood track
DOWN LIGHT - light source facing down from ceiling
DRAFTING - hand drawn, "mechanical" drawings including cabinetry , elevations , floor plans , reflected ceiling plans and architectural details
ECLECTIC - utilizing elements from multiple sources and styles
ELEVATION - scaled drawing depicting details on an exterior or interior wall.
ÉTAGÈRE - tall, open shelving unit for displaying accessories
ETHNIC - pattern and style influenced by the culture of other regions
EXOTIC - unique dramatic elements native to another country
FAUX - reproducing or re-interpreting a finish on any surface
FAUX BOIS - reproducing or re-interpreting a painted wood grain finish , and furnishings or objects imitating wood logs, branches and bark textures
FAVRILÉ GLASS - brand name for iridescent art glass originally introduced by L.C. Tiffany
FENG SHUI - wind and water; ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing the built environment with spiritual forces
FENESTRATION - stylistic placement of windows on a building
FIDER - Foundation for Interior Design Research, now known as the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
FIELD VERIFY - on-site visit to confirm measurements and position of electrical, HVAC, windows, doors, etc.
FINIAL - decorative hardware , wood, metal or cast materials used to cap drapery rods , newel posts , furnishings , woodwork , etc.
FINISH - final treatment, coating, stain, paint, etc. on a surface including lath & plaster, gypsum wallboard, acoustical & ceiling systems, cabinets & trim, furniture, floor coverings, wall coverings, countertops and so forth.
FINISH SCHEDULE - documents detailing doors, windows , furniture , room finishes , colors and other components needing clarification for construction purposes
FIREPLACE - combination of decorative wood, plaster or marble elements surrounding a firebox
FIRE BOX - open masonry area built in a wall at the base of a chimney to house a fire
FIRE SCREEN - decorative screen of fire proof materials placed in front of a mantle firebox to control sparks and embers;
FLOOR PLAN - scaled drawing , typically drawn at 1/4" to 1'0" scale, indicating walls, windows, electrical outlets, interior finishes and furniture placement. See ELECTRICAL PLAN , ELEVATION , FURNITURE LAYOUT , PLAN VIEW , REFLECTED CEILING PLAN , SPACE PLANNING
FLUTING - Grecian or classical design element with concave or recessed grooves running lengthwise on a column , pilaster or wood trim
FURNISHINGS - artwork, accessories , area rugs , cabinetry , lighting, storage equipment, window treatments and upholstery
FURNITURE - any freestanding or custom-built article constructed to provide surfaces for sitting or storing objects, i.e. armoire , dressers , chaise lounge , ottoman , sectional sofa , writing desk , etc
FURNITURE LAYOUT - position of furniture and accessories , including cabinetry , upholstery , area rugs , plants, etc. planned for space, shown in relation to walls, windows, electrical, flooring transitions, etc.
FURRED DOWN - dropped ceiling created with sheet rock, which is often used to conceal air vents or create additional architectural interest
FUTON BED - convertible frame utilizing a cotton -filled mattress, which can be used as a bed and a sofa
GALLERY - narrow exterior porch or balcony ; succession of rooms to display art; rail with small wood or metal spindles attached to the outer edge of cabinetry
GEOMETRIC - pattern with simple rectilinear shapes
GILDED - an object with a thin overly of gold leaf added to its surface
GOTHIC ARCH - steep arched opening with a pointed center and gradual curve, no keystone used
GREEN DESIGN - sustainable design methods utilizing recycled , renewable and environmentally friendly materials and design elements . i.e. energy efficient insulation, solar power, water conservation methods, renewable bamboo flooring, etc.
HEADBOARD/FOOTBOARD - plain or decorative boards or other materials used to create a headrest or end support on a bed, connected by side rails, i.e. carved wood, upholstered, iron, etc.
HERRINGBONE - fabric weaving technique created by alternating the direction in threading the loom to form a zigzag or "V" pattern.
HOME AUTOMATION - technological innovations and electronics pre-wired or retro-fitted into residential applications
HOME OFFICE - allocation of a specific residential space to conduct business
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION - An organization comprising neighbors concerned with managing the common areas of a subdivision or condominium complex. The homeowners' association is also responsible for enforcing any covenants, conditions and restrictions that apply to the property.
HOME THEATER - electronic equipment system designed to create theater-quality images and sound in a home
HOUNDSTOOTH - small scaled, broken check pattern
HUE - refers to an particular aspect of color i.e. Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, etc., based on the amount of light and wavelength across the color spectrum
IIDA - International Interior Design Association
ILLUMINATION - a source of light or decorative lighting
ILLUSTRATION - drawing, image or sample used to further explain
INCANDESCENT LIGHT - light from a conventional bulb, halogen bulb or heat lamp
INDIRECT LIGHTING - glare-free ambient lighting on ceiling , walls or floors, encased and hidden from view i.e. sconce , uplight , downlight
INLAY - to set one material into the surface of another creating a decorative pattern
INTERIOR DESIGN - the business of artistically decorating and furnishing the interior of any structure
INTERIOR DESIGNER - Our definition of an interior designer is one who has attended a 4-year certified interior design program including training in architecture, facility management, space planning, interior fixtures, furniture, equipment specifications and finishes (FFE), furniture and textile history, custom millwork, furniture, product, lighting and textile design, cost estimation, field verification and surveys, project administration, programming, coordination, business ethics and standards and ADA compliance, in conjunction with the ability to draft, execute floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, perspectives by hand or digital CAD for formal presentation.
IRIDESCENT - opalescent luster
IRONWORK - decorative , hand-forged iron or cast iron grilles, screens , gates, grates, etc.
JACQUARD FABRICS - all fabrics intricately woven on a jacquard loom including damasks , tapestries , brocades , and matelassé
JOIST - floor or ceiling beam support
KEYSTONE - originally the center structural wedge-stone of an arched opening, but may simply be decorative trim in the shape of a wedge capping an arched opening
KNOCK-DOWN - term used to describe furniture sold in parts and pieces, which require assembly
KICK PLATE - decorative plate installed at the bottom of a door to protect it from wear
KITCHEN DESIGN - specialty or sub-set of interior design focusing on kitchens
KILIM - hand- woven rugs from the Middle East with geometric designs
LACQUER - synthetic coating dried to form a protective film
LAMBREQUIN - decorative window treatment made of a wood frame formed around sides and top of window , often padded and fabric covered
LAMP - light source i.e. bulb, also used to describe a light fixture
LANDING - intermediate floor between a flight of stairs
LAYOUT - defining space for a specific purpose; prior arrangement of design to be implemented
LEADED GLASS - decorative window created with small pieces of clear, beveled or stained glass or jewels soldered together with lead caming and framed in wood
LEAD TIME - amount of time required to receive a product once it has been ordered
LIGHT SOURCE - origination of light, i.e. chandelier , recessed lighting, up light
LINOLEUM - natural flooring made of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone and pigments
LOFT - urban, expansive warehouse space, which is often converted into living quarters ; platform or level above another interior area
LOVESEAT - upholstered seating designed to seat two, usually with arms and back.
MANTLE - decorative fireplace treatment installed surrounding the fire proof material of the fire box , typically created of wood, stone, marble, iron or a combination of materials, often composed of pilasters and pediments or they may feature carvings and caryatids
MARBLEIZED - faux finish technique imitating real marble
MATERIAL BOARD - mat board presentation featuring images of furniture , accessories , lighting or equipment, complete with finish and fabric swatches.
MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard
MILLWORK - woodwork manufactured at a lumber mill used for interior trim
MIRROR - glass panel with a mercury backing applied to the back side, which reflects an identical or sometimes distorted image, often framed in wood or encased in furniture, i.e. beveled mirror, etched mirror, mirrored door, wall mirror, trumeau mirror
MIRROR IMAGE - an image, horizontal or vertical, duplicated in reverse
MODESTY PANEL - panel used on furniture to conceal view
MOLDING - straight or decorative strip used for ornamentation .
MONOCHROMATIC - of one color (dark to light) i.e. black & white color scheme encompasses black through all the shades of grey to white
MOSAIC - broken fragments combined to create intricate ceramic tile patterns
MOTIF - dominant or recurring theme throughout a project
MURPHY BED - mattress and frame, which folds down or is raised and concealed in a built-in wall unit or cabinet
MURAL - scene or image painted or wallpapered onto a wall. i.e. trompe l'oeil
NAP - small raised, directional fiber ends found in woven fabrics and floor coverings affecting the appearance, i.e. carpet pile
NATURAL FIBER - textiles made from animal or vegetable sources i.e. cotton , linen , silk , wool
NCIDQ - National Council for Interior Design Qualifications
NEWEL POST - decorative post used to support the beginning or intermediate intervals between spindles and rails on a staircase
NIC - Not in Contract
NICHE - recessed opening, often arched at the top, set in a wall with a shelf, often lit from the top to display sculpture or objects of art
ONE WAY DRAW - refers to drapery panel operations where the panels moves in one direction, either left or right
OPAQUE - surface or material, which does not allow light to pass, i.e. black-out lining
ORNAMENTAL - decorative objects or designs added as an embellishment on another object, beyond function
OVER SCALED - large in scale for the space
PAISLEY - intricate interlocking curvilinear pattern originating in India
PALLADIAN - denotes designs originally created by the Roman architect Andrea Palladio
PARQUET - wood floor laid in geometric patterns
PARTITION WALL - non-structural interior dividing wall
PASSAGEWAY - area of circulation ; pass through
PASSEMENTERIE' - highly elaborate tassels , tie-backs , ribbon trim
PATINA - lustrous, aged finish
PELMET - framework to conceal drapery hardware at the top of a window
PENDANT - hanging ornamentation or electrical fixture mounted from the ceiling
PERSONAL STYLE - an eclectic interior furnishing style indicative of personal preferences and lifestyle
PERSPECTIVE - three-dimensional drawing, with horizon line and single or multiple vanishing points, to illustrate volume and spatial relationships
PICKLING - painted whitewash finish applied to furnishings
PILASTER - decorative vertical architectural element , similar to a half- column , with a shallow projection often used on a door surround or mantle
PLAN VIEW - scaled layout, typically drawn 1/4" to 1'0", showing all walls, windows , openings, door swings , floor levels, ceiling angles, etc. with supporting documents in larger scale detailing construction specifications
PO - Purchase Order
PORTFOLIOS - collection of images, color boards and other multi-media for presentation purposes
PORTIERES - window treatment used in cased door openings made of two separate drapery panels tied back, utilizing identical or contrasting fabrics on each side
QUARTER-SAWN - logs cut in quarters lengthwise to reveal intricate wood grain
RECESSED LIGHT - lighting fixture installed within a ceiling
RECTILINEAR - straight lined
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN - scaled drawing of a space indicating all ceiling fixtures and height transitions.
REPEAT - vertical and horizontal numerical measurements relating to the pattern of woven or printed fabric , distance from a point in a pattern to the same point where it occurs again
REPOUSSÉ - decorative metalwork outlined and embossed , hammered or punched on the back side
REPRODUCTION - a copy, imitation or duplication of an original object, style or structure
RESILIENCE - ability of carpet fibers to spring back to original shape after being crushed
RETRO - term used to describe styles and fashions from the past, most frequently to describe items from c. 1940 to c. 1960
RISER - vertical member of a staircase supporting the horizontal tread
ROMAN SHADE - window treatment utilizing a series of fabric tapes, rings and cords stitched onto the backside for raising and lowering, which draws up into horizontal pleats when raised
--- Flat Roman - when fully extended the shade is perfectly flat
--- Soft Fold Roman or Hobbled - when fully extended the shade retains soft folds down the full length of the shade
--- Shirred Balloon - unstructured poufs of fabric shirred at the top
--- Inverted Pleat Balloon - structured poufs where the heading is flat with uniformly spaced reversed pleats
--- Austrian Shade - vertical rows of fabric gathered in swags
RUG - soft floor covering laid onto a floor but not permanently attached
RUN - woven or printed goods produced on a single machine at one time with the same overall appearance
SATURATION - refers to the 'concentration' of a certain hue ; therefore, highly saturated colors are vibrant, low saturation colors are muted and no saturation leads to a some shade of gray
SCALE – drafting increment used to measure and establish distances or relationships between a specific volume of space and the architectural or interior elements , i.e. 1/4 inch equal 1 foot or 1/4" = 1 ft., 3/8" = 1 ft., 1/2" = 1 ft.
SCALED DRAWING - an illustration drafted to scale
SCHEME - plan of action by an individual or group on a specific project, i.e. ideas, design, theme
SCONCE - wall-mounted electrified or candlelight fixture
SCOPE OF SERVICES - complete details on services being offered
SCREEN - multiple iron, wood or fabric hinged panels, which can be stood in a zigzag configuration; privacy
SCREEN PRINTING - printing technique utilizing a frame and stencil , which are placed over the fabric , dyes are applied through a squeegee and individual stencils are required for each color
SECRETARY - cabinet with a hinged surface opening forward onto pull-out supports revealing cubby holes for writing materials with a bookcase, often with a glass door cabinet above
SECTIONAL - elongated upholstered seating created with multiple, connected units designed to seat 4 or more, usually with arms and back, often including a right-angle or chaise lounge section.
SEERSUCKER - woven or chemically altered crinkled fabric surface
SETTEE - medium-sized sofa or long bench
SHOJI SCREEN - Oriental, geometric , wood screen with rice paper panels
SHEERS - window treatment constructed with translucent fabric s and materials
SIDEBOARD - case goods , often 36" high, used for serving food and storing china
SIDELIGHT - stationary, vertical windows flanking an operating exterior door
SLATTED BLIND - horizontal metal, vinyl or wood blind constructed with strings woven through the edge of each slat and connected to a headrail , which enables the blind to be tilted up or down with a wand, pulley or continuous cord, i.e. mini blind
SOFA - upholstered seating designed to accommodate three or more people, usually with arms and back
SOFFIT - the underside of a structural member, i.e. dropped ceiling , overhang
SPACE PLANNING - arranging fixtures, furnishings and equipment within a given space taking into account traffic flow, furniture scale, use of occupants , handicap requirements, electrical, etc.
SPECIFICATION - detailed outline including all important and necessary criteria for construction or implementation
STAINED GLASS - English: leaded windows of pale colored glass and jewels, often intricately hand painted ; American: brightly colored, unpainted pieces of glass and jewels leaded together
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN - conservation of building resources utilizing recycled or renewable materials
SYMMETRICAL - corresponding designs of a similar nature placed opposite one another
TAILORED - having a neat, custom fit appearance
TASK LIGHTING - lighting required for visually intensive activities or work surface , i.e. reading lamp
TOILE - cotton or linen woven or printed documentary fabric , typically printed in monotone color on an off-white or white background, originally made in France
TONGUE AND GROVE - wood joinery created by milling a tongue on the edge of a flat board, which slips into a corresponding groove on an adjacent board
TORTOISE SHELL - hard, black-brown mottled shell of turtles and tortoises used as inlay or imitated on other surfaces
TO-THE-TRADE - wholesale or discounted price offered to a company responsible for specifying, purchasing, delivery, installation and warranty of a product or service
TRACK LIGHTING - adjustable incandescent fixtures mounted along a electrified metal track installed on the ceiling
TRANSLUCENT - semi-opaque surface, which diffuses light while partially obscuring a view, i.e. privacy window, etched or frosted glass, window film .
TRANSOM - narrow, horizontal, hinged or fixed decorative glass window placed over a doorway to create additional light, interest or to improve air circulation, often used in combination with sidelights .
TRANSPARENT - completely see-through surface or object, i.e. clear window , crystal prism, glass paperweight.
TREAD - flat horizontal member of a step or staircase .
TREND - a general direction, inclination or tendency
TROMPE L'OEIL - three dimensional painted architectural effects
TRUNDLE BED - daybed twin bed frame housing an additional mattress below, which is pulled out as needed
UNIVERSAL DESIGN - items and spaces which can be accessed and utilized by individuals regardless of their age, size or disabilities
UP LIGHT - light source originating at the floor, shining up towards an object
UPHOLSTERY - materials used to make soft seating including wood or metal frames, eight-way hand-tied springs, foam, batting , fabrics and cording
VALANCE - shallow drapery treatment placed at the heading of a window , concealing hardware i.e. box-pleat, stage coach, shaped, shirred-balloon, etc.
VENEER - paper-thin wood sheets applied to the outer surface of furniture , which are often inlaid or matched to create intricate, decorative patterns
VERDIGRIS - greenish patina found on aged brass, bronze or copper
WAINSCOTING - materials applied to the bottom third of an interior wall, i.e. bead board , paneling , chair rail molding
WALLCOVERING - flexible materials such as paper, vinyl, foil, fabric , felt , cork, carpet or veneers applied to a wall
WALL HANGING - a tapestry , needlepoint or bound fabric panel hung on the wall, typically suspended from an iron drapery rod and adorned with cording and tassels
WALLPAPER - pattern printed onto paper, which is adhered to the wall
WALLWASHING - glare-free ambient lighting installed at regular intervals around the ceiling or floor to evenly illuminate walls
WARDROBE - free-standing or built-in cabinet designed specifically to house clothing with hooks or rods
WINDOW COVERING - any decorative application to a window frame or pane of glass including blinds , cornices , draperies , window film , etc.
WORK ORDER - signed document specifying work to be completed, including details and illustrations
WORK SURFACE - any surface designed for accomplishing a task. i.e. counter
ZIGZAG - pattern formed by a continuous line, which turns sharply back and forth making a series of "V's". i.e. CHEVRON , HERRINGBONE
