INTERIOR DESIGN GLOSSARY Flashcards
Accessories
Decorative objects such as books, plants, vases, lamps
Alcove
A recess part of the room used for bookcases, sideboards, cabinets, desk.
Antique
Anything from a piece of furniture to a piece of Art that is over 100 years old.
Apron
The wooden panel connecting the surface and legs of the chair.
Arabesque
Decorative scroll work or other intricate ornaments consisting of foliage, vases, leaves, fruits, fantastic humans, animals figures.
Area Rug
A small carpet which only covers a part of the floor.
Architrave
Decorative molding that goes around windows and doors.
Armoire
A tall antique two door wardrobe with shelves for storing clothing.
Back Splat
A solid wooden slat in the middle of a chair back.
Banquette
A long, upholstered built-in bench seat.
Bead
A small, convex molding of a semi-circular section.
Beni Ourain
Moroccan area rug made from 100% sheep wool and 100% undyed.
Bevel
A slanted and polished edge that is not perpendicular to the face creating a mitred effect. Often seen on mirror edges.
Bespoke
Made specifically for you to your design requirements.
Bolster
A long and usually cylindrical stuffed pillow or cushion.
Bullnose
A rounded edge on tile or benchtops.
Button Tufted
Buttons that are fabric covered and sewn through the upholstery surface and tied down. The placement of the buttons and their resulting folds produce geometric patterns.
Canopy
A fabric covering attached to a frame over a bed
Carver
Dining chairs with arms used at the end of a dining table.
Chair Rail
A moulding placed on a wall at chair height from the floor to protect the wall from being scratched by chair backs. Also known as Dado Rail.
Chaise Lounge
An upholstered armchair with the back and seat lengthened for reclining.
Chevron
A V-shaped ornamentation inspired by military insignia.
Chinoiserie
Derived from Chinese art and painted or lacquered on furniture or used as themes on wallpaper, fabric, etc.
Coffered Ceiling
Rectangle, square or octagon shaped sunken panels on a ceiling.
Cornice
Decorative plaster moulding around a ceiling.
Dentil Molding
Rectangular tooth-like blocks spaced at equal intervals along a cornice moulding.
Dormer
A window set vertically in a structure projecting through a sloping roof.
Drop Leaf
A dining or occasional table with hinged leaves that can be lowered.
Elevation
An elevation is a side view as viewed from the front, back, left or right.
Eyelet
A small hole in a piece of fabric designed for a cord to be threaded through.
Fanlight
Usually found above a door. A semi-circle with radiating glass sections that make it look like an open fan.
Faux
A simulation of something else. An example of this would be faux marble, which is a marble like surface painted onto walls or other surfaces.
Feng Shui
An ancient Chinese scientific practice based on selecting or configuring a site, structure or interior so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it.