
Setting out to decorate your home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. The overwhelming amount of choices and decisions that need to be made is made more daunting if you lack the basic understanding of the terms usually associated with interior decorating.
Fret not, we’ve got your back.
Here’s a basic glossary of terms that you should know by heart if you’re planning to decorate your home so that you can make an informed decision. Happy decorating!
A
Accent
An accent wall or piece of furniture can create a focal point in a space or provide a pop of colour to make the space more inviting.
Alcove
An alcove is a recessed section of a room.
Armoire
An armoire is a large cabinet or wardrobe. It’s typically antique and ornate.
Art Deco
Art Deco is a style of design that features streamlined, geometric lines that are symmetrical in nature. This style was popularised in the 1920s and 30s.
B
Backsplash
A vertical panel behind a stove or a sink to prevent water, grease, and other liquids to damage the wall behind it.
Bench-made
A furniture piece is called bench-made if it has been made by one artist from start to finish.
Brocade
Brocade is a type of rich fabric with a raised design woven into it.
C
Casing
Casing is referred to the trim around a door or window. It can be decorative or utilitarian.
Centerpiece
A centerpiece is an ornament that is used to occupy the center of a dining table.
Chaise Lounge
A chaise lounge is an upholstered armchair with the back and the seat lengthened to make it easy to recline on it.
Console
A console is a freestanding table used along a wall. It is often found in the entryway of homes.
D
Damask
Damask is a heavy reversible fabric. It is distinguished from other heavy woven fabrics by its contrasting luster.
E
Eclectic
Eclectic style blends different styles and aesthetics together to create a unique style. It can feature furniture and pieces from a variety of styles and periods.
End Table
An end table is a small accent table that is placed at the end of a couch or bedside.
F
Faux
It is a design element that is artificially constructed to mimic another type of material or design.
Finish
A finish is the surface coating applied to an item. This can include paints, varnishes, fabric treatments, protective treatments etc.
G
Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a curated and cohesive group of artwork, photographs, or decor pieces placed on one wall. A gallery wall is a good way to introduce a focal point to your space.
H
Hutch
A hutch is a cupboard that is usually surmounted by open shelves.
I
Inlay
An inlay is a decorative pattern that has been made using pieces of different woods or bones, set into the surface of a piece of furniture.
L
Lacquer
Laquer is the hard protective varnish that is applied as a top coat to furniture.
Laminate
Laminate is the most commonly used finish for MDF, plywood, particleboard, and wooden furniture. It is a thin layer of material, usually made of thin layers of paper and resin, that is glued to the exterior of cabinets or other surfaces.
Lattice
A lattice is an open-work decoration of crisscrossed materials in a diagonal or square pattern.
Linoleum
Linoleum is a flooring material that is made out of natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, tree resin, ground limestone, mineral fillers, and more.
M
Modular
Modular furniture units can be arranged or stacked in various different configurations. It’s best suited for smaller spaces.
N
Nesting Tables
Nesting tables are a set of tables that come in varying sizes and can be stored one under the other.
Niche
A niche is a recess in a wall that can be used to display sculptures or other decor items.
O
Ottoman
An ottoman is a low upholstered footstool or seat without arms or back.
P
Parquet
Parquet is a flooring that is made out of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern.
R
Rattan
Rattan is a type of climbing palm with long and tough stalks that is often used to make wicker furniture.
S
Sconce
A sconce is a light fixture that is mounted on a wall.
Sectional
Sectional is a type of couch or sofa that is made of multiple independent pieces that usually include pieces joint at a right angle.
T
Tapestry
A piece of highly decorative fabric with a woven design that’s often hung on a wall.
Throw Pillow
Throw pillows are small and decorative types of pillows, usually placed on a couch or bed.
Trim
A trim is a decorative element such as molding or fringe.
V
Vanity
Vanity is the countertop and cabinet used to support the sink in a bathroom.
W
Wainscotting
Wainscotting is the application of wood molding up to the middle or lower half of a wall. It is usually done to prevent walls from getting damaged by chair or tables, or scruff marks from footwear.
Do you love reading about interiors and are on a constant lookout for expert advice? In our July issue, we are celebrating the top architects and interior designers of the industry to give you an insight into their world along with an inspirational guide to spruce up your homes. Stay tuned for the grand unveiling on July 7, 2022!
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