Salva Mubarak Senior Features Writer

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!