Glossary of Interior Design Terms
Many terms used in interior design, decorating, furniture and remodeling have special meaning in this context. Check out these links to find how these terms apply in Interior Decorating.
Newel Post – Definition: A newel post stabilizes the vertical and horizontal pieces on a stair railing.
Twin Bed – Definition: A twin bed is the smallest bed made for adults.
Console Table - Definition: A console table is a long, narrow table that is attached to a wall, stands against a wall, or stands behind a sofa. A console table usually has a lamp and decorative items on it. It sometimes has a drawer for a catch-all and a bottom shelf for storage. Also Known As: console, sofa table
Coffee Table - Definition: A coffee table is an occasional table set in front of a sofa or chairs. It's used for displaying decorative accessories, laying books, or serving drinks or snacks to friends. The top surface of the coffee table is usually the same height as the furniture cushions.
Coffee tables are available round, rectangular, or square. While traditional coffee tables are made of fine wood, they're now made of a wide array of materials including iron, glass, rattan, wicker, steel, or a combination. Some coffee tables have drawers on each side for storage of books, magazines, games, linens, and other things that need a space. In recent years, other pieces of furniture are taking the place of a coffee table. A bench, a pair of ottomans with a tray on top, an old trunk with a flat top and glass on top, or an old bench with legs cut to the right height are some options.
Polyurethane - Definition: Polyurethane is a synthetic product used to make a durable, hard, and clear finish for stained furniture and other surfaces. Polyurethane was invented in the 1940's and has been used for upholstery foam, fiberglass, glues, and wood protective coatings. When staining floors and furniture, polyurethane varnish provides an hard, mar-proof finish. It is an excellent top coat for high-traffic areas.
Casing - Definition: Casing is a decorative wooden, molded resin, or MDF piece that frames the sides and top of a window or door. Casings can range from 2" to 8" in width, depending on the size of the door or window and the formality of the room. Also Known As: window molding, door molding
A.S.I.D. - Definition: A.S.I.D. is the abbreviation for the American Society of Interior Designers, the largest professional organization for interior designers in the world. It sets guidelines for professionalism and ethics for its members and offers training and workshops for members and prospective members. Also Known As: American Society of Interior Designers
Arm Chair - Definition: An arm chair is a chair with either open or upholstered seat, back, and arms. Because the designs of arm chairs can differ greatly, an arm chair can be big and overstuffed or fine and delicate. Also Known As: Easy Chair, Host Chair
Armoire - Definition: An armoire is a tall cabinet, usually with drawers, shelves, and doors, used for storing clothes or household items.
Banister - Definition: A banister is the what you hold onto as you walk up or down the stairs and includes the supporting posts. It's sometimes called a baluster. Banister also refers to the railing that connects the vertical posts and newel post on staircase railing. Also Known As: baluster. Common Misspellings: bannister
Bed-in-a-Bag - Definition: A bed-in-a-bag is a set of bed linens that includes a comforter set and a sheet set. The pieces in the bag will usually be a comforter, bed skirt, pillow shams, a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases. Most sets include two pillow shams and pillowcases, however the Twin Set includes just one pillow sham and one pillowcase.
Bergère Chair - Definition: A bergère chair is an upholstered chair having closed, upholstered sides, arm rests, seat, and back. It also includes exposed carved wooden legs. These chairs are considered French country in style and are often used with an upholstered ottoman having similar exposed carved wooden legs. Pronunciation: bare jare
Bombé Chest - Definition: A bombé chest is a cabinet with a bulge or serpentine front (and sometimes sides), usually with drawers. Pronunciation: bom-bay' Common Misspellings: Bombay Chest
Burl Wood - Definition: Burl wood is taken from a tree that has a growth on the trunk of the tree, often developing into a branch. This growth causes the fibers of the wood to develop in unusual ways creating a beautiful and interesting grain. Because the boards cut from a piece of wood with a burl are unusual and beautiful, pieces of furniture made from the boards are unique and often expensive. They are said to be made of burl wood.
Camel-back - Definition: A camel-back sofa or chair has a hump or raised curve at the center of the back.
Ceiling Medallion - Definition: A ceiling medallion is a decorative element installed in the center of a ceiling above a chandelier or ceiling fan.
Historically, ceiling medallions were carved from wood and installed on the ceiling. Now, ceiling medallions are lightweight, inexpensive, and made of molded urethane or resin. Ceiling medallions vary widely in style, detail, and depth. They can be applied to the ceiling with finishing nails and adhesive. Also Known As: medallion
Cherry - Definition: Cherry is a fine-grained hardwood characterized by a light reddish coloring which changes with time and exposure to light. It has been used extensively for case goods and kitchen cabinetry.
