The Complete Glossary of
Window Treatment Design
Terms & Lingo

Abstract shapes represent things in nature but aren’t perfectly representative.

An accent color is a shade used in comparatively small quantities in a space to add impact and interest.

Accessible design is a process of creating interior spaces that are safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. The goal is to create an environment that meets the specific needs of each individual while still being aesthetically pleasing.

Interior decorative accessories, like art, lighting, plants, area rugs, and wall decorations, enhance and reinforce its design style.

Aesthetics refers to the attractive characteristics of a design related to visual factors such as balance, color, movement, pattern, scale, and shape. When décor is chosen with care and taste, it complements the design’s functionality.

Analogous colors include three colors following one another on the color wheel, with one being a tertiary color.

An angel bed is a canopy bed with no pillars in the front. The curtains draw back on the sides at the head of the bed. The canopy extends over only a portion of the bed.

Antique brass is treated to appear aged. It’s typically a rich, deep brown shade with golden undertones. This warm, low-luster finish resembles natural brass but will not tarnish or patina.

Anodizing is a chemical process where a coating is etched onto metal.

Antique refers to items that have existed for over 100 years, such as items, buildings, and furniture.

Arabesque is a pattern with multiple interlaced flowers, foliage, fruits, urns, and scrolls, often symmetric plaster castings adhered to wood doors and framed wall panels. Arabesque patterns are also printed or embroidered onto fabric.

Originating in France and going to the US in the early 1900s, the Industrial Revolution heavily inspired the Art Deco design style. Its emphasis on functionality and modernity characterizes it. The style incorporates the bold use of geometric patterns, symmetry, marble, and metallic finishes. Today’s Art Deco design is pared down, but the style still feels playful, retro, and visually attractive.

The Art Nouveau movement was more than just a design trend - it was a way to capture the essence of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a time of innovation and experimentation, and design reflected this. Sinuous lines, natural motifs, and ornate flourishes characterized it.

The Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century set aside excess to focus on the beauty of craftsmanship. Simplicity became the hallmark of this movement. A fundamental tenet was "truth in materials," meaning the materials used in creating the object should be visible and celebrated for their unique qualities. The Arts and Crafts movement redefined what it meant to create something of value.

The artisan design style is characterized by delicate but not overly ornate details celebrating the maker’s community identity or ethnicity. The traditional crafts of a particular culture or region often inspire it. Artisan style is gaining popularity as more people seek to add handmade, unique touches to their décor.

Asymmetry is when a decorative composition is not symmetrical but has balanced visual weight between its sides.

Balance is a principle of interior design that visually stabilizes a space. Balance describes the harmonious arrangement of components, ensuring that no single element in a room overpowers another in terms of visual weight or dominance.

A banquette is a long, low, cushioned seat. Banquettes are usually long enough for more than one person to sit on.

The Baroque style features dynamic sculptural forms, rich and dramatic color schemes, and intricate details that create a sense of grandeur and drama in every creation — known for its extravagant and ornate style, the Baroque style exudes luxury, from the intricate carvings and patterns to the elaborate use of color.

Bed rails bring a headboard and footboard together and support the mattress set. Corner windows are two windows that typically join at a 90-degree angle in a corner.

A batten is a narrow strip of wood attached to a wall to support fabric or paneling.

Bauhaus style emerged following World War I, emphasizing the rational less—is-more design ethic. It is a straightforward, simple design style with timeless appeal. The style extolls form should always follow function and eschews all unnecessary flourishes. Bauhaus homes often feature simple geometric forms and the measured use of bright, primary colors.

A bed frame, also known as a bed base or structure, is a platform on which a bed rests.

Bespoke refers to anything commissioned to particular specifications, altered, or tailored to the purchaser's customs, tastes, or usage. Today, the definition of bespoke broadly includes anything custom-made using the finest materials and craftsmanship.

Bed sheets are square panels of fabric with or without an elastic edge and are used to encase the top mattress on a bed.

A bedspread is a decorative covering for a bed that can reach the floor on either side and is usually large enough to cover the bed’s pillows.

Bench cushion refers to a style or type used to provide comfort and style to an indoor or outdoor seating bench. Bench cushions come in depths from 8 inches up to 48 inches and in widths from 8 inches to 205 inches. The most common thicknesses for bench cushions are 2 or 3 inches, although recent trends and customer preference are for the more comfortable 4 to as much as 8 inches thick. Bench cushions can have the bench bottom and bench back sections as two separate cushions or be joined together in a bench bottom and bench back connected style.

A boudoir pillow is a small, decorative pillow, typically about 12″ x 16″ in size, and can be used to add a touch of style or elegance to any room.

Birch is a light wood with a fine grain. It is often used to make cabinets, furniture, and hardwood floors. It is also frequently used as a veneer due to its beautiful grain and color.

Boho style is a versatile design style that allows almost anything to go. Boho interiors mix old and new, mismatched furniture and inviting fabrics like cotton, mohair, and linen. Quintessential boho colors are beige, brown, and olive, with accents of bright yellows, blues, bold patterns, fringes, and embroidery.

Bolster pillows are cylindrical-shaped pillows with or without tassels and trims.

A box ottoman is a divan or couch with a hinged, upholstered lid forming the seat and storage space underneath.

A box spring cover is a fabric sleeve constructed to hide box springs, often gathered with elastic on the underneath side.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc with a bright gold-like appearance.

Brushed brass has been treated to give it a duller, matte look compared to traditional polished brass finishes.

Burnished brass combines the appeal of bright polished brass with antique and weathered brass; it is warm and polished yet textured and slightly browned. Its rich, golden color is shiny but not reflective; it may continue to patina, depending on the burnishing technique.

Brushed nickel is nickel finished by etching it with a wire brush or similar tool to give the metal a textured look. This texture provides brushed nickel with a warm tone.

Tufting and buttoning is a method of securing the filling of an upholstered piece of furniture by pulling stitches through the material and connecting them to the frame. The evenly spaced tufting is then finished with buttons, usually upholstered.

California chic design is a contemporary style that pays homage to the boho and eclectic aesthetic. This style focuses on pale pink blushes, weathered leather, and organic neutrals. The incorporation of distressed wood and plants creates a welcoming environment. Instead of bold prints, the California chic style favors weathered leather and natural textures. The result is a style that feels both luxurious and down-to-earth.

A California king is a mattress size between 72-74 inches wide and 84-86 inches long.

A canopy bed features four tall posts with a cross member or beam joining the tops of the posts. It can support fabric swags, curtains, draperies, and other accessories to create a luxurious and romantic atmosphere in the bedroom. They also offer privacy by blocking out light from windows or adjacent rooms.

Cedar trees are tall and wide evergreens. Cedars are best known for the robust and appealing scent of their wood, often used to line storage chests or closets, both for the smell and its tendency to repel moths.

Channel back is a type of furniture design widely used in decorating. It is characterized by a back that consists of several vertical sections, or channels, of cushioning, arranged in an attractive shell-like pattern.

Cherry is a tightly-grained hardwood native to most of Europe, western Asia, and parts of Africa. Cherry ages well and is commonly used in cabinet making and fine furniture.

Chestnut is a hardwood native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. The wood is very durable if harvested before it reaches 50 years old but loses its strength as it ages, making it difficult to produce large timber.

An elegant, fashionable, and trendy look often characterizes chic interior design. It doesn't have a single definition, and though it has French roots, it can describe any style that appears casual, understated, and modern.

Chinoiserie often features elaborate patterns, motifs, or scenes inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, landscapes, flora, and fauna. It is a classic style seen in homes since the 17th Century to add a touch of luxury, elegance, or exotic flair to any space. Chinoiserie is a timeless style that will always stay in fashion.

Chroma is the purity of a color.

Chrome, short for chromium, is a plating overlaid on metal. Chrome consists entirely of chromium and is not an alloy. Chrome is typically polished and very shiny, although the satin and brushed varieties can be more matte.

Classic designs have withstood the test of time and include classical proportions.

Clean design means uncluttered and straightforward. A home with a clean design has streamlined furnishings, calming color palettes, and natural light.

The coastal design style reflects its natural environment. Neutrals like crisp whites and creamy beiges create a soothing foundation, while pops of blue add a playful touch. Achieving a bright and breezy feel is critical, with minimal window treatments allowing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Furniture pieces are comfortable and relaxed, with a lived-in feel.

A collected interior design is filled with unique pieces acquired over time, creating depth and interest.

Colonial interior design is a style that originated during the 1700s in America, drawing inspiration from the era’s British Colonial period. Colonial style is defined by its clean lines, simple silhouettes, and classic detailing.

The Colonial Revival style seeks to recreate the classic American styles from the 1700s. This style attempts to capture the charm and nostalgia of early American living and craftsmanship but with updated elements for modern times. The Colonial Revival style is characterized by its simple lines, intricate details, and traditional motifs.

When light waves strike an object and reflect the optic nerve in a human’s eyes, the sensation they perceive is called color.

Colorfast refers to fabrics that retain their original colors after exposure to sunlight, washing, or other environmental conditions.

Color harmony is created when colors in a scheme work well with each other and are pleasing to the eye.

A color’s intensity is its pigment's brightness, strength, weakness, and dullness. The stronger or brighter a color is, the more pigment is present. The weaker or duller a color is, the less pigment is present.

A color scheme in interior design is the combination of colors used to create a cohesive look and feel within a space.

Color undertones are hidden within a color that completely changes how it looks.

Color temperature is a numerical system for measuring color on a warm-to-cool spectrum. It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K), with higher numbers corresponding to bluer or "cooler" tones and lower numbers corresponding to yellower or "warmer" tones.

Color washing is a decorative painting technique that adds subtle layers of color to interior surfaces. Color washing, also known as “glazing, “ involves applying a thin layer of transparent paint over the base coat.

Combing is a painting technique used to create decorative patterns and textures on surfaces using a combination of paint or glaze and a comb.

A comforter is bedding made up of two pieces of fabric quilted together with stuffing or filling material in between. Comforters are thicker and fluffier than other types of bedding, such as bedspreads or coverlets.

Complimentary colors are pairs of colors, usually a primary and a secondary, that cancel each other out when mixed by producing a white, grey, or black.

Contemporary design is a modern style that embodies the latest trends and technologies. It features clean lines, simplicity, and functionality, blending elements from different styles and times. This approach emphasizes sleek, uncluttered spaces and often utilizes modern materials like glass, metal, and concrete. Key principles include flexibility, sustainability, and innovation, allowing the style to adapt to the changing demands of society.

A continental pillow is a 24" European square decorative pillow, often used in sets of 3 on a king bedding as a backrest for a bank of pillows. Continental pillows are also called “Euro pillows.”

Contrast is when two or more elements with opposing characteristics are placed together in a space. This can be accomplished using various design aspects, such as color, shape, size, materials, textures, style, or finish. Contrast adds visual interest to a space that makes it striking and dynamic.

Conversation pieces are decorative objects that stand out and evoke a response from house guests. Conversational pieces typically include customized design, extraordinary detailing, or unusual forms.

Cornice and coving are decorative or curved moldings attached where the wall meets the ceiling.

Country style is a casual, comfortable style of decorating that focuses on natural materials and the appearance of handcrafting. Solid wood furniture, heirlooms, traditional patterns, and charming upholstery fit right in. Characteristic features of this style include distressed furniture, nature-inspired patterns and motifs, faded colors, and rustic accents.

Couture refers to crafting soft goods with great attention to detail and bespoke design on a made-to-order basis and to the highest standard.

A coverlet is a bed cover that reaches to the top of the bed and to the bottom of the box spring on three sides, providing warmth and comfort while enhancing décor.

A curated home’s décor has been intentionally selected, organized, and presented. Collectively, the décor creates a personal, attractive, and cohesive home with a story.

A cushion is a soft bag usually filled with feathers, down, foam, or other materials used to provide support and comfort when sitting or lying down. Cushions are commonly placed on chairs, sofas, beds, or other furniture to enhance comfort and provide additional lumbar support. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs and can be made from various fabrics and materials to match different interior styles and preferences. In addition to providing comfort, cushions can add aesthetic appeal to a space and contribute to the overall decor.

A daybed is a piece of furniture that functions as a sofa and a bed. They feature a three-sided bed frame with a headboard, footboard, and a third side that serves as the backrest of a couch. Daybeds consist of solid wood or metal frames with an upholstered mattress. Most daybeds do not have box springs.

A design rendering is a scale drawing of the proposed design. Interior design renderings show the position of design components and serve as a visual representation of a designer’s vision for a project.

Distressing is the purposeful denting, scratching, or marking to give it an antique or rustic appearance.

A dressmaker skirt is a tall, uninterrupted skirt resembling a dress in its craftsmanship, located on the bottom of a sofa or similar piece. Dressmaker skirts are also called “waterfall skirts.”

Dry brushing is a popular paint technique that involves brushing over a glaze to create a cloudy effect that distributes color, texture, and pattern with an airy appearance.

A dust ruffle is an item of decor used to embellish the appearance of a bed. It hangs from the box spring and mattress to the floor, covering any legs, wheels, or braces on the bed frame. Dust ruffles are often called “bed skirts.”

The Dutch Style in interior design combines Early Flemish Baroque and modern elements. This Style is characterized by simplicity, neutral color schemes, wood tone or painted wood floors, and textiles to add texture and warmth.

A duvet cover is a protective fabric casing that encloses and protects a duvet, a soft, flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, or a synthetic alternative. Duvet covers are designed to fit snugly over the duvet and typically feature closures such as buttons, zippers, or ties to secure them in place. Duvet covers are easy to maintain and come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs, allowing for easy customization and coordination with the overall aesthetic of a bedroom.

Eclectic is a design style that utilizes elements from multiple style sources.

An edited design’s decorative elements have distinct purposes and meanings. Areas are devoid of clutter and distraction.

Elevated design refers to a style or approach to design emphasizing sophistication, refinement, and quality. Elevated design often involves high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a focus on timeless aesthetics. Elevated design is characterized by its commitment to excellence and pursuit of sophistication, resulting in refined, elegant, and timeless creations.

An elevation is a two-dimensional drawing of a wall (or series of walls) with varying degrees of detail. Elevations assist with aesthetic planning.

Emphasis highlights and draws attention to specific areas of the room, creating visual interest. It is the foundation on which the rest of the design is built.

The Empire style draws inspiration from the Napoleonic Empire. Grand, classical designs with a mix of straight and curved lines characterize the look of this style.

The English style in interior design is a distinct look that has evolved over the centuries and remains popular today— characterized by comfort, luxury, and elegance.

European-style interior design is characterized by refinement and sophistication. It focuses on creating an elegant, timeless, and luxurious look. The overall look is one of timeless sophistication.

Evolving design allows a space to gradually change with your continually changing tastes, interests, and experiences. Evolving design is sometimes referred to as “fluid design.”

Faux bois is a reproduced or reinterpreted painted wood grain finish on objects to imitate wood logs, branches, and bark textures.

The Federal style of architecture, furniture, and design emerged in the United States during the post-Revolutionary War period. The Federal style has a light color palette and symmetrical geometric patterns.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice seeking to create harmony between a space's energy and those who inhabit it. This is done carefully using balance, color, texture, light, and energy.

The finial is a decorative detail used to embellish the top of an architectural feature, such as a bedpost, lamp, or drapery rod. Typical motifs for finials include flames, urns, and pineapples, as well as more modern and abstract designs, which are becoming popular.

The Finnish interior design style is often characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature. It reflects the Finnish cultural values of practicality, sustainability, and environmental harmony. The key features of Finnish interior design are minimalism, natural materials, neutral colors, coziness, and light and airy spaces. Finnish interior design combines simplicity, functionality, and a deep appreciation for nature to create beautiful and practical spaces.

Firmness refers to both the physical and subjective feel of a material. For upholstered furniture, firmness is determined by the piece’s internal construction, frame material, suspension system, cushioning, and fabric.

A flange is a strip of fabric added to the pillow edge. A flange increases the overall dimension of the pillow, and it can be made with either the same or a contrasting fabric.

Fluting is a decorative technique that creates semi-circular grooves in columns, molding, wood legs, and drapery rods. This technique dates back to the Baroque and Rococo periods and adds texture and depth to pieces, making them appear more decorative and eye-catching.

A focal point in a room or design is the decorative center from which all other design elements take their cue. It is the place to which one’s eye is drawn.

Form pertains to the way that a shape or physical configuration occupies space.

“Form follows function” means prioritizing how you will use a room or furnishing over how it looks.

A frame is the skeleton of an upholstered piece of furniture.

The effortless elegance of homes in rural Provence inspired the French country style. French country design incorporates shabby chic, farmhouse, and traditional elements. This look combines faded opulence with subtle sophistication. Antique furniture, color palettes inspired by nature, and charming printed fabrics are standard.

French mattresses are cushions with rolled edges and button-less tufting on top. They are taller than a cushion and often used in window seats.

Grasscloth is a natural fiber wallpaper that adds texture and warmth while being eco-friendly. Grasscloth is made from hemp, jute, sisal, sea grass, or bamboo, weaved into a thin sheet, then applied to the wall with a unique adhesive.

A grille is a lattice of wood or metal used to protect glass doors on secretaries, bookcases, china cabinets, and entertainment armoires.

Grisaille refers to painting in various shades of gray designed to create a three-dimensional effect. It was fashionable in furniture decoration of the late 18th century.

Harmony creates unity in a design by repeating a particular design element, such as color, shape, texture, etc.

Hollywood glam design has been popular since the mid-twentieth century, dating back to Hollywood’s golden age in the 1930s. Interiors in this style are made up of a mix of Art Deco and mid-century modern. Gleaming surfaces, mirrors, lucite, tassels, crystal, and high-quality antiques take center stage. This design style is sexy, sophisticated, and sometimes called Regency Style.

Honesty in interior design means being true to the intrinsic qualities of space, highlighting natural elements and materials, and avoiding gimmicks or fads. Using materials in their natural state and embracing the imperfections that come with them is paramount.

Hygge is pronounced “hoo-gah.” It is a Danish term referring to the feeling evoked by being in a space with warmth, relaxation, homey-ness, coziness, and togetherness. Hygge is a state of mind, but homes can be hygge-like by incorporating greenery, warm neutral colors, lighting, or plush textures.

Hue is another term for color.

Industrial-styled homes are casual, with brick walls, exposed metal, patinated wood, weathered leather, and rough concrete. This style intends to create a relaxed look with a masculine edge.

An inspired design has been provoked by an idea, feeling, place, word, sound, or image encountered elsewhere. Then, the essence of that inspiration is translated into a new, unique design. Inspired design is not replicating the work from the work of another; it is imitation.

Jacobean design is a style that originated in 17th century England during the reign of King James I. It is characterized by its ornate, opulent, and grand features, such as heavy wood furniture and tapestries, elaborate plaster ceilings, and richly patterned fabrics. The style is a fusion of late Renaissance and early Baroque design elements, which creates a distinctive and regal look. Jacobean interiors are often associated with elegance, luxury, and extravagance.

Japandi design is a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements. Japandi blends two cultures that share a vital connection despite their great distance: their value of nature. This design style uses natural stone, paper, and wood in a darker, rich color palette.

Kiln drying is a method for seasoning timber using hot air and steam.

Lacquer is a hard, protective varnish applied as a topcoat to furniture. It protects from wear while creating a glossy, lustrous finish. Lacquer can be used on any material, including wood, metal, or plastic surfaces.

Lattice is an openwork decoration in interior design that utilizes crisscrossed wood, iron plate bars, or other materials arranged in a diagonal or square pattern.

A Lawson silhouette is a fully padded, generally skirted design characterized by square seat cushions and trim, lowered arms accented with a slight roll. It is often associated with transitional styling.

Layering in design is the art of adding design elements to create a cohesive look with depth, balance, and persona.

Lead time refers to the time it takes to produce an order, from when it is placed to when it is delivered. The lead time will depend on the materials used and how and where it will be made.

Limewash is an all-natural paint alternative made with slaked lime and water. It can create a beautiful, chalky finish on walls in any interior setting.

Liming is using liming wax to stain the wood a whitish color. The subtle and delicate effect gives furniture or walls an ancient or antiqued look.

Line refers to the way that two points in space are connected. Horizontal, diagonal, and vertical lines can help direct the eye toward a specific location or composition in a room.

Lucite is the brand name for the acrylic product developed by DuPont in the late 1930s. Today, the term describes the highest quality, best version of acrylic available.

Mahogany is an exotic wood prized for its durability, workability, and elegant look. It has a pink or reddish-brown hue that deepens over time. The grain is straight and uniform, typically with relatively few knots or blemishes.

Maple is typically employed for its sapwood, which is excellent for wood furniture. It is often white with reddish-brown tints imparted by pitch flecks and mineral streaks, though the color will darken slightly with age. Maple wood is exceptionally sturdy, beautiful, and stainable. Maple is a popular choice for woodworkers and furniture enthusiasts due to its light, creamy hue, smooth grain pattern, and outstanding durability.

Matte is a finish that is not shiny.

Maximalism celebrates abundance, boldness, and the mixing of textures, patterns, and colors. Busy prints, bold colors, and displayed collections are common. This style draws from many other design styles but pushes the boundaries of scale, proportion, form, and balance design tenets. Overall, maximalist design adheres to the more-is-more approach to decorating.

The Mediterranean style mixes light colors and earth tones with warm accents, such as white, beige, dark green, and terracotta, complemented by ocher, orange, and azure blue. The style’s most popular materials include clay, raffia, linen, and local olive or pine wood. Colorful mosaic tiles or handmade Zellige clay tiles are particularly suitable.

A metallic finish has iridescent and reflective qualities.

Midcentury modern design is an interior design style that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by a combination of functionality, simplicity, and a focus on clean lines. This design movement influenced various fields, including architecture, furniture, and graphic design. Critical characteristics of Midcentury design are clean lines, functionality, organic shapes, open floor plans, integration with nature, and bold colors. Its influence is still seen in contemporary interior design, with many people appreciating the timeless appeal of midcentury modern aesthetics.

The minimalist style represents the importance of avoiding conspicuous consumption and omitting expendable objects. Although many minimalists focus on neutral tones and rely on white, a deliberate, temperate use of color is also possible. Combining different textures or using large-scale geometric shapes and typographic images brings harmony to a pure, uncluttered environment.

The modern coastal style utilizes a crisp white base and incorporates hues inspired by the colors of the sky and sea, like blues, greens, and browns. Materials like jute, wood, cotton, linen, and glass are commonly used to add texture and interest to the space. Natural light is also crucial in modern coastal design, as it brightens the room and highlights the textures and colors of the materials used.

Modern farmhouse interiors have many characteristics of what we know as traditional farmhouse design, though simplified and streamlined. Wide plank floors, open-concept living, and sleek lighting are typical. This design style takes its connection to nature seriously - raw wood elements and greenery are required. Colors are always on the neutral side, and when adding color, drawing from nature using colors such as deep navy, sage green, or burnt orange.

Molding is a shaped profile applied to walls and furniture to emphasize the difference in planes or to provide decorative bands of light and shade.

Monochrome interior design is a style that uses a single hue to create an impactful look and feel in a space. This color palette can create uniformity, consistency, and balance throughout the room.

Mood boards are a popular tool used to visually convey a concept for design. It is a compilation of images, textures, colors, and materials representing a space's overall style and feel or exploring different design possibilities.

Moody design involves creating an atmosphere that evokes a specific emotion or feeling through color, texture, lighting, and decorative accessories.

The Moroccan style uses intricate patterns, shimmering mosaic tiles, and ornately carved wood accents for an artisanal feel. Heavily textured walls, jewel-tone colors, and intricate metal lanterns complete the picture of a perfectly layered interior, evoking an exotic and mysterious vibe.

Negative space is the space between or around the focal point.

Neoclassical design is rooted in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Clean, simple lines, symmetrical shapes, and a focus on proportion and balance characterize it. The neoclassical style became popular in the 18th century when many looked back to ancient cultures for inspiration. Today, neoclassical design is often associated with a sense of elegance and refinement.

Neutral colors are hues that appear without color and don’t typically appear on the color wheel. Therefore, neutral colors do not compete with primary and secondary colors but complement them.

Oak is highly durable, easy to work with, and looks excellent when stained or with a clear, natural finish. Oak wood comes in several hues, but its grain pattern is unique, making it an easier species to recognize. Oak can take on many different looks because more than 60 varieties are growing in the US alone.

An ogee is a molding detail with a double curve or S shape.

Open concept is a floor plan without walls or doors separating the shared living spaces.

Organic shapes are those that occur naturally in the world.

An ottoman is an upholstered, overstuffed footstool, seat, or couch, usually without a back.

To overdecorate is to decorate too elaborately or extensively, with too many things, patterns, objects, etc., while trying to make a space more attractive. Overdone in design is a subjective classification greatly depending on one’s style preferences and threshold for visual stimulation.

A palmette is a classical motif based on a stylized radiating, fan-shaped palm leaf commonly found in Greek, Egyptian, Assyrian, and other ancient art. Palmettes give the impression of sprouting leaves like those on a palm tree.

Patina appearance refers to the unique luster or sheen that develops with use. It often includes a soft, muted color palette and subtle variations in texture for a gentle, inviting effect.

A pillow sham is a fabric cover designed to protect a pillow.

A pillow top is an additional padding layer on a mattress, made from soft materials like foam or fiberfill, designed to offer a plush and comfortable sleeping experience. It enhances support and provides pressure relief. Pillow tops vary in thickness and material, and they complement the mattress core, which could be made of innerspring coils or memory foam.

Polished brass is finished with a lacquer to prevent tarnishing and patina over time.

Positive space is the space a design takes up in the composition.

A pouffe is a stuffed footstool that stands high enough to be used as a seat.

Polished nickel is a nickel plating that is polished to a high shine and is highly reflective. Polished nickel has a warmer, yellow undertone and is often compared to the classic elegance of polished brass. It is commonly used in interior design and home decor for its sophisticated appearance and ability to complement many design styles.

Poly Dacron Wrap combines a polyester material layer with a polyurethane foam core to create comfortable and durable cushions. This construction method is favored for its ability to provide plush seating while withstanding daily wear and tear, making it a popular choice for various furniture applications.

The primary colors are red, green, and blue. Primary colors can’t be made by mixing other colors.

Proportion is the comparative relationship between elements or objects in ratio, balance, and degree.

Radial balance involves establishing a natural focal point and having other smaller pieces diverge from it evenly.

Ragging off is a painting technique that can transform your walls and furniture into art. By rubbing a rag or piece of leather over a painted surface, you can achieve a unique and textured look that will add visual interest to any room. This decorative paint effect creates subtle swirls, lines, and ridges, resulting in a one-of-a-kind finish that won't overpower your decor.

Rattan is a solid vine-like palm native to Asia that is used to make caning and wicker.

Reeding is an ornamental carving that consists of rounded convex ridges.

Refined design focuses on elegance, sophistication, and attention to detail. Individual pieces are selected for quality and craftsmanship, with an emphasis on both beauty and functionality. Refined interior design often features clean lines, muted color palettes, and carefully chosen statement pieces.

A reimagined design incorporates old concepts of place, color, object, material, or use into a new creation.

Relief is an architectural ornamentation that stands out from its surrounding surface or background. Relief adds visual and textural interest, definition, and depth to an interior space.

Retro is a term used for the style from the 1940s through the 1960s.

Rhythm refers to the tying of individual design elements together in a subtle pattern. Rhythm plays a large role in how the space is perceived, both in terms of functionality and whether or not the result is aesthetically pleasing.

Natural materials, industrial touches, and farmhouse charm abound in rustic décor. The rustic style focuses on the simplicity and effortless beauty of nature. Wood pieces softened by cowhides and sheepskin create a cozy environment. Industrial lighting adds a touch of sophistication.

Satin brass has a smooth matte finish. Satin brass does not have a brushed texture like brushed brass.

A satin nickel finish is copper plated with a nickel veneer, then lacquered. Satin nickel does not have a textured appearance like brushed nickel.

Saturation refers to how strong or weak a color is.

The Scandinavian style is functional, rectilinear, and clean. It represents a love of nature and its materials, such as wood, rattan, linen, cotton, and leather. Scandinavian color schemes include light pastel shades, whites, grays, and beiges.

Secondary colors are created by an equal mixture of two primary colors. On the color wheel, secondary colors are located between primary colors. According to the traditional color wheel, red and yellow make orange, red and blue make purple, and blue and yellow make green.

Serpentine is a furniture or trim treatment formed by alternating convex and concave curves.

The shabby chic style originated in Britain as a way for the upper middle class to replicate the aesthetic seen in grand country houses passed down through generations. Vintage furniture and slipcovered upholstery are at the core of shabby chic design, along with distressed and patinated décor. Pale color palettes and floral patterns pair perfectly with whitewashed floors and walls. Glamorous lighting is often added for juxtaposition.

Shades are colors with black added to them to create a darker finish.

In its most basic form, a shape is a dimensional area surrounded by an outline.

Sinuous springs are zigzag-shaped springs that offer comfort and support derived from the springs’ resiliency. Attached to the frame with steel clips or tacks, these springs are connected by helical springs.

A slipcover is a removable cover over upholstered furniture.

Adobe houses, Spanish textiles, ironwork, and nature inspire southwestern interiors. Color palettes mimic the desert, with rust, terracotta, cactus green, and others. Furniture is heavy, often with adorning thick legs and bulky finishes. Textured surfaces are prevalent, commonly using leather, suede, and tapestries.

Properly using space helps others view your design as you intended. The spacing of your design is essential because a layout that’s too crowded can overwhelm the viewer’s eye.

A split complementary color scheme uses two colors across the color wheel, with those two colors lying on either side of the complementary color.

Squab cushions are loose, flat cushions for the seat of a chair.

Stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, less than 1.2% carbon, and other alloying elements. Stainless steel has many surface finishes, from matt to bright, including brushed and engraved. It can be embossed or tinted, making stainless a unique and aesthetic material. Architects often use it for building envelopes, interior design, and street furniture.

Symmetry works by utilizing an invisible axis (from the center of the focal point) and applying mirrored arrangements of different elements on either side.

A table pad is used to protect a dining table. They are covered in felt on one side so they don't scratch the table. On the other side, they're covered in heat-resistant vinyl.

A table runner is a decorative strip of fabric placed down the center of a dining table parallel to its length. It adds color, pattern, and style to the table setting without covering the entire surface and is commonly used for formal and casual occasions, depending on the fabric used.

Tactile texture is the pattern of dimensional variations in a physical surface. Tactile texture can be felt by touching the surface of the object or material.

A tailored design reflects the homeowner’s unique style and preferences. It involves a thoughtful selection of color palettes and furnishings, presented in a balanced, proportionate way to create a one-of-a-kind space.

A tapestry is a “heavy” woven fabric featuring decorative designs and is hung on a wall. The term commonly refers to highly decorative fabrics with a woven design.

Tertiary colors are created by mixing one primary color and its most similar secondary color, which results in a variation of the two colors. The six tertiary colors are blue-green, red-orange, yellow-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, and yellow-green.

Texture in interior design refers to the tactile quality or feel of surfaces within a space. It adds depth, visual interest, and dimension to a room, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Texture can be incorporated through various elements, including materials, fabric, wall treatments, accessories, and furniture. By combining multiple textures into the design scheme, interior designers can create visually engaging, aesthetically pleasing, inviting, and comfortable spaces. Texture is crucial in defining a room's mood, style, and character, making it an essential element of interior design.

A tetradic color scheme, often referred to simply as a tetrad, is a harmonious and balanced approach to color selection that involves four colors. These colors are evenly spaced around the color wheel, ensuring that the distance between each color is equal. This arrangement prevents any color from overpowering the others, creating a visually cohesive and dynamic palette. The equal spacing allows for a rich combination of hues that can add vibrancy and interest to design projects without overwhelming the viewer with color dominance.

A throw pillow is a small, decorative pillow placed on couches or armchairs. Throw pillows come in various sizes and shapes.

Timeless design refers to interior design that will never go out of style; it has staying power and is not created to be temporary.

Tints are created by adding white; a color can have a lighter tint and seem paler.

Tonal refers to a monochromatic color scheme of one primary hue with various tints and tones of that color added in.

Tone denotes the brightness and deepness of a color, which can be altered by adding grey.

To-the-trade means products are sold only to designers and related businesses and not directly to the general public.

Transitional design is the fusion of traditional elegance with contemporary lines and textiles. Mixes of wood, rattan, steel, and lacquer finishes are mixed with neutral color schemes with pops of color as accents. This style is perfect for those who appreciate the comfort and classic elegance of traditional decor while also embracing the sleep lines and simplicity of contemporary design.

A triadic color scheme is a vibrant and balanced approach to color selection. It involves choosing three evenly spaced colors around the color wheel, forming a perfect triangle. This method ensures that each color has equal presence and harmony without any single hue overpowering the others. The triadic palette is known for its boldness and can bring energy and a sense of equilibrium to a design.

Traditional style does not follow current trends and is, therefore, timeless. Traditionally decorated homes have curated, polished décor. Their neutral walls are a backdrop for dark, ornate, solid wood furniture made from cherry, walnut, or chestnut. Soft furnishings often sport brocade or velvet fabrics in muted colors such as burgundy, brown, green, or eye-catching checkered or striped patterns.

A tuxedo silhouette features high, straight, or flared arms that match or nearly match the height of the back. Arms are designed at, or close to, the same height as the sofa or chair back.

Unity in design occurs when the elements in space work together to balance and harmonize the resulting look.

Unlacquered brass is brass with no protective coating, also known as lacquer. Unlacquered brass has no protective coating like polished brass to protect it from wear and air exposure. As such, unlacquered brass is designed to tarnish and darken as it oxidizes.

Upholstery is furniture such as sofas and chairs covered in fabric, vinyl, leather, or other materials.

Value refers to how light or dark a color is.

Verdigris is a greenish-blue patina that forms on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces.

Visual texture is imagined and our perception of what a surface might feel like. Visual texture creates interest and a heightened sensory experience.

The Wabi-Sabi style is an ode to the simple things in life. It celebrates imperfection and promotes a slow and mindful way of living. This style is based on the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in natural materials and embracing the blemishes that come with age. Rooms are designed to evoke a sense of calm with clean lines and an understated color scheme. The unpretentious décor accentuates the beauty of nature.

Walnut is a dark-colored hardwood with a fine texture that resists shrinking and warping. It takes finishes very well and is commonly used in making furniture, cabinets, and wall paneling.

Webbing consists of individual fabric strips interlacing together in upholstered furniture to create a more comfortable, giving the seat a longer cushion life.

A well-appointed home or room has attractive, expensive decorations and furnishings.

A whimsical design has a sense of humor, capable of evoking a sense of delight and wonder. It is all about playfulness, unexpected pieces, quirky elements, and creativity.

Wrought iron is a heated, hammered, bent iron.