The world of interior design can be very intimidating if you don’t speak the lingo. However, we’re here to provide a “cheat sheet” in the form of our second guide to interior design terminology!
Attached Back: This refers to furniture with cushions that cannot be detached or flipped because they are attached firmly to the piece. This gives your cushions durability, but you lose out on some design versatility.
Baseball Stitch: This is a kind of furniture stitching inspired by the stitching of a baseball. It is a triple stitch in which two stitches visibly border a center stitch. Such stitching is designed to be seen and to provide your furniture with a visual contrast.
Burnishing: Burnishing simply refers to the act of polishing wooden furniture by hand. This enhances color and also makes the furniture look worn in a visually pleasing manner, similar to the “shabby chic” look that has remained so popular.
Charles of London: This refers to a chair or sofa whose arms are dropped and rolling. This kind of furniture was inspired by British design, and the interior design terminology for it is an homage to that.
Curio: “Curio” is a term for any kind of case that features both class panels and doors. They are typically used to display collectibles or other special mementos, and the classy appearance of the curio makes it suitable for every room.
Down: This is a term for goose or duck feathers that have been used to stuff a pillow or cushion. It is popular because its ability to hold its shape helps people get to sleep with down pillows, while down cushions provide firm support on various pieces of furniture.
Enduro Suede: This is a fancy term for a kind of synthetic fabric that looks and feels like suede. Unlike actual suede, this fabric washes easily, and it is a good value because it will last you a long time.
Glider: “Glider” is a term for the specific mechanism that allows a chair to go back and forth. This gives a chair a nice, smooth motion that is evocative of classic furniture like rocking chairs.
Ladderback: This is a kind of chair whose backing posts are connected with material that makes the back look like a ladder. Otherwise, the back is open, making this design eye-catching and versatile.
Matte: Matte is basically the opposite of glossy, as this is a finish with no reflection or sheen to it.
Triptych: The word “triptych” refers to three separate pieces, typically of art, that collectively form a single image. These may be photographs or paintings, and they may be used as mirrors, panels, or just about anything else to enhance the aesthetic of your interior design.
Wall Hugger: This is a relatively informal term for recliners that are designed to be placed close to the wall. As a result, the actual reclining mechanism is designed not to come into contact with the wall and potentially cause damage.
Now you have a better grasp on interior design terminology than ever before. Time to stop reading and start renovating!