Interiors Glossary: An Essential A-Z of Interior Design Terminology

Welcome to the Design Hunter Interiors Glossary, an A-Z guide to interior design terminology.

Embarking on a home renovation is exciting, but if you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms and buzzwords used by interior designers and decorators, it’s easy to end up feeling a little confused by all the jargon.

This essential glossary aims to demystify the language of interior design and make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Whether you’re a first-time home decorator, a seasoned renovator, or just someone with a passion for beautiful spaces, I hope you’ll find this guide helpful. Each term is explained in a clear, concise manner, making it a useful reference point for any interior project you are embarking on.

Happy decorating!

Table of Contents

• Design Principles
• Styles and Periods
• Furniture and Fixtures
• Materials and Finishes
• Architectural Features
• Measurements and Abbreviations

Design Principles

Balance – The visual distribution of weight in a space, achieved through symmetry, asymmetry, or radial arrangements.
Proportion – The relationship between the size of objects and the space they occupy.
Scale – How the size of an object relates to other elements in the room.
Contrast – The use of opposing elements—light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth—to create visual interest.
Focal Point – The area of a room that naturally draws the eye.
Harmony – When design elements work together to create a unified whole.
Rhythm – The visual flow created by repeating elements such as shapes, colours, or textures.
Negative Space – The empty space around and between objects, crucial for visual clarity.

Styles and Periods

Art Deco – 1920s–30s style marked by bold geometry and metallic accents.
Bauhaus – Functional, industrial-inspired design originating in Germany in the early 20th century.
Brutalism – An architectural style using raw concrete and stark, sculptural forms.
Industrial – Inspired by factories and warehouses, featuring exposed structures and utilitarian materials.
Mid-Century Modern – Clean lines, organic curves, and functional forms from the 1940s–60s.
Minimalism – A pared-back approach focused on simplicity, space, and function.
Scandinavian – Light-filled interiors with natural materials and a focus on comfort.
Transitional – A blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

Furniture and Fixtures

Accent Chair – A statement chair that adds contrast in colour, pattern, or form.
Armoire – A freestanding wardrobe or cabinet.
Banquette – Built-in bench seating, often in kitchens or dining areas.
Chaise Longue – An elongated chair for reclining.
Console Table – A narrow table designed for hallways or behind sofas.
Daybed – A hybrid between a bed and sofa, often used for lounging.
Pedestal Table – A table supported by a single central column.
Pendant Light – A suspended ceiling light fixture.
Sconce – A wall-mounted light fitting.

Materials and Finishes

Laminate – A manufactured surface made by fusing layers, often used for countertops.
Lacquer – A high-gloss, durable finish applied to wood or metal.
Marquetry – Decorative inlay work using wood veneers.
Patina – The change in appearance of a surface due to age or exposure.
Terrazzo – A composite material with chips of marble, quartz, or glass set in cement or resin.
Veneer – A thin decorative layer of high-quality wood applied to a base material.

Architectural Features

Alcove – A recessed section of a wall.
Architrave – Decorative moulding framing a door or window.
Coving – Curved moulding at the junction of wall and ceiling.
Mezzanine – An intermediate floor open to the level below.
Niche – A shallow recess in a wall, often for display.

Measurements and Abbreviations

AFF – Above Finished Floor; measurement from the completed floor level.
CAD – Computer-Aided Design; software used for design drawings.
FF&E – Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment.
RCP – Reflected Ceiling Plan; a drawing showing ceiling elements.
WTW – Wall-to-Wall measurement, often used in flooring installation.

A-Z of Interior Design Terminology

1. Accent Lighting: Lighting that highlights a particular object or draws attention to a part of the field of view.
2. Aesthetic: A set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.
3. Alignment: The arrangement of elements to create a line or ‘visual connection’ in a design.
4. Ambient Lighting: General lighting that evenly illuminates a whole room or area.
5. Asymmetry: An imbalance in visual elements in a space, achieving balance without mirroring.
6. Balance: The even distribution of visual weight in a space, which can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.
7. Bidirectional Flow: A layout or design that allows movement in multiple directions.
8. Colour Harmony: The theory of combining colors in a way that is harmonious to the eye.
9. Colour Palette: A selected range of colours used in a design scheme.
10. Contrast: The arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth, etc.) in a piece to create visual interest.
11. Depth: The perception of three-dimensionality or distance in a room or a design.
12. Elevation: A head-on view of an interior or exterior wall, showing the finished appearance.
13. Emphasis/Focal Point: Creating a centre of attention or a highlight in a space to draw the viewer’s eye.
14. Ergonomics: The science of designing the workspace, considering how people interact with their environments.
15. Field of View: The extent of the observable world seen at any given moment.
16. Flow: The ease with which one can move through a space, determined by layout and spatial organisation.
17. Form: The shape and structure of solid objects within a space.
18. Gradient: A gradual change of colour or texture within a design.
19. Harmony: The feeling of unity or cohesiveness in a space, where all parts contribute to a whole.
20. Hierarchy: The visual arrangement of elements in a space in order of importance.
21. Illuminance: The amount of light that falls on a surface, measured in lux.
22. Juxtaposition: Placing two or more elements side by side to highlight their differences or create interesting contrasts.
23. Kinetic Elements: Dynamic or moving components in a design.
24. Layering: Placing different materials, textures, or objects in a way that they partially overlap, creating depth and interest.
25. Line: The use of various forms of lines in a space, which can direct the eye or create forms.
26. Luminance: The intensity of light emitted from a surface per unit area in a given direction.
27. Mass: The physical volume or bulk of a solid body or structure.
28. Modularity: The use of standardised units or dimensions in design for flexibility and variety.
29. Negative Space: The empty or open space around and between objects, which defines shapes and can add balance.
30. Niche: A small recess in a wall, often used for display purposes.
31. Ombre: A design effect where colour shades or tones fade into each other, typically from light to dark.
32. Pattern: A repetitive design used in wallpapers, fabrics, or other surfaces.
33. Perspective: The technique used to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.
34. Proportion: The relative size and scale of various elements within a space, considering the relationship between objects.
35. Rendering: A detailed drawing or painting showing a room’s design and decoration.
36. Repetition: Using the same element multiple times in a space to create rhythm and unity.
37. Rhythm: The visual flow throughout a space, achieved through repetition, progression, transition, and contrast.
38. Saturation: The intensity or purity of a colour.
39. Scale: Refers to the size of objects in relation to the space they are in or to other objects within the space.
40. Symmetry: The arrangement of elements so that they are evenly distributed on either side of a central axis.
41. Tactility: The perceived texture or quality of a surface through touch.
42. Task Lighting: Lighting designed for a specific functional purpose, like reading or cooking.
43. Texture: The perceived surface quality of a material, which can be seen or felt.
44. Transparency: The use of materials or design elements that are see-through or allow light to pass through.
45. Unity: The feeling that all components of a design fit together in a cohesive whole.
46. Valance: A short ornamental drapery or border hung from the top of a window or bed, used as a decorative feature.
47. Variety: The use of different elements in a design to add interest and prevent monotony.
48. Vista: A view, especially one seen through a long, narrow avenue or passage.
49. Whitespace: Unfilled areas of a design, helping to prevent a cluttered look and feel.
50. Zoning: Organising a space into distinct functional areas.

Using this Interior Design Glossary

Keep this glossary handy for when you need it. Whether you’re talking through layout plans with a contractor, browsing furniture for your home, or fine-tuning a mood board, knowing the right interior design terminology will help you make decisions that are clear, informed, and effective.

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