Vocabulario Em Ingles de Interiores

8/12/2019 Vocabulario Em Ingles de Interiores

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That’s why if you’re thinking about trying your hand at the

dynamic world of interior design, you’ll have to pick up a few

architectural terms along the way. This list will start you out with

the basics. Use these terms to build up your architecture lexicon,and then add to it as you continue your education at an interior

design school or on your own.

Aggregate: Various hard, inert materials (such as sand, crushed

stone or gravel) added to cement to make mortar, concrete or

plaster.

Brace: Structural member that reinforces a beam, column or

truss.

Casement: Window with a sash and hinges on one side that

allows it to open, typically outward.

Chamfer: To round off or bevel a right-angled corner.

Facade: A building’s front.

Flashing: Strips used to cover and protect angles/joints and to

prevent water leakage. Usually made of sheet metal, lead, copperor tin.

Foyer: A house’s entrance hall.

Gable: Triangular wall between the slopes of a building’s roof.

Grade: Level at earth’s surface.

Jalousies: Adjustable glass louvers in windows or doors that

regulate light/air and prohibit rain.Keystone: The topmost and central brick or stone of an archway.

Load-bearing partition: Structural interior wall that supports a

floor or roof vertically.

Louver: Ventilator that’s slatted and pitched to keep out moisture.

Molding: Piece that covers construction joists or edges. It’s

usually a narrow strip of wood and may be decorative.



Mullion: Vertical framing on a window that divides it into major

sections.

Newel: Vertical post that a winding staircase wraps around; post

at a staircase’s top or bottom that supports the handrail.

Offset: Ledge formed by differing thicknesses in a wall.

Plastic laminate: Thin plastic sheet material for finishing off

interior millwork.

Pre-stressed concrete: Concrete reinforcement that’s stressed

before it sets and then relieved of the tension when it has

hardened to give it strength.

Quoin: A building’s external corner; any of the large square

stones that mark a corner.

Reinforcement: A system of steel rods cast into concrete for

accepting stresses.

Stucco: Plaster made from Portland cement, water and sand;

used as an exterior wall surface finish.

Stud: A vertical metal or wood framing member where sheathingand finished surfaces are nailed; supporting elements in walls or

partitions.

Terra Cotta: A hard clay product that’s typically used for exterior

ornamenting; can be glazed or unfinished.

Terrazzo: A hard-wearing floor finish made from small pieces of

colored marble or stone and embedded in cement and polished

with a high glaze.

Threshold: Strip of stone, wood or metal that’s placed beneath a

door in order to cover a change in floor materials and to receive

weather-stripping.

Wall-bearing construction: Structural system where the floor

and roof are carried directly by the masonry walls rather than by a

structural framing system.



Terms Commonly used in Architectureand Interior Design

ACCESS PANEL: A small metal or wood door flush with a wall orceiling surface which provides a closure over a valve or other operabledevice which is recessed into the wall or located above a ceiling. Theaccess door may be keyed and lockable.

ACCESS FLOOR: Removable metal or concrete floor panels about18" to 24" square which are supported on short steel pedestals so thatwiring and ductwork may be installed, changed and maintained below

the floor. The raised floor may be carpeted or tiled to create a finishedfloor surface.

ACOUSTICAL TILE, ACOUSTICAL PANEL: A ceiling or wall tilefinishing material with an inherent property to absorb sound; usuallymade of mineral, fiber or insulated metal materials. Not "Acoustic Tile"or "Acoustical Board."

ACRYLIC (PAINT), ACRYLIC LATEX - A paint composed of acrylicresins, thinned with water.

ADDENDUM- Written or graphic instruments issued prior to theexecution of the Contract which modify or interpret the biddingdocuments, including Drawings and Specifications, by additions,deletions, clarifications or corrections. Addenda will become part of theContract Documents when the Construction Contract is executed.(Plural-"Addenda".)

ADHESIVE: A sticky substance to bond one material to another. Use

the term "Adhere" instead of "Glue." Do not use "Glue," "Cement," orMastic."

ADMIXTURE - A chemical which is added to concrete to accelerate orretard the setting process or to create air bubbles in the concrete,called "accelerators," or :air entraining agents."

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS- Published public notice soliciting bidsfor a construction project. Most frequently used to conform to legalrequirements pertaining to projects to be constructed under public

authority, and usually published on newspapers of general circulationin those districts from which the public funds are derived.



AGGREGATE- Any of various hard, inert materials, like sand, gravel,crushed stone, or pebbles added to cement to make concrete, mortar,or plaster.

AGREEMENT- (1) A legally enforceable promise or promises betweentwo or among several persons. (2) On a construction project, thedocument stating the essential terms of the Construction Contractwhich incorporates by reference the other Contract Documents. (3)The document setting forth the terms of the Contract between the

Architect and a consultant.

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM- The process of treating air forsimultaneous control of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, anddistribution.

ALKYD (PAINT)- A paint composed of a chemically synthesized, alkydderived base, thinned with mineral spirits. The current version of "oil"based paints.

ALTERATION: A planned or executed change to an existing building,short of complete demolition of the building. See also DEMOLITIONand SELECTIVE DEMOLITION.

ALTERNATE: Mechanism used in Bid Documents to seek separate

bids for a different design than the "Base Bid" design. May be"Additive" or "Deductive" alternates.

APPROVE: The term "approved," where used in conjunction with the Architect's action on the Contractor's submittal, applications, andrequests, is limited to the Architect's duties and responsibilities asstated in General and Supplementary Conditions.

APRON- (1) A finish strip applied below the stool of a window to coverthe rough plaster or dry wall edge. (2) A paved or hard packed area

abutting a garage door or other opening.

AREAWAY- An uncovered space next to the fountain walls of abuilding, for entrance of light and air to the basement.

ARRIS: Sharp edge of a finished member.

AS-BUILT DRAWING: A drawing or print marked by the Contractor toshow actual conditions of a project as constructed after construction.

ASHLAR- A rectangular pattern of stone used in a wall.



ASPHALTIC CONCRETE: This is the term used for paving for roadsand driveways. Not "Asphalt" or "Bituminous" Concrete.

ASTRAGAL- A small molding attached to one or both meeting stiles of a double door, used to provide a tight, draft-free fit.

AWARD- The acceptance of a bid or negotiated proposal by an owner.

BACKFILL- The material (earth, gravel, or sand) used for refillingaround a foundation wall.

BACKUP- The inner portion of a masonry wall, usually finished withface brick, stone ashlar, stucco, or other decorative or protectiveveneer on the outside.

BALUSTER- Any of a number of closely spaced vertical supports for arailing or balustrade.

BATT INSULATION - A preformed section of flexible fiberglass ormineral wool insulation with or without a vapor barrier covering on oneside (either kraft paper or aluminum foil) sized to fit snugly in a framedcavity between studs or joists.

BATTEN- A narrow strip of wood or metal used to cover vertical joints

between boards or panels.

BAY- An opening in a wall; a horizontal area division of a building,usually defined as the space between two columns or piers.

BEAM- A horizontal load-supporting member of a building whichdirectly supports a floor; may be of wood steel, or concrete; transmitsload horizontally to vertical columns or bearing walls. Normally beamsare larger and are spaced further apart than "joist."

BEARING WALL- A wall which supports any vertical load in a building(such as floors, roofs, joist, beams or girder) as well as its own weight.

BEARING- The area of contact between a structural member (beam,girder, footing) and its underlying support (column, bearing wall, loadbearing ground).

BELT- A horizontal course of decorative stone or brick exposed to theexterior face and encircling a masonry building.

BEVELED WOOD SIDING- Horizontal wood boards of varying widths,(usually 4", 6", 8", or 10") with lower edge thicker than upper edge.



BID- A complete and signed proposal to do the construction work ordesignated portion thereof for the dollar amount stated in the bid.

BIDDER- One who submits a bid for a prime contract with the Owner, as distinct from a sub-bidder who submits a bid to another bidder.Technically, a bidder is not a contractor on a specific project until acontract exists between him and the Owner.

BIDDING DOCUMENTS- The advertisement or invitation to bid,instructions to Bidders, the bid form the drawings, the specifications,and any Addenda issued prior to receipt of bids.

BLANKET INSULATION - Roll type fiberglass insulation for installationover ceilings or on wall surfaces either laid flat or secured with impaling

pins.

BOARD FOOT- A unit of measure represented by a board one footlong, one foot wide and nominally one inch thick, or 144 cubic inches.

BOARD MEASURE- A system of cubic measurement for lumber; thebasic unit is a board foot.

BOND- The arrangement of bricks in certain overlapping patterns togive the finished structural unit additional strength and to allow the

individual elements to act together as a cohesive, integrated unit.Commonly used bonds are Running, common, English, and Flemishbonds.

BORROWED LIGHT (OR "LITE") - An interior window between roomswhich allows light from one room to enter another - It is an older term,but not entirely out of use - use instead "glazed opening."

BRACE- A structural member which reinforces a column, beam, ortruss.

BRACKET- A horizontally projecting support for an overhanging weightsuch as cornice.

BRIDGING- A method of bracing wood or steel floor joists by providinglateral members between the joists. Cross-bridging forms an "x" shapebetween joists. The purpose of bridging is to distribute loading toseveral joists.

BUDGET- The sum established by the Owner as available for the

entire Project, including the construction budget, land costs, equipmentcosts, financing costs, compensation for professional services,



contingency allowance, and other similar established or estimatedcosts.

BUILDING PERMIT- A permit issued by a village, town, city, county,state or federal governmental authority allowing construction of aproject in accordance with approved Drawings and Specifications.

BUILDING TYPE- A classification of a building according to principalactivities or uses for which it was constructed, such as housing, jail,shopping center. This is not the same as an "occupancy type" ofbuilding codes.

BUILT-UP ROOFING - roofing system used on relatively flat surfaces -hot asphalt or coal tar pitch mopped on with several plies (3 to 4) of

roofing felts. May be smooth surfaced, painted with fibrated aluminumpaint, or graveled on top.

BUTT JOINT- The cut ends of sheet or boards placed adjacent to oneanother with no overlap.

BUTTRESS- An external structure usually brick or stone, built againsta wall to support or reinforce it.

BY OWNER: The term "by Owner" means that work shown or

described in the contract documents and labeled with this designationis not included in the General Contractor's contract, but will becompleted under a separate contract with another contractor by theOwner. Coordination and scheduling of the work thus described shallbe the responsibility of the General Contractor.

BY OTHERS: The term "by others" means that work shown ordescribed in the contract documents and labeled with this designationis not included in the specific sub-trade's contract, but will be requiredto be done within the General Contractor's contract.

CAISSON- A deep foundation type which is constructed by boring a

large diameter hole in the ground and filling it with concrete.

CAMBER-A slight upward arching given to a beam, girder, or truss toprevent sagging due to weight.

CANT STRIP- A slanted or angled board laid at roof-wall intersectionor in back of a parapet, to transition from horizontal to vertical for a roofmembrane.



CANTILEVER- A structural member projecting horizontally well beyondits vertical support.

CASE WALL- A partition to enclose mechanical and plumbingsystems.

CASEMENT- A type of window having a sash with hinges on one sideallowing the window to open. Most contemporary casement windowsswing outward.

CASING- The exposed trim molding, around a door or window; may beeither flat or molded.

CASING BEAD - A plaster stop - do not use for gypsum wallboard trim.

CAULK - An archaic term meaning to fill small cracks with a linseed oiland whiting compound called "caulk" which is not very flexible and willnot provide a water tight joint -- use the term "seal" or "sealant"instead.

CEMENT- Portland Cement for use in concrete, grout, mortar, cementplaster and stucco.

CEMENT PLASTER- Material made from Portland cement sand and

water for use on exterior walls and soffits, and on high use interiorsurfaces or in high humidity interior spaces. "Stucco" is cement plaster.

CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT- A signed statement from the Architect to the Owner confirming the amount of money due theContractor for Work accomplished and/or materials and equipmentsuitably stored.

CHALKBOARD - Do not use the term "Blackboard" which is archaicsince contemporary chalkboards are not normally black.

CHAMFER - To bevel or round off a right angle corner.

CHANGE ORDER - A written order to the Contractor signed by theContractor, Owner, and the Architect, issued after the execution of theContract, authorizing a Change in the Work or an adjustment in theContract Sum or the Contract Time. The Contract Sum and theContract Time may be changed only by Change Order.

CHIPBOARD - Type of wood panel manufactured from wood chips and

glue - not a correct term - use the term "particle board" instead.



CLERESTORY WINDOW - A window or series of windows in a wallabove the eye line, for lighting and/or ventilation of the building.

CMU - Concrete Masonry Unit - Do not use "Cement Block" or "CinderBlock."

CODES - Regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements of avillage, town, city, county, state, or federal government relating tobuilding construction, adopted and administered for the protection ofthe public health, safety, and welfare.

COLUMN - A vertical load-carrying structural member supportinghorizontal members (beams, girders, etc.).

COMPLETE - The term "complete" means all surfaces or areas of aconstruction item.

CONCRETE - A mixture of Portland cement, large and smallaggregate, water and admixture.

CONDUCTOR - See "down spout".

CONDUIT - A protective metal tube for electric wiring.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS - The term "ConstructionDocuments" means the Scope of Work list and reference drawingscontained within the Volume by that name.

CONSTRUCTION JOINT - A joint in concrete flatwork or walls which isnecessary for stopping the pour for the day - sometimes referred to asa "cold joint," but do not use that.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - The combined operations for theauthorization, purchasing, supervision, accomplishment, and

acceptance of a construction project.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS - Working Drawings andSpecifications.

CONSULTANT - An individual or organization engaged by the Owneror Architect to render professional consulting services, supplementingthe Architect's services. Types of consultants could be Engineers,acoustical, energy, or cost consultants.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS - The term "Contract Documents" meansall of the documents which make up the Contract between Owner and



Contractor, including the Contract itself, the General and SpecialConditions, the Technical Specifications, the Construction Documents(Scope of Work and Drawings), all Addenda issued prior to signing ofthe Contract and Change Orders issued by the Owner and agreed toby the Contractor after the signing of the Contract.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION - The duties and responsibilities ofthe Architect during the Construction Phase, which includesobservation of construction, checking shop drawings, and approvingpay requests.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS - The Owner-Contractor Agreement, theConditions of the Contract (General, Supplementary and otherConditions), the Drawings, the Specifications, and all addenda issued

prior to execution of the contract.

CONTRACTOR - In construction terminology, the person ororganization responsible for performing the Construction Work andidentified as such in the Owner-Contractor Agreement.

CONTROL JOINT - A groove which is formed, sawed, or tooled in aconcrete or masonry structure to regulate the location and the amountof cracking and separation resulting from the dimensional change ofdifferent parts of the structure, thereby avoiding the development of

high stresses.

COPING - Top of a parapet, usually stone or metal, to prevent waterfrom getting into the parapet.

COR-TEN - Proprietary name for a brand of weathering steel made bythe Inland Steel Company - use the generic term "weathering steel"instead.

CORBEL- Masonry which is stepped out from each course to project

from a wall.

CORNICE - A horizontal molding along the top of the wall or ceiling.

COURSE - A continuous horizontal layer of masonry.

CRAWL SPACE - An unfinished, accessible space below the first floor,generally less than full story height, but at least 1'-6" high clear underthe joists or beams.

CRICKET - A small saddle on a roof used to divert water around achimney or other small projection (see saddle).



CRIPPLE- A short supplemental wall framing member used betweenthe door or window header (or window sill) and sill plate.

CURB - (1) The stone or concrete edging of a side walk or pavedstreet; (2) the raised edge of a floor or well opening.

CURTAIN WALL - An exterior wall which encloses but does notsupport the structural frame of the building.

DAMPPROOFING - An impermeable coat or coats of asphalt brushedor sprayed on the foundation basement wall to prevent the passage ofmoisture.

DATUM - A reference elevation to which other elevations aremeasured.

DEAD LOAD - The part of the total building load contributed by thestructural building elements and materials.

DEFLECTION - The displacement in a structural member that occurswhen a load is applied to the structure.

DELETE - To take something out of the building or contract - do not

confuse with "omit" which means not to install something in the firstplace.

DEMISING WALL- An interior wall or partition used to sub-dividetenant spaces from one another.

DEMOLITION - Removal of an entire building -- see also "alteration"and "selective demolition."

DETAIL - A drawing, at a larger scale, of a part of another drawing,

indicating in detail the design, location, composition and correlation ofthe elements and materials shown. (Usually referring to a plan detail.)

DIRECTED - Terms such as "directed," "requested," "authorized,""selected," "approved," "required," and "permitted" mean "directed bythe Architect," "requested by the Architect," and similar phrases.

DIVISION (OF THE SPECIFICATIONS)- One of the sixteenorganizational subdivisions used in the specifications and inconstruction information filing. (List them).



DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW - A type of window containing two movablesash sections which slide open vertically.

DOWNSPOUT - A pipe to carry rainwater from the gutter or roof to theground or the sewer -- can be sheet metal, plastic, or other type ofpiping material.

DRAWING - do not use "print," "blueprint," or "sheet"

DRIP - A projecting part of a sill or cornice that sheds rain water andprotects structural parts below.

DRYWALL - Gypsum board for interior wall and ceiling finish material.

DUCT - A rectangular or round sheet metal or fiberglass pipe used toconvey warm or cooled air.

DUMBWAITER - an elevator too small for a person - used for verticallytransporting food, mail, dishes, trays, etc.

EAVES - The lower or outer edge of a roof which overhangs the sidewall of a building.

ELASTOMERIC - A material which is inherently rubbery for sealants,

flashings, and waterproof membranes.

ELEVATION -(1) A drawing of the front, side, or rear of the buildingdrawn to scale. (2) The height above surface of the earth or the verticaldistance from a given reference elevation.

ENGLISH BASEMENT - A basement with half its height above gradelevel.

EVACUATION - The removal of earth from its natural position, or the

depression resulting from the removal of earth.

EXPANSION JOINT - A joint in concrete, masonry, or metal designedfor movement - expansion and contraction -- not a "control joint," or"construction joint."

EXPANSION SHIELD - a drilled-in lead shaft, into which a bolt isscrewed, expanding the shaft tight against the hole -- used foranchoring materials onto concrete or masonry surfaces.

FACADE - The front of a building.



FACE BRICK - A good grade of brick used to finished the exterior ofbuilding walls.

FASCIA -(1) Any relatively broad flat vertical surface like that on theoutside of a cornice. (2) A finishing board used to conceal rafter ends.

FEASIBILITY STUDY - A detailed investigation and analysisconducted to determine the financial, economic, technical or otheradvisability of a proposed project.

FEE - A term used to denote payment for a professional service, (notincluding compensation for reimbursable expenses, such as travel,long distance telephone calls, photo copy, printing or mailing).

FELT PAPER- Archaic term - an asphalt-impregnated used as acovering for wall sheathing or for plys of built-up roofing, usuallyweighing 15 lbs. per 100 square feet -- use the term "building paper"for use over wall sheathing, and "ply" for roofing felts.

FENESTRATION- The design and disposition or arrangement ofwindows or other openings in a building wall.

FIBERBOARD - A building board of wood or other plant fibers

compressed and bonded into a sheet, usually 4'-0" x 8'-0" x 1/2" thick.

FIBERGLASS - Finespun filaments of glass made into a yarn, used inblankets as insulation; or it may by added to gypsum or concreteproducts to increase tensile strength -- do not use the term "glassfiber."

FILL - Soil, gravel, or sand used to equalize or raise the surface of theearth.

FINISHED FLOOR - The top or wearing surface of a floor system, ofhardwood, vinyl, terrazzo, or ceramic tile.

FIRE RESISTANCE - The ability of a wall or floor assembly to maintainstructural stability and act as an effective barrier to the transmission ofheat for a stipulated period of time. Measured in hours, such as 1hr,2hr, 3hr, or 4hr.

FIRE STOPPING- Solid wood members placed between studs toretard the spread of flame within the framing cavity.



FIREPROOFING - The use of incombustible materials to protect steelstructured membrane of a building so it can withstand a fire withoutlosing structural integrity, for a stipulated period of time. Measured inhours, such as 1 hr, 2hr, 3hr, or 4hr.

FLAKE BOARD - use the term "particle board" instead.

FLAME SPREAD CLASSIFICATION - A standard measurement of therelative surface burning characteristics of a building material whentested by ASTM E 84. Classes are A, B, or C.

FLASHING- The strips of sheet metal, copper, lead, or tin used tocover and protect structural angles and joints, to prevent waterseepage or leaks.

FLOAT FINISH- The surface of concrete finished by a continuousspreading of the material with a flat board.

FLUE- The duct or open space within a chimney through whichcombustion gasses and smoke are allowed to escape.

FOOTING- The projecting course at the base of a foundation wallwhich distributes the building load over a wider area of the soil.

FOYER- The entrance hall of a house or other building type.

FURNISH: The term "furnish" is used to mean "supply and deliver tothe Project site, ready for unloading, unpacking, assembly, installation,and similar operations."

FURRING- The strips of wood or metal applied to wall or other surfaceto make it plumb or true to line, which will provide a fastening surfacefor a finish covering -- be more precise by using the terms "woodfurring" or "metal furring."

FURRING CHANNEL- cold rolled steel channel for suspension ofplaster or drywall ceilings - usually 3/4" or 1 2" deep.

GABLE- The triangular-shaped wall at the end of a building betweenthe slopes of a roof.

GAGE- Same as "gauge" -- thickness of metal.

GAMBREL ROOF- A ridged roof, with sides having two pitches or

slopes.



GENERAL CONTRACT-(1) Under the single contract system, theContract Between the Owner and the Contractor for construction of theentire Work. (2) Under the separate contract system, that Contractbetween the Owner and a Contractor for construction of architecturaland structural Work.

GENERAL CONDITIONS (OF THE CONTRACT FORCONSTRUCTION)- That written part of the Contract Documents whichsets forth many of the rights, responsibilities and relationships of theparties involved.

GIRDER- A Horizontal load supporting member of a building whichsupports a beam or beams.

GIRT- A secondary horizontal framing member extending betweencolumns or studs to stiffen the framing system; also to provide supportfor the siding or sheathing.

GLAZED OPENING- glass window in an interior wall or partition -- donot use the term "window," "vision panel," "light," "lite," or "borrowedlight."

GRADE BEAM - A horizontal load-bearing foundation member butend-supported on piles, piers, or caissons like a standard beam; not

ground-supported like a foundation wall.

GRADE- Level of the earth's surface.

GRILLAGE- A system of beams, laid crosswise to form a foundation toevenly distribute the load.

GROSS AREA- The total enclosed floor area of all floors of a buildingmeasured from the outside surface of the exterior walls.

GROUNDS- The strips of wood or metal placed around a wall openingto establish the finished plane for the palter or concrete.

GROUT- A thin, fluid mortar mixture of Portland cement, fineaggregate and water used to fill small joints and cavities in masonrywork -- do not use mortar in place of grout.

GUARD RAIL- A protective railing around an open raised platform.

GYP BOARD- See gypsum wallboard.



GYPSUM WALLBOARD- A prefabricated sheet used in drywallconstruction made of gypsum covered with paper which can bepainted, or wall papered -- use the term "drywall" instead.

HANDRAIL- Single railing on wall at stair -- use "railing" for a protectivebarrier.

HANGER- Any suspended structural member to which other membersare attached.

HARDBOARD- manufactured flat wood panel used for interior finishmaterial -- do not use the terms "Masonite," or "pressed board."

HARDWOOD- wood obtained from deciduous trees, mainly used for

finished wood trim, doors, panels, and furniture -- no specific species,could be oak, birch, ash, poplar, teak, mahogany, butternut, etc.

HEAD ROOM- The distance between the top of a finished floor and thelowest part of the floor above.

HEADER- In masonry, a brick laid across the thickness of a wall withone end toward the face of wall. In carpentry, a wood beam set at rightangles to joists at a floor opening to provide a support for joist whichare interrupted by the opening.

HEARTH- The floor of a fire place, and the projection ofnoncombustible flooring material in front of the fireplace.

HIP ROOF- A room whose four sides slope to a common point or toridge; has no gabled ends.

HOISTWAY- shaft for elevators and dumbwaiters.

HOLLOW METAL- break-formed sheet metal used for doors, windows

and frames.

IN KIND: The term "in kind" means of the same type, size, material,etc. as the existing item.

INDICATED: The term "indicated" refers to graphic representations,notes, or schedules on the Drawings, other paragraphs or schedules inthe Specifications, and similar requirements in the ContractDocuments. Where terms such as "shown," "noted," "scheduled," and"specified" are used, it is to help the reader locate the reference; no

limitation on location is intended.



INSTALL- The term "install" is used to describe operations at projectsite including the actual "unloading, unpacking, assembly, erection,placing, anchoring, applying, working to dimension, finishing, curing,protecting, cleaning, and similar operations."

INSTALLER: An "Installer" is the Contractor or an entity engaged bythe Contractor, either as an employee, subcontractor, or sub-subcontractor, for performance of a particular construction activity,including installation, erection, application, and similar operations.

INSULATION- Any material used to slow down the transfer of heat.

JACK RAFTER- The diagonal sloping ridge rafter of a hip roof.

JALOUSIES- Adjustable glass louvers in doors or windows to regulatelight and air or exclude rain. JAMB- The side framing or finish of a doorway or window.

JOINT FILLER- material which fills the entire depth of a joint and initself does not form a waterproof joint -- may be topped with sealant toprovide water tightness.

JOIST- A horizontal closely spaced framing member supporting a flooror ceiling.

KERF- A narrow slot cut in to the face of a material such as wood ormetal.

KEYSTONE- The central topmost stone or brick of an arch.

KING POST- The vertical member at the center of a triangular truss.

KNEE- A brace placed diagonally at the center of a triangular truss.

LALLY COLUMN- A steel pipe column which is encased in concreteand another steel jacket on the outside to provide fire proofing.

LATH- Strips of wood (in older existing construction) or expandedmetal used as base for plaster walls.

LATTICE- Any openwork panel of crossed strips, rods, or bars of woodor metal, used as a screen.

LEADER- archaic term -- use "down spout" instead.

LIEN- See "mechanic's lien".



LIGHT (OR "LITE")- A window pane or section of a window sash for asingle pane of glass.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE- concrete which uses lightweightaggregate such as expanded shale or clay instead of crushed stone --normally weighs about 110 pcf.

LIGHT WELL- A n open area within a building or in a subsoil spacearound a basement window, which provides light and air.

LINTEL- A piece of wood, stone, or steel placed horizontally across thetop of door and window openings to support the wall above theopening.

LITE- See "light".

LIVE LOAD- That part of the total load on structural members that isnot a permanent part of the structure. it may be variable, as in the caseof loads contributed by people, furniture, wind, snow or earthquakeloads.

LOAD-BEARING PARTITION- A vertical structural interior wallsupporting a floor or roof.

LOFT- (1) An attic-like space below the roof of a house or barn; (2) any of the upper stories of a warehouse or factory, (3) A type of apartment unit which is usually built within an old factoryand which provides the occupant with large, open, high-ceilingspaces. Usually only a bathroom is enclosed and plumbing isminimal. Interiors are finished by occupant.

LOUVER- A slatted ventilator pitched to keep out fain or snow.

MANSARD ROOF- A roof with two slopes or pitches on each of thefour sides, the lower slopes steeper than the upper.

MASONRY- Brick, concrete block, or stone.

MECHANIC'S LIEN- A legal charge on property in favor of personssupplying labor or materials for a building for the value of labor ormaterials supplied by them. Clear title to the claim for the labor,materials or professional services is settled through the "release ofliens" which is accomplished through a form given to the owner by the

contractor.



METAL- used to denote products fabricated from thin sheet steel.

METAL LATH- Expanded metal used for plaster lath -- do not use theterms "mesh" or "chicken wire."

METAL TRIM- edge trim for drywall -- do not use the term "casingbead" which is for plaster.

MEZZANINE- An intermediary floor having less than 1/3 of the areathan the floor below.

MILL CONSTRUCTION- A type of "slow-burning" construction made ofmasonry walls, heavy timber framing, and planked or laminated woodfloors.

MILLWORK- Doors, windows and door frames, mantels, panel work,stairways, and woodwork.

MITER- A joint formed by to pieces of material cut to meet at an angle.

MOLDING- A finishing piece to cover construction joists or edges,usually a long narrow strip of plain or curved wood; may beornamented.

MONITOR- A raised rectangular and roofed structure on a roof havingwindows or louvers for ventilating or lighting the building.

MOP BASIN- Floor mounted sink for building maintenance purposes --do not use terms "slop sink" or "service sink," which are wall-mountedsinks.

MORTAR- A bonding agent in masonry work, made of lime, sand, andcement mixed with water.

MUD- A common term for drywall joint compound products.

MULLION- Vertical framing which divides windows into major sections.

MUNTIN- The vertical or horizontal bars which divide lights (panes ofglass) in a window.

NEWEL- The vertical post around which the steps of a windingstaircase turn; the post at the top or bottom of a staircase, supportingthe handrail or a balustrade.

NOSING- The rounded projecting edge of a stair tread or landing.



OAKUM - A loose fiber from hemp or rope, used as a backing forcaulking joints in cast iron drain piping.

OFFSET - A ledge formed by a difference in the thickness of a wall.

OMIT- to leave something out by intention.

ON CENTER (O.C.)- The distance from the center of one structuralmember to the center of another, term used for spacing studs, joists,rafters.

OPTION- term used in construction documents to indicate thatcontractor may use one of several products at his or her choice.

PARAPET- An exterior low wall along the edge of a roof, balcony,ridge, or terrace.

PARGING- A coating of cement mortar (Portland cement, sand, andwater mix), on a masonry wall, used to waterproof the outside surfaceof an exterior wall or masonry foundation.

PARQUET FLOOR- A hardwood floor laid in small rectangular orsquare patterns, not in long strips.

PARTY WALL- A wall built along the dividing line between adjoiningbuildings for their common use.

PATCH - The term "patch" means to remove any damaged ordefective material within the area to be patched, and to replace it withnew material, fitted in a workmanlike manner so as to provide acontinuous plumb, level, and/or true to line surface, uninterrupted byflaws, defects, or blemishes.

PARTICLE BOARD - A wood and glue composite panel for sheathing,underlayment, subflooring, and substrate for veneers and plasticlaminate for millwork.

PARTITION- A non-bearing wall which divides space and supportsonly its own weight.

PENTHOUSE- A building on the roof of a building to enclosemechanical or elevator equipment; also, an apartment on the roof of ahigh-rise apartment.



PERFORMANCE BOND - An insurance document purchased by thecontractor from a bidding company (a "surety") which guarantees thatthe work will be performed in accordance with the ContractDocuments.

PERMEABILITY- The property of material to permit a fluid (or gas) topass through it; in construction, commonly refers to water vaporpermeability of a sheet material or assembly and is defined as WaterVapor Permeance per unit thickness.

PERMIT- A document issued by a local, state, county, or federalgovernmental authority having jurisdiction to authorize specific work ona building.

PIER- A column; a foundation type shaped like a column underground,created by drilling a hole and filling it with concrete.

PILASTER- Half-column attached to or projecting from a wall.

PILE- A timber, steel, or concrete pole which is driven into the groundto serve as support for the foundation.

PITCH- The slope or incline of a roof, expressed in inches of rise perfoot of length, or by the ratio of the rise to the total roof span.

PLANK- A piece of unfinished structural lumber 2 to 4 inches thick andat least 8 inches wide. PLASTER- A mixture of gypsum, sand, and water, used as a finishedsurface for walls and ceilings, applied over gypsum, metal or woodlath.

PLASTIC INSULATION- Generic term for polystyrene ("Styrofoam") orurethane insulation.

PLASTIC LAMINATE- Thin sheet material of plastic composition usedfor finishing of interior millwork - do not use the terms "Formica," or"Melamine."

PLATE- A horizontal woo framing member which provides bearing andanchorage for wall, floor, ceiling, and roof framing.

PLENUM- An enclosed chamber for horizontal distribution ofventilation air, such as the space between a suspended finished ceilingand the floor above.



PLINTH- A square block at the base of a column, pedestal, or doorcasing.

PLY- A term to denote the number of thickness or layers as "3-ply"; forroofing felt, veneers, etc.

PLYWOOD- A fabricated wood product constructed of three or morelayers of veneer joined with glue, laid with grain or adjoining plies atright angles.

PORTALS- A door, gate, or entrance, especially one of imposingappearance.

POST- A vertical wood structural column.

PRESTRESSED CONCRETE- A method of giving tensile strength bystressing the reinforcing in the concrete before it sets, then releasingthe tension after the concrete has hardened.

PRIMER- A first base coat of paint to seal the surface of the finishedmaterial and equalize suction differences.

PROJECT SITE: The term "Project Site" is the space available to theContractor for performance of construction activities, either exclusively

or in conjunction with others performing other work as part of theProject. The extent of the Project Site is shown on the Drawings andmay or may not be identical with the description of the land upon whichthe Project is to be built.

PROJECT MANUAL- The 8 2"x 11" paper size bound book of writtendocuments prepared by the Architect for a Project, including thebidding requirements, Conditions of the Contact and technicalSpecifications, used by the Contractor in bidding & building the project.

PROPRIETARY PRODUCT- A product produced by only onemanufacturer to his own design, and not available from competingmanufactures.

PROSCENIUM- In a theater, the front area of the stage still visible tothe audience when the curtain is lower; the curtain and the openingthat surrounds it.

PROVIDE: The term "provide" means "to furnish and install, completeand ready for the intended use."



PURLIN- A structural roof framing member laid horizontally across theroof beams to support a roof deck.

QUANTITY SURVEY- Detailed analysis and listing of all items ofmaterial and equipment and quantities of each necessary to constructa Project.

QUARRY TILE- Thick type of ceramic tile which is composed of firedclays and shales used for floors and bases.

QUEEN POST- Either of two vertical members of a triangular truss,each being equidistant from the apex.

QUOIN- The external corner of a building; any of the large square

stones by which the corner is marked.

RABBET (ALSO REBATE)- A longitudinal channel, groove, or recesscut out of the edge or face of a member to receive another member, orone to receive a frame inserted in a door or window opening; therecess into which glass is installed in a window sash.

RACKING- Lateral stress exerted on an assembly. See test Procedure ASTM E 72.

RAFTER- A closely spaced sloping framing member supporting a roof.

RAIL- The cross of horizontal piece of a door, window sash, or panel.The top horizontal member of a balustrade.

RAKE- A board or molding placed along the sloping sides of a framegable to cover the ends of the siding.

RANDOM- Without uniformity of dimension or design; e.g., masonrywall with stones placed irregularly, not in a straight course.

REBUILD: The term "rebuild" means to reconstruct a portion orportions of the building completely and properly using new or salvagedmaterials acceptable to the Owner and Architect.

RECORD DRAWINGS- Sometimes called "as-built" drawings, theseare normally modified from the construction documents to conform toall changes made during construction.

REFINISH- To put finish back into its original condition -- do not use

the terms "refurbish," "rehabilitate," "remodel," "renew," or "renovate."



REGULATION: The term "Regulations" includes laws, ordinances,statutes, and lawful orders issued by authorities having jurisdiction, aswell as rules, conventions, and agreements within the constructionindustry that control performance of the Work.

REINFORCEMENT- A system of steel rods or mesh cast into concretefor accepting stresses.

RELOCATE- To move an item from one location and install in anotherlocation.

REMODEL- use the term "alter" instead.

REPAIR: The term "repair" means to fix and restore a portion or

portions of the building to a sound, acceptable state of operation andserviceability or appearance. Repairs will be expected to lastapproximately as long as a replacement.

REPLACE: The term "replace" means to remove an existing elementor elements from the building and install a new element of like kind ora salvaged element acceptable to the Owner and Architect,completely and properly anchored to the substrate and surroundingmaterials; also the term can mean to provide a substitute orreplacement for an item.

RESET: The term "Reset" means to remove an existing element orelements from the building and reinstall it completely and properlyanchored to the substrate and surrounding materials.

RESILIENT BASE- wall base material -- use this term genericallyinstead of "vinyl base," or "rubber base."

RESILIENT FLOORING- Either tile or sheet goods for flooring materialmade from vinyl or rubber.

RESILIENT TILE- Floor tile -- use this term generically instead of "vinylcomposition tile," "vinyl tile" or "rubber tile."

RETAINING WALL- A wall built to keep a bank of earth from sliding.

RIDGE- The top horizontal edge or peak of a roof.

RIGID INSULATION- High density fiberglass or cellular glassinsulation.



RISER- The vertical part of a stair step; a vertical HVAC, plumbing, orelectrical run or extension.

ROLL ROOFING- A roofing material made of compressed fiberssaturated with asphalt, and coated with small gravel supplied in rolls.

ROOF HATCH- use this term instead of the archaic term "scuttle."

ROOFING FELT- See "felt paper".

RUNNER CHANNEL- Cold rolled steel channel 1 2" deep used forsuspended ceiling framing.

SADDLE- A roof crossing between two adjoining roofs to the ends ofthe valley.

SANITARY SEWER- A sewer designed to carry sewage frombathroom, toilet room, and kitchen waste, not usually storm water.

SASH- The framework which holds the glass in a window or door.

SAWTOOTH ROOF- A roof composed of a series of single-pitch roofswhose shorter or vertical side has windows for light and air.

SCORE- To cut a surface of a material part way through with a sharpblade before braking; glass and ceramic tile are cut using this method.

SCRATCH COAT- The first coat of plaster applied to a wall, scratchedor scored to provide a bond for the second coat.

SCREED- (1) A metal or wood strip placed at intervals on a wall orfloor to gauge thickness of plaster or concrete. (2) To level, as in pulling a straight edge across a concrete slab withinthe formwork.

SCRIBE- To score or mark along a cutting line.

SCUTTLE- A framed opening in a ceiling or roof, fitted with a lid or acover.

SEAL COAT- A fine thin coating of asphalt paving with bituminousmaterial to provide water resistance.

SEAL- (1) An embossing device or stamp used by a design

professional on his Drawings and Specifications as evidence of his



registration in the state where the Work is to be preformed. (2) To provide sealant at a joint to make it water tight.

SEALANT- A semi-liquid or "elastomeric" water proofing materialplaced in a joint between materials to create a water tight joint or to fillsmall openings in wall or ceiling systems to prevent leakage of soundor to create a finished appearance and seal between dissimilarmaterials.

SEALER- A base coating of paint to seal and equalize suctiondifferences and prevent absorption of subsequent coats.

SEAMLESS FLOORING- Sheet flooring material with joints fieldwelded or sealed.

SECTION (DRAWING)- A drawing of a surface revealed by animaginary plane cut through the project, or portion thereof, in such amanner as to show the composition of the surface as it would appear ifthe part intervening between the cut plane and the eye of the observerwere removed.

SECTION (MATERIAL)- Sometimes loosely used to describe a rolledsteel shape, such as "W section" -- use the term "W member" instead.

SELF-EDGE- Plastic laminate edging in which the horizontal surfaceoverlaps the vertical edge surface and is cut off flush with the verticalsurface -- this will expose a dark brown edge of the plastic laminatematerial and will be visible.

SEPTIC TANK- A covered tank in which waste matter is decomposedby natural bacterial action, draining into a drainage field.

SERVICE SINK- Wall-mounted sink for building maintenance purposes-- do not use the terms "slop sink" or "mop basin."

SEWER- An underground system of pipes which carry off waste matteror storm water to a sewage treatment plant or to an area of naturaldrainage.

SHAKE- A shingle formed by splitting a short long into a number oftapered sections.

SHEATHING- The first covering of boards, plywood, or wallboardplaced over exterior wall studding or roof rafters -- not "sheeting."



SHEET FLOORING- Resilient linoleum, vinyl or rubber flooringinstalled wall to wall.

SHEET METAL- Usually thin steel sheets.

SHEET PILING- Planking or steel plates driven close togethervertically, to form a temporary wall around an excavation.

SHIM- To build up low areas; to level or adjust height.

SHINGLE- A roofing type using tapered pieces of cedar or asphaltcomposition pieces nailed one overlapping the other.

SHOP DRAWINGS- Drawings, diagrams, illustrations, schedules,performance charts, brochures and other data prepared by theContractor or any Subcontractor, manufacturer, supplier or distributor,which illustrate how specific portions of the Work will be fabricatedand/or installed.

SHORING- Structural bracing used as temporary support for a buildingduring construction.

SILL- A horizontal piece forming the bottom frame of a door or window.

SITE- Geographical location of the Project, usually defined by legalboundary lines.

SLEEPER- A strip of wood anchored to a concrete floor or nailed tosubflooring and to which the finishes floor is nailed.

SLUMP- A concrete test method to evaluate water/cement ratioconsistency.

SOFFIT- The undersurface of a building member, as of a cornice, arch

or stairway.

SOFTWOOD- Type of lumber from conifer evergreen trees, such aspine, fir, larch, ceder, and redwood.

SOIL- Use this term instead of "earth" or "dirt."

SPAN- The horizontal clear distance between supports, as those of abridge, or between two piers.

SPANDREL BEAM- A beam which lies in the same vertical plane asthe exterior wall.



SPANDREL- A portion of an exterior wall between a window on onefloor and a window on the floor above.

SPECIFICATIONS- (1) A detailed description of requirements, composition and materialsfor a proposed building; (2) Apart of the Contract Documents contained in the Project Manualconsisting of written descriptions of a technical nature of materials,equipment construction systems, standards and workmanship. Underthe Uniform System, the Specifications comprise sixteen Divisions.

SPRAYED FIREPROOFING- Mineral fiber composition applied tostructural steel members by spraying with an applicator gun used toobtain a specific fire rating for the structure to comply with building

code requirements.

SQUARE- (1) 100 Square feet of roofing surface; (2) edges of an object which are at a right angle to each other.

STAGGER- To offset building members or fasteners in a horizontal orvertical plane in alternating sequence.

STAGING- A temporary scaffolding to support workers and materialsduring construction.

STANDARD- An approved criterion governing the quality of aconstruction material, operation, functional requirement, or method ofassembly.

STICK BUILT- Constructed by means of building stud-by-stud and joist-by-joist in the field from raw materials.

STICK BUILDING- Light weight wood framed building -- type 5construction by the BOCA/National Building Code.

STILE- The upright or vertical outside piece of a sash, door, or panel.

STOCK- Standard size raw building materials or standard equipment.

STONE- Granite, marble, limestone, slate used for fabricated interioror exterior finishes. STORM SEWER- A sewer carrying only storm water (but neversanitary waste).

STORY (A CODE TERM)- A horizontal division of a building; thatportion between one floor and the floor above.



STRETCHER- A brick laid lengthwise in a wall.

STRIKE- In stone setting or bricklaying, to finish a mortar joint with astroke of the trowel, simultaneously removing extruding mortar andsmoothing the surface of the mortar remaining in the joint; strike off.

STRINGER- The inclined structural framing member supporting thetreads and risers of a stair.

STUCCO- Plaster made from Portland cement, sand, and water usedas an exterior wall surface finish; usually applied over a galvanizedmetal lath or wood lath base.

STUD- A vertical wood or metal framing member to which sheathing

and finished surfaces are nailed, as the supporting elements in wallsand partitions.

SUB STRUCTURE- That part of a building structure below the ground.

SUBCONTRACTOR- A person or organization who has a directContract with a prime Contractor to perform a portion of the Work atthe site.

SUBFLOOR- A floor laid on top of the floor joists, to which the finished

floor is fastened.

SUBSOIL DRAIN- Also called a "footing drain". A perforated 4"diameter pipe which is installed on the outside of the footingsurrounded by pea gravel, which allows storm water in the soil to draininto it and be carried off to the sewer system or to a sump pit inside thebasement, and from there pumped out back to the gravel surface orinto the sewer.

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: The term "Substantial Completion"

means the date on which the Architect issues a Certificate ofSubstantial Completion based on an inspection of the Work, by which itcan be determined that the Work is sufficiently complete in accordancewith the Contract Documents so that the Owner can occupy or utilizethe Work for the use for which it is intended. A Certificate ofSubstantial Completion may be issued for each individual building as itis completed, if this is in the Owner's best interests.

SUPERSTRUCTURE- That part of a building structure above thefoundation or ground level.



SUPPLIER- A person or organization who supplies materials orequipment for the Work, including that fabricated to a special design,but who does not perform labor at the site.

SURVEY- Boundary and/or topographic mapping of a site.

TACKBOARD- A bulletin board, made of cork or other resilienttackable surface.

TERRA COTTA- A hard, brown-red fired, clay product, typically usedas exterior ornament. Can be glazed, or unglazed.

TERRAZZO- A durable floor finish made of small chips of coloredstone or marble, embedded in cement and polished in place to a high

glaze.

TESTING LABORATORIES - A "testing laboratory" is an independententity engaged to perform specific inspections or tests, either at theProject Site or elsewhere, and to report on and, if required, to interpretresults of those inspections or tests.

THERMAL BRIDGE- A thermally conducive area of an exteriorenclosure which will allow heat to transfer from the interior of thebuilding to the exterior at a greater rate then the other parts of the

enclosure.

THERMAL BREAK- A separation between exterior and interiormaterials by an insulation material. Typically refers to a feature of awindow wall system.

THRESHOLD- A strip of wood, stone, or metal placed beneath a doorto cover a change in floor materials, to receive weather-stripping and,sometimes, an automatic door closer.

THRU- Short version of the word "Through" as used in drawings.

TOEBOARD- Raised protective edge (usually 4" high) at edges oflandings, balconies, mezzanines, etc. where there is no wall or kneewall, but only a guard rail.

TOE SPACE- Recess at base of cabinets.

TONGUE AND GROOVE- A factory formed notch and matingprojection on wood flooring or deck.



TOPSOIL- Soil used for planting trees, shrubs, ground cover, orgrasses.

TRADES: Use of titles such as "carpentry" is not intended to imply thatcertain construction activities must be performed by accredited orunionized individuals of a corresponding generic name, such as"carpenter." It also does not imply that requirements specified applyexclusively to trades persons of the corresponding generic name.

TRUSS- Triangular structural framing members formed into a singleplane for supporting loads over long spans, in wood or steel, or both.

TYPICAL- Means that the item referred to is repeated several times insimilar circumstances and locations.

UNDERLAYMENT- A smooth, hard sheet material, such as hardboard,cement board, plywood, or particle board, placed over roughersubstrates to achieve a surface suitable for application of finishes suchas resilient flooring or ceramic tile.

UNDISTURBED EARTH- Soil which has not previously beenexcavated.

VAPOR RETARDER- A plastic sheet used to retard condensation in

walls, floors, and ceilings, applied on the warm-in-winter side of thewall or ceiling structure or over the ground surface in a crawl space --do not use the term "vapor barrier."

VERMICULITE- An inorganic mineral product that expands severaltimes its initial volume when exposed to a high temperature (about1000 degree F).

VITRIFIED TILE- A pipe made of clay, baked hard, then glazed so it isimpervious to moisture; used particularly for underground drainage.

WAINSCOT- The lower part of an interior wall when its surface finish isdifferent from that of the upper.

WAIVER OF LINEN- An instrument by which a person or organizationwho has or may have a right of mechanic's lien against the property ofanother relinquishes such right. Waivers of linen are provided to theowner by the general contractor and his sub-contractors & suppliers, atthe time a pay request is submitted.

WALL- Vertical enclosure of a building or occupancy separation,usually load bearing.





Decorative objects of art, lighting, plants, area rugs, walldecorations added to the interior to enhance andreinforce the design style.

Accordion fold

Tailored, pleated fabric with uniform exterior & interiorappearance. (zigzag configuration)

AcetateManufactured cellulose acetate textile fiber with fastdrying, wrinkle & shrink resistance

AcrylicPlastic resins to make synthetic fibers as coating or to

bind pigment

Acrylic Coatedfabric coated with resin for waterproofing

A&D Architecture and Design

Advancing Colors warm or dark colors that make surfaces appear closer orlarger

Adhesivetacky material, glue like, mastic, paste, cement to secureone object to another.

Alligator Skinprinted or embossed fabric simulating the alligator skin

Anodizea chemical process where a coating is etched onto metal

AnthropometricThe study of human measurements

Antique All items that exists within or over 100 years (items, buildings, furniture)

Appliquedecorations sewn onto or added on an existing surface;section of a wood that has been pre-cut, then glued andtacked to the main body parts of the furniture



ApronHorizontal member or decorative band mounted below a

work surface, attached to side vertical elements forstability and support; raised panel below a window seal

Arabesquea pattern with multiple interlaced flowers, foliage, fruits,urns, and scrolls, often symmetric plaster castingsadhered to wood doors and framed wall panels

Armoirea large cabinet or wardrobe; can be converted toentertainment or computer center

Astragalsmall convex molding, like a repetitive beaded details

Aubussonnamed after a French village, these are handmade arearugs & tapestries for walls, featuring figures & sceniclandscapes

Bachelor's Chestsmall, low, wooden cabinet w/ drawers & a top surface

for writing

Backsplasha vertical area behind a counter w/ or w/o sink,4"(partial splash) -18" (full backsplash)

Baker's tableEnglish marble-topped table, w/ decorative open iron

base use for cooking pastry, 32-33" high

BalusterSmall, heavily proportioned pillar used for verticalsupport of a railing. (vern: balustre, barandilla)

Venetian balconya column form of turned wood, twisted or tapered formor vase-shaped column

Balustradea railing composed of a series of balusters, bottom rail or

top handrail; also used in smaller scale for furnitureembellishments



Balloon Shadefabric shade when raised, has a gathered bottom edge; itforms like a balloon

Bandinginlay or marquetry technique producing a contrast onthe surface of the wood furniture

Banquettea built-in or free-standing upholstered bench

Battingthin layers of natural or synthetic cloth used to linecushions, pillows, quilts, & crafts

Bauhausa 20th century design school; promotes practical,theoretical, and influential art, craft, and architecture

Beadsmall round ball made of a variety of materials with acenter hole; that can be sewn or strung onto a cord

Beddinga custom handmade or manufactured materials used ona bed for utilitarian purposes

Bed sheetsquare panel of fabric w/ or w/o elastic edge used toencase the top mattress on a bed

Bed skirtfabric bedding treatment, which spans bet. the upper &lower mattress beginning beneath a comforter to touch

the floor. (to cover the bottom part of a bed with sewnfabrics)

Bedspreadfabric bedding treatment that covers a top mattress

Benchlong seat for several individuals, w/ or w/o a backsupport; workable for machinery

Bench-made



one artisan creates a piece of furniture from start tofinish

Bench seat built-in bench

Bentwood wood steamed and bent to form a structural member of afurniture

Bergeré chairoverstuffed French upholstery chair with exposed woodframe; an armchair with closed arms;a chair with curvy wood frame or "bones", & with softpadded cushions

Bevelthe slopping on the edge of a material (mirror) thatdiminishes the apparent size of the surface; it providesplay of light and shade on the material

Beveled edgeslanted and polished edge detail used on wood, stone,glass, etc.

Bibliothequea cabinet that stores literary and artistic materials

Board and Batten barn like exterior siding constructed of 12" wide vertical boards joined side-to-side with smaller 1/2" - 1" boardscovering the joints

Bobecheglass ring added at the base of a candle to gather was or

on the base of an electrified chandelier candle-cover todangle prisms

Bolstera cylindrical shaped pillow (w/ or w/o tassels, & trims)

Bombéoutward swelling of a commodes, bureaus, and armoires

Bookcase

a chest constructed with several open shelves to hold books and accessories



Book matcha method for a veneer, glued together to create a mirrorimage pattern

Bow frontconvex cabinet front

Boweda board that does not sit flat, warped

Box spring coverfabric sleeve constructed to hide box springs, oftengathered with elastic on the underneath side

Box springs wire coils connected to one another with an outer metalframe, often padded and encased in quilted fabric

Boulle workapplied to form a marquetry, veneer of tortoiseshells and

brass, sometimes with other materials

Bracketa decorative or structural (upside-down L-shape)projection of wood, iron, marble, polyurethane, or othermaterials to support overhangs, cantilevered objects;corbel

Breakfronta large cabinet where the center section projects beyondthe two side sections

Brushed finishfabric finishing process using an abrasive surface

creating a raised nap on the surface

Buffeta linear furniture piece with storage for flatware; can also

be use as a counter for serving

Bullion fringelong, twisted, heat-set, multi-ply fringe often used onupholstery

Bullnose edge



thick, round edge detail usually for counter tops or otherareas with edges

Bun foota furniture leg shaped like a bun or series of flatten balls

Bureau American dresser or French writing desk

Burled wooda hardwood w/ swirling growth patterns, used as a

veneer for inlays

Burn outa fabric composed of 2 fibers chemically printed todissolve one of the fibers, leaving a see-through design ora positive/ negative appearance

Butt joint woodworking joint for decorative purposes; 2 pieces of wood are joined together

Cabineta free-standing / built-in furniture w/ shelves & drawersfor display and storage

Cabinetrycombination of built-in cabinets

Cabriole lega carved wood furniture leg that resembles an animal'ship, thigh, & ankle, curving outward at the knee &tapering inward at the ankle (finished w/ foot, claw or arounded pad)

Camelback SofaSofa style with a hump or a large rise that resembles acamel's back

Candelabradecorative candle holders, can also be electrified

Cantilevera projecting structural member supported on a fulcrum,held in a place by a downward force behind the leverage

point



Carpentrya process by w/c woodwork materials are manufacturedand produced

Carve

adorn objects by cutting wood w/ sharp handheldinstruments

Case goodsfurniture pieces primarily constructed of wood

Casement clothsemi-sheer, translucent, or opaque novelty fabric, inneutral color ways

Caseworkcustom woodwork of all parts that constitutes a finishedcase (e.g. cabinet)

Cast Ironmolten iron poured into a mold to create multiplecastings (vern. pundido)

Chairan individual seat constructed w/ a backrest, w/ 4

supporting legs or so

Chair rail/ Dadoany material in a horizontal trim installed on the wall ina room, usually 30" / 762mm off the floor; used in large

walls, further adorned with bead board, trim, wallpaper,or contrasting colors below and above

Chaise loungelong reclining chair or sofa

Chifferobea large furniture wardrobe with drawers

Chinoiseriea style of art depicting Asian/ Chinese motifs popular inFrance and England

Chiseledstone shaped by a sharp hand tool

Classic



designs having withstood the test of time; classicalproportions in architecture; classy or sleek

Claw footcarved end of a furniture leg resembling an animal's claw

Closeta free-standing furniture, sheetrock enclosure or custommade cabinetry implemented to store belongings, fitted

with drawers, rods, & racks

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Coffee tablea low table placed in front of a sofa for coffee

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Collagepatterns, images, and textures joined together in asurface to show another image, decoupage contrasting

Combinga faux painting technique the teeth of the tool is draggedonto wet paint creating striations

Comfortera bedcover with 2 fabric layer stitched down filled with adown or synthetic fiber fill

Commodea cabinet or chest, typically raised off the floor with a

legs, w/c can hold a wash basin or chamber pot

Concealed hingea hinge attached to a frame and door from the inside,making it invisible from the outside

Consolea carved decorative bracket; a control panel formonitoring electrical equipment usage

Console tablea table supported by ornamental consoles



ContemporaryDesign style with simple lines, curves and geometricpatterns

Continental pillow24" European square decorative pillow, often used insets of 3 on a king bedding as a backrest for a bank ofpillows

Cordingmachine-made or handmade decorative binding

Corner cabinet built-in or independently crafted cabinet designed to fittightly into the corner of a room, often symmetricallyflaking 2 sides of a room

Couchupholstered furniture used for seating or reclining; sofa

Countera horizontal work space that can be built-in or free-standing; 29" for seat ht., 36"-39" for standing ht.

Coverletdecorative bedspread or bed covering

Cracklesurface finish creating a glaze of fine cracks; a fake cracktexture

Crafta handmade object; or hand-fabricated

Credenzaa linear wood chest, may have shelves and drawers,usually used in commercial spaces as other work spacefor computers, or sideboard or buffet in residentialspaces

Cremone boltFrench surface mounted finish locking hardware with asliding knob, operated by the center knob, in which therod goes opposite directions to lock

Crown molding



molding installed between the wall and the ceiling,applied at the top of case goods

Curio cabineta slender display cabinet with glass shelves

Curlyundulating (wave-like) grain in wood, ribbon spiral

Curvea smooth continuous line deviating from a straight line(arch, wave, etc.)

Cushiona soft pillow or padding

Custommade-to-order

Cut glassa clear glass ornamentation cut by a diamond wheel tocreate decorative pattern on the glass, sometimescombined with etched glass patterns.Note: the art of creating hand-cut glass ornamentationon a curved glass surface has been lost; a method where

a large curved glass panel is manipulated, suspended in asling, over a diamond cutting wheel to create patterns

Dacron wrap wrapping foam cushions with synthetic polyester layersfor padding

Dadoa decoration on the lower portion of the wall, betweenthe baseboard and the chair rail; section of a column

pedestal above the base

Dado joint woodworking joint where a groove is cut across the grainand another board is fitted into the groove

Decoupagethe art of decorating a surface with cut-outs, papers,memorabilia, that are sealed with lacquer or varnish forprotection

Decoration



embellishment, ornamentation

Dentila molding pattern that is rectangular/ square blocks thatare equally spaced along the surface creating a "teeth"

motif

Depththe overall measurement of an object from front to back

Designexecuting, creating artistic arrangement skillfully

Deska horizontal or slanted working surface with storage,most often 29-30" high (736mm)

Detaila drawing in a larger scale, showing a portion or a part ofa drawing, indicating the components all in all; specifiedmarkings

Diagonal cabinetis a corner wall cabinet

Dimensionspatial qualities; measurements or height, length, width

Distresseda finish technique creating an aged patina, uneven or

worn appearance

Dobbya mechanical attachment on a loom to weave geometricpatterns

Dobby weavea small symmetrical pattern repeats, formed by adjustingthe harness attached to on a plain loom

Dovetail jointa furniture joinery technique of interlocking "wedge"shaped finger cut-outs

Dowela round wood or metal pin used to reinforce furnitureconstruction



Drawera wooden box, upper side open with a handle, function to

be pulled out horizontally w/in a cabinetry or furniture

Dressera horizontal cabinet with drawers and usually with backpaneled mirror, designed to store clothes, & personalitems (bureau)

Drop match patternpatterns where every other repeat (side to side) isdropped down one half of its length

Dust rufflea custom fabric bedding treatment applied betweenupper and lower mattress, touching the floor. (bed skirt)

Duvet covera fabric casing for a comforter or soft fill

Eclectica design style that utilizes elements from multiple stylesources

Eight-way hand-tiedcoiled springs used in furniture construction, knotted

with twine from front to back, side to side anddiagonally, interlocking adjacent coils

Embossedraised ornament work/ 3d like design impressed on asurface; fabric created by rolling goods betweenengraved cylinders

Embossingthe act of creating raised effect on the surface

Enamela hard, glossy surface finish

End lap jointa strong woodworking joint where two boards arerabbeted and joined

Engraving



a block, print or surface made from an etched orengraved plate

Entertainment centercabinetry designed specifically to house for TV and audio

items

Epergnea decorative centerpiece having a stand that holds

branches where dishes and flowers can be displayed

ErgonometricsStudy that deals with space planning in relationship withman's activities, behaviors, and movements

ErgonomicProducts, methods, equipment, designed by scientificanalysis of human function to enhance and improvehealth, safety and welfare

Escritoire A writing desk (vern. eskritoryo)

Escutcheon A protective plate installed behind door knobs, or as a

key hole cover

Étagèrea tall, open shelving unit to display accessories, ahanging or standing shelves that is open in all sides

Etcha design on metal, glass, etc. using wax or film created byrevealing specific areas with a special needle/ tool;applying an etching material for frosted appearance

Etchingetched plate, drawing or design (etched glass)

Euro shamssquare pillow shams, 24"x24" used in combination withother bed pillows

Exposed hinge

a visible hinge attached to the door, and frame



Extrudedmaterials forced through a machinery die to form aspecific shape (i.e. synthetic fiber)

Fabricated

an item created; produced

Fabricationthe process of creating or producing an item

Faux boisreproducing or re-interpreting a painted wood grainfinish, and furnishings; objects imitating wood logs,

branches, and bark textures

Festooncarved stone/ wood garland of fruit and flowers; folded

window treatment

Fiber saturation pointrefers to the limit reached of a wood when hygroscopic

water remains

Fiberboarda board compressed of wood shavings and glue

Figure patternrefers to the design of timber produced on smoothlongitudinal surfaces; rays, growth rings, change in colorand texture

Finiala decorative finish hardware of any material, used to capdrapery rods, newel posts, furnishings; used as acrowning ornament for furniture/ architecture

Finishrefers to the final material outcome or treatment on asurface

Finishesdifferent types of final treatments, coatings, stains, etc.on a surface

Finishing

fabric manufacturing process including weaving,printing, bleaching, dyeing, heat setting, napping,





are what you call for all items including accessories,cabinets, furniture, window treatments, lighting,upholstery, etc.

Furniture

any free standing or built-in object that is constructed to be functional, it may be for seating, writing, storing, andother parts of human life

Furniture layoutis the positioning and arrangement of furniture,accessories that are space planned

Futon beda convertible frame with a mattress that can be use either

as a sofa or a bed

Gate-leg tablea table with a drop leaf and a movable leg that supportsthe leaf when swung into, and retracted to let the leafstay down

Gildedan object that has a very thin gold overlay

Gildingthe act of overlaying thin gold film in an object ; orapplying coating of gesso with gold leaf

Gingerbreada term with elaborate lathe-turned or carved wood thatadorns victorian structures, including brackets, posts,fretwork, pilasters, etc.

Girandoles

an embellished mirror with a pair of sconces installedpermanently

Glazed chintza resin finish applied through a heat pressure process tochintz creating a polished surface

Gold leafa thin gold that is used to for gilding; usually appliedover a red primer to increase vibrancy and luster

Greige, gray, grey goods



are unfinished and unbleached woven goods

Grommettwo round metal sleeves that protects an eyelet; anotherterm for "hole"

Guillochea decorative pattern of interlacing curves

Half-lap jointa woodworking joint that one end is rabbeted and theother board is dadoed somewhere in the middle

Hand forgedan iron heated and formed by means of hands e.i.

wrought iron

Hardboarda generic term for panel manufactured from interfeltedlignocellulose fibers consolidated under hot press withheat and pressure

Hardwareany material that is added to mechanize the opertion ofcabinetry, drawers, doors (ie cremone bolt)

Hardwooda wood plank from a dense and strong slow-growing tree

Heartwoodit is a part of a tree trunk used to produce lumber,usually darker in color when it goes old and harder

Highboya tall queen anne style chest of drawers with legs

High lowa multi-level pile heights

High-styleany fashion or style that is up-to-date and costly

Inlayit is a an ornamentation process whereas to set onematerial into the surface of another creating a pattern;inserting any material like ivory, stone, or shells to asurface; is a decorative technique of inserting pieces of



contrasting, often coloured materials into depressions ina base object to form patterns

Interior trimrefers to the linear objects like baseboard, railing,

molding, window and door trim

IronworkDecorative hand-forged iron and cast grilles and etc.

Jacobeana 17th century embroidered crewel work imitating astylized floral pattern

Japanninga finishing method of succesive application of lacquer toan item from Japan and China

Joinerya various method of connecting a material to another:

butt, dovetail, dowel, mortise; A craft assembling woodworking joints

KDKiln dried specification of a wood

Knock-downalso refer as KD, a furniture sold in parts to beassembled

Lacquera synthetic coating dried to form a protective film

Laminateda cloth and synthetic layers bonded together to improve

appearance and performance

Laminationa method/process of bonding one layer to another underheat or pressure to be united

Lap deska wooden hinged box that when flipped open, provides aslanted writing surface; usually with leather or tooledinset

Lattice



a crisscross diagonal pattern

Leatherit is a preserved and tanned hide of an animal

Leather-likea reproduction of material emulating an animal hide

Leatheretteis a man-made leather and has a different kinds of colors

Linen folda Tudor carved wood detail representing fabric folds onpaneling

Loveseatan upholstered seat with arms and back rest that is fortwo

Marbleizedfaux finishing technique imitating a real marble

Marquetryis the art of inlaying different woods, and other naturalmaterials to create a picture.

Matte finisha finish that is not glossy or shiny

MDFMedium Density Fiberboard

Miter Jointtwo boards are cut at a 45 degree angle and joined e.i.

photo frame

Measurementa specific unit of measure to compute for length, area,distance and etc.

Metal Finishis a real or imitated metal finish including brass, bronze,chrome, steel, zinc, etc.

Metallic Finisha metal finish with iridescent and reflective qualities



Millworka ready-made woodwork manufactured at a lumber mill

Mirrora glass panel with mercury backing that reflectsanything, it is often framed

Mitered cornerany material, wood, fabric folded or joined to create a 45degree angle

Modesty Panela panel used on furniture to conceal view

Moisture contentrefers to the water present in a wood and is expressed asa percentage of weight of oven dry wood

Moldit is a form that when used reproduces multiple work ofthe same patterns from it; plaster, cement, plastic, etc.

Moldedit is the result created by a mold

Mortisea slot cut into a piece of wood; it is where the tenon fitssnugly into it to create a strong joinery

Motion upholsterya soft seating offering swivels, recliners, and incliners

Murphy bed

a framed mattress that can be folded, or raised up to beconcealed in a wall or a cabinet

Nail-head trimupholstery detail using a series of decorative tacks

Nichea crevice or recess part of a wall

Occasional table

a generic term used for any small table



Ogee edgean edge detail with a "S" profile

Opaqueit is what you call any material or surface that the light

can't pass through

Ormolua cast brass, chiseled and gold-gilded decorativemountings for furniture

Ornamenta decorative object or a design added to an object

Ornamentationthe act of applying purely decorative details on an object

Ottomana heavy fabric with pronounced crosswise ribs; it is a footstool

Paddinga fabric or material used for creating cushion

paintis a tinted liquid agent that coats a surface making itopaque

Painteda surface fully or partially coated with paint

Paintingthe act of applying and coating of a surface with paint; anobject of art created with various types of paints

Paisleyan intricate interlocking curvilinear pattern from India

Parquetrya geometric wood patterns inlaid in flooring andfurniture

Particle boardis also called as chipboard, it is a sheet that made up with

wood chips glued and pressed to form under a highpressure and temperature



Partition walla non-structural dividing wall

Patinaa green film that forms in an aged copper or bronze dueto the exposure of chemicals

Patterna repetitive or random arrangement of designs

Pattern repeatincrements between horizontal or vertical patternsrepeated in fabric, wallcoverings, etc

Pedestalis a support or stand for an object of art

Perioda specific time in history

Pillowa stuffed cushion object that is made in various shapeand sizes

Pillow shama fabric cover designed to protect a pillow

Plastica molded or extruded compounds formed through achemical process

Plyboarda manufactured sheet of wood from a thin pile of veneers

and solid slats on the middle core

Plywooda several layers of thin wood veneers glued together onetop to another forming a wood sheet

Polyestera synthetic polymer fiber manufactured from coal, waterand petroleum, and has a shrink, stretch, and wrinklingresistant properties

Polymer



a synthetic material composed of monomers

Polyurethanea synthetic resin manufactured from polymers joined byurethane used in adhesives, carpet padding, plastics, etc.

Poufa fabric gathered into a puff; a round upholstered tuftedottoman seen in the dressing area

Primerthe first application of paint to seal or prepare the wallsurface

Proportionis the comparative relationship between elements orobjects in ratio, balance, degree

Prototypingrefers to the production of a 3d sample design, eitherfull-sized or re-scaled

Quarter-sawnlogs cut in quarters lengthwise to reveal intricate woodgrain patterns

Rabbet jointa cut into the edge of a board (w/c can be joined toanother board w/o notches)

Reedinga carved wood detail combining a series of thin, parallel,convex lines used as inlay or applied carving

Relief

a raised ornament

Repousséa decorative metalwork outlined and embossed,hammered or punched on the back side

Retroa term used for the style or fashion during 1940's-1960's

Ribbona thin band of fabric with finished edges used to tie, trimor embellish



Rocaillea french origin shell-covered rock work ornamentation

Sapwoodthe younger and softer sap-containing and usually lightcolored portion of the woody stem

Scallopa curved shapes repeated along the edge of an object

Seconds woven cloth with errors and flaws

Secretaryis a cabinet hinged surface opening forward onto pull-out supports revealing chubby holes for writingmaterials with a bookcase, often with glass door cabinetabove

Sectionalis an elongated seating created with multiple connectedunits

Servera furniture utilized in a dining area for storing and tableservices

Serpentine winding and curving back and forth like a serpent

Set matchpatterns set side by side on the same level

Setteea light scaled, medium-sized or long bench

Shadeis the quality of difference of any color from its originalcolor

Shadingis an effect, w/c appears along a seam of the sameproduct, when ink is unevenly applied during the dyingor printing process



Shoji screenis an oriental, geometric, wooden screen with rice paperpanels

Sideboard

is a case goods, often 36" high, used for serving food andstoring china

Sidelightis a stationary, vertical windows flanking an operatingexterior door

Slipper chaira low arm less upholstered chair with skirting usuallyused in a bedroom

Sofais an upholstered seat usually with back and arm restthat can accommodate 3 or more people

Specificationa detailed outline with important notes that is necessaryfor the implementation or construction of a design

Spindle

is a shaft that connects to a knob in a lockset; is a verticalpost that supports in a stairway; is a decorative sticks ina wooden furniture

Straight-edgea long metal ruler or tool used for trimming selvageedges, or marks and cuts straight lines

Suedea tanned leather animal hide with the exterior layer

removed and napped surface

Suede clotha synthetic woven textile with a brushed nap surfaceimitating a suede

Surroundopening enclosed with decorative trim in all sides

Tabletop

a top surface of a table that can be of any material



Tambourit may be a solid wood, wood veneer, metallic facelaminate, or cork, laminated to a tempered hardboardcore with brown fabric backing

Technical working drawingsis a set of visual presentations made through technicaldrafting for details and specifications

Tenona narrow piece of wood custom cut to fit in a mortise

Tete-a-teteis a specialty seating for two for an intimateconversation, it is often "S" shaped, but can be seen side

by side

Thronea chair foe the kings, cardinals for ceremonial occasions

Tongue and groveis a wood joinery with an extruded edge on a flat board

which slips into a corresponding groove on an adjacent board

Torchiera standing lamp with indirect upward lighting

Tortoise shella hard, black-brown mottled shell of turtles and tortoisesused as inlay or imitated in other surface

Translucentit is what you call a semi-opaque surfaces, w/c diffuseslight and partially obscuring a view

Transparentit is what you call on any material w/c light passethrough, and completely see-through it

Trimis a decorative textile bands used for edging fabric orupholstery panels

Trumeau Mirror

is a french mirror with decorative carvings and oilpainting above it



Trundle bedis a daybed twin bed with a pull-out mattress

Upholsterymaterials used to make soft seating furniture

Varnishis a liquid coating applied to wood forming a protectivethin sheet on the surface when applied

Veneer/ wood veneeris a paper-thin wood sheet that is installed on the surfaceof an object for decorative purposes

Veneer matchpatterns created by placing thin slices of wood togetherfeaturing the grain in various combinations

Verdigrisa greenish patina found on aged brass, bronze or copper

Vermicellia random pattern of curving, squiggly lines

Vinyla fiber made w/ a compound polymer

Vitrinea glass-sided display cabinet with glass shelves tohighlight special collections

VOCacronym for Volatile Organic Compound

Wainscotinga material applied to the bottom third of an interior wall

Wardrobea free standing or built-in cabinet for storing clothes

Windsor chaira spindled-back, turned legged chair with rush seat

Wing-backed chair





J) Just right, Justification

K) Kit

L) Large, Leather, Light, Listening, Living, Local, Location, Logical

M) Markers, Mart, Masculine, Material, Measure, Meetings, Method, Minimalist, Modern, Mood

N) Natural, Needs, Neighborhood, Neutral, Noticeable O) Obsessed, Obsession, Off-white, Old-fashioned, One-of-a-kind, Opinion, Opinionated,

Opportunity, Order, Outcome, Overwhelming

P) Paint, Palate, Pale, Passion, Pencil, Personal, Personality, Personalize, Philosophy, Piece,Placement, Pleasant, Plush, Portfolio, Positioning, Positive, Possibilities, Precise, Predict,Premise, Preparation, Problem, Professional, Profit, Project, Project, Promote, Provide,Purchase, Purity

Q) Quality, Quantity, Queries

R) Receptive, Recommendation, Recommended, Remodel, Rental, Requirement, Research,Restful, Restoration, Right

S) Sample, Scheduling, Screen, Search, Sensations, Senses, Shopping, Sketch, Sketchpad,Skill, Skills, Slick, Solution, Solve, Sophisticated, Space, Spacious, Spectrum, Spree, Stable,

Stark, Strength, Stress, Strong, Style, Subdued, Suitable, Survey T) Taste, Theme, Theory, Therapeutic, Time, Timing, Tool kit, Traditional, Trait, Treat,

Treatment, Trendy, Truthful, Tweak, Type

U) Unique, Unit, Unsure, Unusual, Upscale, Usual

V) Variety, Vibes, Viewpoint, Visit, Vivid

W) Wall to wall, Walls, Warmth, Waver, Work, Wrong

X)

Y) Young, Youthful

Z) Zealous

- See more at: http://www.myvocabulary.com/word-list/interior-design-

vocabulary/#sthash.paxN4bEj.dpuf

http://www.myvocabulary.com/word-list/interior-design-vocabulary/#sthash.paxN4bEj.dpuf








A

Accessories: Small objects such as vases, books, lamps, plants

and florals, and sculptures used to adorn and personalize a room.

Antiquing: The process in which an object or surface is

intentionally distressed or discolored to provide the appearance of

age.

Armoire: A large wardrobe or movable closet for storing clothing.

Often also used to hide television and audio/video equipment and

computer workstations.

B Bergere chair : A large armchair, usually associated with the French Country or Provenciale

decorating style. It often features an upholstered seat, back, and arms, a loose seat cushion,

and an exposed wooden frame.

Beveled glass: Clear or mirrored glass in which the edge perimeter

(usually 1” wide) has been cut at an angle to achieve a contrasting

visual effect. On clear glass it creates a distorted prism effect, and on

mirrored glass it adds a reflective “sparkle”.

Blinds: Rigid or soft window coverings, oriented either horizontally or

vertically, that obscure light, provide privacy, and can be raised,

lowered, or adjusted to different levels.Bolster : A long pillow or cushion usually placed on a chair, sofa, or

bed.

Brocade: A heavy textile with a raised design resembling

embroidery. Usually made of silk, rayon, nylon, or polyester.

C California King-sized bed: One of the standard sizes for North American mattressmanufacturers. 72” wide by 84” long (the depth varies greatly depending on the style and type

of cushioning). Slightly narrower and longer than a typical King-sized bed.

Camelback sofa: A type of sofa with a curved back, typically seen in more traditional styles

(Queen Anne, Chippendale, Federal, etc.).

Case-goods: Furniture made of hard materials such as wood, metal, glass, or plastic.

Examples of case-goods are chests, tables, dressers, bookshelves, and cabinets.

Decorative Accessories

Willow Balls

Silver Leaf Rectangle

Mirror (with Beveled

Glass)

http://www.decorateitonline.com/productDetails/1105949/1039751/1000955



Chair rail: A piece of decorative molding placed

approximately 30” off the floor to protect walls

from being scraped by chair backs.

Chaise longue: A long, low upholstered couch

in the shape of a chair that is long enough to

support the legs. Often mistakenly referred to as

a “chaise lounge”; so much so that the latter

term has come to be commonly accepted as

well.

Chenille: A type of fabric featuring a plush,

variegated texture and often exhibiting an

iridescent appearance.

Commode: A stand or cupboard, traditionally

used for storing chamber pots. Often used as a

side table or nightstand.

Console Table: A long narrow table (usually around 30” high) used for displaying decorative

objects, lighting, florals, etc. Often placed in a foyer or behind a sofa.

Contemporary: The style inherent to the present time. Often confused with “modern”.

Credenza: A large low cabinet, usually 30”-36” high with a flat top used for serving and

storage.

Curtain panel: A large piece of fabric designed to cover part or all of a window. Usually hung in

pairs. Curtain panels generally come in standard lengths of 84”, 96”, and 108” and their

standard width is usually 45”-50”.

D DecorateITonline: A revolutionary concept in interior decorating featuring a

comprehensive website filled with decorating advice, affordable professionally-

prepared design portfolios, and a fabulous online store with fabulous furniture

and accessories from around the world.

E Etagere: A small, upright set of free-standing open-sided shelves for displaying small

decorative items.

F

Mitchell Console Table

decorateITonline



Faux-finish: A decorative technique in which paint or stain is applied to a surface to simulate

another material such as wood, marble, or granite.

Feng Shui: Literally translated as wind and water. An ancient Chinese scientific practice based

on selecting the optimal placement, arrangement, and selection of objects and surfaces to

encourage positive energy or chi.

Finial: The decorative end piece on a curtain rod. Often in the shape

of a spear, ball, leaf, or pineapple.

Fluorescent lighting: A type of lighting in which an electrical charge

is passed through mercury vapor to create a chemical reaction that

produces light. Uses far less energy and creates less heat than

incandescent or halogen lighting, but the light quality and color

rendering capabilities are diminished.

Focal point: A visual center of interest or point of emphasis in a

room. A well designed room will have many engaging focal points.

French-wired: A lamp in which the power cord connects directly to

the light socket, rather than being hidden in the base of the lamp.

Futon: A Japanese-style filled mattress placed on the floor or a

folding wooden or metal frame which can be used as both a seating

place and a bed.

G Grommet: An eyelet in a piece of fabric reinforced with two pieces of affixed metal. Often foundon contemporary curtain panels.

Gate-leg table: A style of drop-leaf table with leaves that are supported by extra legs that

swing out like gates. Developed during the Jacobean period and popular in early America as

well. Still used in many compact spaces.

H

Halogen lighting: A type of lighting in which a tungsten filament issealed into a compact transparent vessel and filled with a small amount

of iodine or bromine to create a chemical reaction that produces light.

The light from a halogen bulb is better at displaying colors than

traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Often used in retail

application or display cabinets.

Highboy: A tall, narrow chest of drawers usually placed in

bedrooms.

Pillar Lamp (French

Wired)

Phoenix Highboy

Chest





continued to be popular into the early 1970s. In the past few years the style has enjoyed a

resurgence in popularity with several books, websites, and contemporary knockoffs.

Monochromatic: A color scheme built around one hue, with several of its shades and tints.

Mullion: The wood or metal dividers used between the different panes of glass on multi-paned

windows. Modern windows often feature faux decorative mullions.

N Newel post: A vertical post found at the end of a staircase railing that stabilizes the horizontal

handrail.

O

Objet d’Art: A small object of artistic value, often used as a decorative

element.

Ottoman: An upholstered stool or hassock, designed to go at the foot of

a chair. Often used in contemporary interiors in place of a coffee table.

P Parson’s table: A sturdy square or rectangular table with block legs and an apron of equal

widths. Designed in the 1950s at the Parson’s School of Design.

Platform bed: A low, self-contained bed frame that features slats or webbing for suspension,

eliminating the need for a box spring.

Primary colors: The three basic colors of which all other colors are comprised of: Red,

Yellow, and Blue.

Q

Radius

Sculpture (Objet

d’Art)



Queen-sized bed: One of the standard sizes for North American mattress manufacturers. 60”

wide by 80” long (the depth varies greatly depending on the style and type of cushioning).

R

Return: The distance from the face of a curtain rod

to the wall casing where the rod bracket is attached.

3D Rendering: The process or product of

converting two-dimensional (length/width) images

into three-dimensional images (length/width/depth)

using sophisticated computer software. This creates

a photorealistic image in which the viewer can

“move” around and view the scene from different

angles.

Runner : A long narrow area rug designed to go in a

hallway or foyer.

S

3D Rendering

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Trompe l’oeil: “Fool the eye”. Using paint techniques to imply a realistic, 3 -dimensional

scene on a flat surface.

Tufting: The upholstery process of tightly gathering fabric over a padded base and securing

the gathered portion to a fixed backing using stitching or buttons. This process creates small

quilts of fabric, known as “tufts”.

U

Upholstery: The process of fitting furniture, usually seating,

with padding, springs, and webbing, with a fabric or leathercover.

V Valance: A decorative window treatment mounted across the top of a window (outside the

casing). Usually combined with blinds, curtain panels, or sheers.

Vase: A decorative container or urn, often used to displayfloral arrangements.

Velvet: A plush fabric with a short dense pile.

Veneer : A thin layer of wood created by peeling the trunk of

a tree on a roller to produce long sheets with a consistent

grain pattern. This layer is then applied to a solid or

fiberboard backing to create a more uniform appearance.

Often mistakenly considered a sign of “inferior” quality,

veneer has been used since ancient Egyptian times and is

featured on many of the most expensive heirloom-quality

furniture pieces, as well as lower-end mass-produced items.

Verdigris: The greenish-blue patina that forms on oxidized

copper, brass, or bronze surfaces.

Vintage: Furniture and decorative elements that are between 10 and 100 years old. Often

found at flea markets, garage sales, and specialty “vintage” retailers.

Vitrine: A glass-doored cabinet for display.

Pasadena Upholstered Loveseat

Milano Aluminum Vase



W

Wainscotting: Panelling on the lower half of a wall that

differs from the upper half. Usually separated by a chair rail.

Wardrobe: A tall enclosed cabinet with doors, used for

storing clothing and linens. Also see Armoire.

Wing-back chair: A high, traditional chair that features

projections on either side at head level.

XYZ X-base: A crossed frame supporting a table, chair, or bench that spans diagonally from both

sides.

Xenon: An elemental gas used in flash lamps and arc lamps.

Yin and Yang: Chinese philosophy terms used to describe how polar or contrary forces are

interconnected in the natural world. In the design world yin and yang are often used to explain

the motivation behind Feng Shui principles.

Yucca plant: A genus of perennial shrubs and trees in the agave family. Found in hot, dry

climates, and notable for long, spiky leaves. The yucca flower is the state flower of New Mexico.

Zebrawood: Wood that resembles the striping of a zebra, with dark stripes on a lightbackground. Found on contemporary furniture pieces and decorative wall panelling.

Elizabeth Wing Back Chair