Aubusson
    A scenic tapestry used for wall hangings and upholstery; named for Aubusson, France.

    acanthus
    Ornamentation representing leaves of the acanthus plant.

    alcove
    A recessed area in a room.

    Americana
    Objects that are characteristic of American history or culture.

    apron
    Trim attached below a tabletop or window sill.

    aniline dye
    A stain that achieves a rich, yet translucent color.

    antique
    Art, buildings, furniture, accessories or personal possessions that are over 100 years old.

    antique satin
    A sateen or horizontal satin drapery fabric with slubs that imitates spun shantung silk.

    art glass
    Decorative glass--includes stained, beveled, fused, blown, etched, leaded and cut.

    Austrian shade
    Similar to a Roman shade but with soft, billowing folds.


    bachelor's chest
    A small, low chest that contains three drawers.

    balloon shade
    A shade that features a gathered bottom edge when raised.

    baluster
    An upright support, as used on a piece of furniture, stair rail or supporting post of a handrail.

    banquette
    A built-in upholstered bench along a wall, often used in breakfast areas.

    barkcloth
    A soft and textured fabric that resembles the bark of a tree.

    batik
    Form of hand-printing fabric that orginated in Indonesia; technique involves using wax as a resist to create a negative image.

    batting
    Thin layers of natural or synthetic cloth used to line cushions, pillows, quilts or crafts.

    bishop’s sleeve
    A drapery treatment with side panels of lightweight fabric tied back slightly above the midpoint to form a billowing drape above and a flowing effect below.

    blockfront chest
    A chest of drawers with a concave center section.

    bobeche
    Glass ring placed at the base of a candle to gather wax or dangle crystals.

    bolster
    A cylindrical stuffed pillow.

    bombé
    Chest with a bulbous, curving form.

    box pleat
    A pleat made by forming two folded edges facing into each other.

    breakfront
    A large cabinet or bookcase whose center section projects beyond the two end sections.

    broadcloth
    Dense cotton fabric with a smooth, semi-gloss finish.

    brocade
    A heavy fabric interwoven with a rich, raised design.

    bullion fringe
    Long corded fringe used with upholstery or on window treatments.

    bun foot
    A round ball-shaped foot normally used on a chest, chair or armoire.

    burled wood
    A hard wood cut from a large rounded growth on a tree characterized by a large swirl and often used as a veneer or inlay.

    cabriole leg
    Table leg that gently curves outward then back towards the base of the leg.

    café curtain
    A window treatment that covers the bottom half of a window.

    calico
    Cotton or cotton-blend fabric printed with small, colorful patterns.

    candle follower
    A device that fits onto the top of a candle. As the wax melts the follower keeps the wax from dripping down the side of the candle.

    cartouche
    An ornamental sheild or decoration often placed above door openings or fireplace mantels.

    case goods
    A non-upholstery furniture group, such as tables, hutches, dressers and chests, with functional or storage capabilities.

    casing
    An enclosing frame around a door or window opening.

    chaise lounge
    A long reclining chair.

    chenille
    A fuzzy yarn that is like velvet when tightly woven.

    chifferobe
    A combination of a wardrobe and chest-of-drawers.

    chinoiserie
    A style in art reflecting Chinese qualities, i.e. fanciful motifs of scenery, human figures, pagodas, intricate lattices and exotic birds and flowers.

    chintz
    A printed and glazed thin cotton fabric in bright colors.

    colorwashing
    A decorative paint technique in which a base color and glaze(s) are applied to a wall for a muted, "washed" effect.

    combing
    A decorative paint technique in which a comb is pulled across wet paint to create a pattern (i.e. basket weave, denim, linen).

    corniceg
    A decorative box attached directly to the wall or molding above a window opening to conceal curtain fixtures.

    coverlet
    A bedspread.

    credenza
    A linear wood chest used for storage or as a sideboard or buffet.

    curio
    A tall cabinet used for displaying collectibles.


    dado
    A decorative treatment on the lower part of an interior wall between the chair rail and baseboard.

    damask
    A heavy fabric of linen, cotton, silk, or rayon created with flat patterns in a satin weave on a plain-woven background, resembling a tone-on-tone effect.

    découpage
    The art of decorating surfaces by applying paper cutouts and then coating with several layers of finish (decoupage medium, lacquer or varnish).

    dentil molding
    Molding with rectangular tooth-like blocks spaced at equal intervals.

    dhurrie rug
    A flat woven wool or cotton rug from India.

    dormer
    A window set vertically in a structure projecting through a sloping roof.

    dovetail
    Woodworking technique consisting of two interlocking joints; indicative of quality craftsmanship.

    dragging
    A decorative paint technique that involves applying a base coat then "dragging" through it with a paintbrush or decorative brush for a subtle, striped effect.

    dupioni
    A lustrous silk woven from two different colors of threads so that it shimmers or changes color in the light.

    duvet
    A thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth that holds a bedspread/comforter.


    emboss
    A raised effect on an object.

    ergonomic
    An applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.

    escutcheon
    The protective or ornamental plate surrounding a keyhole or behind a drawer pull.

    etageré
    A piece of furniture with a set of open shelves used for displaying accessories.

    eyelet
    A small hole in a piece of fabric designed for a cord to be thread through or used for decoration (as in embroidery).


    feng shui
    Literally translated as wind and water, it's an ancient Chinese scientific practice based on selecting or configuring a site, structure or interior so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it.

    fiberboard
    A board made of compressed wood fibers and glue.

    finial
    A decorative object attached to the ends of a drapery rod or on top of a column or pediment.

    flame stitch
    A wavy, angular pattern that looks like the shape of a flickering flame, normally found on brocade fabrics.

    fluting
    A series of carved out semicircular grooves usually found on columns, molding or wooden legs.

    foam core
    A cardboard-like material with a foam center available in varying thicknesses; commonly used to mount photographs and display materials.

    fretwork
    An ornamental open or pierced woodcarving on furniture pieces.

    frieze
    A decorative horizontal band, as along the upper part of a wall, doorway or window.

    futon
    A Japanese-style mattress set upon a folding frame, which can be used for both seating and a bed.


    gesso
    A paste used to prepare a surface for painting or gilding; mixture of whiting and size (traditionally animal-skin glue).

    gimp
    An ornamental flat braid or round cord used as a trimming.

    gild
    Involves applying a thin overlay of gold leaf.

    grommet
    An eyelet in a piece of fabric reinforced with two pieces of metal affixed with a specialized tool.

    grosgrain
    A strong, close-woven corded fabric usually of silk or rayon.

    grout
    Thin mortar used for filling spaces (i.e. tile, bricks, etc.).


    heading
    The top edge of a curtain that forms a ruffle when the curtain is on the rod.


    inlay
    Decorative patterns created with pieces of different types of wood or other materials that have been set into the surface of wood furniture or floors.


    jabot
    A pleated or tapered piece of fabric that drapes down on either side of a swag or valance for a decorative effect.

    jacquard
    Intricate fabrics such as tapestries, brocades and damasks whose patterns are woven with yarns of different colors.


    lacquer
    A hard, protective high-sheen varnish often applied as a topcoat to furniture.

    laminate
    Any thin material such as wood or plastic glued to the exterior of a cabinet, countertop or other surface.

    lattice
    Wood, wrought iron or other material formed into a cross-hatch design.

    linoleum
    An all-natural flooring material made of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone and pigments; regarded as environmentally-friendly flooring.


    marquetry
    Decorative patterns made of inlays, usually applied to veneered surfaces.

    mat board
    A thick paperboard used to add dimension to framed artwork; available in a wide variety of colors.

    matelassé
    A heavy, upholstery-weight fabric made in a double-cloth construction to create a quilted surface.

    MDF (medium density fiberboard)
    A type of board made of wood particles glued together with synthetic resin.

    moire
    A silk fabric with a distinctive water-marked swirled pattern.

    molding
    Ornamental wood strips that are applied to and project from a surface.

    mullion
    Wood trim that sets off smaller panes of glass in a window.


    nap
    A fabric with a texture or design that runs on one direction such as corduroy and velvet.

    niche
    A display shelf, seating area, etc. built into the wall.


    opaque
    Applies to any material that is does not allow light to pass through (i.e. non-transparent).

    ottoman
    An upholstered footstool or seat without arms or back used for extra seating.


    Palladian window
    A large window divided into three parts—an arched center section and two smaller side sections.

    papier-mâché
    Material made from paper pulp and molded into various objects, which are suitable to be painted and varnished when dry.

    passementerie
    Fancy trimmings such as tassels, tiebacks and ribbon.

    parquet
    Wood flooring laid in blocks with boards at angles to each other to form decorative patterns.

    patina
    A luster or sheen that develops with use over time; evident in metals, fine antiques, vintage furniture and leather.

    pattern repeat
    How often the pattern is duplicated at intervals down the fabric or wall covering; one repeat is one full pattern.

    pediment
    An ornamental crest running across the top of tall piece such as a curio, grandfather clock, etc.

    percale
    A medium-weight cotton fabric used for bedding.

    pickling
    A whitewashed paint finish.

    pilaster
    A flattened column-like detail applied to furniture such as bookcases, grandfather clocks, etc. for decorative purposes.

    pinch pleats/French pleats
    Small, gathered pleats used on the top construction of formal drapes.


    relief
    Sculptural ornamentation raised above its surface or background.

    rick-rack
    A waved braid used for trim.

    rod pocket
    A stitched pocket at the top of a curtain panel.

    Roman shade
    A window treatment that contains horizontal folds when raised and is traditionally flat against the window when lowered.

    rosemaling
    Scandinavian/Norwegian folk art rose painting.


    selvedge
    Finished sides of the lengthwise grain that prevents raveling.

    settee
    A long seat or bench with a back and arms that can seat two or more people.

    shoji screen
    A freestanding Oriental-style sliding door with paper inserts, often reinterpreted as a room divider.

    sisal
    A natural, durable fiber frequently used for floor coverings.

    swag
    One or more pieces of fabric draped over a rod, typically used at the top of a window treatment with jabots.


    tapestry
    A highly decorative fabric with a woven design, commonly used for upholstery.

    toile
    A cotton fabric with designs of country settings, animals, people or other objects usually printed in one color on a solid background color.

    torchiere
    A floor lamp that directs light upward from a reflective bowl or inverted cone shade.

    trompe l’oeil
    French term meaning "fool the eye"; a two-dimensional painting designed to look like a three-dimensional object or scenery.


    valance
    Any type of decorative fabric piece that covers the window treatment hardware at the top of the window.

    veneer
    Thin sheets of wood applied to a furniture surface.

    verdigris
    A greenish deposit on aged copper, bronze or brass.

    voile
    A sheer lightweight fabric used to make sheets, pillows, shams, duvet covers and draperies for canopy beds.


    wabi-sabi
    Representing a Japanese world view, it's a style of perceiving art and the beauty that pervades all things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.

    wainscoting
    An application of wood paneling up to the middle or lower half of a wall.

    welting/piping
    A cord wrapped in fabric, which is used to trim upholstery seams and places where the fabric meets with exposed wood.

Definitions from HGTV.com



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West Orange, New Jersey 973-736-2455
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