General Design Terms
Casing Opening formed by hemming the upper edge of window covering fabric and through which a rod is inserted (also known as a rod pocket).
Charger An oversized decorative dish or platter, used to coordinate with a specific china pattern.
Chinoiserie Refers to an artistic style which reflects Chinese influence.
Colorways The assortment of color options available for a specific pattern of fabric or wallcovering.
Curtains vs. Draperies Curtains are typically unlined window coverings that tend toward casual. Draperies are usually lined window coverings arranged to drape gracefully and tend to be more formal.
Dado The lower section of an interior wall, often below a chair-rail.
Distressed The artificial aging of wood so that it will look used or antique.
Fenestration Design, arrangement, and proportions of the windows and doors in an interior.
Finial A crowning ornament or detail, such as a decorative knob. Finials are most known as the decorative top piece of a lamp that secures the lampshade to the harp. They are also often used as the decorative end pieces on drapery rods and sometimes as a larger decorative object on their own.
Headings Treatments used at the top of curtain and drapery panels to finish the upper edge and distribute fullness evenly across the finished width. Examples are pinch pleats, gathers, casing, etc.
Hand or Handle (as refers to textiles) The reaction of the sense of touch, when fabrics are held in the hand. There are many factors which give character or individuality to a fabric that can be observed through handling, such as fiber content, working properties, drapability, softness or hardness, elasticity, fineness, launderability, etc.
Package dyed Immersing yarns wound on perforated cylinders (the packages) into dye.
Piece dyed Immersing individual pieces into dye.
Pilling A tangled ball of fibers that appears on the surface of a fabric, as a result of wear or continued friction or rubbing on the surface of the fabric.
Sconce A bracketed lamp or candlestick that is designed to hang on the wall.
Set-match patterns Patterns that repeat themselves across the width of carpet or wallpaper.
Solution dyed Adding dye pigments to the spinning solution (liquid) of manufactured fibers prior to being spun into threads. Also known as producer colored.
Torchiere A lamp with the light directed upwards - usually a tall floor lamp, but can be smaller for table top use. It is also a tall ornamental stand for a candlestick or candelabra.