Obscure Home Décor Glossary (A–Z)
A
Acanthus:
A stylized leaf motif commonly found in classical architecture and furniture carvings.
Anaglypta:
Embossed wallpaper designed to be painted over, adding texture to walls.
Antimacassar:
A small cloth placed over the back or arms of chairs to protect upholstery from hair oils.
Appliqué:
Decorative elements applied to a surface, often seen in textiles and furniture detailing.
Arabesque:
An intricate design featuring interlaced lines and floral motifs, typical in Islamic art.
Astragal:
A small convex molding, often used as a decorative element on furniture or glazing bars.
Aubusson:
A type of French tapestry or rug known for its detailed floral and pictorial designs.
Aumbry:
A recessed cabinet or cupboard, traditionally used in medieval churches for storing sacred vessels.
Athenienne:
A tripod stand or basin, inspired by ancient Greek designs, used as decorative furniture.
Axminster:
A type of woven carpet known for its durability and intricate patterns.
B
Baluster:
A vertical molded shaft, typically found in staircases and furniture legs.
Bargello:
A type of embroidery featuring flame-like patterns, often used in upholstery.
Bobèche:
A drip-catching ring placed at the base of a candle, often decorative in chandeliers.
Bergère:
An upholstered French armchair with enclosed sides, popular in the 18th century.
Biedermeier:
A German style of furniture design from the early 19th century, characterized by simplicity and elegance.
Boiserie:
Ornate wood paneling on walls, often carved and gilded, typical in French interiors.
Bouclé:
A fabric made from looped yarns, giving it a textured, curly appearance.
Brocade:
A rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, often in gold or silver thread.
Buffet:
A sideboard or cabinet used for serving food and storing dining essentials.
Butler’s Pantry:
A small service and storage room adjacent to the kitchen or dining area.
Byobu:
A Japanese folding screen used as a room divider or decorative element.
C
Cameo:
A method of carving in relief, often used in decorative wall plaques or jewelry.
Caning:
A weaving technique using rattan or cane, commonly found in chair seats and backs.
Capitonné:
A French term for deep button-tufting in upholstery.
Cartouche:
An ornamental frame, often oval, used to enclose a design or inscription.
Caryatid:
A sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support, taking the place of a column or pillar.
Champlevé:
An enameling technique where cells are carved into a metal surface and filled with enamel.
Chinoiserie:
A European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions in decor and furniture.
Claw-and-Ball Foot:
A furniture foot design resembling a claw grasping a ball, popular in the 18th century.
Cloisonné:
An enameling technique using metal wires to separate colored areas on metal objects.
D
Damask:
A reversible fabric with a pattern woven into it, often used for table linens and upholstery.
Davenport:
A small writing desk with a slanted top, or a type of sofa, depending on regional usage.
Decoupage:
The art of decorating surfaces by applying cut-out paper designs and sealing them with varnish.
Dentil Molding:
A series of small, rectangular blocks used as a decorative detail in cornices.
Doric:
One of the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by simple, geometric columns.
Drapery:
Heavy fabric panels used for window treatments or as decorative room dividers.
Dresser:
A piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes, or a sideboard for displaying dishes.
Drop-leaf Table:
A table with hinged leaves on either side that can be raised or lowered.
Duchesse Brisée:
A French term for a chaise lounge composed of a bergère and a matching ottoman.
Dumbwaiter:
A small elevator used to transport food or goods between floors, or a revolving tray on a table.
E
Églomisé:
A technique of gilding and painting on the reverse side of glass to produce a mirror-like finish.
Empire Style:
A design movement from early 19th-century France, characterized by grandeur and classical influences.
Enfilade:
A suite of rooms formally aligned with each other; also, a type of long sideboard.
Entablature:
The horizontal structure supported by columns, comprising the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Etagere:
A piece of furniture with open shelves for displaying ornaments or books.
Etruscan Revival:
A decorative style inspired by ancient Etruscan art, popular in the 19th century.
Ewer:
A large jug with a wide spout, often decorative and used in historical settings.
Exedra:
A semicircular recess or platform, often with seating, used in classical architecture.
Extrados:
The outer curve of an arch, situated above the intrados (inner curve).
Ebonized:
Wood that has been stained or treated to resemble ebony, giving it a dark, glossy finish.
F
Faience:
Glazed ceramic ware, especially tin-glazed pottery decorated with colorful designs.
Faux Bois:
A decorative painting technique that imitates the appearance of wood grain.
Feng Shui:
An ancient Chinese practice of arranging living spaces to promote harmony and balance.
Filigree:
Delicate ornamental work made from fine gold or silver wires, often used in metalwork.
Finial:
A decorative ornament at the top of a lamp, curtain rod, or piece of furniture.
Fleur-de-Lis:
A stylized lily flower used as a decorative design or symbol, especially in French heraldry.
Fluting:
Vertical grooves carved into columns or furniture legs for decorative effect.
Fretwork:
Ornamental designs carved into wood or metal, often in geometric patterns.
Frieze:
A horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, typically found near the ceiling.
Fusuma:
Sliding panels used as doors or room dividers in traditional Japanese architecture.
G
Gadrooning:
A decorative motif featuring convex curves in a series, often found on silverware and furniture.
Gesso:
A white paint mixture used as a base for gilding or painting on wood surfaces.
Gilding:
The application of thin gold leaf or gold paint to a surface for decoration.
Girandole:
An ornate wall-mounted candleholder or mirror, often with branching arms.
Glissade:
A decorative band or border, typically found in classical architecture.
Grisaille:
A painting technique using shades of gray to create a monochromatic image, often imitating sculpture.
Guilloché:
An intricate, repetitive pattern engraved into metal, often seen in fine jewelry and watchmaking.
Guimpe:
A decorative fabric panel used to cover the upper chest and neck area in historical clothing; sometimes used in upholstery.
Gusset:
A piece of material sewn into a garment or upholstery to strengthen or enlarge a part.
Guttae:
Small, droplet-like ornaments found under the triglyphs in a Doric frieze.
H
Hallstand:
A piece of furniture placed in an entryway, equipped with hooks for hats and coats.
D–Z
Additional terms coming soon in the updated version.