Interior Design Terminology Every Student Must Know

Interior Design Terminology Every Student Must Know

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Oct 29, 2024 08:10 PM IST | #B.Des

Terms used in Interior design are at times confusing especially if they are jargons. The proper use of interior design terminologies can make a person appear knowledgeable in the field. There are several interior design terms to know for the amateurs, professionals, and the clients. Knowing the interior design technical terms can help one convey the demands in a better way. This glossary of interior design terms can be helpful to aspirants and professionals as it contains some of the most commonly used interior design terminologies.

Interior Design Terminology Every Student Must Know
Interior Design Terminology Every Student Must Know

Glossary of Interior Design Terms

This article has a list of 25 common interior design technical terms that are used by the professionals in an office setting. If you are an interior design aspirant, you must know these 25 interior design terminologies. And if you are a client who wants to redecorate the house you too can dive in and understand these terms used in interior design that can help you with understanding your designer better.

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Accent is one of the interior design terms to know as it is commonly used by professionals. In interior design terms accent means something that stands out and gives an identity to a space. This could either be a bold piece of art or some unique showcase item that draws attention and suits the personality of the owner of the room by having a personal touch to it.

Ambiance of space refers to the overall feel that it gives. Many factors such as colour texture and arrangement determine the mood that it creates.

Art Deco was prominent during the 1920s and 1930s. It was a movement which propagated the hedonistic ideas of opulent aesthetics. The use of bold colour and metallic surfaces along with wallpaper patterns are some of the common practices of this movement.

Balance - One of the key principles of interior design is balance. It denotes finding the equilibrium in the space to create a harmonious distribution of the visual weight. The interior designers put different elements of design by properly balancing in between colour, size, texture, and light. .

Bespoke is a unique term in the glossary of interior design terms and it refers to the space that is created specially tailored to fit the demands of the client. Often the client uses luxury design items which are truly unique to their identity.

Balustrade is a small series of pillars supported by a railing usually used on the staircase balcony or terrace for the safety of the users. Modern day architecture has replaced the pillars with solid glass barriers to create a visual effect.

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Cabriole Leg: One of the classic double curved wooden leg most commonly used in the chairs and tables is known as the cabriole leg. In this the top curd is usually convex which bulges out and the second curve goes in to create a rounded wooden bottom pad.

Chair Rail refers to the decorative moulding that is installed on the wall at the height of a chair. The design is made in such a way that the user of this chair can rest the back on the wall.

Colour Scheme: The set of colours which is used in the setting of a room to create harmonious looks is known as colour scheme. Interior designers usually tune in to bring the colour most suited to the environment and pick out furniture to fit in. The colour scheme is usually decided by the client with advise from the interior designer.

Contrast is one of the interior design terminology that is used in photography as well as other design studies which contain visual aspects. In interior design it refers to the effect of enhancing one design element amongst all others by choosing a colour which is opposite to the colour of the surrounding items. By doing so the interior designers enhance the visual appeal of the room. Besides colours this can also be done with textures or shapes.

Curated: it is a unique interior design term to know which means choosing the furniture or decorative items which is especially designed for the taste of the client. The curated items usually reflect the personality of the client or the space that they want to create.

Elevated is a common interior design technical term which is used to denote the exceptional refinement and class of Style used to give an idea which is beyond incorporation of unique aesthetics.

Faux means an object that mimics the actual material but is much ethical, cheaper and easily available.

Feng Shui: One of the most commonly used terms in interior design has to be fengshui. It is a concept and certain set of rules which guides once towards the arrangement of furniture and room decor to bring positive energy to the room.

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Focal point is a commonly used interior design terminology which denotes the item in the room that immediately catches attention. The focal point of the room need not always be at the centre but it definitely should catch attention and the other elements in the room should guide the viewers eyes towards the focal point. This can either be a piece of artwork or furniture.

Harmony: One of the essential interior design technical term is harmony. It rippers to the blending of various design elements to achieve a cohesive look. Harmony is essential while designing as there are multiple aspects to look into like colour, texture, style etc.

Layered: Layering one of the commonly used interior design terminology which means the coverage of the room with various elements done cohesively so that they blend into each other. This is done by the interior designers to add a layer of depth to the room.

Lighting is a commonly used graphic design terminology. This is one of the most vital elements in interior design and it means the natural light that floods the room from the Windows and doors as well as the artificial lights that are arranged to make a for the night time use. Each room has its own lighting based on the use of the room.

Minimalism denotes the lifestyle or interior design arrangement that focuses more on the simplicity and minimal use of colour and decoration in a room.

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Ottoman is a common interior design term to know and it signifies the upholstered padded seat or a footstool arranged near the sitting area for resting feet or it can also serve as a decorative stylish item.

Pattern in interior design terms pattern refers to the repetition of a design on the surface of fabric, wall or tiles. Patterns usually add an interesting aspect to the visual of a room and it also tells a lot about the personality of the person living there. Some of the common patterns used are florals, geometric, polka dots, stripes etc.

Spatial Planning: One of the core words in the glossary of interior design terms is spatial planning. It denotes the strategic arrangement of the design items in a given space. The arrangement must be done so that there is some logic behind it.

Swatch is a commonly used interior design terminology which describe small samples of fabric or colour that can be used by the designers to explain the clients about a particular combination. The interior designers use this to help the clients choose the best out of all available options.

Symmetry: By the name of it the readers must have guessed what is meant by this interior design terminology. Symmetry usually means the balance that is created through the design elements.

Rhythm: Use of repetitive elements or patterns to create an interesting visual space is called rhythm.

Textured refers to the object or room that has a visual appeal often focusing on various fabrics colors and patterns that are used in the design.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is design in terms of interior design?

In interior design terms, design means how the arrangement of elements are done in a given space. 

2. What is luxury interior design?

Luxury in interior design means the incorporation of elegance and wealthy items that reflects the personality of the individual who owns the place. 

3. What is an interior design pattern?

Pattern is the repetition of a motif on walls, fabrics, tiles, etc. 

4. What is rhythm in interior design?

The repetition of elements in a place is called rhythm.

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Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

Hello Daksh,

Your son narrowly missed the UCEED Part 1 cutoff but can still explore private design colleges that accept UCEED scores, such as MIT Pune, UPES Dehradun, Srishti Bangalore , and Anant National University .

Alternatively, he can apply for B.Des programs through NID DAT, NIFT, or other private universities offering strong design courses. If he’s passionate about design, he can also prepare for UCEED 2026 and reattempt.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

Hello Kritika,

This will not affect your NIFT B.Des examination result. Here’s why:

  1. Common Issue – Many candidates forget extra photos, and NIFT provides a standard declaration form for such cases.
  2. Declaration Form Signed – Since you filled and submitted the declaration, your attendance is recorded.
  3. Admit Card Taken – Authorities collected it as part of their procedure, ensuring no rule violation.
  4. No Impact on Evaluation – Results depend on your performance, not administrative formalities.
  5. Confirm with NIFT – If concerned, contact NIFT's admission office for reassurance.

You're safe, but keep extra photos next time!

Wishing you the best !

Hello

the B.Des Common Entrance Test (CET) to aid in your exam preparation. While specific sample papers for B.Des CET may not be readily available , practicing with sample papers from similar design entrance exams can be highly beneficial. Here are some resources you can utilize:

1. NID Sample Papers : The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam assesses design aptitude and creativity, similar to B.Des CET. Practicing these papers can help you get a feel for the types of questions you might encounter.

2. UCEED Sample Papers : The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is another exam that evaluates design skills. Reviewing these sample papers can provide additional practice.

3. MAH-AAC-CET Sample Papers : The Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test (MAH-AAC-CET) includes sections on design aptitude and general knowledge, which can be relevant for your preparation.

hope this helps you .

ALL THE BEST

Hello Greetings

Yes, you can modify your application to attempt both B.Des and B.F.Tech exams when the NIFT edit window opens.


According to the NIFT website, the edit window is a facility provided to candidates to make corrections or modifications to their application form. During this window, you can:


1. *Add or remove exam categories*: You can add B.F.Tech as an additional exam category.

2. *Make changes to your application form*: You can edit your personal details, qualification details, or any other information.


To make changes, follow these steps:


1. Wait for the NIFT edit window to open (dates will be announced on the NIFT website).

2. Log in to your NIFT account using your credentials.

3. Click on the "Edit Application Form" option.

4. Make the necessary changes, including adding B.F.Tech as an additional exam category.

5. Save and submit the changes.


Please note that the edit window is usually open for a limited period, so make sure to make the changes within the specified timeframe.

Have a great day

Hello,


Yes, you can change your course preference during the NIFT application correction window, provided the editing feature allows changes to the course selection. The NIFT application form typically offers an edit window for applicants to make corrections or updates to certain fields, including course preferences. Once the edit window opens, log in to your application portal and check if the course selection field is editable. If it is, you can change your preference from BFTech to BDes. Be sure to review all details carefully and submit the corrected application before the edit window closes.
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