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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University College London, London
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Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

1. MIT Institute of Design, Pune

2. Pearl Academy (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru)

3. Unitedworld Institute of Design, Gandhinagar

4. Srishti Manipal Institute, Bengaluru

5. ISDI School of Design, Mumbai

6. Lovely Professional University, Punjab

7. Chandigarh University

8. Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur

9. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida

10. RV University, Bengaluru

Currently, NSUT does not offer a B.Des. program. However, other institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIITDM Jabalpur offer B.Des. through UCEED.

Expected UCEED Cutoffs (General Category):

IIT Bombay: Around Rank 14

IIT Delhi: Around Rank 35

IIITDM Jabalpur: Around Rank 165

To pursue B.Tech or B.Des through JEECUP 2025, you need to prepare according to the specific group’s syllabus relevant to your chosen course.

Syllabus for B.Tech via JEECUP (Group A & K)

  • Group A (Diploma in Engineering & Technology)

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

    • Level: Based on Class 10 syllabus (UP Board or equivalent)

    • Key Topics:

      • Mathematics: Real numbers, polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, triangles, circles, statistics, etc.

      • Physics: Motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, solar system, etc.

      • Chemistry: Classification of matter, fuels, chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts, etc. (https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://www.careerpower.in/jeecup-syllabus.html) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) (https://www.pasteurinstituteindia.com/up-polytechnic-jeecup-syllabus/)

  • Group K (Lateral Entry to 2nd Year of Engineering Diploma)

    • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Engineering subjects

    • Level: Based on Class 10 & 12 syllabus. (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Syllabus for B.Des via JEECUP (Likely Group C or Related Group)

  • Group C (Fashion Designing, Garment Technology, Home Science, Textile Design)

    • Subjects: English & Hindi Comprehension, Reasoning & Intelligence, General Awareness

    • Level: Based on Class 10 syllabus

    • Key Topics:

      • Comprehension (English and Hindi)

      • Logical reasoning and intelligence

      • General awareness (current events, basic knowledge) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) (https://www.pasteurinstituteindia.com/up-polytechnic-jeecup-syllabus/)

Note: If B.Des is offered, it will likely fall under Group C or a similar group. Always confirm the exact group and syllabus from the official JEECUP brochure for your target year and course.

General Preparation Tips

  • The JEECUP syllabus is based on UP Board Class 10 and 12 curricula for most engineering and design-related courses (https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup) .

  • Download the official syllabus PDF from the JEECUP website for detailed topics.

  • Focus on the core subjects relevant to your chosen group.

  • Practice previous years’ question papers for better understanding of the pattern and difficulty level. (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Summary Table

Course Group Subjects to Study Syllabus Level
B.Tech A/K Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (+Engineering for K) Class 10/12
B.Des C English & Hindi Comprehension, Reasoning, Awareness Class 10

Check the official JEECUP 2025 brochure for the most accurate and updated syllabus for your specific course and group before starting your preparation.

You can visit above links for further details.

(https://www.pw.live/state-prep/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://www.collegebatch.com/exams/jeecup-syllabus) (https://collegedunia.com/exams/jeecup)

Hello Saumya,

As of now, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) has not officially released the specific opening and closing UCEED ranks for B.Des admissions for candidates from outside the Delhi region. The available information primarily focuses on the selection process and seat allocation.

Selection Priorities for B.Des at NSUT:

  1. First Priority: Candidates who have cleared the UCEED exam conducted by IIT Bombay.

  2. Second Priority: Candidates with a rank in a national-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any centrally funded institute/university.

  3. Third Priority: Candidates with a rank in a state-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any state government-funded institute/university.

For Outside Delhi Region Candidates , 15% of the seats are allocated.

Given the limited availability of seats and the prioritization criteria, securing admission as an outside Delhi candidate is competitive. It's advisable to aim for a high UCEED rank to enhance your chances.

Recommendations:

  • Regularly Check Official Sources: Keep an eye on NSUT's official website and the UCEED portal for any updates on cutoff ranks and admission criteria.

  • Prepare Thoroughly for UCEED: Achieving a high score will significantly improve your prospects, especially given the competitive nature of the program.

  • Consider Backup Options: Explore other reputable design institutes that accept UCEED scores to broaden your opportunities.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.


No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.

Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.

NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)

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