A Glossary of Decoration Terms

Decoration Terms

The interior design world comes with a language of its own. Here are explanations of the most commonly used terms:

Feature Wall: The emphasised wall that is the focal point of a room.

Dado Rail: A horizontal dividing moulding on the wall, usually at a height of 80–100 cm.

Wainscoting: A wood or plaster panel system covering the lower half of the wall.

Biophilic Design: A design understanding that integrates nature into the interior.

VOC: Volatile Organic Compound; a substance in paints that is harmful to health.

DFT: Dry film thickness; the layer thickness the paint leaves on the surface.