Discover essential upholstery and drapery terms to elevate your expertise in interior décor. From materials to styles, become a knowledgeable professional.
As experienced professionals in the interior décor and architecture, understanding upholstery and drapery terms is paramount to achieving exceptional results. Mastery of these specialized terminologies allows us to communicate effectively, execute projects flawlessly, and cater to our clients’ precise preferences.
From upholstery tools and materials to drapery styles and installation techniques, this comprehensive guide will equip you with essential upholstery and drapery terms. Emphasizing the importance of proper usage and incorporating these terms seamlessly into your vocabulary will undoubtedly elevate your expertise, giving you the confidence to create stunning upholstered furniture and elegant drapery arrangements that leave a lasting impression.
Upholstery Tools and Equipment
- Awl [ɔːl]: A sharp-pointed tool used for making small holes in upholstery materials.
- Cutting mat [ˈkʌtɪŋ mæt]: A self-healing mat used for cutting upholstery fabrics and preventing damage to work surfaces.
- Fabric shears [ˈfæbrɪk ʃɪrz]: Specialized scissors designed for cutting upholstery fabrics with precision.
- Tack lifter [tæk ˈlɪftər]: A tool used to remove upholstery tacks and staples from furniture frames.
- Staple gun [ˈsteɪpl ɡʌn]: An essential tool for securing upholstery fabrics and padding to furniture frames with staples.
Upholstery Materials
- Chenille [ʃəˈniːl]: A soft, plush fabric commonly used for upholstery due to its durability and luxurious appearance.
- Jacquard [ˈʒækɑːrd]: An intricately woven fabric featuring complex patterns often used for drapery and upholstery.
- Leather [ˈlɛðər]: A durable and luxurious material obtained from animal hides, widely used in upholstery.
- Linen [ˈlɪnɪn]: A natural fabric known for its crisp texture and breathability, commonly used for drapery and upholstery.
- Velvet [ˈvɛlvɪt]: A plush fabric with a dense pile that adds elegance and sophistication to upholstery.
Upholstery Techniques
- Button tufting [ˈbʌtn ˈtʌftɪŋ]: A classic upholstery technique involving attaching buttons through layers of fabric and padding to create a tufted surface.
- Channeling [ˈʧænəlɪŋ]: A method of creating even, parallel grooves in upholstery, commonly seen in padded headboards and sofas.
- Piping [ˈpaɪpɪŋ]: A decorative trim used to finish seams and edges in upholstery and drapery.
- Quilting [ˈkwɪltɪŋ]: A technique where layers of fabric and padding are stitched together in a decorative pattern, often seen in upholstery.
- Upholstery webbing [ˈʌpˌhoʊlstəri ˈwɛbɪŋ]: A strong, durable material used to support the springs and padding in furniture frames.
Upholstery Styles
- Chesterfield [ˈʧɛstərfiːld]: A classic upholstery style characterized by deep button tufting and rolled arms.
- Mid-century modern [mɪd ˈsɛnʧəri ˈmɒdərn]: A design style from the mid-20th century known for its clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, often used in upholstery and drapery.
- Reupholstering [ˌriːˈʌpˌhoʊlstərɪŋ]: The process of replacing the fabric and padding of a piece of furniture to give it a fresh look and extend its lifespan.
- Slipcover [ˈslɪpˌkʌvər]: A removable cover that fits over upholstered furniture to protect it or change its appearance easily.
- Tuxedo [ˈtʌksɪdoʊ]: An upholstery style featuring arms and backrests that are of equal height and often upholstered in the same fabric.
Drapery Hardware
- Curtain rod [ˈkɜːrtən rɒd]: A metal or wooden rod used to hang and support drapery panels.
- Finial [ˈfɪniəl]: An ornamental end piece that attaches to the curtain rod to enhance the appearance of drapery.
- Holdback [ˈhoʊldbæk]: A device used to hold drapery panels to the side of the window, allowing more light to enter the room.
- Traverse rod [trəˈvɜːrs rɒd]: A curtain rod equipped with a cord mechanism that allows drapery to open and close effortlessly.
- Tieback [ˈtaɪbæk]: A decorative loop or hook used to hold drapery panels open.
Drapery Styles
- Balloon shade [bəˈluːn ʃeɪd]: A gathered drapery style that creates a billowing effect when raised, resembling a balloon.
- Café curtains [kæˈfeɪ ˈkɜːrtənz]: Short curtains that cover only the lower half of a window, offering privacy while allowing light to enter.
- Grommet curtains [ˈɡrɒmɪt ˈkɜːrtənz]: Drapery panels with grommets (metal rings) along the top, allowing them to slide smoothly on a curtain rod.
- Roman shade [ˈroʊmən ʃeɪd]: A flat fabric shade that folds into neat horizontal pleats when raised, offering a sleek and tailored look.
- Sheer curtains [ʃɪr ˈkɜːrtənz]: Lightweight and translucent curtains that filter light while providing some privacy.
Drapery Fabrics
- Blackout fabric [ˈblækˌaʊt ˈfæbrɪk]: A dense fabric designed to block out light, commonly used in bedrooms and media rooms for optimal light control.
- Chintz [ʧɪnts]: A glazed cotton fabric often featuring vibrant floral patterns, commonly used for drapery in traditional interiors.
- Organza [ɔrˈɡænzə]: A lightweight, sheer fabric that adds an ethereal touch to drapery when layered.
- Silk [sɪlk]: A luxurious fabric with a natural sheen, commonly used for high-end drapery applications.
- Voile [vɔɪl]: A soft, lightweight fabric that allows light to pass through, offering a delicate and airy appearance to drapery.
Upholstery and Drapery Care
- Dry cleaning [draɪ ˈkliːnɪŋ]: A professional cleaning method suitable for delicate upholstery and drapery fabrics.
- Fabric protector [ˈfæbrɪk prəˈtɛktər]: A treatment applied to upholstery and drapery fabrics to repel stains and make cleaning easier.
- Pilling [ˈpɪlɪŋ]: The formation of small fabric balls or fuzz on upholstery and drapery caused by wear and friction.
- Spot cleaning [spɒt ˈkliːnɪŋ]: A technique used to clean localized stains on upholstery and drapery without washing the entire piece.
- Vacuuming [ˈvækjuːmɪŋ]: Regularly using a vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachments to remove dust and debris from furniture and drapery.
Drapery Accessories
- Holdbacks [ˈhoʊldbæks]: Decorative elements used to hold drapery panels open.
- Swags [swæɡz]: Drapery valances that drape in a semi-circular or cascading manner, adding a decorative touch to windows.
- Jabot [ʒəˈbɒt]: An ornamental drapery swag with cascading sides, often used in formal interiors.
- Tassels [ˈtæsəlz]: Decorative rope-like accents used to embellish drapery panels and tiebacks.
- Cornices [ˈkɔrnɪsɪz]: Box-like structures mounted above windows to conceal drapery hardware and add architectural interest.
Upholstery and Drapery Trends
- Eclectic [ɪˈklɛktɪk]: A trend that embraces a mix of styles, patterns, and textures in upholstery and drapery to create a unique and personalized look.
- Sustainable materials [səˈsteɪnəbl məˈtɪriəlz]: An increasing trend to use eco-friendly fabrics and materials in upholstery and drapery to reduce environmental impact.
- Geometric patterns [ˌdʒiːəˈmɛtrɪk ˈpætərnz]: A popular trend involving the use of bold geometric shapes in upholstery and drapery designs.
- Art Deco [ˈɑːrt ˈdɛkoʊ]: A design style inspired by the 1920s and characterized by bold colors, geometric patterns, and luxurious materials.
- Floral prints [ˈflɔːrəl prɪnts]: A perennial trend featuring botanical-inspired patterns on upholstery and drapery fabrics.
Upholstery and Drapery Measurements
- Drop length [drɒp lɛŋθ]: The vertical distance from the top of a drapery panel to the floor when it is hanging.
- Inside arm width [ɪnˈsaɪd ɑːrm wɪdθ]: The distance between the inner edges of the arms on a sofa or chair, affecting the size of the required upholstery fabric.
- Pattern repeat [ˈpætərn rɪˈpiːt]: The measurement between identical points in a fabric’s pattern, crucial for pattern-matching in upholstery and drapery.
- Piping width [ˈpaɪpɪŋ wɪdθ]: The diameter or thickness of piping, affecting the appearance of upholstered edges.
- Yardage [ˈjɑːrdɪdʒ]: The amount of fabric needed for upholstering furniture or making drapery, typically measured in yards.
Upholstery and Drapery Installations
- Flat fold roman shades [flæt foʊld ˈroʊmən ʃeɪdz]: Roman shades that create a smooth and flat appearance when lowered, suitable for modern interiors.
- Inside mount [ɪnˈsaɪd maʊnt]: Drapery or blinds installed within the window frame, providing a clean and tailored look.
- Outside mount [ˈaʊtsaɪd maʊnt]: Drapery or blinds installed on the wall above the window frame, making the window appear larger.
- Pinch pleat drapery [pɪnʧ pliːt ˈdræpəri]: Drapery panels with evenly spaced pleats at the top, creating a classic and formal appearance.
- Ripple fold drapery [ˈrɪpəl foʊld ˈdræpəri]: Drapery panels with continuous and uniform ripples, providing a modern and sleek look.
Upholstery and Drapery Accessories
- Braid [breɪd]: A narrow decorative trim used to embellish upholstery and drapery edges.
- Cording [ˈkɔːrdɪŋ]: A thick rope-like trim often used to accentuate seams and edges in upholstery and drapery.
- Fringe [frɪndʒ]: A decorative trim with hanging threads or tassels used to add texture and interest to upholstery and drapery.
- Gimp [ɡɪmp]: A flat decorative trim with raised ridges, commonly used to highlight upholstery seams.
- Welt cord [wɛlt kɔrd]: A fabric-covered cord used to finish upholstery seams and edges neatly.
Upholstery and Drapery Patterns
- Chevron [ˈʃɛvrən]: A pattern consisting of inverted V-shaped lines, commonly seen in upholstery and drapery fabrics.
- Damask [ˈdæməsk]: A pattern characterized by elaborate floral or geometric designs, commonly used for formal drapery.
- Herringbone [ˈhɛrɪŋˌboʊn]: A pattern resembling the bones of a herring fish, often used in upholstery and drapery textiles.
- Paisley [ˈpeɪzli]: A teardrop-shaped pattern with a curved, intricate design, commonly found in upholstery and drapery fabrics.
- Toile [twɑːl]: A monochromatic pattern depicting intricate scenes, often used for drapery in traditional interiors.
Upholstery and Drapery Color Schemes
- Monochromatic [ˌmɒnəˈkroʊmætɪk]: A color scheme using variations of a single color, creating a harmonious and sophisticated look in upholstery and drapery.
- Neutral colors [ˈnjuːtrəl ˈkʌlərz]: Earthy tones like beige, gray, and taupe, commonly used in upholstery and drapery to create a timeless and versatile style.
- Complementary colors [ˌkɒmpləˈmɛntəri ˈkʌlərz]: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, often combined in upholstery and drapery to create a bold and vibrant look.
- Analogous colors [ˌænəˈlɒɡəs ˈkʌlərz]: Colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel, commonly used in upholstery and drapery to create a cohesive and pleasing scheme.
- Warm colors [wɔːrm ˈkʌlərz]: Reds, oranges, and yellows, often used in upholstery and drapery to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Drapery Installations
- Rod pocket [rɒd ˈpɒkɪt]: A sewn pocket along the top edge of a drapery panel, allowing it to slide onto a curtain rod.
- Tab top [tæb tɒp]: Drapery panels with fabric loops at the top, allowing them to be hung directly on a curtain rod.
- Goblet pleat [ˈɡɒblɪt pliːt]: A formal drapery heading style with pleats that resemble the shape of a goblet, adding an elegant touch to windows.
- Eyelet [ˈaɪlɪt]: Drapery panels with metal-ringed holes at the top, offering a modern and industrial look when hung on a curtain rod.
- Tailored pleat [ˈteɪlərd pliːt]: A clean and uniform drapery heading style featuring neatly spaced pleats for a polished appearance.
These terminologies empower us to communicate precisely with clients and fellow industry experts, paving the way for seamless project execution. By adhering to a clear and authoritative tone and avoiding passive voice, we enhance the readability of our work and reaffirm our expertise in the field. Armed with this knowledge, we can confidently transform spaces with upholstered masterpieces and tastefully designed drapery, leaving a lasting mark on the world of interior décor.
Shilpa Ahuja is a designer and editor of Decorisk Magazine. She has worked in hotel interiors at The Park Hotels, India, and has completed several home interior design projects as a freelancer.
She completed her Masters in Design Studies (MDesS) degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She also has a Bachelor degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from Chandigarh College of Architecture. Her work has been published in Indian Design & Interior magazine and exhibited at Harvard University and at Aroma Hotel, Chandigarh.
Shilpa is also the Editor-in-Chief of Shilpa Ahuja Digital Media, which includes ShilpaAhuja.com, one of India’s most-read digital fashion magazines. Originally from Chandigarh, she is currently based in Chennai, and can be reached at [email protected].