Decorating Glossary

gesso
A paste used to prepare a surface for painting or gilding; mixture of whiting and size (traditionally animal-skin glue).

gimp
An ornamental flat braid or round cord used as a trimming.

inlay
Decorative patterns created with pieces of different types of wood or other materials that have been set into the surface of wood furniture or floors.

lacquer
A hard, protective high-sheen varnish often applied as a topcoat to furniture.

laminate
Any thin material such as wood or plastic glued to the exterior of a cabinet, countertop or other surface.

lattice
Wood, wrought iron or other material formed into a cross-hatch design.

marquetry
Decorative patterns made of inlays, usually applied to veneered surfaces.

mat board
A thick paperboard used to add dimension to framed artwork; available in a wide variety of colors.

matelassé
A heavy, upholstery-weight fabric made in a double-cloth construction to create a quilted surface.

MDF (medium density fiberboard)
A type of board made of wood particles glued together with synthetic resin.

nap
A fabric with a texture or design that runs on one direction such as corduroy and velvet.

niche
A display shelf, seating area, etc. built into the wall.