FURNISHING AND INTERIOR DESIGN GLOSSARY

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DACRON WRAP - wrapping foam cushions with a synthetic polyester layer or layers
DADO - decorative treatment on the lower portion of an interior wall between the baseboard and the chair rail
DAMASK - reversible jacquard woven of linen, cotton, silk, rayon or blends creating a contrasting satin and matte surface, typically woven in floral motifs
DECK - to cover or trim with ornamentation; horizontal platform serving as a floor
DECO - streamlined designs depicting design motifs from the Art Deco Period
DÉCOUPAGE - artistic application of glue, paper cut-outs and varnish decoratively applied to the surface of any object
DEMISING WALL - any interior wall dividing one leased portion of a building from another
DENIER - unit of weight for the size of a single filament
DENIM - durable cottons or blends utilizing left-hand twilled fabric of hard twist yarns with colored warp and white filling yarn
DENTIL - rectangular or square elements equally spaced along a piece of molding creating a "tooth" pattern
DEPTH - in design and drafting this refers to the overall measurement from front to back of any object
DESIGN - execute artistic arrangements skillfully
DESIGN STYLE - the way in which design elements are brought together to create or express, which have become recognizable
DESK - horizontal or slanted work surface with storage, most often 29-30" high
DHURRIE RUG - flat woven rug from India
DIAGONAL CABINET - corner wall cabinet
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY - the ability of fabric to retain size and shape under various atmospheric conditions
DIRECT DYES - dyes needing no fixatives to adhere them to fabric
DIRECT GLUE DOWN CARPETING - gluing broadloom carpet directly to sub-floor without padding
DISTRESSED - finishing technique creating an aged, patina or uneven finish
DOBBY- a mechanical attachment on a loom for weaving geometric figures
DOBBY WEAVE - small symmetrical pattern repeats are formed by the adjustment of the harness attachment on a plain loom
DONEGAL - fabric tweed with thick colored slubs, originally from Ireland
DOOR SURROUND - decorative elements surrounding a doorway or cased opening, which can consist of pilasters and pediments or simple moldings
DORIC - simple Greek column/capital detail made with multiple layers of round turnings
DORMER - window projecting from a slopped roof set vertically into a gable
DOT - printed or woven designs featuring solid, circular spots of various sizes
DOTTED SWISS - sheer fabric of cottons or blends with a small dot pattern woven, printed or flocked on the surface
DOUBLE FACED - reversible fabric made of two layers sewn or bonded together typically featuring different materials on each face
DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW - window of two sashes operating to slide past one another in a wood track
DOVETAIL JOINT - furniture construction technique using interlocking "V" shaped cut-outs
DOWEL - wooden or metal pin used to reinforce furniture construction
DOWN LIGHT - light source facing down from ceiling
DOWN PROOF - tightly woven or coated fabrics to prevent down feathers from penetrating surface
DRAPERY - decorative fabric hung in folds to create a curtain
DRAPE - supple fabric that falls into folds easily
DRAFTING - hand drawn mechanical drawings including floor plans, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, cabinetry and architectural details
DRAW DRAPERY - window treatment with pleated headings designed to operate on a traverse rod to open and close
DROP MATCH PATTERN - patterns where every other repeat is dropped down one half of its length
DROP STITCH - stitch dropped to create open spaces
DRY - term used when fabric lack moisture or natural lubrication
DRYING - final treatment of a washed fabric to insure softness and create a relaxed look
DUCK - durable, plain, closely woven fabric made of ply yarns in various weights and thread counts (canvas)
DULL - fabric with no luster
DUPIONI - luxurious silk fabric with fibers from double cocoons offering excellent tensile strength
DUTCH DOOR - door split horizontally into two pieces, operating together or independently
DUVET COVER - fabric casing for a comforter
DYE BECK - large vat used for piece dying
DYED - permanent color created by saturating fabric with a manmade or natural dyes