FURNISHING AND INTERIOR DESIGN GLOSSARY

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FABRIC - cloth made by knitting, weaving or felting of fibers
FABRICATION - the process of creating an object
FABRIC CONSTRUCTION - construction information regarding a specific fabric piece including width, weave, stitches per inch, weight
FACADE - the face of a building given special architectural treatment
FANLIGHT - semi-circular window with radiating fanlike divisions in the glass, typically used over doorways, windows and cased openings
FACILITY MANAGEMENT - the practice of coordinating multiple disciplines, while integrating people, places, process and technology, to maximize functions of the built environment
FAILLE - fabric construction technique creating a corded effect
FAUX - reproducing or re-interpreting a finish on any surface
FAUX BOIS - reproducing or re-interpreting a painted wood grain finish, and furnishings or objects imitating wood logs, branches and bark textures.
FEES - compensation for services rendered
FELT - unwoven cloth, typically of wool, matted randomly in layers
FELTING - shrinkage resulting in fabric becoming hard and stiff like a piece of felt
FENESTRATION - stylistic placement of windows on a building
FENG SHUI - Wind and water; ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing the built-environment with spiritual forces
FESTOON - carved stone or wood garland of fruit and flowers; window treatment folded and looped gracefully over a drapery rod to create a swag
FF&E- acronym for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
FIBER - slender thread
FIBERBOARD - board of compressed wood shavings and glue
FIELD VERIFY - on-site visit to confirm measurements and position of electrical, HVAC, windows, doors, etc.
FILAMENT - single strand of any kind of fiber
FILLET - thin decorative inlay used to embellish wood carving; ridge between fluting on a column
FILLING - yarn running from selvage to selvage at right angles to the warp SEE WEFT
FINIAL - decorative hardware, wood, metal or cast materials used to cap drapery rods, newel posts, furnishings, woodwork, etc.
FINISH - final treatment on a surface
FINISHES - term includes lath & plaster, gypsum wallboard, acoustical & ceiling systems; cabinets & trim, floor coverings; wall coverings, countertops, coatings, stains and painted applications
FINISHED LENGTH - the distance from the top to the bottom of a window treatment when completed, not including allowances for side seams, hems or headings
FINISHED WIDTH - distance from side to side of drapery plus distance added for projections
FINISHING - fabric manufacturing process including weaving, printing, bleaching, dyeing, heat setting, napping, embossing, pressing, calendaring or coating applications for fire-retardant/waterproofing
FINISH SCHEDULE - documents detailing doors, windows, furniture, room finishes, colors and other components needing clarification for construction purposes
FIREPLACE - combination of decorative wood, plaster or marble elements surrounding a firebox; open masonry area built in a wall at the base of a chimney to house a fire
FIRE BOX - open masonry area built in a wall at the base of a chimney to house a fire
FIRE RATED - Underwriters Laboratories fire resistance rating system required for building applications
FIRE RETARDANT - durable (permanent) or non-durable (temporary) applications to decrease flammability
FIRE SCREEN - decorative screen of fireproof materials placed in front of a mantle firebox to control sparks and embers
FLAMMABILITY - quality of resisting the spreading of flame under test conditions
FLAME STITCH - printed or woven fabric featuring a jagged, undulating, flame-like multi-colored pattern
FLANNEL - brushed woven fabrics with a soft nap
FLAX - cellulose plant fiber used to create linen
FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE - the plan of a variety of work scenarios for employees, whether it be home, office or on the go
FLOCK - textile fiber fragments
FLOCKING - dusting flock fibers over fabric with adhesive
FLORAL - fabric featuring a flower or multiples, vines, fruit
FLOOR PLAN - scaled drawing indicating all walls, windows, electrical outlets, furniture placement and interior finishes
FLUE - channel above a fireplace used to carry smoke and heat to the exterior of a structure
FLUTING - vertical concave grooves on a column or pilaster
FOAM BACK - products with a laminated polyurethane foam backing
FOAM CORE BOARD - stiff sheet of Styrofoam sealed with laminated paper front and back
FOB - Freight On Board goods delivered without additional charge to the location specified
FOCAL POINT - specific visual elements such as a spectacular view, home entertainment system, fireplace, art, sculpture or furniture piece, which becomes the main focus of the room or vignette
FRESCO - painted mural or decoration done on a wet plaster wall or ceiling
FRET - ornamental geometric pattern repeated within a border
FRETWORK - Victorian machine-made decorative wood panels created by combining various shapes, patterns and sizes of wood pieces together into an intricate, openwork design; Chinese lattice detailing
FRIEZE - ornamental band section of an entablature, sitting above the architrave and below the cornice / fabric with a pile surface of uncut loops
FRISE' - sturdy looped and cut pile woven fabric
FULLNESS - the number of widths of fabric or amount of gathering in window, bedding or other treatments (typically 2 to 1, 2.5 to 1, 3 to 1 fullness)
FURNITURE - any freestanding or custom-built article constructed to provide surfaces for sitting or storing objects (sofa, chair, sectional, ottoman, chaise lounge, armoire, dresser, etc)
FURNISHINGS - artwork, accessories, area rugs, cabinetry, furniture, lighting, storage equipment, window treatments
FURDOWN - drop in ceiling created with sheet rock
FUTON BED - convertible frame utilizing a cotton-filled mattress, which can be used as a bed and a sofa
FUZZING - hairy appearance on a fabric surface