FURNISHING AND INTERIOR DESIGN GLOSSARY

HOME - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

--S--
SAIL CLOTH - plain weave fabric where the majority of the fabric face is composed of warp threads
SATIN WEAVE - a majority of warp threads are interlaced with filling threads to create a smooth appearance on fabric
SCALE – drafting increments used to measure distance or the relationship and comparison between a specific volume of space and the architectural or interior embellishments
SCALLOP - curved shapes repeated along the edge of an object
SCALLOPED HEADING - top treatment of a drapery heading creating curved spaces between curtain rings or tabs
SCOPE OF SERVICES - complete details on services being offered
SCONCE - wall mounted electrified or candle light fixture
SCREEN PRINTING - printing technique utilizing a frame and stencil, which are placed over the fabric, dyes are applied through a squeegee and individual stencils are required for each color
SCROLL - fluid ornamental detail culminating in a tight curl
SECONDS - woven cloth with errors or flaws
SECRETARY - writing desk with a drop front and bookcase above, often with glass front doors
SEERSUCKER - woven or chemically altered crinkled fabric surface
SERGING - over-sewing finished edge of carpet
SELVAGE - narrow outer edge of woven fabric; the warp edge of woven goods also referred to as "raw edge"
SERVER - furniture utilized in a dining area for storing utensils and table service; sideboard
SERPENTINE - winding and curving back and forth like a serpent
SET MATCH - pattern designs set side by side on the same level
SETTEE - medium-sized sofa or long bench
SHOJI SCREEN - wood screen with rice paper panels
SQUARE FEET - width x length, also referred to as area (3 ft x 3 ft = 9 sq. ft)
SHADE - rolled window covering, i.e. flat roman, hobbled roman, etc.
SHAM - decorative covering for bed pillows
SHANTUNG - composed of natural or synthetic fibers spun with slubs, originally silk
SHAG - cut or loop carpet with a random appearance
SHEERS - window treatment constructed with translucent fabrics and materials
SHIRRED CURTAINS - window treatment gathered onto a rod, typically used to describe those gathered onto rods at the top and bottom, often installed inside a window frame
SHOWER - method of bathing, while standing up
SHRINKAGE - loss due to contractions due to washing, boiling or other processes
SHUTTERS - window treatment, most often made of wood slats and rails mounted on a window frame for protection against harsh weather conditions or applied for decoration
SIDEBOARD - case goods, often 36" high, used for serving food and storing china
SIDELIGHT - typically stationary vertical windows flanking an operating exterior door
SILK - natural fibers from the cocoon of a silkworm
SISAL - strong fiber from sisal leaves used to create floor coverings
SIZING - applying starch, gelatin or other ingredients onto yarn to aid in fabrication
SKYLIGHT - window installed in a roof to provide additional light to an interior space
SLEY - number of warp yarns per inch in a woven cloth
SLIPPER CHAIR - Armless upholstered chair, often low to the ground, with a skirt often designed for use in the bedroom
SLUB YARN - irregular diameter yarn
SOFFIT - the underside of a structural member, ie dropped ceiling, overhang
SOIL RETARDANT - solution applied to carpets and fabrics to prevent soiling
SOLAR PANEL - panel installed to collect, store and convert energy from the sun to electricity
SOLUTION DYED - permanently colored polymer fibers
SPANDREL - triangular space beneath a stair stringer; decorations placed in the area on the right and left of an arch within the enclosing right angle
SPACE - three-dimensional area (Distance, Area, Volume)
SPACED DYED YARNS - yarn dyed in a single color
SPACE PLANNING - arranging furnishings and fixtures within a given space taking into account traffic flow, furniture scale, use of occupants, handicap requirements, electrical, etc.
SPECIFICATION - detailed presentation of a plan or proposal including all important and necessary criteria
SPINDLE - shaft of a door knob in a unit of door hardware connecting knobs (front and back); slender, decorative vertical support of a stairway or balcony railing  SEE BALUSTER
SPRING TENSION ROD - adjustable drapery rods housing a spring to compress tightly into a window frame or opening
STACK BACK - amount of space needed on either side of an operating window treatment for fabric panels, when fully opened
STAINED GLASS - English: leaded windows of pale colored glass and jewels, often intricately hand painted / American: brightly colored unpainted pieces of glass and jewels leaded together
STAINED GLASS OVERLAY - treatment designed to mimic stained or etched glass windows utilizing
STAIN RESISTANCE - quality of not showing a change in appearance after the application and removal of various materials
STAIRWELL - the entire open area encompassing a staircase
STAPLE FIBER - natural unprocessed fiber in short lengths
STRIÉ - cloth having a fine, irregular streaked pattern
STRIPE - design made of lines or wide bands
STRIKE-OFF - sample of a fabric in a specific dye lot to verify color and pattern prior to ordering
STUCCO - fine plaster or cement made of Portland cement, sand and lime applied to a structure used as ornamentation
STYLE - distinctive form or technique
SUEDE CLOTH - synthetic woven textile with brushed nap to imitate suede.
SURROUND - opening enclosed with decorative trim on all sides
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN - conservation of building resources
SYMMETRICAL - corresponding designs of a similar nature opposite one another
SWAG - fabric or garlands in curving between two points used in drapery treatments or as an applied decoration