Skip to main content

Floor planning glossary — A to Z

Every term used in our floor-planning content, architectural design, residential construction, and interior design. 200+ definitions with context. Linked from every concept page.

15 min readUpdated 2026-06-10

This is the comprehensive glossary of floor planning, architectural, residential construction, and interior design vocabulary. 200+ terms with definitions and context. Each entry explains the term in residential design context; many include cross-references to related terms and to relevant concept pages where the term is used in depth.

Terms are organized A–Z. Within each letter section, entries are alphabetical. Cross-references use bracketed slugs linking to other glossary entries or to detailed concept pages.

In this guide

  1. 1

    A

    Accent chair. A standalone armchair used as secondary seating in a living room or bedroom. Width 28-36 inches typical. See accent chair dimensions. Accent lighting. Directional lighting that highlights a specific feature (artwork, architectural detail, plant). Distinct from ambient (general illumination) and task lighting. Accessible doorway. A doorway meeting ADA-equivalent standards for wheelchair access. Minimum 36 inches wide with 32-inch clear opening when door is at 90°. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). US legislation establishing accessibility standards. Residential homes are not generally required to meet ADA, but accessible design principles inform universal design. Alcove. A small recess in a room or wall — used for displays, beds, seating, or a built-in feature. Different from a niche (smaller, decorative). Alcove tub. A bathtub installed against three walls in a small recessed area. Standard 60×30 inches. Apron. (1) The horizontal piece below a window sill or below a sink. (2) The floor extension below a bay window. Apron front sink. A kitchen sink with the front face exposed (no cabinet face in front). Farmhouse style. Also called 'farmhouse sink'. Arch. A curved structural element or opening. See openings and passageways. Architectural drawing. A scaled drawing showing the design of a building. Floor plans, elevations, sections, and details are all architectural drawings. Architrave. The horizontal beam or molding above a doorway or window. Astragal. A vertical molding sealing the gap between a pair of doors (French door pair). See french doors. Atrium. A central interior space that rises through multiple floors, often topped with skylights or a glass roof. Awning window. A window hinged at the top, opening outward from the bottom. See fixed vs sliding windows and windows overview.

  2. 2

    B

    Backsplash. The vertical surface between a counter top and the wall cabinets above. Typically 18 inches tall in kitchens. Baluster. A vertical post supporting a stair or balcony railing. Maximum 4-inch spacing per code. Also called 'spindle' or 'picket'. Balustrade. A railing assembly consisting of balusters between top and bottom rails. Banquette. A built-in upholstered bench seat, often along a wall in a dining nook or kitchen. Bar height. Table or counter height of 40-42 inches, paired with bar stools (28-30 inch seat height). Barn door. A sliding door on a track mounted to the wall's outer face. See barn doors. Base cabinet. A floor-mounted cabinet in a kitchen or bathroom — typically 24 inches deep × 34.5 inches tall. Baseboard. The trim along the bottom of a wall, where the wall meets the floor. Typically 3-6 inches tall. Bathtub. A plumbing fixture for bathing. Standard alcove: 60×30 inches. Freestanding: variable. Bay window. A window assembly projecting outward from one wall. See bay windows. Beam. A horizontal structural member carrying loads. Visible in some architectural styles (exposed beam ceiling); hidden in others. Bench. A long seat without a back, or with a low back. Used at foot of bed, in entryways, in dining banquettes. Bidet. A plumbing fixture for personal hygiene; common in Europe, less common in US homes. Bifold door. Two narrow door panels hinged to each other; one or two units across a wide opening. Used on closets. Bistro table. A small dining table for 2 people. Typically 30-36 inches in diameter or square. Blackout curtain. A heavy curtain that blocks light completely. Used in bedrooms for sleep. Blueprint. Historical term for an architectural drawing copy (originally white lines on blue background). Now colloquial for any technical building drawing. Bow window. A window assembly similar to a bay window but with curved (not angular) panels. See bay window styles angled box bow. Box bay window. A bay window with three panels at 90° forming a rectangular projection. Modern variant. Breakfast nook. A small informal eating area in or near the kitchen. Often features a bay window with built-in seating. Built-in. Furniture or storage constructed as part of the wall, not freestanding. Butler's pantry. A small room or area between the kitchen and dining room, used for serving and additional storage.

  3. 3

    C

    Cabinet. A storage enclosure. Base cabinets sit on the floor; wall cabinets mount above counters; tall cabinets extend floor to ceiling. Caesar mattress. UK mattress size, 240×220 cm. Very large; rare. California King (Cal-King). US mattress size, 72×84 inches. See bed sizes twin full queen king cal king. Cantilever. A structural element supported only at one end, projecting beyond its support. Used in some balcony and bay window constructions. Casement window. A window hinged on one side, opening outward like a door. Crank-operated. See fixed vs sliding windows. Cased opening. A doorless opening surrounded by trim. See cased vs uncased openings. Casing. The trim around a door or window opening. Ceiling fan. A fan mounted on the ceiling for air circulation. Sizes vary 24-72 inches diameter. Ceiling height. The distance from floor to ceiling. Standard residential: 8 feet (96 inches). See ceiling height standards. Chair rail. A horizontal molding around a room at about 30-36 inches above the floor. Chandelier. A decorative ceiling-mounted lighting fixture, usually with multiple light sources. Common in dining rooms and grand entries. Chase. A vertical or horizontal enclosure for pipes, ducts, or wires. Cleat. A piece of wood used to support a shelf or other element. Clerestory window. A window high on a wall, near or at the ceiling. Used for daylight without view or privacy concern. Common in modern architecture. Club chair. A standard armchair with a comfortable design. Width 30-36 inches. Coffee table. A low table placed in front of a sofa. Standard 42-48 inches long × 22-24 deep × 16-20 tall. See coffee table dimensions. Coffered ceiling. A ceiling with a grid of recessed panels. Column. A vertical structural support. Sometimes decorative, sometimes load-bearing. See pillars and load bearing columns. Common wall. A wall shared between two units (typical in townhouses, condos). Console table. A narrow table placed against a wall or behind a sofa. Depth 12-18 inches. Conversation pit. A sunken area in a living room with built-in seating around a low center. Popular in 1960s-70s; rare today. Cornice. A horizontal decorative molding crowning a wall or building element. Corner bay window. A bay window spanning two adjoining walls at the corner of a building. See corner bay windows. Corner fireplace. A fireplace set diagonally into the corner of a room. See corner fireplaces. Counter. A horizontal work surface in a kitchen or bathroom. Standard 25-26 inches deep × 36 inches tall. Counter height. Table or counter height of 34-36 inches, paired with counter stools (24-26 inch seat). Coved ceiling. A ceiling that curves into the walls without a sharp corner. Cubby. A small open storage compartment, often in a mudroom or kids' bedroom.

  4. 4

    D

    Dado. The lower section of an interior wall, treated differently from the upper section (often with wainscoting). Damper. A movable plate in a fireplace flue that regulates draft. Daybed. A bed designed to function as a couch — often with a back along one long side. Deck. An exterior wood platform attached to a house. Den. A small private room used for relaxation, reading, or work. Dimension. A measurement labeled on a drawing. Dimension line. A line on a drawing showing the extent of a measurement. Dishwasher. A built-in kitchen appliance that washes dishes. Standard 24 inches wide × 24 deep × 34 tall. Dormer. A roofed structure projecting from a sloped roof, often containing a window. Found in Cape Cod, Tudor, and similar architectural styles. Double-hung window. A window with two sashes, both of which can slide up or down. See windows overview. Double-sided fireplace. A fireplace with openings on both sides of an interior wall. See dual double sided fireplaces. Draftsman. A person who creates technical drawings, including architectural plans. Drawer. A storage compartment that slides out of a cabinet. Drawer slide. Hardware that allows a drawer to extend and retract smoothly. Dresser. A wide chest of drawers, typically in a bedroom. Width 50-70 inches. See nightstand and dresser dimensions. Drop-leaf table. A table with hinged extensions that can fold down when not in use. Drywall. Gypsum board used as interior wall finish. Standard ½-inch thick. Dual fireplace. Same as double-sided fireplace. See dual double sided fireplaces. Duplex outlet. A standard electrical wall outlet with two receptacles. Dutch door. A door split horizontally so the top half can open separately from the bottom.

  5. 5

    E

    Easement. A legal right to use someone's property for a specific purpose (utility lines, access). Eave. The lower edge of a sloping roof that projects beyond the wall. Eclectic. A design style that combines elements from multiple periods and styles. Egress. Emergency exit path. Egress windows must meet code (typically 5.7 sq ft openable). Elevation. A side view of a building. Different from a floor plan (top view). See floor plan vs blueprint vs elevation. Engineered hardwood. Hardwood flooring made of a real wood veneer over a plywood or composite base. Entablature. The horizontal decorative band above columns or above a doorway. Entry. The main door or opening into a building. En-suite. A bathroom directly connected to a bedroom (typically a master bedroom). Espresso (color). A dark brown wood stain color, common in modern furniture. Exhaust fan. A fan that removes air from a room. Required in bathrooms without windows. Extension table. A table that extends with leaf inserts or telescoping mechanism. See dining table sizes by seats. Exterior wall. A wall forming the perimeter of a building. See internal walls vs exterior walls.

  6. 6

    F

    Façade. The face of a building, typically the front. Family room. An informal living room, often near the kitchen. Used for daily relaxation and family activities. Farmhouse. An architectural style combining traditional farmhouse elements with modern features. Modern farmhouse is a popular contemporary style. Fenestration. The arrangement of windows on a facade. Fiberglass. A composite material used in insulation, exterior doors, and bathtubs. Finish. The final surface treatment of a material (paint, stain, varnish, lacquer). Fire-rated. A material or assembly tested to resist fire for a specified time. Fireplace. A structure for containing a fire. See fireplaces overview. Fixed window. A non-operable window. The glass is sealed in place. Flange. A projecting collar on a pipe. Flashing. Sheet metal or other material used to prevent water penetration at a joint. Floor area. The total square footage of a floor. Floor plan. A top-down view of one floor of a building. See how to read a floor plan and floor plan vs blueprint vs elevation. Floor-to-ceiling. Extending from floor to ceiling (curtains, glass, etc.). Footing. The base of a foundation, distributing the building's weight. Footprint. The floor area a piece of furniture or building occupies. Foyer. An entry hall or vestibule. Framing. The structural skeleton of a building (studs, joists, rafters). French door. A pair of hinged doors meeting in the middle. See french doors. Full. US mattress size, 54×75 inches. Also called 'Double'. Functional. Designed for utility rather than appearance.

  7. 7

    G

    Gable. The triangular portion of a wall at the end of a sloped roof. Galley kitchen. A narrow kitchen with two parallel counter runs. See galley kitchen layout. Garage. A structure for storing vehicles. See garage layout guide. Gas fireplace. A fireplace fueled by natural gas or propane. See fireplaces overview. General contractor. A professional who oversees the construction or renovation of a building. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. A safety electrical outlet required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations. Glass block. Hollow glass blocks used as a wall material, providing light with privacy. Grade. The level of the ground. Grade beam. A horizontal foundation beam at ground level. Granite. A natural stone used for countertops and other surfaces. Grasscloth. A wall covering made of woven natural fibers. Gray water. Used water from sinks, showers, and laundry (not toilets). Great room. A large open living area combining living, dining, and sometimes kitchen. Grid. A pattern of horizontal and vertical lines, often used in floor plans. Grommet. A reinforced hole in fabric (curtains, lampshades). Grout. The material filling joints between tiles. Guard rail. A safety barrier preventing falls at elevated edges. See wall types full railing open. Guest room. A bedroom used for guests, not the household members. See guest bedroom layout guide.

  8. 8

    H

    Half bath. A bathroom with only a sink and toilet. See half bath layout. Half-wall. A wall extending only partway to the ceiling. Same as 'knee wall' or 'pony wall'. See wall types full railing open. Hand of door. The 'handedness' (left or right) of a door — determined by which side the hinges are on. See door swing and hinge side. Handrail. A railing for hand support, typically on stairs. Height 34-38 inches. Hardware. Functional metal fittings (hinges, knobs, latches). Header. The horizontal structural beam above a door, window, or opening. Headboard. The vertical board at the head of a bed. Headroom. The vertical clearance above a stair tread or other path. Hearth. The floor area in front of and below a fireplace. Required to be non-combustible. Hinge. Hardware allowing a door to pivot. Hinge side. The side of a door where the hinges are mounted. See door swing and hinge side. Hinged door. A door pivoting on hinges. See hinged swing doors. Hopper window. A window hinged at the bottom, opening inward from the top. See windows overview. HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

  9. 9

    I

    IGU (Insulated Glass Unit). A window glass assembly with two or more panes sealed with a gas-filled space between. Standard in modern construction. Inset. Recessed or set into a surface. Inset cabinet. A cabinet door style where the door is flush with the cabinet frame. Inset sink. A sink with a rim that sits on the counter (rather than under-mount or vessel sink). Insulation. Material in walls, ceilings, and floors that resists heat transfer. Interior designer. A professional who plans the interior of buildings. Interior wall. A wall inside the building, dividing rooms. See internal walls vs exterior walls. Intumescent. A material that swells when exposed to fire, used in fire-rated assemblies. Island. A free-standing kitchen counter unit. See kitchen island placement.

  10. 10

    J

    Jalousie window. A window with multiple horizontal glass slats. Common in tropical climates; rare in modern construction. Jamb. The side frame of a door or window. Joinery. The way two pieces of wood are joined together. Joist. A horizontal structural member supporting a floor or ceiling. Juliet balcony. A decorative balcony that doesn't provide standing area — just a railing outside a tall door or window. See balconies overview.

  11. 11

    K

    Keystone. The central stone at the top of an arch. King. US mattress size, 76×80 inches. See bed sizes twin full queen king cal king. Kitchen. A room for food preparation. See kitchen work triangle and various kitchen layout pages. Kitchen island. A freestanding counter in a kitchen. See kitchen island placement. Knee wall. A short wall (typically 36-42 inches). Same as 'half-wall' or 'pony wall'. Knob. A round rotating door pull. Compare to 'lever' (horizontal handle).

  12. 12

    L

    L-shape kitchen. A kitchen with two perpendicular counter runs. See l shape kitchen layout. L-shaped balcony. A balcony wrapping the corner of a building. See l shaped balconies. Lally column. A steel structural column, often used in basements. Typically 4-6 inches diameter. Lambrequin. A decorative valance over a window. Laminate. A surface material made of pressed paper or plastic, often used for countertops. Lamp. A light fixture, typically table or floor mounted. Landing. A platform between two flights of stairs. See stair width and landing. Latch. The mechanism that holds a door closed. Lath. Thin wood strips used as a base for plaster (in older construction). Laundry room. A room for washing clothes. See laundry room layout. Lazy Susan. A rotating shelf inside a corner cabinet, accessing storage in the corner. Leaded glass. Decorative glass with metal cames (lead strips) holding pieces of glass. Left-hand door. A door with hinges on the left side (when viewed from the side you'd push it open from). See door swing and hinge side. Lever. A horizontal door handle. Compare to 'knob' (round rotating handle). Lighting layers. Combining ambient, task, and accent lighting for layered illumination. Lintel. A horizontal structural member above a door or window. Same as 'header'. Linen closet. A closet for towels, sheets, and other linens. Lite. A single pane of glass in a window or door. Living room. A formal sitting room. See living room layout guide. Load-bearing wall. A wall carrying structural load. Can't be removed without engineering review. Loft. An upper-level open area, often used as a bedroom or office in a partial story. Lounger. A long upholstered chair for reclining. Louver. Horizontal slats allowing air to pass while limiting view. Loveseat. A 2-seat sofa. Width 50-64 inches. See sofa and loveseat dimensions. LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber). Engineered structural lumber.

  13. 13

    M

    Mantle. The shelf above a fireplace. Marble. Natural stone used for countertops, flooring, and fireplaces. Masonry. Construction using brick, stone, or concrete blocks. Master bedroom. The primary bedroom in a house. See master bedroom layout guide. Material. A specific substance (wood, metal, glass, etc.) used in construction. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard). Composite wood material used in furniture and trim. Mediterranean. An architectural style featuring stucco walls, tile roofs, and red clay accents. Mezzanine. An intermediate floor between two main floors, often open to a larger space below. Mid-century modern. Architectural style from the 1940s-60s, featuring clean lines and integration with nature. Millwork. Custom-made wood products (cabinets, doors, trim). Minimalist. Design style with simple forms and few elements. Modernist. Architectural style emphasizing function over decoration. Mosaic. A pattern made from small pieces of tile, glass, or stone. Mudroom. A small room near an entrance where outdoor gear is removed. See mudroom and entryway layout. Mullion. A vertical divider between window panes or door panels. Muntin. Small dividers within a window pane (creating multiple lites). Mural. A large painting or decoration on a wall.

  14. 14

    N

    Newel post. A larger vertical post at the bottom, top, or turn of a stair, anchoring the handrail. Niche. A small recess in a wall, often for art, plants, or display. Nightstand. A small table next to a bed. See nightstand and dresser dimensions. Nominal dimension. The named size of a piece of lumber (e.g., 2×4 is nominal; actual size is 1.5×3.5 inches). Non-load-bearing wall. A wall that doesn't carry structural load. Can be removed or modified without engineering. Nosing. The projection of a stair tread beyond the riser face. Typically 0.75-1.25 inches.

  15. 15

    O

    Off-grid. A house disconnected from public utilities, using its own power and water. Oil-rubbed bronze. A dark bronze finish on hardware. One-wall kitchen. A kitchen with all appliances and cabinets on a single wall. See one wall kitchen layout. Open concept. A floor plan with few interior walls, allowing rooms to flow together. Open shelving. Wall-mounted shelves without cabinet doors. Open wall. A wall behavior in Room Sketch 3D — logical boundary but no physical wall. See wall types full railing open. Opening. A doorless wall passage. See openings and passageways. Orientation. The direction a building or room faces (often relative to north). Oriel window. A bay window on an upper floor, supported by corbels (brackets) on the wall below. Outdoor kitchen. A kitchen designed for outdoor use, often featuring a grill and counter. Outlet. An electrical receptacle in a wall. Overhang. A horizontal projection beyond a vertical surface. Roof eaves, deck cantilevers, balcony floor extensions.

  16. 16

    P

    Paint-grade. Wood or material intended to be painted (not stained). Pantry. A storage room or large cabinet for food and kitchen supplies. Parquet. A wood floor pattern made of small geometric pieces. Partition wall. A non-load-bearing wall used to divide a space. Pass-through. A wall opening above counter height, used for serving food. Patio. An exterior surfaced area, typically at ground level. See outdoor patio and yard layout. Patio door. A sliding glass door (typically). See sliding glass doors. Pendant light. A light fixture hanging from the ceiling by a cord or chain. Peninsula. A kitchen counter extension attached to a wall on one end (like an island with one side connected). Persian rug. A traditional handwoven rug with intricate patterns. Picket fence. A fence of vertical pickets with spaces between. Picture window. A large fixed window for view. Pillar. A vertical structural support. Same as 'column'. See pillars and load bearing columns. Pinch pleat. A type of curtain header. Pivot door. A door that rotates on top and bottom pivots rather than side hinges. Plank. A long flat board. Used in flooring (wide plank floors) or doors (plank doors). Plumbing wall. A wall containing plumbing pipes. Typically 6 inches thick (2×6 framing). Pocket door. A door that slides into a wall cavity. See pocket doors. Polished nickel. A shiny silver finish for hardware. Pony wall. Same as 'half-wall' or 'knee wall'. Porch. A covered outdoor space attached to a house. Powder room. A small bathroom with only sink and toilet (no shower or tub). Same as 'half bath'. Powder-coated. A durable paint finish for metal hardware. Prep sink. A small secondary sink in a kitchen, often in an island. Punched window. A window with a clear opening (no muntins or grilles).

  17. 17

    Q

    Quartz. Engineered stone for countertops, made of crushed quartz and resin. Quartzite. Natural stone for countertops, harder than marble. Queen. US mattress size, 60×80 inches. See bed sizes twin full queen king cal king. Quoin. Stone or brick at the corner of a building, often decorative.

  18. 18

    R

    Rafter. A sloping structural member supporting a roof. Railing. A horizontal bar for hand support or safety. See railing styles spindle glass cable fence. Rake. The sloping edge of a gable roof. Range. A combined stove (cooktop) and oven. Standard 30 inches wide. Range hood. A ventilation hood above a cooking surface. Reach-in closet. A closet you stand outside of and reach into. Compare to walk-in. Recessed lighting. Lights installed into the ceiling, flush with the surface. Refrigerator. A cooling appliance for food storage. Standard widths 30-36 inches. Renovation. Updating an existing building. Reveal. The exposed edge of a wall or window. Right-hand door. A door with hinges on the right side (when viewed from the side you'd push it open from). Rise. The vertical height of a staircase. See riser and tread standards. Riser. The vertical face of a single step. See riser and tread standards. Roof. The top covering of a building. Room. A defined interior space, typically enclosed by walls. Rug. A floor covering, typically smaller than the room. Run. The total horizontal distance of a staircase.

  19. 19

    S

    Sash. The operable portion of a window. Sash window. A window with sliding sashes (like a double-hung). Scale. The ratio of drawing size to actual size (e.g., ¼" = 1'-0"). Sconce. A wall-mounted light fixture. Sectional sofa. A multi-piece sofa, typically L or U shape. See sectional sofa dimensions. Set-back. The distance from a property line to a building. Set by local zoning. Shed roof. A roof sloping in one direction only. Sheetrock. Trade name for gypsum board (drywall). Shelving. Storage on horizontal surfaces. Shower. A plumbing fixture for bathing while standing. See bathroom layout and clearances. Sill. The horizontal bottom frame of a window. Single-hung window. A window with only the bottom sash sliding up. Sink. A plumbing fixture for washing. Slipper chair. An armless accent chair with a low back. Width 26-32 inches. Sliding door. A door that slides horizontally rather than swinging. See sliding glass doors and sliding wood doors. Soffit. The underside of an overhang or projection. Sofa. An upholstered bench-style seat. See sofa and loveseat dimensions. Solar gain. Heat from the sun entering a building through windows. Spandrel. The triangular area between two arches. Specifications (specs). Detailed descriptions of materials and methods. Spindle. A vertical baluster in a railing. Spiral staircase. A staircase wrapping around a central column. See staircases overview. Square footage. The area of a floor or room. Stack washer/dryer. Washer and dryer mounted vertically. Staircase. A set of steps connecting two levels. See staircases overview. Stainless steel. A corrosion-resistant metal common in modern kitchens. Steel I-beam. A structural steel beam shaped like the letter I. Stile. A vertical piece of a door or window frame. Stove. A cooking appliance. Stringer. The structural member supporting stair treads. Studio apartment. A small apartment with one main room. See studio apartment layout. Stucco. A cement-based exterior finish. Subway tile. A small rectangular ceramic tile, typically 3×6 inches. Sun room. A room with extensive glass, designed for daylight and views. Switchback staircase. A U-shape staircase with two flights and a landing.

  20. 20

    T

    Tempered glass. Heat-treated glass that shatters into small pebbles instead of shards. Required for residential glass at floor level. Threshold. The bottom edge of a doorway, often a strip of wood or stone. Toggle bolt. A wall anchor used in hollow walls. Tongue and groove. A wood joint with a projecting tongue fitting into a groove. Track lighting. Adjustable lights mounted on a horizontal track. Tread. The horizontal surface of a stair step. See riser and tread standards. Trim. Decorative molding around doors, windows, baseboards, and crown. Triple-pane. A window with three panes of glass. Truss. A structural framework, typically for roofs. Tudor. An English architectural style with half-timbered exteriors and steep gables. Twin. US mattress size, 38×75 inches. Twin XL. US mattress size, 38×80 inches.

  21. 21

    U

    U-shape kitchen. A kitchen with three counter runs forming a U. See u shape kitchen layout. U-shape staircase. A staircase with two flights doubled back on themselves with a landing in between. See staircases overview. Uncased opening. A doorless opening with no trim. See cased vs uncased openings. Under-cabinet lighting. Lighting installed below upper cabinets. Under-mount sink. A sink installed below the counter top, so the counter edge is the visible rim. Universal design. Design accessible to people of all abilities (similar to ADA but applied more broadly). Upholstery. Fabric covering on furniture. Utility room. A room for laundry, mechanical equipment, or storage.

  22. 22

    V

    Vanity. A bathroom cabinet with a sink on top. See bathroom vanity dimensions. Vapor barrier. Material preventing moisture migration through walls. Vault. An arched or domed ceiling. Vaulted ceiling. A sloped or arched ceiling following the roofline. Veneer. A thin layer of decorative material applied over a substrate. Ventilation. Air movement through a building. Veranda. A long open porch. Vessel sink. A sink that sits on top of the counter rather than under-mount. Vestibule. A small enclosed entry area. Vinyl. A plastic material used in flooring, siding, and other applications.

  23. 23

    W

    Wainscot. Wall paneling on the lower portion of a wall. Walk-in closet. A closet large enough to walk inside. Walk-in shower. A shower without a curb or barrier at the entrance. Walking line. The path a person takes climbing a stair. Walkway. A path for walking. Wall cabinet. A cabinet mounted to a wall, typically above a counter. Wallpaper. Paper or fabric applied to walls. Wardrobe. A freestanding cabinet for clothing storage. Common where built-in closets don't exist. Wet room. A bathroom zone with shower and tub waterproofed together. Wet wall. A wall containing plumbing. Window. A wall opening with glass for light and view. See windows overview. Window seat. A built-in bench under a window, often part of a bay window. See bay windows. Wingback chair. An armchair with high winged sides. Work triangle. The kitchen layout principle connecting sink, stove, and refrigerator. See kitchen work triangle. Wrought iron. A traditional iron material, often forged into decorative shapes.

  24. 24

    X-Z

    X-style barn door. A barn door with X-pattern cross-bracing on the panel face. Yard. Exterior land around a building. See outdoor patio and yard layout. Z-style barn door. A barn door with Z-pattern cross-bracing on the panel face. Zen. A minimalist design style influenced by Japanese aesthetics. Zone. A defined area within a larger space (kitchen zones, living zones). Zoning. Local laws regulating land use. End of glossary. Browse the Room Sketch 3D help center for detailed coverage of any specific term.

Start designing your room

Draw it, furnish it, walk through it in 3D — on web, iOS, and Android.

Open Room Sketch 3D

One-time purchase · No subscription · Web, iOS & Android