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Interior Design vocabulary · Design Principles

Layering

Meaning in interior design, with examples

/ˈleɪərɪŋ/nounCommon term

In interior design, layering means: Combining several levels of something, such as light sources, rugs, fabrics and textures, so that a room feels rich, deep and comfortable rather than flat.

In Turkish: katmanlama, katman oluşturma

How it is used

Used for lighting (layering ambient, task and accent light), for textiles (layering rugs and throws) and for styling. The verb is layer: layer the lighting, layer textures.

Example sentences

  1. Layering the lighting means the clients can change the mood of the room at the touch of a button.

  2. The bedroom is all about layering: linen sheets, a wool throw and a jute rug under a softer one.

Common collocations

  • layering light
  • layering textures
  • layer rugs
  • layered look
  • textureThe way a surface feels, or looks as if it would feel, such as rough, smooth, soft or grainy; in design it adds depth and interest to a room.
  • soft furnishingsThe fabric items in a room, such as curtains, cushions, throws, rugs and bed linen, which add colour, comfort and texture.
  • ambient lightingThe general, even light that fills a room and lets people move around safely, usually from ceiling lights, downlights or daylight.
  • accent lightingDirected light used to highlight a particular object or feature, such as artwork, shelves, a textured wall or a plant, so that it stands out.

More terms: Design Principles

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