Interior Design and Architectural Glossary Terms - B

Design definitions for Braid, Brick, Brick and Brick Paviours, Brick Veneer, Blistering,

Blisters or Bubbles, Blast Cleaning, Blocking, Blushing, Board and Battern, Bobbin Twist, Boiserie, Bolster, Book Matching, Borders, Boucle Fabric, Boullework, Bow Window, Bowled Floor, Bracing, Bracket, and Broadcloth.

Blistering:

(paint) is bubbles or blisters in the paint film. It is caused by water vapour being attracted by heat and forming spaces beneath the film, or resins from knots in the timber being attracted to heat, or paint being used on surfaces which have extreme heat. To prevent this problem, make sure that the substrate is completely dry before painting. Remove any knots and replace with plugs. Use heat resistant paints for areas that have extreme heat. Select light paint colours as they reflect more heat.

Blisters or Bubbles:

(wallcovering) This means that the paper is not flat on the substrate and has pockets of air trapped behind. It is caused by under soaking or not evenly brushing paste, or insufficient smoothing whilst handling.

Blast Cleaning:

i.e. shot, bead or sand blasting to clean an object or create an effect.

Blocking:

Timber used at right angles to the framing joists to provide support from twisting and buckling.

Borders:

(wallcovering) These are narrow widths of wallpaper available in 5 metre or 10 metre rolls and come in varying widths. They are a decorative item, which can be used to create different spaces on walls. For more information on Wallpaper.

Boucle Fabric:

French for curled, indicates a curled or looped surface.

 

Bolster Cushion

Border creating a neat and tidy division between wallpaper and paint

Boullework:

A form of marquetry originally from 10th century Italy. Usually with tortoiseshell and brass. Improved by Andre Charles Boulle in France during the 17th century and popular during that time.

Bow Window:

A curved window sometimes called a circular bay.

Bowled floor:

A floor that slopes towards one end as in a theatre.

Bracing:

Bracing is used to laterally support a building.

Bracket:

A projecting support. Can be from any material. In masonry it will be a corbel. Often in decorative form. Brackets support anything from arches and lintels to shelves and curtain rods.

Braid:

(drapery) is a woven ornamental trimming that has two finished edges, it is a flat border. Used for trims and edges for curtains, upholstery and accessories.

Bow Window

Braid

Brick and Brick Paviours:

Bricks are made from clay, which is formed into shapes and dried in a kiln. Paviours are made in a similar fashion but they are thinner and often have special finishes on the surface. They are both hardwearing and chemical resistant. They are laid on a bed of mortar. For more information on clay based flooring.

Brick Veneer:

A covering of brick. Usually to the exterior walls but often used as a feature to the interior.

Broadcloth:

Used for tablecloths, bedspreads and drapery.

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