Interior Design Glossary: I

I

Imbrications: Ornament resembling fish scales or overlapping tile edges.
Incandescent: A common household bulb that emits light through a filament.
Initial Load Deflection (ILD): A measure of foam firmness in furniture and mattresses.
Inlay: Decorative patterns set into wood surfaces using various materials.
Inner Quilt: A feature of true pillow top mattresses, with layers of upholstery covered by fabric and sewn to the mattress edges.
Inner Tufting: A durable method of securing mattress padding layers to prevent shifting, though rarely used in mass production.
Innerspring Unit: The coil, wire, and spring structure inside innerspring mattresses, also used in some furniture.
Inset Tile: A tile with a distinct design from surrounding tiles.
Insulator: A mattress layer that protects the cushioning from innerspring coils, often made from polyester, cotton, or polypropylene.
Intaglio: A design carved into a surface.
Intarsia: An Italian decorative technique similar to inlay, with designs embedded in wood.
International Style: A modern furniture style from the 1920s–1930s, marked by simple lines and materials like chrome and glass, influenced by the Bauhaus School.
Iron Bed: A term for metal beds with colored finishes.
Italian Finishing: A linen finishing technique from Italy that smooths fabric, reduces shrinkage, and creates a lightweight feel.
Italian Provincial: Rustic furniture from 18th–19th century Italy, influenced by the elaborate styles of Milan, Venice, and Rome, with simplified lines and minimal decoration.
Italian Renaissance: Furniture style from the 1400s–1600s, known for its rich appearance, intricate carvings, and use of walnut. Chairs and tables are sturdy, large, and often feature stretchers.