Interior Design Glossary: M

M

Manchette: A small upholstered patch or cushion used on an armrest.

Mantel: The shelf above a fireplace; also refers to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.

Mantel Clock: A small clock traditionally placed on a fireplace mantel or shelf, developed in France in the mid-18th century.

Marbleizing (or Marbling): A decorative painting technique that mimics the appearance of marble.

Marlborough Legs: Heavy, straight legs used in Chippendale and similar furniture designs.

Marquetry: Decorative patterns made from inlaid materials, typically applied to veneered surfaces.

Married: A term for furniture made from two or more associated pieces, often from the same period/style. Also refers to furniture typically manufactured in specific fabric or leather.

Marshall Unit: Coil springs in separate pockets joined together to form cushions.

Mat Board: Thick paperboard used to add dimension to framed artwork, available in various colors and textures.

Matchboarding: Wooden cladding held together by tongue-and-groove joints.

Matelassé: A double-woven fabric with a puckered surface.

Matte Finish: A flat, non-shiny finish.

Mattress: A bedding piece typically made from layers of foam, fibers, and sometimes innerspring units, used for sleeping.

Mattress Pad: A protective pad placed over a mattress to prevent soiling.

MDF: Medium Density Fiberboard; compressed wood particles used in furniture construction.

Medallion: A decorative plaque made of wood or metal.

Mediterranean: A furniture style originating in countries around the North Mediterranean Sea, characterized by ornate legs, heavy hardware, and woods like walnut, chestnut, and pecan.

Mélange: Handmade pillow lace combining Chantilly lace with Spanish design elements.

Melon-Bulb: Refers to the swollen member on legs or posts of furniture.

Memory Foam: A heat-sensitive, viscoelastic foam used in mattresses.

Memphis: A modern design style from the 1950s to 1970s, known for bright colors, bold forms, and avant-garde elements.

Menuisier: A French term for a carpenter or joiner.

Merino: The finest wool, used in top-quality woolen fabrics and billiard cloth.

Micro Fleece: Soft, lightweight, and breathable fleece fabric with unique thermal properties, often used for throw blankets.

Microfiber: A tightly woven fabric with a suede-like finish, water repellent and sometimes waterproof.

Mirror Stand: An adjustable mirror mounted on a shaft with a tripod base, popular in the late 18th century.

Mission (or Mission Style): A simple, sturdy furniture style rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement, characterized by straight lines and utilitarian design, often made of oak.

Miter Joint (or Mitered Corner): A diagonal joint at the intersection of two wood pieces, typically cut at a 45-degree angle.

Modern (Moderne or Modernist): A 20th-century design style with clean, streamlined lines, influenced by the Bauhaus and Scandinavian design.

Modillion: A horizontal bracket used in series under a Corinthian or Composite cornice.

Modular: Furniture units designed to be rearranged or stacked in different configurations.

Modular Seating: Upholstered seating units that can be joined or arranged in various ways to create different seating arrangements.

Mohair: A lustrous, durable fiber from the Angora goat, used for knitting and fabrics.

Moiré: A fabric with a swirled pattern that resembles water ripples, often found on silk.

Molding: Ornamental strips applied to surfaces for decorative effect.

Monochrome: A design or artwork using a single hue.

Morris Chair: A chair from the Arts and Crafts movement with an adjustable back and loose seat cushions, named after its inventor William Morris.

Mortise & Tenon: A joint formed by inserting a tenon into a mortise, often used in woodworking.

Mosaic Tiles: Colorful natural stone tiles, typically sold in square shapes.

Mother of Pearl: Decorative inlays made from nacreous shell slices, commonly used in early 19th-century American furniture.

Motif: A recurring decorative theme or element in design.

Motion Furniture: Reclining sofas, loveseats, and chairs with mechanisms that allow the user to extend their legs or recline.

Mule Chest: A chest with drawers in the base, the precursor to the chest of drawers.

Mullion: The vertical bar between panes of glass in windows or cabinets.

Muntons (Muntins, Muttons, or Mutons): Dividers over glass panels in windows or cabinets.

Muslin: Plain-woven cotton used as the underlayer on upholstered furniture, over which decorative upholstery is applied.