Interior Design Terms Explained: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Interior Design Terms Explained: The Essential Glossary for Unique Interior & Design (Dhaka, BD)

If you’re starting an interior design project in Dhaka or across Bangladesh, you’ll quickly meet terms that sound technical or unfamiliar. From international standards to local rules, materials, and design ideas, knowing what each term means can help you avoid confusion—and save money.

This glossary brings together both global and Bangladesh-specific interior design terms, in clear plain English. You’ll find simple definitions, real examples, and links to further reading on Unique Interior & Design’s own posts.

Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or contractor, use this reference to make better choices and communicate with confidence.

Materials

Understanding material terms is essential for making smart choices about quality, budget, and style. Here’s what you need to know about commonly used materials in Bangladesh interior design.

Hpl (high-pressure Laminate)

HPL is a strong surface material made by fusing layers of paper with resin under heat and pressure. It’s used for cabinets, countertops, and wall panels. HPL is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and comes in many colors and patterns. See our full post on 

Mdf (medium-density Fiberboard)

MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers and resin, pressed into sheets. It’s smooth and easy to cut, making it ideal for cabinets, wall paneling, and furniture. MDF is less expensive than solid wood but must be sealed well to avoid water damage. 

Veneer

A veneer is a thin layer of real wood glued onto a less expensive base material (like MDF). Veneers give furniture and panels the look of solid wood at a lower cost. Each sheet has its own unique grain and color.

Laminate

Laminate is a synthetic material, usually made by bonding layers of paper or plastic. It’s often used for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and floors. Laminate is durable and affordable, but doesn’t have the natural feel of real wood or veneer.

Gypsum Board

Gypsum board (also called plasterboard or drywall) is a lightweight panel used for walls and ceilings. It’s fire-resistant, easy to install, and commonly used for false ceilings and partition walls in Bangladesh. Learn more in 

Acp (aluminum Composite Panel)

ACP consists of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a plastic core. It’s lightweight, weatherproof, and used for wall cladding, signage, and sometimes false ceilings in commercial interiors.

Solid Surface

Solid surface is a man-made material used for countertops and sinks. It’s non-porous, easy to repair, and can mimic stone or marble. Popular brands include Corian and LG HI-MACS.

Almirah

An almirah is a freestanding wardrobe or cabinet, widely used in Bangladeshi homes for storing clothes, bedding, and valuables. Almirahs can be made of metal, wood, or MDF. 

Process & Legal Terms

Navigating interior design in Bangladesh means understanding legal requirements, building codes, and the steps involved in each project. These terms are critical for compliance and transparency.

Boq (bill Of Quantities)

A BOQ is a detailed document listing every material, item, and service needed for a project, along with exact quantities and costs. It’s a standard tool for construction and interior work, ensuring transparency in pricing and helping clients compare quotes.

At Unique Interior & Design, we use BOQs to support our “100% Transparent Billing” promise. Each BOQ includes:

• Itemized materials:

  Types and brands of every material.

• Exact measurements:

  Area or number for each item.

• Labor costs:

  Separate from material costs.

• Project timeline:

  Estimated time for each stage.

• Total cost:

  Clear subtotal and grand total.

A BOQ helps prevent hidden charges and disputes. Clients can check every line and see where their money goes. More about BOQs in our [detailed billing guide](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/boq-transparent-billing).

Rajuk (rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha)

RAJUK is the main urban development authority in Dhaka. It oversees building permits, zoning, and land use. Any major renovation or construction usually requires RAJUK approval. See our [RAJUK compliance checklist](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/rajuk-approval-process).

Dap (detailed Area Plan)

DAP is a city planning document for Dhaka, detailing land use, building heights, and road layouts. Interior projects (especially commercial) must follow DAP guidelines to avoid legal issues. More on this in [DAP rules for interiors](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/dap-interior-design).

Bnbc (bangladesh National Building Code)

BNBC sets the official standards for building safety, fire protection, structure, and services in Bangladesh. All interior and construction projects must follow BNBC rules. Familiarize yourself via our [BNBC basics explained](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/bnbc-basics).

Plinth Level

Plinth level is the height between the ground and the finished floor of a building. It helps protect against flooding, dampness, and pests. The plinth level is set during construction and influences design decisions like stair height and door placement. See [our plinth level recommendations](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/plinth-level-guide).

Ecps (electricity Connection Permission Slip)

ECPS is a document issued by the local utility, confirming legal permission to connect electricity for a new or renovated space. Without ECPS, you cannot get power supply from the grid. Learn more at our [ECPS process breakdown](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/ecps-electricity-permit).

Bica (bangladesh Interior Contractors Association)

BICA is the national group representing licensed interior contractors. Hiring a BICA-member firm ensures compliance with industry standards and a certain quality of work. See our [guide to choosing a BICA contractor](https://uniqueinterior.com.bd/blog/bica-certified-interiors).

Design Concepts

Interior design is full of concepts that shape how spaces look and feel. These ideas help you make decisions about layout, style, and function.

Accent Wall

An accent wall is a single wall in a room that’s painted or decorated differently from the others. It draws attention, adds visual interest, and defines spaces. Accent walls are popular in living rooms and bedrooms. See ideas in our

False Ceiling

A false ceiling (or dropped ceiling) is a secondary ceiling suspended below the main ceiling. It hides wiring, lighting fixtures, or air conditioning ducts, and can be shaped for design effects. False ceilings are common in offices, hotels, and modern homes. Details in [false ceiling options for Dhaka]

Modular Kitchen

A modular kitchen is a kitchen made from prefabricated cabinets and units, designed for easy assembly, flexibility, and efficient use of space. Modular kitchens are popular in urban Bangladesh for their modern look and convenience. Explore options in our [modular kitchen design]

Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the ideal distance and arrangement between the stove, sink, and refrigerator in a kitchen. This layout improves efficiency by minimizing walking distance during cooking. 

Open Plan

Open plan is a design style where rooms (like kitchen, dining, and living) are combined into one large, open space without dividing walls. This layout makes interiors feel bigger and is popular in modern apartments.

Partition Wall

A partition wall is a non-load-bearing wall used to divide spaces within a room. Partition walls can be made of glass, wood, gypsum, or even metal screens, and allow flexible layouts.

Built-in Furniture

Built-in furniture is custom-designed to fit into a specific space, like wall-to-wall wardrobes, bookcases, or window seats. Built-ins maximize space but are permanent.

Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings include curtains, cushions, rugs, and upholstery—anything made of fabric that adds comfort and color to a room.

Focal Point

A focal point is the main feature in a room that attracts attention, such as a fireplace, artwork, or statement piece of furniture.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the main source of light in a room, providing overall illumination. Examples include ceiling lights or LED strips in a false ceiling.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is focused light for specific activities, like reading lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lights, or desk lamps.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics means designing spaces and furniture to fit human needs for comfort, health, and efficiency.

Credentials & Industry Terms

Knowing about credentials and professional terms helps you choose the right team and understand the process.

Boq (bill Of Quantities)

(See above; BOQ is both a process/legal and credential term due to its role in professional billing. )

Turnkey Project

A turnkey project means a complete service—design, materials, construction, and finishing—handled by one firm. The client receives a “ready to use” space. Turnkey is popular for offices and apartments in Dhaka. 

Design-build

Design-build is a project method where one firm handles both design and construction, reducing delays and miscommunication.

Scope Of Work

A scope of work document lists all tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities in a project. It defines what is included (and what is not) before work starts.

Change Order

A change order is a written agreement that changes the original design, materials, or schedule—usually with a cost adjustment. It’s common in larger projects.

Site Survey

A site survey is the process of measuring and evaluating the space before design begins. Accurate surveys prevent mistakes later.

Interior Designer Vs. Contractor

An interior designer creates plans for layout, style, and materials. A contractor manages the actual construction and installation. Some firms (like Unique Interior & Design) handle both roles.

Comparison Tables

To quickly compare similar terms and materials, review the following tables:

Material	Main Use	Strengths	Weaknesses
HPL	Cabinets, wall panels	Durable, many colors, easy to clean	Needs proper edge sealing
MDF	Furniture, paneling	Low cost, smooth surface	Sensitive to moisture
Veneer	Furniture, panels	Natural wood look	Needs careful handling
Laminate	Cabinets, floors	Affordable, durable	Less natural appearance

Legal Term	What It Controls	Who Issues	When Needed
RAJUK	Permits, zoning	Dhaka authority	Before major works
DAP	City planning	RAJUK	For new buildings
BNBC	Building safety	Government	All construction
ECPS	Electricity	Utility company	Before power hookup

Kitchen Term	Definition	Why It Matters
Modular kitchen	Pre-made units assembled onsite	Faster, flexible, modern
Work triangle	Distance between stove, sink, fridge	Improves efficiency
False ceiling	Secondary ceiling below main	Hides wiring, adds style
Accent wall	Decorated wall to create focus	Adds character to room

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Boq And Why Is It Important For Interior Projects?

A BOQ (Bill of Quantities) details every material, quantity, and cost in a project. It helps clients understand exactly what they’re paying for and prevents hidden charges. At Unique Interior & Design, the BOQ is key to our transparent billing system.

What Is The Difference Between Mdf And Hpl?

MDF is a base material made from wood fibers, while HPL is a hard surface layer. HPL is usually applied on top of MDF for better durability and design. MDF is cheaper but can absorb water if not sealed; HPL is more scratch-resistant.