343 Interior Design Abbreviations Sorted By Category

Mastering interior design abbreviations is key to smooth communication in our fast-paced industry. These shorthand terms save time and cut down on miscommunication throughout every project stage.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you may run into some unfamiliar terms along the way. Organized into categories—from design styles to project management—this guide walks you through the most commonly used industry abbreviations, helping you work more efficiently and keep everyone on the same page.

Plus, each section features a practical example to show how these terms play out in real-world scenarios.

Table of Contents

The top 15 most commonly used abbreviations designers should know

The world of design is full of abbreviations that help professionals communicate more efficiently. Whether you’re collaborating with clients, suppliers, or fellow designers, knowing these abbreviations can save time and prevent misunderstandings. Below are 15 commonly used abbreviations that every designer should know:

Commonly used abbreviations:

3D — 3 Dimensional
PO — Purchase Order
QTY — Quantity
RFQ — Request for Quotation
FF&E — Furniture, Fixtures, & Electrical
SKU — Stock Keeping Unit
NTS — Not To Scale
MSRP — Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
EST — Estimate
INV — Invoice
MFG — Manufacturer
SPEC — Specification
CAD — Computer-Aided Design
HVAC — Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
SQ FT — Square Feet

The master list of all interior design abbreviations

Now that you know the most important abbreviations, let’s dive into our master list.

Below, we present every conceivable abbreviation that you might need to be aware of, sorted into 10 distinct categories.

Design & Style Abbreviations

Understanding style abbreviations is crucial when discussing design concepts with clients and colleagues.

A&D — Architecture and design
Art Déco — Arts Décoratifs
Boho — Bohemian
Contempo — Contemporary
EC — Eclectic
FH — Farmhouse
Goth — Gothic
IND — Industrial
MCM — Mid-Century Modern
MOD — Modern
Scandi — Scandinavian
SC — Shabby Chic
Trad — Traditional
VTG — Vintage

Usage example: You might send a quick message to a colleague saying, “For the lobby design, let’s go with Scandi for a clean, modern look and add a hint of MCM for retro accents. Can you update the mood board accordingly?”

Materials & Finishes

Whether sourcing supplies or specifying finishes for a project, these abbreviations allow you to quickly reference essential materials.

ALUM — Aluminum
BVL — Beveled
CLR — Clear
CONC — Concrete
CONC FL — Concrete floor
CRPT/CPT — Carpet
CT — Ceramic tile
CTG — Coating
CURT — Curtain
FBD — Fiberboard
FCB — Fiber cement board
FGL — Fiberglass
FIN — Finish
GI — Galvanized iron
GL — Glass
GT — Grout
GWB — Gypsum wallboard
HC — Hollow core
LAM — Laminate
MDF — Medium-density fiberboard
MDO — Medium-density overlay
MIR — Mirror
MLD — Moulding
MTL — Metal
MWK — Millwork
OP — Opaque
OSC — Oriented strand board
PBD — Particleboard
PERF — Perforated
PLAM — Plastic laminate
PLAS — Plaster
PLYWD — Plywood
PNT — Paint
PT — Pressure-treated
PVMT — Pavement
SC — Solid core
SHT — Sheet
SHTH — Sheathing
SS/SSTL — Stainless steel
STD — Standard
STL — Steel
T&G — Tongue and groove
TME — To match existing
UNF — Unfinished
VAR — Varnish
VB — Vapor barrier
VG — Vertical grain
VOC — Volatile organic compounds
VIN — Vinyl sheet
VRN — Veneer
WD — Wood
WP — Waterproof
WR — Weather resistant

Usage example: When discussing material options with a contractor, you might say, “For the updated kitchen design, let’s use MDF for cabinetry and PLYWD for the flooring. We’ll apply a high-quality FIN topped with V/VARN on the wood surfaces, and make sure our CT meets the specs. Can you confirm these details with our supplier?”

Architectural & Structural Terms

Master these abbreviations to better understand blueprints and other architectural documents.

A/C — Air conditioning
ADJ — Adjustable
AFF — Above finished floor
AHJ — Authority-having jurisdiction
ALT — Alternate
ANC — Anchor
ARCH — Architect
BLDG — Building
BLK — Block
BM — Beam
BOB — Bottom of beam
BOD — Bottom of deck
BR — Bedroom
BSMT — Basement
BTH — Bathroom
CH — Ceiling height
CL — Centerline
CLG — Ceiling
COL — Column
CONST — Construction
CONT — Continuous
CS — Casement
CTJ — Control joint
DEMO — Demolish/Demolition
DIV — Division
DWG — Drawing
EA — Each
EL/ELEV — Elevation
EQ — Equal
EQP — Equipment
EXCV — Excavate
EXIST — Existing
EXT — Exterior
FFE — Finished floor elevation
FFL — Finished floor level
FL — Floor level
FLSH — Flashing
FLR — Floor
FND — Foundation
FOC — Face of concrete
FOF — Face of finish
FOM — Face of masonry
FOS — Face of studs
FOW — Face of wall
FRM — Frame
FTG — Footing
GRD — Grade
HDR — Header
HP — High point
HTG — Heating
HVAC — Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
INS — Insulation/insulated
INT — Interior
INV — Invert
JNT — Joint
JST — Joist
KIT — Kitchen
LH — Left hand
LP — Low point
MAX — Maximum
MECH — Mechanical
MFR — Manufacturer
MIN — Minimum
MISC — Miscellaneous
OBS — Obscure
OC — On center
OH — Overhang/opposite hand
OPG — Opening
PL — Property line
PLT — Plate
PLUMB — Plumbing
PRT — Partition
QTY — Quantity
RA — Return air
RE — Reinforced
REF — Reference
REQ’D — Required
REV — Revision
RFG — Roofing
RH — Right hand
RM — Room
RO — Rough opening
SA — Supply air
SCH — Schedule
SECT — Section
SLB — Slab
SPEC — Specification
SPK — Sprinkler
STR — Structure
SYS — System
TEMP — Temporary
VIF — Verify in field
WL — Wall
W/ — With
W/O — Without

Usage example: When coordinating with a structural engineer, you might say, “I’ve updated the DWG with revised FND and FTG dimensions. Please verify that the HVAC layout aligns with the CL and CH measurements, and ensure the FFL is consistent throughout. Let’s review these details before finalizing the blueprint.”

Furniture & Fixtures

From drafting layouts to final installation, furniture and fixture abbreviations help keep designs clear and precise.

B/BD — Bed
BB — Baseboard
BKS/BS — Bookshelf
BST — Bedside table
BS/BSTL — Barstool
BT — Bathtub
BUF — Buffet
CAB — Cabinet
CF — Ceiling fan
CHR — Chair
CL — Chaise lounge
CM — Crown molding
CNT — Counter
COU — Couch
CT — Coffee table
D — Dresser
DC — Dining chair
DR — Door
DSK — Desk
DT — Dining table
DW — Dishwasher
ET — End table
FA — Fire alarm
FCT — Faucet
FF&E — Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
FPL — Fireplace
MR — Mirror
NS — Nightstand
OTT — Ottoman
RAD — Radiator
SB — Sideboard
SC — Shower curtain
SD — Shower door, smoke detector
SGD — Sliding glass door
SH — Showerhead
SHLF — Shelf
SKL — Skylight
SNK — Sink
SOF — Sofa
STV — Stove
T/TBL — Table
VNT — Vent
W/C — Water closet/toilet
WFH — Work from home
WIN — Window
WRD — Wardrobe

Usage example: When discussing layout details with an installation team, you might say, “Let’s position the COU in the main seating area and update the FF&E list to reflect the new NS choices.”

Measurement & Dimension Terms

Learning these abbreviations will help you read, interpret, and create floor plans and blueprints with ease.

CM — Centimeter
CUFT — Cubic foot
CU IN — Cubic Inch
CU M — Cubic Meter
CUYD — Cubic yard
D — Depth
DIA — Diameter
DIM — Dimension
FT — Feet
GA — Gauge
H/HT — Height
HOR — Horizontal
ID — Inside diameter
IN — Inch
L — Length
LB — Pound
LF — Linear feet
M — Meter
MM — Millimeter
NTS — Not to scale
OD — Outside diameter
R — Radius
SQ IN — Square Inch
SQ FT — Square Foot
SQ M — Square Meter
SQ YD — Square Yard
THK — Thickness
W — Width
YD — Yard

Usage example: During a design review, a team member might say, “The new office space measures 12 FT x 15 FT, and we need to check the H/HT for proper fixture placement.”

Lighting & Electrical Terms

Coordinating with electricians becomes so much smoother when you’re familiar with these essential lighting abbreviations.

CB — Circuit breaker
CFL — Compact fluorescent lamp
D/L — Downlighting
EC — Electrical
FL — Floor lamp
FLOR — Fluorescent
GFCI — Ground fault circuit interrupter
LED — Light emitting diode
LF — Light fixture
LGT — Lighting
PL — Pendant light
PWR — Power
RL — Recessed lighting
SCKT — Socket
SW — Switch
TL — Table lamp
U/L — Uplighting
V — Voltage
WL — Wall lamp
WS — Wall sconce

Usage example: In a meeting with the electrical contractor, you might note, “Switch out the current bulbs for LED options and add a TL in the reading nook.”

Project & Contract Management

Clear documentation is essential for smooth project execution and streamlining financials, timelines, and contractual details.

AC — Actual cost
A/P — Accounts payable
A/R — Accounts receivable
BOM — Bill of materials
CAPEX — Capital expenditure
COA — Certificate of authenticity
CPC — Contractor payment certificate
CV — Cost variance
EAC — Estimate at completion
ETA — Estimated time of arrival
EV — Earned value
Gantt — Gantt chart
GMP — Guaranteed maximum price
KPI — Key performance indicator
LDC — Last day of construction
LOI — Letter of intent
MOA — Memorandum of agreement
MOU — Memorandum of understanding
OPEX — Operational expenditure
P&L — Profit and loss
PM — Project manager
PO — Purchase Order
RFI — Request for information
RFP — Request for proposal
RFQ — Request for quotation
RFI — Request for Information
SLA — Service level agreement
SOW — Statement of work
SV — Schedule variance
T&C — Terms and conditions
T&M — Time and materials
TBA — To be announced
TBD — To be determined
WBS — Work breakdown structure

Usage example: When updating project documents, a project manager might say, “The AC has been adjusted, and the latest RFI is pending review.”

Color & Paint Terms

The following abbreviations will ensure all paint hues and finishes are communicated without ambiguity.

ACRYL — Acrylic paint
BGE — Beige
BL — Blue
BLK — Black
BRN — Brown
DBL — Dark blue
EGGS — Eggshell
ENAM — Enamel
FSC — Flat sheen coat
GLS — Gloss
GRN — Green
GRY — Gray
HEX — Hexadecimal color code
LACQ — Lacquer
LBL — Light blue
LRV — Light reflectance value
MATT — Matte
ORG — Orange
PB — Paint base
PRMR — Primer
PURP — Purple
RGB — Red, green, blue
RD — Red
SAT — Satin
SPRY — Spray paint
STN — Stain
TOP — Topcoat
V/VARN — Varnish
WHT — White
YLW — Yellow

Usage example: In product specifications, a designer may write, “Apply a MATT finish on the living room walls and a GLS finish on the kitchen backsplash.”

Sustainability & Green Design

With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, these abbreviations will help you meet your sustainability goals.

BIPV — Building Integrated Photovoltaics
BREEAM — Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
ESG — Environmental, social, and governance
EUI — Energy use intensity
FSC — Forest Stewardship Council
HERS — Home Energy Rating System
LCA — Life cycle assessment
LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LEED BD+C — LEED Building Design and Construction
MSDS — Material safety data sheet
REI — Renewable energy index
R-value — Insulation thermal resistance
SBS — Sustainable building standards
SRI — Solar reflectance index
TCO — Total cost of ownership
WELL — WELL building standard
ZNE — Zero net energy

Usage example: For an eco-friendly project, you might say, “We’re aiming for LEED certification, so we’ll use FSC-certified materials and monitor our EUI closely.”

Technology & Software

Stay ahead in digital design and modeling tools by familiarizing yourself with these abbreviations.

AR — Augmented Reality
BIM — Building information modeling
CAD — Computer-aided design
VR — Virtual reality
3D — 3 Dimensional

Usage example: During a digital design session, you might say, “Let’s import the model into BIM and schedule a VR walkthrough for the client.”

New interior designers: are you overwhelmed by the number of abbreviations you need to learn? Take a deep breath. You don’t have to memorize every single abbreviation on day one (or ever, really). Instead, bookmark this page and return to it when you need help. Remember, this guide is a living resource—update it as you gain new insights and encounter fresh industry terms. And for today, head over to our comprehensive guide on starting an interior design business to find our best tips for beginners.

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