Your Go-To Home Style Glossary

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With the exciting addition of Home on Poshmark, amazing finds transcend the closet and now can make their way to your living spaces. This guide dives into popular interior design styles to help you add some HGTV-worthy flair to your listing descriptions and define the styles you love to make shopping for home on Poshmark that much easier. 

Boho

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Riffing off a bohemian interior design style means creating a personalized and bold atmosphere. The word ‘bohemian’ refers to a socially unconventional person who is often involved in the arts. This style captures visuals and combines them with a relaxed spirit.

Defining characteristics:
Textures, creative art paintings, rustic finishes, global accents,  bold colors and patterns

Must-have pieces:  Textured pillows, candle lanterns, patterned sofas, woven chairs, wood accents, vintage rugs, lanterns, tapestries, floor lamps, floor pillows, and pouf ottomans

Coastal

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Whether you live near the coast or just daydream about ocean breezes coming through your window, there is nothing like an airy neutral to give you that beachside bungalow coastal feel.

Defining characteristics:
Neutral color schemes, stripes, hints of blue, woven wicker, indigo tones, seashell or mother of pearl accents

Must-have pieces: Neutral sofas, neutral linens, blue throw pillows, wicker accents, sheer curtains, wall art, nautical-inspired art

Contemporary

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Looking for bold meets minimal? Then contemporary is meant for you. Contemporary spaces are a combination of modern and minimalist styles. These spaces have clean lines and strong shapes. 

Defining characteristics: Clean lines, minimal adornment, high contrast and neutral color schemes, open floor plan, bold accents and hues, polished fixtures, sculptural shapes

Must-have pieces: Globe pendant lighting, concrete coffee tables, touches of greenery, glass vases, contemporary artwork, printed pillows

Farmhouse

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Farmhouse decor style is known for its appreciation for historic and vintage American times. Set the tone with neutral color palettes, weathered furniture, and industrial accents.

Defining characteristics: Reclaimed wood, open shelves, farmhouse tables, antique wall decor, weathered frames, industrial metal

Must-have pieces: Slipcovered chairs, pottery, vintage rugs, wicker baskets, mason jars, reclaimed wood decor, fresh flowers, antique wall clocks

Glam

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When it comes to glam, the more sophisticated and glamorous the better! Each piece of decor and furniture feels elevated and luxurious. With pops of bold gold finishes and luxe materials, these spaces will have you feeling glam.

Defining characteristics: Contrasting colors, chandeliers, wallpaper, velvet fabrics, dramatic crown moulding, high ceilings, polished wood and chrome

Must-have pieces: Starburst mirrors, gold accents, patterned headboard, gold throw pillows, geometric rugs, large mirrors, curved couch, chrome bar cart

Industrial

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Industrial interiors give off a raw sophisticated edge. This design style embodies a utilitarian appeal; think exposed materials and dark tones.

Defining characteristics: Worn leather, exposed brick, metal, concrete flooring, exposed pipework, dark tones

Must-have pieces: Leather couch, edgy art, scented candles, exposed metal lamps, dark rug, black and white photos, old road signs

Mid-century Modern

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Mid-century modern pays tribute to clean lines, bright colors, and geometric patterns. The furniture from this design era is best characterized by an Eames-style chair.

Defining characteristics:
Eames-style furniture, geometric patterns, clean lines, natural wood, graphic patterns, bold colors 

Must-have pieces: Tulip table, coffee table books, gold accents, egg chair, graphic posters, minimal greenery, magazines

Minimalist

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Less is always more with a minimalist interior style. Set the perfect minimalist feel with clean lines and monochromatic tones.

Defining characteristics:
Open floor plan, neutral surfaces, white walls, touches of wood

Must-have pieces: Black and white art, bright greenery, coffee tables, simple rugs, coffee table books, monochromatic throw pillows, wood accents

Modern

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Modern style looks to clean lines, strong architecture, and minimal feel for its definition. Elevate your home with a modern crisp look that will leave you and your guests in awe. 

Defining characteristics: Neutral colors, flat surfaces, minimal texture, strong lines, warm textures, sleek silhouettes

Must-have pieces: Streamlined couch, womb chairs, bright throw pillows, wall mirrors, geometric lighting, modern artwork or photography, sculptural wood, ceramic pieces, neutral rugs with texture

Rustic

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A rustic style takes on the rugged feel of a cozy cabin connecting to a reminiscent past and nature. Bring in that natural beauty with weathered materials, earthy tones and textured fabrics.  

Defining characteristics: Finished wood, distressed metal, exposed wood, rough-hewn beams, weathered material, warm earthy colors

Must-have pieces:
Candle lanterns, pottery, quilts, antlers, cow-hide rugs, pottery exposed metal decor, textured rugs

Scandinavian

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With Scandinavian style, it’s all about combining the modern aesthetic style in combination with a refreshing take on minimalism. Keep it real simple with bright whites, light-colored wood in tables and furniture legs to give it that airy feeling.

Defining characteristics: Open spaces, neutral upholsteries, light and bright white walls, organic shapes

Must-have pieces: Neutral throw pillows, throw blankets, wood accents, minimal art pieces, bentwood ottoman, minimal accents, wool rugs, green plants, knitted throw, sculptural candlesticks

Shabby Chic

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Shabby chic decor is all about making it personal, relaxed and effortless. When it comes to making your home shabby chic make sure you let your imagination run free by incorporating a variety of art and mismatched decor.

Defining characteristics: Floral patterns, pastels, mismatched pieces, whitewashed wood, comfortable fabrics, weathered wood

Must-have pieces: Knit throw blanket, slipcovered sofa, vintage coffee table books, vintage rugs, picture frames, tufted ottomans, leather chairs

Traditional

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From antique furnishings to artful accessories you can never go wrong with the classic traditional home design. Give your space that timeless look with traditional furniture, framed art, and oriental rugs.

Defining characteristics: Curved lines, ceiling moldings, antique chandeliers, detailed work, textured surfaces, refined furnishings

Must-have pieces: Linen drapery, wood chairs, tile flooring, overstuffed couch, coffee table, vases, antique furnishes, skirted pieces, old-fashioned sofa

 

Transitional

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A transitional style takes on the traditional design framework and mixes it with contemporary. This style combines the elegance and harmony with simple silhouettes and neutral flooring. 

Defining characteristics: Textural touches, clean lines, toned-down color palettes, rich woods, silver metalwork, warm neutrals, neutral flooring, minimal accents

Must-have pieces: Silver accents, simple chandelier, accent lamp, abstract art, neutral throw pillows, neutral throw blankets, hide rug, potted orchids, cashmere throw, contemporary artwork, glass lamps

Style Glossary: Sunglasses

Round, square, oval, or heart? When shopping for sunglasses, it’s not just about knowing the perfect shape. Be sure these four popular styles are on your radar when on the hunt for your next pair of shades!

Aviator

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Aviator: A style of sunglasses identified by their thin metal frame, double bridge, and teardrop-shaped lenses that are usually reflective or smoked.

Cat-Eye

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Cat-eye: A sunglass style made famous by Hollywood stars in the ‘50s. They are categorized by the upswept angle of their frames.

Clubmaster

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Clubmaster: Sunglasses with a frame that is thick on the top part of the frame while the bottom half of the frame is ultra-thin. Also known as browline due to the portion over your brow being thicker.

Wayfarer

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Wayfarer: A style of sunglasses known by their thick plastic frames and boxy square shape.

Pro Sellers Tip: Use these terms in your listing description, when applicable, to help potential buyers find your item!

Want to beef up your style vocabulary even more? Peep our entire Style Glossary!

Style Glossary: Dresses

We’ve all been there: You’ve just pulled out a dress from your closet that you’ve been seen in one too many times and are ready to list it on Poshmark. You know it’s important to accurately and thoroughly describe your items on Poshmark, but you’re not quite sure how to describe the style or silhouette. Not to worry, we’ve got your back, girl! We’ve selected a few helpful terms from our new Women’s Fashion Glossary to help you get the low-down on common dress styles.

A-line

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A-line: An A-line dress silhouette mimics the letter “A” and has a narrow top and a flare. You can also find the A-line shape on skirts and women’s coats.

Fit and Flare

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Fit and Flare: A fit and flare dress closely hugs the body through the bodice and right past the hip, where the skirt then flares away from the body. You can also find this style on skirts.

Sheath

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Sheath: A sheath dress is a short, slim-fitting dress that is cut to cinch in at the waist without a belt or waistband.

Shift Dress

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Shift dress: A shift dress has a loose fit and lacks a defined waistline. It is often a short dress.

Shirt Dress

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Shirt Dress: A dress with a collar and buttons in the style of a shirt, typically cut without a seam at the waist.

Skater

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Skater: A skater dress resembles the dresses the figure skaters wear; a fitted bodice with a short skirt that flares out from at waist. You can also find this style on skirts.

Slip Dress

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Slip Dress: Often resembling the undergarment, a slip dress fits close to the body, is usually made of smooth fabrics and has lace trim.

Trapeze

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Trapeze: A trapeze dress has a round neckline and a fabric that falls in an A-line shape to a wide flare. This styles is usually short and hits about mid-thigh. You can also find this style in tops.

Want to know more? See more women’s clothing terms in our fashion glossary.