SAIL CLOTH - plain weave fabric where the majority of the fabric face is composed of warp threads
SATIN WEAVE - a majority of warp threads are interlaced with filling threads to create a smooth appearance on fabric
SATURATION - refers to the 'concentration' of a certain hue; therefore, highly saturated colors are vibrant, low saturation colors are muted and no saturation leads to a some shade of gray
SCALE – drafting increment used to measure and establish distances or relationships between a specific volume of space and the architectural or interior elements, i.e. 1/4 inch equal 1 foot or 1/4" = 1 ft., 3/8" = 1 ft., 1/2" = 1 ft.
SCALED DRAWING - an illustration drafted to scale
SCALLOP - curved shapes repeated along the edge of an object
SCALLOPED HEADING - top treatment of a drapery heading creating curved spaces between curtain rings or tabs; curved edge
SCHEME - plan of action by an individual or group on a specific project, i.e. ideas, design, theme
SCONCE - wall-mounted electrified or candlelight fixture
SCOPE OF SERVICES - complete details on services being offered
SCREEN - multiple iron, wood or fabric hinged panels, which can be stood in a zigzag configuration; privacy
SCREEN PRINTING - printing technique utilizing a frame and stencil, which are placed over the fabric, dyes are applied through a squeegee and individual stencils are required for each color
SCROLL - fluid ornamental detail culminating in a tight curl
SECONDARY COLOR - the blend of two primary colors on a color wheel. See ANALOGOUS, COMPLIMENTARY, PRIMARY, TERTIARY
SECONDS - woven cloth with errors or flaws
SECRETARY - cabinet with a hinged surface opening forward onto pull-out supports revealing cubby holes for writing materials with a bookcase, often with a glass door cabinet above
SECTIONAL - elongated upholstered seating created with multiple, connected units designed to seat 4 or more, usually with arms and back, often including a right-angle or chaise lounge section.
SEERSUCKER - woven or chemically altered crinkled fabric surface
SELVAGE - narrow outer edge of woven fabric; the warp edge of woven goods also referred to as "raw edge"
SERVER - furniture utilized in a dining area for storing utensils and table service. See SIDEBOARD
SERPENTINE - winding and curving back and forth like a serpent
SET MATCH - pattern designs set side by side on the same level
SETTEE - medium-sized sofa or long bench
SHOJI SCREEN - Oriental, geometric, wood screen with rice paper panels
SQ. FT. - abbreviation for square feet or square foot
SQUARE FEET - width x length, also referred to as area (2 ft. x 2 ft. = 4 square feet) (3 ft. x 3 ft. = 9 square feet) i.e. sq. ft.
SQUARE YARD - 1 yard (3 ft.) width by 1 yard (3 ft.) length  (2 sq. yd. x 2 sq. yd. = 4 square yards)
SQ. YD. - abbreviation for square yard
SHADE - rolled window covering, i.e. flat Roman, hobbled Roman, etc.
SHAG - long, cut or loop carpet with a random appearance
SHAM - decorative covering for bed pillows
SHANTUNG - composed of natural or synthetic fibers spun with slubs, originally silk
SHEERS - window treatment constructed with translucent fabrics and materials
SHEET - large panel of fabric, usually in pairs, used on top of bed
SHINGLES - narrow, overlapping pieces of wood or slate installed as roofing or siding
SHIRRED CURTAINS - window treatment gathered onto a drapery rod, typically used to describe those gathered top and bottom, often installed inside a window frame
SHOWER - structure designed and plumbed for bathing while standing up
SHRINKAGE - loss due to contractions due to washing, boiling or other processes
SHUTTERS - window treatment of horizontal (stationary or operable) wood slats within a frame mounted on a window for protection against harsh weather conditions, security or applied as decoration
SIDEBOARD - case goods, often 36" high, used for serving food and storing china
SIDELIGHT - stationary, vertical windows flanking an operating exterior door
SILK - natural fibers from the cocoon of a silkworm
SISAL - strong fiber from sisal leaves used to create floor coverings
SIZING - applying starch, gelatin or other ingredients onto yarn to aid in fabrication
SKYLIGHT - window installed in a roof to provide additional light to an interior space
SLATTED BLIND - horizontal metal, vinyl or wood blind constructed with strings woven through the edge of each slat and connected to a headrail, which enables the blind to be tilted up or down with a wand, pulley or continuous cord, i.e. mini blind
SLEEPING QUARTERS  - a space designated solely for sleeping
SLEY - number of warp yarns per inch in a woven cloth
SLIPPER CHAIR - armless upholstered chair with a skirt, often low to the ground, designed for use in the bedroom
SLOPE - angle of inclination, often refers to the angle of a roof, i.e. sloping floor
SLUB YARN - irregular diameter yarn
SOFA - upholstered seating designed to accommodate three or more people, usually with arms and back. See COUCH, LOVESEAT, SECTIONAL
SOFFIT - the underside of a structural member, i.e. dropped ceiling, overhang
SOIL RETARDANT - solution applied to carpets and fabrics to prevent soiling
SOLAR PANEL - panel installed to collect, store and convert energy from the sun to electricity
SOLUTION DYED - permanently colored polymer fibers
SPANDREL - triangular space beneath a stair stringer; decorations placed in the area on the right and left of an arch within the enclosing right angle
SPACE - 3-dimensional area; distance, area, volume
SPACED DYED YARNS - yarn dyed in a single color
SPACE PLANNING - arranging fixtures, furnishings and equipment within a given space taking into account traffic flow, furniture scale, use of occupants, handicap requirements, electrical, etc.
SPECIFICATION - detailed outline including all important and necessary criteria for construction or implementation
SPINDLE - shaft of a door knob in a unit of door hardware connecting knobs (front and back); slender, decorative, vertical support of a stairway or balcony railing. See BALUSTER, BALUSTRADE
SPIRE - tall, tapered and pointed finial adorning a roof structure, referred to as a steeple. See PINNACLE
SPRING TENSION ROD - adjustable drapery rods housing a spring to compress tightly into a window frame or opening
STACK BACK - amount of space needed on either side of an operating window treatment for fabric panels, when fully opened
STAINED GLASS - English: leaded windows of pale colored glass and jewels, often intricately hand painted; American: brightly colored, unpainted pieces of glass and jewels leaded together
STAINED GLASS OVERLAY - window treatment designed to mimic stained or etched glass windows
STAIN RESISTANCE - quality of not showing a change in appearance after the application and removal of various materials
STAIRCASE - a complete unit, consisting of the risers, treads, stringer and handrail, transitioning from one level to another, i.e. staircase, stair well
STAIRWELL - the entire open area encompassing a staircase
STAPLE YARN - unprocessed fiber in short lengths
STENCIL - plastic or some other material with cut-outs, used to apply paint, ink or other medium in a repetitive pattern to another surface by filling the void
STRAP WORK - architectural detailing begun during the Renaissance period, which is painted, carved or molded plaster strips representing leather bands
STRIÉ - cloth having a fine, irregular streaked pattern
STRIKE-OFF - sample of a fabric in a specific dye lot to verify color and pattern prior to ordering
STRIPE - design made of lines or wide bands
STUCCO - fine plaster or cement made of Portland cement, sand and lime applied to a structure used as ornamentation
STUDIO - space designated for creative pursuits such as painting, sculpture, design work; also used to describe an apartment or living quarters, i.e. studio apartment. See ABODE, APARTMENT, BUNGALOW, COTTAGE, DOMICILE, DWELLING, FARMHOUSE, HOME, HOUSE, LOFT, MANOR, MANSION, RANCH HOUSE, VILLA
STYLE - distinctive form, technique or overall appearance.
SUEDE - tanned leather animal hide with the exterior layer removed and napped surface, i.e. kid leather
SUEDE CLOTH - synthetic woven textile with brushed nap surface imitating suede
SURGING - over-sewing finished edge of carpet
SURROUND - opening enclosed with decorative trim on all sides
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN - conservation of building resources utilizing recycled or renewable materials
SYMMETRICAL - corresponding designs of a similar nature placed opposite one another
SYNTHETIC FIBER - man-made chemicals extruded or formed into thread, rather than animal or plant fibers, i.e. acrylic, nylon, polyester, etc.
SWAG - fabric or garlands in curving between two points