decorative
For visual appeal
Decorative describes things whose primary purpose is to make something look more attractive rather than to serve a practical function.
A decorative pillow adds visual appeal to a couch but isn't necessarily meant for sleeping; decorative trim on a building serves no structural purpose.
The word can carry a faintly dismissive tone when applied to art or design, suggesting something pleasant but superficial: The murals were merely decorative, adding nothing of substance.
Small reflective fabric ornaments
- beadingOrnamental small-sphere work
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- ribbonSlender ornamental strip
- tasselOrnamental hanging cluster
fringe · applique · trimming · piping · braid · pom-pom · rickrack · galloon
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- arabesqueFlowing ornamental design
- fretworkInterlocking ornamental design
- acanthusSpiny-leaved ornamental plant
cartouche · festoon · swag · finial · quatrefoil · rosette · fleur-de-lis · paisley
Excessively ornate or elaborate
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
- art nouveauOrnate organic decorative style
- art decoGeometric interwar design movement
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
ornate · gilded · opulent · whimsical · rustic · bohemian · Victorian · eclectic
Sculpting in timber
- marquetryDecorative veneer patterning
- intarsiaDecorative inlaid pattern technique
- inlayEmbedded surface ornamentation
- stained glassColored window art
mosaic · ceramics · pottery · lacquerwork · enamelwork · metalwork · glassblowing · papier-mâché
Ornamental personal accessories
- broochDecorative fastening ornament
- pendantSuspended jewelry ornament
- bangleRigid wrist ornament
- charmAttractive personal quality
locket · cameo · tiara · medallion · amulet · corsage · rosette · plume
Decorative architectural edging
- corniceOrnamental upper trim
- pedimentTriangular architectural crowning element
- pilasterShallow wall-mounted column
- balustradeRail supported by posts
frieze · wainscoting · ceiling medallion · crown molding · dado · dentil · corbel · capital
sequins
Small reflective fabric ornaments
tassel · fringe · applique · trimming · piping · braid · pom-pom · rickrack · galloon · gimp
filigree
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- arabesqueFlowing ornamental design
- fretworkInterlocking ornamental design
acanthus · cartouche · festoon · swag · finial · quatrefoil · rosette · fleur-de-lis · paisley · damask
baroque
Excessively ornate or elaborate
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
- art nouveauOrnate organic decorative style
- art decoGeometric interwar design movement
minimalist · ornate · gilded · opulent · whimsical · rustic · bohemian · Victorian · eclectic · kitsch
woodcarving
Sculpting in timber
- marquetryDecorative veneer patterning
- intarsiaDecorative inlaid pattern technique
- inlayEmbedded surface ornamentation
stained glass · mosaic · ceramics · pottery · lacquerwork · enamelwork · metalwork · glassblowing · papier-mâché · origami
jewelry
Ornamental personal accessories
charm · locket · cameo · tiara · medallion · amulet · corsage · rosette · plume · hairpin
molding
Decorative architectural edging
- corniceOrnamental upper trim
- pedimentTriangular architectural crowning element
- pilasterShallow wall-mounted column
balustrade · frieze · wainscoting · ceiling medallion · crown molding · dado · dentil · corbel · capital · keystone
- Building Adjectivesangular, arched, columned, domed, vaulted
- ornateornate, elaborate, embellished, filigree, gilded
- graphicsvector, shapes, 3D graphics, raster, symbols
- art adjectivesbold, bright, colorful, dark, delicate
- clothing featuresadjustable, breathable, buttoned, cuffed, durable
- ornate thingsornate, baroque, rococo, gilded, embellished
decorativeplain
Basic and unremarkable
unadorned · austere · stark · simple · minimalist
decorativeugly
Displeasing to look at
unattractive · unsightly · hideous · homely · eyesore
decorativefunctional
Able to operate correctly
utilitarian · practical · useful · serviceable · pragmatic
- military decorationAward for armed forces
- holiday decorationsFestive items for display
- Christmas decorationFestive seasonal embellishment
- cake decoratingAdorning baked confections
- interior decoratingArranging and furnishing rooms
- decorative bordersEdging for visual appeal
decoration, decorations, decorating, decoratively, decorativeness, decorative arts