# decorating

/ˈdɛkɝˌeɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈɛkəɹˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decorating
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. improving a room's appearance

verb · CEFR A2

painting or putting wallpaper in a room to make it look better.

For teachers: the act of applying paint, wallpaper, or other finishes to a room or building interior.

- We spent the whole weekend decorating the spare bedroom for the new baby.
- The tenants spent several weeks decorating the flat, choosing neutral tones to make the small living area feel more spacious.

Usage: Often used as a continuous verb or a gerund to describe home improvement projects.

### 2. adding ornaments

verb · CEFR A2

adding beautiful things to something to make it look special.

For teachers: the process of adding decorative elements or ornaments to an object or surface to enhance its visual appeal.

- The children had a great time decorating the Christmas tree with lights and stars.
- The pastry chef was meticulously decorating the wedding cake with intricate sugar flowers and silver leaf.

Usage: Commonly takes a direct object followed by 'with'.

### 3. the style of a room

noun · CEFR B1

the style of paint, furniture, and objects used in a room.

For teachers: the specific style or scheme of ornamentation and furnishings in a room or building.

- I really like the decorating in this hotel; it feels very modern and clean.
- The interior designer suggested that the decorating should reflect the building's industrial heritage while maintaining modern comfort.

## Examples

- We are decorating the living room this weekend.
- After moving into the new apartment, they spent several weeks decorating the walls with local artwork.
- While some prefer a minimalist aesthetic, she spent months decorating her studio with vintage textiles and ornate mirrors to create a maximalist sanctuary.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.