You're moving into a new apartment, or maybe a friend asks you to describe your living room. Suddenly, you realize you don't know how to say "nightstand" in English, or you mix up "couch" and "sofa." Sound familiar?

Your home is where you spend most of your time, and being able to talk about it comfortably in English matters. Whether you're apartment hunting, shopping for furniture, or just chatting with friends about your new place, these 55 words will give you the vocabulary you need. No guessing, no awkward pauses—just clear, confident conversation about where you live.

Rooms in Your Home

1. Living room

What it means: The main room where people relax, watch TV, and spend time together.

How to use it:

  • "Let's sit in the living room."
  • "The living room has a big window."
  • "We decorated our living room with new curtains."

Tip: Sometimes called a "sitting room" or "lounge" in British English. This is usually the most social space in a home.

2. Bedroom

What it means: A room for sleeping.

How to use it:

  • "My bedroom is upstairs."
  • "This apartment has three bedrooms."
  • "I need to clean my bedroom this weekend."

Tip: One word, not two. "Bed room" is wrong. Count bedrooms when describing apartment size: "a two-bedroom apartment."

3. Kitchen

What it means: The room where you prepare and cook food.

How to use it:

  • "I'm cooking dinner in the kitchen."
  • "Our kitchen has new appliances."
  • "The kitchen is too small for a big table."

Tip: Pronounce it "KITCH-en" with stress on the first syllable. The heart of most homes.

4. Bathroom

What it means: A room with a toilet, sink, and usually a shower or bathtub.

How to use it:

  • "Excuse me, where's the bathroom?"
  • "This house has two bathrooms."
  • "I need to use the bathroom."

Tip: Americans say "bathroom" even when there's no bath. British English often uses "toilet" or "loo" for the room.

5. Dining room

What it means: A room specifically for eating meals.

How to use it:

  • "We only use the dining room for special occasions."
  • "Let's eat in the dining room tonight."
  • "The dining room table seats eight people."

Tip: Many modern homes skip this room and eat in the kitchen instead. It's more formal than a kitchen eating area.

6. Basement

What it means: The lowest floor of a house, usually below ground level.

How to use it:

  • "I keep old boxes in the basement."
  • "The washing machine is in the basement."
  • "Our basement is cold in winter."

Tip: Some people finish their basements and use them as extra living space. Also called a "cellar" in some regions.

7. Attic

What it means: The space just under the roof of a house.

How to use it:

  • "We store Christmas decorations in the attic."
  • "The attic gets very hot in summer."
  • "I found these old photos in the attic."

Tip: Usually for storage, though some attics are converted into rooms. Pronounce it "AT-tick."

8. Garage

What it means: A building or room where you park your car.

How to use it:

  • "My car is in the garage."
  • "We need to clean out the garage."
  • "The garage door is broken."

Tip: Americans pronounce it "guh-RAZH," British say "GAR-idge." Many people use garages for storage instead of cars.

9. Hallway

What it means: A corridor or passage that connects different rooms.

How to use it:

  • "The bedrooms are down the hallway."
  • "We hung family photos in the hallway."
  • "The hallway needs better lighting."

Tip: Also called a "corridor" or simply "hall." Usually narrow with doors leading to different rooms.

10. Balcony

What it means: An outdoor platform attached to an upper floor with a railing.

How to use it:

  • "Our apartment has a small balcony."
  • "I love having coffee on the balcony."
  • "The balcony overlooks the park."

Tip: Different from a "terrace" (usually larger and on the ground floor) or "patio" (a paved outdoor area).

Living Room Furniture

11. Sofa

What it means: A long, comfortable seat for multiple people, with a back and arms.

How to use it:

  • "We bought a new sofa for the living room."
  • "The sofa is really comfortable."
  • "Three people can sit on this sofa."

Tip: "Couch" and "sofa" mean the same thing. "Sofa" sounds slightly more formal. "Settee" in British English.

12. Couch

What it means: Same as sofa—a comfortable seat for relaxing.

How to use it:

  • "I fell asleep on the couch."
  • "Let's move the couch to the other wall."
  • "Our couch pulls out into a bed."

Tip: More casual than "sofa." Americans use both words interchangeably. "Couch potato" = someone who watches too much TV.

13. Armchair

What it means: A comfortable chair with sides to rest your arms.

How to use it:

  • "My favorite armchair is by the window."
  • "We have two armchairs facing the TV."
  • "This armchair is perfect for reading."

Tip: Usually holds one person. More comfortable than a regular chair because of the armrests.

14. Coffee table

What it means: A low table in front of a sofa, for drinks, books, or decorations.

How to use it:

  • "Put your drink on the coffee table."
  • "We need a coffee table for this space."
  • "The coffee table has storage underneath."

Tip: Always two words. Called this even if you never drink coffee. Central piece in most living rooms.

15. Bookshelf

What it means: Shelves for storing books, usually in a frame or attached to a wall.

How to use it:

  • "I organized all my books on the bookshelf."
  • "We need a bigger bookshelf."
  • "The bookshelf is full—I need more space."

Tip: Can also be called a "bookcase." Plural: "bookshelves." Often used for displaying other items too.

16. TV stand

What it means: A piece of furniture that holds your television.

How to use it:

  • "The TV stand has drawers for storage."
  • "We mounted the TV instead of using a TV stand."
  • "This TV stand is too small for our screen."

Tip: Also called an "entertainment center" if it's larger and holds more equipment.

17. Rug

What it means: A piece of thick fabric you put on the floor for decoration or comfort.

How to use it:

  • "This rug makes the room feel warmer."
  • "We need a rug under the coffee table."
  • "I spilled wine on the rug."

Tip: Different from "carpet" (which usually covers the whole floor). Rugs can be moved easily.

18. Curtains

What it means: Fabric hanging at windows for privacy and blocking light.

How to use it:

  • "Close the curtains—the sun is too bright."
  • "We bought new curtains for the living room."
  • "I like these blue curtains."

Tip: Usually plural. "Drapes" are heavier, more formal curtains. "Blinds" are different—they're rigid, not fabric.

19. Lamp

What it means: A light that you can move, usually on a table or floor.

How to use it:

  • "Turn on the lamp, please."
  • "I need a reading lamp for my desk."
  • "This floor lamp provides good light."

Tip: "Table lamp" sits on furniture. "Floor lamp" stands on the ground. Different from ceiling lights.

20. Cushion

What it means: A soft pillow for sitting or decorating furniture.

How to use it:

  • "These cushions make the sofa more comfortable."
  • "I love the colorful cushions on your couch."
  • "Fluff the cushions after sitting on them."

Tip: British say "cushion," Americans often say "throw pillow" for decorative ones. Different from bed pillows.

Bedroom Furniture

21. Bed

What it means: Furniture for sleeping, with a mattress and frame.

How to use it:

  • "I'm going to bed early tonight."
  • "My bed is so comfortable."
  • "Make your bed before leaving the house."

Tip: "Make the bed" means to tidy it with sheets and blankets. Sizes: twin, full, queen, king.

22. Mattress

What it means: The thick, soft part of a bed that you sleep on.

How to use it:

  • "This mattress is too firm for me."
  • "We need to buy a new mattress."
  • "A good mattress helps you sleep better."

Tip: Pronounce it "MAT-tress" (two syllables). This goes on top of the bed frame.

23. Pillow

What it means: A soft cushion for resting your head when sleeping.

How to use it:

  • "I need two pillows to sleep comfortably."
  • "This pillow is too flat."
  • "Fluff your pillow before bed."

Tip: Don't confuse with "cushion" (for sitting). "Pillowcase" is the fabric cover for a pillow.

24. Blanket

What it means: A large piece of cloth for keeping warm in bed.

How to use it:

  • "I need an extra blanket—it's cold."
  • "We keep spare blankets in the closet."
  • "This blanket is so soft and warm."

Tip: Lighter than a "comforter" or "duvet." "Throw blanket" is a small decorative one for sofas.

25. Sheet

What it means: Thin fabric that covers the mattress or you sleep under.

How to use it:

  • "I need to change the sheets on my bed."
  • "These sheets are 100% cotton."
  • "The bottom sheet keeps coming off."

Tip: Usually used in plural: "sheets." "Fitted sheet" goes on the mattress, "flat sheet" goes on top of you.

26. Dresser

What it means: Bedroom furniture with drawers for storing clothes.

How to use it:

  • "My socks are in the top drawer of the dresser."
  • "We need a bigger dresser for our clothes."
  • "The dresser has a mirror on top."

Tip: Also called "chest of drawers." Usually has 3-6 drawers. Different from a "wardrobe" (which has hanging space).

27. Nightstand

What it means: A small table next to your bed.

How to use it:

  • "I keep my phone on the nightstand."
  • "Put the lamp on the nightstand."
  • "My nightstand has one drawer."

Tip: Also called "bedside table" or "night table." Usually holds a lamp, alarm clock, or book.

28. Closet

What it means: A small room or space built into a wall for storing clothes.

How to use it:

  • "Hang your coat in the closet."
  • "My closet is full—I need to clean it out."
  • "The bedroom has two closets."

Tip: American English. British say "wardrobe" or "cupboard." Walk-in closets are large enough to walk inside.

29. Wardrobe

What it means: A tall piece of furniture for hanging clothes, or a built-in closet.

How to use it:

  • "I keep my dresses in the wardrobe."
  • "This wardrobe has mirrored doors."
  • "We need a wardrobe for the guest room."

Tip: British use this word more than Americans. Can be furniture or built-in. Sometimes has both hanging space and drawers.

30. Mirror

What it means: A reflective surface for seeing yourself.

How to use it:

  • "There's a full-length mirror on the door."
  • "I need to check my hair in the mirror."
  • "We hung a mirror above the dresser."

Tip: "Full-length mirror" shows your whole body. "Bathroom mirror" is above the sink.

Kitchen Items

31. Table

What it means: Flat furniture with legs, for eating or working.

How to use it:

  • "Set the table for dinner."
  • "We eat breakfast at the kitchen table."
  • "This table seats six people."

Tip: "Dining table" is for eating. "Coffee table" is lower and in the living room. "Set the table" means put out plates and silverware.

32. Chair

What it means: A seat for one person, with a back and usually four legs.

How to use it:

  • "Pull up a chair and sit down."
  • "We need four chairs for the table."
  • "This chair is comfortable."

Tip: Simple word, used everywhere. "Armchair" has armrests. "Stool" has no back. "High chair" is for babies.

33. Cabinet

What it means: A piece of furniture or built-in storage with doors and shelves.

How to use it:

  • "The dishes are in that cabinet."
  • "Kitchen cabinets hold pots and pans."
  • "I need to organize the bathroom cabinet."

Tip: "Kitchen cabinets" are usually attached to walls. "Medicine cabinet" is in the bathroom. Different from drawers.

34. Counter

What it means: A flat workspace in the kitchen, usually above cabinets.

How to use it:

  • "Chop the vegetables on the counter."
  • "Don't leave dirty dishes on the counter."
  • "We have granite counters in our kitchen."

Tip: Also called "countertop." The work surface in kitchens and bathrooms. Keep it clean and clear.

35. Sink

What it means: A basin with running water for washing dishes or hands.

How to use it:

  • "Wash your hands at the sink."
  • "The sink is full of dirty dishes."
  • "Our kitchen sink has two basins."

Tip: Kitchen sink = for dishes. Bathroom sink = for washing hands and face. Don't confuse with "sync" (synchronize).

36. Stove

What it means: An appliance with burners for cooking food.

How to use it:

  • "Boil the water on the stove."
  • "Turn off the stove when you're done cooking."
  • "Our stove is gas, not electric."

Tip: Also called "cooktop" or "range." Top part is the stove, bottom part is the oven. They're often combined.

37. Oven

What it means: The enclosed part of a stove for baking or roasting food.

How to use it:

  • "Preheat the oven to 350 degrees."
  • "The cookies are in the oven."
  • "My oven takes forever to heat up."

Tip: You bake, roast, or broil in an oven. You cook on a stove. Usually they're one appliance together.

38. Refrigerator

What it means: An appliance that keeps food cold.

How to use it:

  • "Put the milk back in the refrigerator."
  • "Our refrigerator is making weird noises."
  • "What's in the refrigerator for dinner?"

Tip: Almost everyone says "fridge" (short form) in daily conversation. "Fridge" is easier to say than "refrigerator."

39. Dishwasher

What it means: A machine that washes dishes automatically.

How to use it:

  • "Load the dirty dishes into the dishwasher."
  • "Run the dishwasher after dinner."
  • "Our apartment doesn't have a dishwasher."

Tip: One word. Not all homes have these—you might wash dishes by hand in the sink instead.

40. Microwave

What it means: An appliance that heats food quickly using electromagnetic waves.

How to use it:

  • "Heat up your leftovers in the microwave."
  • "Microwave this for two minutes."
  • "The microwave is above the stove."

Tip: Can be a noun or verb: "Microwave the soup." Quick heating, but doesn't brown or crisp food.

Bathroom Items

41. Toilet

What it means: The fixture you use for urination and bowel movements.

How to use it:

  • "Don't forget to flush the toilet."
  • "The toilet is clogged."
  • "We need to clean the toilet."

Tip: Direct and clear word. "Restroom" or "bathroom" is more polite when asking for the room itself.

42. Shower

What it means: A place to wash your body with spraying water, or the act of washing.

How to use it:

  • "I take a shower every morning."
  • "The shower water is too cold."
  • "Our bathroom has a shower but no bathtub."

Tip: Can be noun or verb: "I'm going to shower." Different from "bath" (sitting in water).

43. Bathtub

What it means: A large container you fill with water to sit in and wash.

How to use it:

  • "I love taking baths in this deep bathtub."
  • "The bathtub needs cleaning."
  • "Our bathtub has jets for bubbles."

Tip: Also just called "tub" or "bath." "Take a bath" means sitting in the tub. "Take a shower" means standing.

44. Towel

What it means: Absorbent cloth for drying yourself after washing.

How to use it:

  • "Hand me a towel, please."
  • "Hang your towel to dry."
  • "We need fresh towels for the guests."

Tip: "Bath towel" (large), "hand towel" (medium), "washcloth" (small for washing). Pronounce it "TAU-ul."

45. Medicine cabinet

What it means: A small cabinet, usually with a mirror, for storing medications and toiletries.

How to use it:

  • "The aspirin is in the medicine cabinet."
  • "Our medicine cabinet has three shelves."
  • "I need to organize the medicine cabinet."

Tip: Usually above the bathroom sink. Often has a mirror on the door. Not just for medicine—toothpaste, etc.

General Household Items

46. Door

What it means: The movable barrier for entering or leaving a room or building.

How to use it:

  • "Please close the door."
  • "Knock on the door before entering."
  • "The front door is locked."

Tip: "Doorway" is the opening. "Doorbell" is what visitors ring. "Doormat" is outside for wiping feet.

47. Window

What it means: An opening in a wall with glass that lets in light and air.

How to use it:

  • "Open the window—it's hot in here."
  • "I love the view from this window."
  • "Clean the windows this weekend."

Tip: "Windowsill" is the ledge at the bottom. "Window frame" is the structure around it. Plural: "windows."

48. Wall

What it means: The vertical structure that forms the sides of a room or building.

How to use it:

  • "Let's paint the walls white."
  • "I hung a picture on the wall."
  • "These walls are very thin—I can hear everything."

Tip: "Four walls" refers to a room or home. "Wall-to-wall carpet" covers the entire floor.

49. Ceiling

What it means: The top interior surface of a room.

How to use it:

  • "We have high ceilings in this apartment."
  • "There's a water stain on the ceiling."
  • "The ceiling fan keeps the room cool."

Tip: Pronounce it "SEE-ling" (not "SELL-ing"). "Ceiling fan" is a common fixture. Opposite of "floor."

50. Floor

What it means: The surface you walk on inside a building.

How to use it:

  • "The floor is cold—I need slippers."
  • "We have hardwood floors."
  • "Don't leave your clothes on the floor."

Tip: Can also mean a level of a building: "I live on the third floor." British: "ground floor" = American "first floor."

51. Stairs

What it means: Steps for going up or down between floors.

How to use it:

  • "Be careful on the stairs."
  • "My bedroom is upstairs."
  • "I'm out of breath from climbing the stairs."

Tip: Always plural in this meaning. One step = "stair" or "step." "Staircase" is the whole structure.

52. Drawer

What it means: A sliding box in furniture for storage.

How to use it:

  • "My socks are in the top drawer."
  • "This drawer is stuck."
  • "I need a dresser with more drawers."

Tip: Pronounce it like "draw-er" (two syllables). Not "draw" (to make art). Pull it out, push it in.

53. Shelf

What it means: A flat board attached to a wall or in furniture for holding things.

How to use it:

  • "Put the books on that shelf."
  • "I installed floating shelves in my room."
  • "The top shelf is too high to reach."

Tip: Plural is "shelves" (not "shelfs"). Can be on walls or inside furniture. "Bookshelf" is specifically for books.

54. Fireplace

What it means: A structure where you can safely burn wood for heat or atmosphere.

How to use it:

  • "We lit a fire in the fireplace."
  • "This apartment has a decorative fireplace."
  • "Sit by the fireplace—it's warm."

Tip: One word. Many modern fireplaces are gas or electric, not wood-burning. Creates a cozy feeling.

55. Thermostat

What it means: A device that controls the temperature in your home.

How to use it:

  • "Turn up the thermostat—I'm cold."
  • "The thermostat is set to 70 degrees."
  • "Our thermostat is programmable."

Tip: Pronounce it "THER-mo-stat." Controls heating and air conditioning. Setting it lower saves energy and money.

Practice Section

Test your knowledge! Fill in the blanks:

  1. "Hang your coat in the ___." (storage space for clothes)
  2. "I need to buy a new ___ for my bed—this one is too hard." (what you sleep on)
  3. "The dishes are in the kitchen ___." (furniture with doors and shelves)
  4. "I love sitting on the ___ by the window." (comfortable chair with armrests)
  5. "Put your drink on a coaster, not directly on the ___ table." (low table in front of sofa)
  6. "Can you close the ___ ? The sun is too bright." (fabric at windows)
  7. "I keep my books organized on the ___." (shelves for books)
  8. "The ___ is clogged—I need to call a plumber." (bathroom fixture)

Answers: 1. closet, 2. mattress, 3. cabinet, 4. armchair, 5. coffee, 6. curtains, 7. bookshelf, 8. toilet

Making Your House a Home

You've just learned 55 words that describe every corner of your living space. From the front door to the bedroom closet, from the kitchen sink to the bathroom mirror—you now have the vocabulary to talk about where you live.

Here's what you can do next: walk through your home and name everything you see in English. Point at your couch, touch your nightstand, look at your curtains. Speaking the words out loud while looking at the actual objects helps your brain connect the vocabulary to real life.

Next time someone asks about your apartment or house, you won't struggle to describe it. You'll know exactly what to call that thing next to your bed (nightstand), where you keep your clothes (closet or dresser), and what's hanging at your windows (curtains).

Your home is your personal space. Being able to talk about it comfortably in English makes conversations easier and helps you feel more confident. Start using these words today—your home is the perfect classroom.