List of Household Items I Vocabulary related to Things in a House

Learning vocabulary related to household items is essential for everyday communication. Understanding these terms not only helps in describing your home but also aids in various daily activities and conversations. In this lesson, we will explore various household items, their meanings, and examples. Additionally, we'll look at idioms related to these items to enhance your English language skills.

Complete List of Household Items

• Wardrobe
• Stool
• Lamp
• Fireplace
• Desk
• Curtains
• Bookcase
• Microwave Oven
• Refrigerator (Fridge)
• Television
• Armchair
• Broom
• Ceiling fan
• Chandelier
• Coffee table
• Cushion
• Dishwasher
• Drawer
• Dresser
• Dustpan
• Fan
• Faucet
• Frying pan
• Garage
• Iron
• Kettle
• Ladder
• Mattress
• Mirror
• Mop
• Oven
• Pillow
• Radiator
• Rug
• Shelf
• Shower
• Sink
• Sofa
• Stairs
• Tablecloth
• Toaster
• Toilet
• Towel
• Trash can
• Vacuum cleaner
• Vase
• Wardrobe (duplicate for learning reinforcement)
• Washing machine
• Window
• Armrest
• Bathtub
• Blender
• Bookshelf
• Cabinet
• Carpet
• Clock
• Closet
• Couch
• Curtain rod
• Doormat

Details of Household Items ( in alphabetical order)

Armchair: A comfortable chair with side supports for a person's arms.

Example: "He sat in the armchair by the window."

Broom: A cleaning tool used for sweeping floors.

Example: "She used a broom to clean the kitchen."

Ceiling fan: A fan mounted on the ceiling to circulate air in a room.

Example: "The ceiling fan kept the room cool."

Chandelier: A decorative hanging light with branches for several light bulbs or candles.

Example: "The chandelier in the dining room is stunning."

Coffee table: A low table placed in front of a sofa.

Example: "She placed her book on the coffee table."

Cushion: A soft bag of cloth filled with feathers or foam to make sitting more comfortable.

Example: "She added a cushion to the chair for extra comfort."

Dishwasher: A machine for washing dishes automatically.

Example: "The dishwasher was full after the dinner party."

Drawer: A sliding, lidless, horizontal compartment in a piece of furniture.

Example: "She kept her utensils in the kitchen drawer."

Dresser: A piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes.

Example: "He kept his socks in the dresser."

Dustpan: A flat handheld receptacle into which dust and waste can be swept from the floor.

Example: "She used a dustpan to gather the dirt."

Fan: A device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces.

Example: "He turned on the fan to cool the room."

Faucet: A device by which a flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container can be controlled.

Example: "She turned off the faucet after washing the dishes."

Frying pan: A shallow, flat-bottomed pan used for frying food.

Example: "She used the frying pan to cook breakfast."

Garage: A building or shed for housing a motor vehicle or vehicles.

Example: "He parked his car in the garage."

Iron: A device with a heated flat metal base used to smooth clothes.

Example: "She used an iron to press her clothes."

Kettle: A container used for boiling water.

Example: "She put the kettle on to make tea."

Ladder: A piece of equipment with steps used for climbing up or down.

Example: "He used a ladder to reach the top shelf."

Mattress: A fabric case filled with deformable or resilient material, used for sleeping on.

Example: "She bought a new mattress for her bed."

Mirror: A reflective surface, typically glass coated with a metal amalgam, that reflects a clear image.

Example: "She looked at herself in the mirror."

Mop: A tool for washing floors.

Example: "He cleaned the kitchen floor with a mop."

Oven: An enclosed compartment for cooking and heating food.

Example: "She baked a cake in the oven."

Pillow: A support for the head or other parts of the body, typically used while sleeping.

Example: "She fluffed her pillow before going to bed."

Radiator: A device used to heat a room.

Example: "The radiator kept the room warm."

Rug: A floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor.

Example: "She placed a rug in front of the fireplace."

Shelf: A flat, horizontal surface used for storing or displaying items.

Example: "She arranged her books on the shelf."

Shower: A device that sprays water for washing oneself.

Example: "She took a shower after her workout."

Sink: A basin with a water supply and drain, used for washing.

Example: "He washed the dishes in the sink."

Sofa: A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.

Example: "They sat on the sofa to watch TV."

Stairs: A series of steps for going from one level to another.

Example: "He climbed the stairs to his bedroom."

Tablecloth: A cloth used to cover a table.

Example: "She spread the tablecloth before dinner."

Toaster: A small electrical appliance for toasting bread.

Example: "He made toast in the toaster."

Toilet: A large bowl for urinating or defecating, typically with a flushing mechanism.

Example: "The toilet was newly installed."

Towel: A piece of absorbent cloth used for drying.

Example: "She dried her hands with a towel."

Trash can: A container for discarding waste.

Example: "He emptied the trash can."

Vacuum cleaner: An electrical appliance that cleans surfaces by suction.

Example: "She used the vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet."

Vase: A container used to hold flowers.

Example: "She arranged fresh flowers in the vase."

Wardrobe: A tall cupboard for hanging clothes.

Example: "Her wardrobe was full of dresses."

Washing machine: A machine for washing clothes.

Example: "He put his dirty clothes in the washing machine."

Window: An opening in the wall or roof of a building, fitted with glass.

Example: "She opened the window to let in fresh air."

Armrest: A support for the arm, typically on a chair.

Example: "The armchair has comfortable armrests."

Bathtub: A large container for bathing.

Example: "She took a long soak in the bathtub."

Blender: An electric appliance for mixing foods or liquids.

Example: "She made a smoothie in the blender."

Bookshelf: A shelf for storing books.

Example: "His office has a large bookshelf."

Cabinet: A storage compartment with doors and shelves.

Example: "The kitchen cabinet is full of spices."

Carpet: A floor covering made of thick woven fabric.

Example: "The living room carpet is very soft."

Clock: A device for measuring and indicating time.

Example: "The clock on the wall showed 3 PM."

Closet: A small room or compartment for storing clothes.

Example: "Her closet is organized by color."

Couch: Another term for a sofa, used for seating.

Example: "He lay down on the couch for a nap."

Curtain rod: A horizontal pole from which curtains are hung.

Example: "She installed a new curtain rod."

Doormat: A mat placed at the entrance to wipe one's shoes.

Example: "He wiped his feet on the doormat."

Wardrobe: A large, tall cupboard for storing clothes.

Example: "She hung her new dress in the wardrobe."

Stool: A seat without a back or arms, typically resting on three or four legs.

Example: "He sat on a stool at the kitchen counter."

Lamp: A device for giving light, especially one that has a covering or is contained within something.

Example: "The lamp on the bedside table is very bright."

Fireplace: A structure made of brick, stone, or metal for holding a fire, especially in a room.

Example: "We gathered around the fireplace during the cold winter nights."

Desk: A piece of furniture with a flat surface for writing, reading, or using a computer.

Example: "She studied at her desk for hours."

Curtains: Pieces of cloth or other material that hang across a window or opening to make a room or part of a room dark or private.

Example: "She drew the curtains to let in some light."

Bookcase: A piece of furniture with shelves to store books.

Example: "He arranged his collection of novels on the bookcase."

Microwave Oven: A kitchen appliance that cooks food by passing an electromagnetic wave through it.

Example: "She reheated her lunch in the microwave oven."

Refrigerator (Fridge): An appliance for keeping food and drinks cold.

Example: "She stored the leftover food in the refrigerator."

Television: A device for receiving television broadcasts and displaying them on a screen.

Example: "They watched their favorite show on the television."

Idioms Related to Household Items

Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.

Example: "She burned the midnight oil to finish her project."

Hit the hay: To go to bed.

Example: "I'm really tired, so I'm going to hit the hay."

Sweep under the rug: To hide or ignore something.

Example: "They tried to sweep the problem under the rug."

Throw in the towel: To give up.

Example: "After several failed attempts, he finally threw in the towel."

Everything but the kitchen sink: Almost everything possible.

Example: "She packed everything but the kitchen sink for the trip."

On the same page: To be in agreement.

Example: "We need to be on the same page before we move forward."

In the pipeline: In progress or being planned.

Example: "Several new projects are in the pipeline."

Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret.

Example: "She accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party."

Under the weather: Feeling ill.

Example: "He's been under the weather since last week."

Out of the blue: Unexpectedly.

Example: "She called me out of the blue after years of no contact."

Hit the ceiling: To become very angry.

Example: "He hit the ceiling when he found out about the mistake."

On the back burner: Not urgent; to be dealt with later.

Example: "The project is on the back burner until we finish the current one."

Spill the beans: To disclose a secret.

Example: "He accidentally spilled the beans about the promotion."

Off the wall: Unusual or unconventional.

Example: "His ideas are often off the wall."

Go through the roof: To rise very quickly.

Example: "Prices have gone through the roof recently."

Under lock and key: Safely locked away.

Example: "The documents are kept under lock and key."

Open a can of worms: To create a complicated situation.

Example: "Discussing politics at dinner opened a can of worms."

Bring the house down: To get an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Example: "The comedian's performance brought the house down."

Back to the drawing board: To start over.

Example: "After the failure, we had to go back to the drawing board."

Beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important.

Example: "Stop beating around the bush and get to the point."

Burning the candle at both ends: To overwork oneself.

Example: "She's been burning the candle at both ends with her job and studies."

Couch potato: A person who spends a lot of time watching television.

Example: "He became a couch potato during the holidays."

Hit home: To be fully understood or felt.

Example: "The reality of the situation finally hit home."

House of cards: A structure or argument that is very fragile or easily knocked down.

Example: "Their plans turned out to be a house of cards."

Make yourself at home: Feel comfortable and relaxed.

Example: "Please make yourself at home while I prepare dinner."

On the house: Free of charge.

Example: "The drinks are on the house tonight."

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones: Don't criticize others if you have similar faults.

Example: "He should remember that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

The lights are on but nobody's home: A person who is not very intelligent.

Example: "He seems nice, but the lights are on but nobody's home."

Put the cart before the horse: To do things in the wrong order.

Example: "Planning the vacation before booking flights is putting the cart before the horse."

Roll out the red carpet: To give special treatment to someone.

Example: "They rolled out the red carpet for the celebrity guest."

Run-of-the-mill: Ordinary or average.

Example: "The restaurant was run-of-the-mill, nothing special."

Safe and sound: Unharmed.

Example: "They arrived safe and sound after the long journey."

Take the floor: To begin speaking.

Example: "She took the floor to present her ideas."

Under the table: Secretly.

Example: "He received payments under the table to avoid taxes."

Walk on eggshells: To be very cautious.

Example: "Since the argument, he's been walking on eggshells around her."

Water under the bridge: Something that is in the past.

Example: "The disagreement is now water under the bridge."

Window dressing: An outward display intended to give a favorable impression.

Example: "The company's charity work was just window dressing."

Drive someone up the wall: To irritate someone greatly.

Example: "His constant complaints are driving me up the wall."

Fly off the handle: To suddenly become very angry.

Example: "He flew off the handle when he saw the damage to his car."

Bring down the house: To get a very enthusiastic response.

Example: "The band's performance brought down the house."

Conclusion

Understanding household vocabulary and idioms is crucial for enhancing your English language skills. By familiarizing yourself with these terms and idioms, you can communicate more effectively and add color to your conversations. Keep practicing, and soon these words and expressions will become a natural part of your vocabulary.