Lisa O
American homes have some unique features that set them apart from houses in other parts of the world. Whether it’s the appliances, the layout, or certain cultural habits, there are a few things you can almost always count on seeing in a typical U.S. household. Here are 15 things you’ll find in nearly every American home.
A Giant Refrigerator
Unlike in many other countries where people buy fresh food daily, Americans prefer stocking up. That’s why most homes have oversized refrigerators with double doors, ice dispensers, and enough space to store weeks’ worth of groceries. Mini fridges are mostly reserved for dorm rooms or office spaces.
A Microwave
Microwaves are a staple in American kitchens, used for everything from reheating leftovers to making popcorn. While some countries rely more on stovetop cooking, Americans love the convenience of a microwave. It’s so essential that most apartments come with one already installed.
A Dishwasher (That Many People Don’t Actually Use)
Most American homes come with a dishwasher, but funny enough, plenty of people still wash their dishes by hand. Some use the dishwasher as extra storage, while others run it only when they have a full load. In smaller kitchens abroad, dishwashers are often seen as a luxury.
A Laundry Room or Washer/Dryer Inside the Home
In many countries, people go to laundromats or have their washing machines in the kitchen or bathroom. But in the U.S., having a dedicated laundry room—or at least a washer and dryer inside the house—is the norm. Most Americans wouldn’t consider living without in-home laundry.
A Closet in Every Bedroom
Walk-in closets are a dream in many parts of the world, but in the U.S., even small bedrooms usually have built-in closets. Instead of armoires or dressers being the primary storage solution, most Americans have closets full of clothes, shoes, and sometimes random household junk.
A Junk Drawer
Speaking of junk, almost every American home has that one drawer filled with miscellaneous items—batteries, old receipts, rubber bands, takeout menus, and things that don’t belong anywhere else. It’s a mystery why this happens, but somehow, every home has one.
Carpeted Floors (Even in Weird Places)
Many American homes still have carpet, even in places where other countries might prefer hardwood or tile. Some homes even have carpet in bathrooms, which is confusing to people from countries where tile is the go-to flooring for easy cleaning.
A Garage Full of Everything Except Cars
Garages are meant for cars, but in many American homes, they turn into storage units instead. They end up filled with old furniture, tools, seasonal decorations, and boxes of things no one has touched in years. The irony? Many homeowners park their cars outside because there’s no room left in the garage.
Ceiling Fans in Multiple Rooms
While many countries rely on air conditioning or standing fans, Americans love ceiling fans. They’re found in bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens. Some people swear by them for keeping energy bills down, while others just like the white noise they provide at night.
A Huge Couch (Often With Recliners)
American homes are big, so American couches are even bigger. Sectionals, L-shaped sofas, or oversized recliners are common in living rooms. In smaller apartments abroad, a couch might just be a loveseat, but in the U.S., the motto seems to be: the bigger, the better.
A TV in Every Room
In many American homes, the living room isn’t the only place with a TV. It’s common for bedrooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms to have a screen. While some countries limit TV time, in the U.S., entertainment is available everywhere, all the time.
A Barbecue Grill
Even if they don’t use it often, most American homes have some kind of barbecue grill—whether it’s a massive gas-powered setup or a simple charcoal grill. Backyard cookouts are a part of American culture, especially in summer, and a grill is a must-have.
A Mailbox That’s Not Attached to the House
In many parts of the world, mail gets delivered straight to the door or into a small slot. In the U.S., most houses have a separate mailbox at the end of the driveway or attached to a post near the curb, making the daily mail check a little adventure.
Seasonal Decorations (Especially for Halloween and Christmas)
Americans love decorating for holidays, and it’s not just Christmas—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, and even the 4th of July get their own decorations. Many families go all out with lights, themed inflatables, and wreaths that change with the seasons.
A Dozen Unused Coffee Mugs
For some reason, every American home seems to have way more coffee mugs than necessary. Whether they’re gifts, souvenirs, or just collected over time, the kitchen cabinet always ends up packed with mugs that rarely get used. And yet, new ones still seem to appear.
