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British and Americans are connected by a common language, as well as many historical aspects, but the two nations have distinct identities when it comes to how they live. The US is a vast land and all things American tend to be larger than life. On the other side of the pond, there isn't as much territory, so space is organized somewhat differently. But how different are American and British homes, really?
In this gallery, we highlight the main differences between how Brits and Americans live. Click on.
American houses have a wide range of historical influences, depending on where they are located. Architectural influences range from British to Dutch, German, and Spanish.
British houses are mostly marked by distinctive periods. For example, Georgian homes (1714–1837), Victorian homes (1837–1901), and Edwardian homes (1901–1910).
Sash windows are popular in American houses. In rural areas, it's also common to find window screens for insect protection.
You can also find sash windows in British houses, but many have been replaced by casement ones. Many British houses, however, have distinctive bay windows, like the ones pictured.
The US is a nation of drivers, so built-in garages are common in American houses. These are often large enough to park at least two vehicles.
While some new homes are built with garages, the vast majority of British houses don't have a built-in one. The small driveways are often used as parking spots instead.
The porch is a quintessential feature in American homes. This outdoor living space can be found in both the front and back.
Porches are not as popular in the UK. Some front doors are however quite distinctive. You can find bold colors, stained glass details, and columns adorning the doors.
American homes tend to be more spacious overall. In fact, the average US home is more than twice as big as those across the pond.
British homes have smaller rooms in general, and the layout is also usually more traditional, with less open-plan areas commonly found in American homes.
American kitchens are not only bigger than British kitchens in general, but many include features such as kitchen islands, bar chairs, and two-door fridges.
Kitchens in the UK tend to be more traditional, with galley kitchens being the norm in smaller houses. You might not find an American fridge in a British kitchen, but you will definitely find a kettle.
American homes tend to have more bathrooms than UK ones. Showers are also more popular than bathtubs.
Many British homes have bathtubs in bathrooms. These are usually located upstairs (in a two-story house). Downstairs you might find a loo, without a bath or shower.
Air conditioning is king in the US. Many American homes have a HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that works year-round.
Many British homes are not equipped to deal with the heat, but they are prepared for the cold. Central gas heating is the most popular type, where radiators will warm up the houses.
Many American bedrooms have built-in closets. Beds are also bigger than in the UK.
In British bedrooms, it's common to find wardrobes, chests of drawers, and other furniture, including a smaller bed than those found across the pond.
The backyard is the place to chill in the warmer months, throw barbeques, play on the lawn, and for some, enjoy the swimming pool.
Across the pond, the outside space at the back of a house is called a garden. There might be some garden furniture, a BBQ grill, but also shrubs, flowers, and a patio.
Basements are popular in American houses. Many are turned into nice living spaces and are an essential part of the house.
You won't find many houses with large basements in the UK, but you will find many with nice attics, some of which are turned into bedrooms.
Electrical and gas fireplaces are more common in American houses than wood-burning ones.
Depending on the house, in the UK there are many ornamented fireplaces. These can have a lot of character and stand out as a main feature in the living room.
Garbage disposal units in kitchen sinks are popular across America. They work great for organic waste, such as vegetable peels.
In the UK, most households have access to a wheelie bin where general garbage is disposed of. Some councils provide a different bin for food waste.
Laundry rooms are a reality in many American homes. These places often have a washer and dryer and are spacious enough to use as for storage too.
Laundry rooms are not a common feature of British houses. In the UK, washing machines are most likely found in the kitchen or bathroom.
Classic round door knobs are the norm in the US. The lock works by pushing a button.
In British homes, doors are mostly fitted with door handles. Locks are separate and require a key.
American and British homes also differ when it comes to electrical sockets. The standard voltage is also different, with 120V in the US and 230V in the UK.
How you switch the light on and off is different in both countries. Switching it up will turn the light on in the US, but do the opposite in the UK.
Sources: (Love Property)
See also: What if Britain had won the American Revolutionary War?
The main differences between American and British houses
Both internally and externally
LIFESTYLE Homes
British and Americans are connected by a common language, as well as many historical aspects, but the two nations have distinct identities when it comes to how they live. The US is a vast land and all things American tend to be larger than life. On the other side of the pond, there isn't as much territory, so space is organized somewhat differently. But how different are American and British homes, really?
In this gallery, we highlight the main differences between how Brits and Americans live. Click on.