How to describe rooms at home in BSL?

Describing rooms at home in BSL is essential for those learning sign language, as it helps you practise how to convey spatial information properly. Spatial information is an integral part of BSL. Whether describing your home or discussing someone else’s, knowing the appropriate signs for each room and how to sign them can greatly improve your BSL signing skills.

When describing rooms in BSL, it’s important to consider the context in which you are communicating. For example, if you’re describing your own home, you may want to include additional information about the layout or specific features that make it unique.

Basic Vocabulary for Describing Rooms at home in BSL

Before we delve into the specific signs for each room, it’s important to familiarise yourself with some basic vocabulary that will be used throughout this guide. These words are commonly used when describing rooms in BSL and will help you understand the signs more effectively.

House – The sign for “house” in BSL is made by outlining the shape of a house using your index and middle fingers. An alternative sign is to use flat hands
Room – To sign “room” in BSL, extend both hands and using your index fingers draw the outline of a square.
Door – The sign for “door” in BSL is made by placing your non-dominant hand flat with your palm facing towards you and using your dominant hand flat in front to mimic the motion of opening and closing a door.
Window – There are several different ways to sign “window” in BSL. To describe the shape, you use your index fingers to trace a rectangular shape in the air whilst mouthing the word “window”.
Light – There are also different ways to sign “light” in BSL depending on where the light is coming from. You make the sign by using a bunched handshape that springs open when you mouth the word “light”. The sign is usually signed at head height to show light coming from above

Now that you’re familiar with some basic vocabulary, let’s move on to describing specific rooms in BSL.

Describing the Living Room in BSL

To sign “living room” in BSL, you move the middle finger of your dominant hand up and down on your chest. Then, move the index fingers of both hands and move your hands in front of you, as if outlining the shape of a room.

When describing the living room, you’ll need to use signs for common furniture and items found in this room. For example, to sign “sofa” in BSL, you gently hold closed fists in front of you with elbows out to the side whilst making a sitting motion. You also mouth the word “sofa” at the same time.

The vocabulary you will need to describe furniture in the living room includes: wall, floor, window, curtains, carpet, sofa, chair, television, picture, vase, and table.

Describing the Kitchen in BSL

The kitchen is another important room in a house, and being able to describe it accurately in BSL is essential. The most common sign for “kitchen” in BSL is made by fingerspelling the letter ‘K’ and mouthing the word “kitchen” while you make the sign.

When describing the kitchen, you also need to know the signs for items found in this room. For example, to sign “cooker” in BSL, you extend one or both hands in front of you with closed hands in front of you moving back and forward as if moving a pot. You also mouth the word “cooker” at the same time. To sign “fridge,” you hold one closed hand in front of you and mimic the motion of opening and closing a fridge door. Again, like the sign for cooker, you mouth the word while signing.

Watch how to sign ‘sink’ in British Sign Language

The vocabulary you will need to describe furniture in the kitchen includes: cooker, oven, kettle, microwave, dishwasher, sink, knife, fork, spoon, cupboard and table.

You’ll also need the BSL signs for food.

Tutor’s tip: When describing rooms and items in a room, you mouth the word of the items. This because you are describing an object (a noun). You use facial expressions when you are describing the use of an item. For example, for the cooker you mouth the word “cooker” when signing but when cooking, you would use different facial expressions to show different activities such as lifting a heavy pot on to a cooker.

Describing the Bedroom in BSL

The bedroom is a personal space where we relax and sleep, so it’s important to be able to describe it accurately in BSL. To sign “bedroom” in BSL, you can use the flat hand and hold it against the side of your tilted head. Another sign is to make the ‘C’ handshape and hold it against the side of your tilted head, then sign ‘room’. You mouth “bed” then “room” while making the signs.

The vocabulary you will need to describe furniture in the bedroom includes: bed, lamp, chest of drawers, wardrobe, blanket, duvet and sheet.

Describing the Bathroom in BSL

To sign “bathroom” in BSL, you place both closed hands slightly behind you in a diagonal shape (to mimic holding a towel) and move side to side as if drying your back with a towel. You mouth the word “bathroom” while signing. Some people add the sign for room, similar to the signs for the living room, kitchen, and bedroom.

When describing the bathroom, you also need to learn the signs for common fixtures and items found in this room. For example, to sign “toilet” in BSL, you place your index finger on your dominant hand on your your chest and move it up and down while mouthing “toilet”. Toilet is a sign that has regional variations so it is always best to check with a tutor or local Deaf group which sign to use.

The vocabulary you will need to describe items in the bathroom includes: cupboard, soap, water, towel, bin, shower, mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, washbasin, toilet, bath, tap, and tissue paper

Describing the Dining Room in BSL

To sign “dining room” in BSL, hold both index and middle fingers extended together in front of you. With an alternating motion, you move one hand then the other towards your mouth whilst mouthing “dining”. Then, use your hands to trace the shape of a rectangle , as if outlining the shape of a room, whilst mouthing the word “room”.

When describing the dining room, you will also need to learn the signs to describe common furniture found in this room. The vocabulary includes: table, chair, plate, bowl, drinking glass, knife, fork, spoon and cabinet.

Describing the Study or Home Office in BSL

To sign “study” in BSL, hold both hands up with your palms facing up as if reading a book, then use the sign for room.

To sign “home office” in BSL, you use two flat hands with the tips of your fingers touching each other as if making a roof shape. Then add the sign for “office”. To sign office in BSL, your place your non dominant hand flat in front of you. Then use your dominant hand to sign like you are writing something. While signing you mouth the words “home” and “office”

You’ll also need to know the BSL signs for common furniture items. These include: desk, chair, computer, lamp, mobile phone, and files.

Resources for Further Learning in BSL

By familiarising yourself with the signs for common rooms and their associated vocabulary, you’ll be able to confidently navigate conversations related to different spaces within a house.

If you’re interested in further expanding your BSL vocabulary and improving your signing skills, we share several quality resources on this site to help you.