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What's in a Home? Trivia Quiz

Our homes are built with architectural details that have very specific but somewhat obscure names. How many of these components are you able to figure out?

A multiple-choice quiz by Betenoire. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
Betenoire

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
406,148

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
286

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In architectural terms, where would you most likely find a finial? Hint

Over every window and door

At the high point of a roof, dome or cupola

At the foot of a circular staircase

Attached to the front entry door, just below the peephole

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Question 2 of 10

2. A glazing bar is a strip of metal or wood that holds a panes of glass in place and separates the pane from adjacent panes. What is another term, used mostly in the USA, to describe a glazing bar? Hint

Muntin

Mintun

Munion

Montin

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Question 3 of 10

3. Where in a home would you be most likely to see a mullion? Hint

Between the riser and the tread on a staircase

On top of a decorative niche

On top of a newel post

Between two or more adjacent windows

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Question 4 of 10

4. What term is used to describe the vertical, closely spaced members that support a handrail? Hint

Rail posts

Barristers

Banisters

Balusters

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which is an accepted spelling of the word used to describe wooden wall paneling that typically does not extend to the ceiling, and is not intricately carved or otherwise decorated? Hint

Wainscoting

Wainscoating

Wanescoating

Wanescoting

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Question 6 of 10

6. In your home, where are you LEAST likely to find an escutcheon? Hint

On a stair tread

In the bathroom

On the ceiling

On antique furniture

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Question 7 of 10

7. What is the primary difference between a typical bay window and a typical bow window? Hint

Bay windows are vinyl clad to resist salt air while bow windows are unclad

A bay window has three openings while a bow window has four or five

The height to the top of the window from floor level inside

All sections of a bay window open while only the center section of a bow window is operable

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Question 8 of 10

8. At what height above the floor would you typically find a modern chair rail? Hint

Between zero and eight inches

Between 30 and 36 inches

Between 12 and 18 inches

between 48 and 54 inches

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Question 9 of 10

9. An astragal is most closely associated with which common home component? Hint

Doors

Stairs

Windows

Gutters

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the purpose of a scupper? Hint

To channel water out of a partially enclosed structure

To prevent erosion of masonry foundations

To reflect sunlight into a dimly lit room or cubicle

To bind together a linear series of steel or wooden beams

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In architectural terms, where would you most likely find a finial?

Answer: At the high point of a roof, dome or cupola

Derived from the Latin "finis" meaning "the end", finials are often the highest point on any given structure. Often thought to be used as lightning rods, finials are in fact a strictly decorative elements and can be made of stone, wood or metal.

Answer: Muntin

Muntins were a common window component before the Industrial Revolution, as it was much more cost effective to produce and replace small panes of glass as opposed to large single panes. Modern insulated windows often have a false muntin sandwiched between two large panes in order to simulate the look of older windows.

3. Where in a home would you be most likely to see a mullion?

Answer: Between two or more adjacent windows

Mullions are vertical dividers, rarely more than six inches wide, that separate two or more adjacent windows. Originally designed as structural posts intended to reduce the span of lintels or headers, in modern architecture they are primarily used to create a visually pleasing separation.

4. What term is used to describe the vertical, closely spaced members that support a handrail?

Answer: Balusters

Balusters can be made out of any rigid material and can range from simple square edges to highly detailed ornamentation. A balustrade refers to a stair handrail system in which the handrail is supported by balusters.

5. Which is an accepted spelling of the word used to describe wooden wall paneling that typically does not extend to the ceiling, and is not intricately carved or otherwise decorated?

Answer: Wainscoting

Most commonly, wainscoting covers only the lower one third to one half of a given wall. Highly ornamental carved wooden panels popular in 17th and 18th century French architecture are know as boiserie.

6. In your home, where are you LEAST likely to find an escutcheon?

Answer: On a stair tread

Escutcheons are discs or plates, usually made of metal, that conceal and protect pipes, wires, and other functional non decorative elements as they pass through walls and ceilings. Bath faucets and pendant lighting fixtures almost always require an escutcheon that conceals the openings they penetrate. Escutcheons were also commonly used to protect keyholes found on the drawers of older desks and secretaries.

7. What is the primary difference between a typical bay window and a typical bow window?

Answer: A bay window has three openings while a bow window has four or five

A typical bay window has three openings, with the center opening being fixed or non-operable. A bow window is usually made up of four or five openings all which can be fixed or operable. Bay windows have a more rectilinear appearance while a bow window looks more gently curved.

8. At what height above the floor would you typically find a modern chair rail?

Answer: Between 30 and 36 inches

Chair rail, also known as dado rail, is typically used as a horizontal molding along a wall. Its placement is intended to serve as a bumper that protects the wall surface from being marred by chairs and similar furniture.

9. An astragal is most closely associated with which common home component?

Answer: Doors

An astragal is used in double (French) door installations. It is a vertical molding that is applied to one of the two door panels and is intended to seal the gap between doors when they are both closed.

10. What is the purpose of a scupper?

Answer: To channel water out of a partially enclosed structure

A scupper is an opening in a wall or parapet that discharges unwanted rainwater away from a structure. They are also commonly found on ships to allow breakwater to drain off the deck.

Source: Author Betenoire

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