Size and Scale: Cottages are generally smaller and more intimate compared to the average house. They typically feature one to two storeys, making them quaint and cosy. Roof and Chimney: A classic cottage often has a steep, gabled roof, sometimes thatched, adding to its rustic appeal.

Cottages are typically asymmetrical, one-to-one-and-a-half-story homes with low-pitched gable roofs, prominent chimneys, small covered porches, and more. Initially, cottage roofs were thatched; however, that skill is uncommon in the U.S., so many have cedar or wood shingle roofs.

Cottages are small country or beach houses, of different materials, sometimes multi-storied, with many variations. Bungaloid houses, Bungalows, is a general name for single-story, horizontally extendable house, all wood, with a porch or veranda surrounding all or most of it.