[7] The main reception room is characterized by specific features: a recessed alcove (tokonoma), staggered shelves, built-in desks, and ornate sliding doors.

[5][7] Generally the reception room is covered with wall-to-wall tatami and has square beveled pillars, a coved or coffered ceiling, and wooden shutters to protect the area from rain (雨戸, amado).

[6][11] Conrad Totman argues that the development of the shoin-zukuri style was linked to a scarcity of wood caused by excessive deforestation, which prompted the use of lower-quality, more abundant material.

In the 16th century Sen no Rikyū established dedicated "grass hut" (草庵, sōan) style teahouses characterized by their small size of typically two to eight mat, the use of natural materials, and rustic appearance.

[16][17] The sukiya-zukuri style has a characteristic decorative alcove and shelf, and utilizes woods such as cedar, pine, hemlock, bamboo, and cypress, often with rough surfaces including the bark.