diff --git a/homedecor/climate-control.lua b/homedecor/climate-control.lua
index 6ffaa070..ff80eae6 100644
--- a/homedecor/climate-control.lua
+++ b/homedecor/climate-control.lua
@@ -24,16 +24,16 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:air_conditioner', {
 			{-0.5, 0.125, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 },
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
+	selection_box = { type="regular" },
 })
 
 -- fans
 
 minetest.register_entity("homedecor:mesh_desk_fan", {
-    collisionbox = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
-    visual = "mesh",
+	collisionbox = homedecor.nodebox.null,
+	visual = "mesh",
 	mesh = "homedecor_desk_fan.b3d",
-    textures = {"homedecor_desk_fan_uv.png"},
+	textures = {"homedecor_desk_fan_uv.png"},
 	visual_size = {x=10, y=10},
 })
 
@@ -53,12 +53,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:desk_fan", {
 	tiles = {"homedecor_desk_fan_body.png"},
 	inventory_image = "homedecor_desk_fan_inv.png",
 	wield_image = "homedecor_desk_fan_inv.png",
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = {
-			{-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5},
-		}
-	},
+	selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 	on_construct = function(pos)
 		local entity_remove = minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.1)
 		local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
diff --git a/homedecor/cobweb.lua b/homedecor/cobweb.lua
index d0440520..4d928c4b 100644
--- a/homedecor/cobweb.lua
+++ b/homedecor/cobweb.lua
@@ -14,10 +14,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:cobweb_corner", {
         liquid_renewable = false,
         liquid_range = 0,
 	walkable = false,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = {-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5}
-	},
+	selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 	visual_scale = 1.4,
 	groups = { snappy = 3, liquid=3 },
         after_place_node = function(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing)
@@ -94,10 +91,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:cobweb_plantlike", {
         liquid_renewable = false,
         liquid_range = 0,
 	walkable = false,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = {-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5}
-	},
+	selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 	visual_scale = 1.189,
 	groups = { snappy = 3, liquid=3, not_in_creative_inventory = 1 },
 	drop = "homedecor:cobweb_corner"
diff --git a/homedecor/doors_and_gates.lua b/homedecor/doors_and_gates.lua
index b812acc6..5d986900 100644
--- a/homedecor/doors_and_gates.lua
+++ b/homedecor/doors_and_gates.lua
@@ -688,10 +688,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:jpn_door_top", {
 			{0.1565, -0.5, 0, 0.2185, 0.5, 0.0625}, -- NodeBox9
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:jpn_door_bottom_open", {
@@ -764,10 +761,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:jpn_door_top_open", {
 			{-0.84375, -0.5, -0.0625, -0.7815, 0.5, 0}, -- NodeBox9
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 
diff --git a/homedecor/fences.lua b/homedecor/fences.lua
index 2df12d34..0fd7bcd0 100644
--- a/homedecor/fences.lua
+++ b/homedecor/fences.lua
@@ -22,10 +22,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:fence_brass", {
 	tiles = {"homedecor_tile_brass.png"},
 	inventory_image = "homedecor_fence_brass.png",
 	paramtype = "light",
-	selection_box = {
-	        type = "fixed",
-	        fixed = {-1/7, -1/2, -1/7, 1/7, 1/2, 1/7},
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.bar_y(1/7),
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_wood_defaults(),
 	walkable = true,
@@ -37,10 +34,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:fence_wrought_iron", {
 	tiles = {"homedecor_tile_wrought_iron.png"},
 	inventory_image = "homedecor_fence_wrought_iron.png",
 	paramtype = "light",
-	selection_box = {
-	        type = "fixed",
-	        fixed = {-1/7, -1/2, -1/7, 1/7, 1/2, 1/7},
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.bar_y(1/7),
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_wood_defaults(),
 	walkable = true,
diff --git a/homedecor/furniture.lua b/homedecor/furniture.lua
index 61667ed6..42829d8e 100644
--- a/homedecor/furniture.lua
+++ b/homedecor/furniture.lua
@@ -221,10 +221,7 @@ for _, color in ipairs(bedcolors) do
 				{-0.3125,  -0.125,   0.0625,   0.3125,  0.0625,   0.4375},   --  NodeBox8
 			}
 		},
-		selection_box = {
-			type = "fixed",
-			fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-		}
+		selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null
 	})
 
 	homedecor.register("bed_"..color.."_foot", {
@@ -313,10 +310,7 @@ homedecor.register("wardrobe_top", {
 			{-0.4375,  -0.4375,  -0.5,     -0.0625,  0.4375,   -0.4375},  --  NodeBox3
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 homedecor.register("wardrobe_bottom", {
@@ -425,10 +419,7 @@ homedecor.register("bench_large_1_right", {
 			{0.25, -0.5, -0.0625, 0.3125, -0.25, 0}, -- NodeBox7
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 
@@ -503,10 +494,7 @@ homedecor.register("bench_large_2_right", {
 			{-0.5, -0.25, -0.0290173, 0.5, -0.125, 0.0125346}, -- NodeBox16
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 homedecor.register("deckchair_head", {
@@ -538,10 +526,7 @@ homedecor.register("deckchair_head", {
 			{-0.375, -0.5, 0, -0.3125, -0.25, 0.0625}, -- NodeBox14
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null
 })
 
 homedecor.register("deckchair_foot", {
@@ -642,10 +627,7 @@ homedecor.register("grandfather_clock_top", {
 			{-0.3125, -0.5, -0.3125, 0.3125, 0.5, 0.4}, -- NodeBox4
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 -- Aliases for 3dforniture mod.
diff --git a/homedecor/init.lua b/homedecor/init.lua
index c7c5fe5a..f4bbd0d6 100644
--- a/homedecor/init.lua
+++ b/homedecor/init.lua
@@ -105,6 +105,9 @@ function homedecor.find_ceiling(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)
 	return isceiling, pos
 end
 
+-- nodebox arithmetics and helpers
+-- (please keep non-generic nodeboxes with their node definition)
+dofile(homedecor.modpath.."/nodeboxes.lua")
 -- expand and unexpand decor
 dofile(homedecor.modpath.."/expansion.lua")
 -- glue it all together into a registration function
diff --git a/homedecor/kitchen_cabinet.lua b/homedecor/kitchen_cabinet.lua
index b2afaee8..5b1b7c88 100644
--- a/homedecor/kitchen_cabinet.lua
+++ b/homedecor/kitchen_cabinet.lua
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ for _, mat in ipairs(counter_materials) do
 	})
 end
 
+local kitchen_cabinet_half_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.5, 0.5)
 homedecor.register("kitchen_cabinet_half", {
 	description = S('Half-height Kitchen Cabinet (on ceiling)'),
 	tiles = { 'homedecor_kitchen_cabinet_sides.png',
@@ -43,14 +44,8 @@ homedecor.register("kitchen_cabinet_half", {
 			'homedecor_kitchen_cabinet_front_half.png'},
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	walkable = true,
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, 0, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, 0, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
+        selection_box = kitchen_cabinet_half_box,
+        node_box = kitchen_cabinet_half_box,
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 	sounds = default.node_sound_wood_defaults(),
 	infotext=S("Kitchen Cabinet"),
diff --git a/homedecor/laundry.lua b/homedecor/laundry.lua
index f26de99b..45bad348 100644
--- a/homedecor/laundry.lua
+++ b/homedecor/laundry.lua
@@ -20,10 +20,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:washing_machine", {
 			{-0.5, -0.5, 0.3125, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5},
 		}
 	},
-    selection_box = {
-            type = "fixed",
-            fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-    },
+	selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 })
 
@@ -47,10 +44,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:dryer", {
 			{-0.5, -0.5, 0.3125, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5},
 		}
 	},
-    selection_box = {
-            type = "fixed",
-            fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-    },
+	selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 })
 
diff --git a/homedecor/lighting.lua b/homedecor/lighting.lua
index 16995945..38cb0770 100644
--- a/homedecor/lighting.lua
+++ b/homedecor/lighting.lua
@@ -61,6 +61,15 @@ for i in ipairs(colors) do
 	})
 end
 
+local glowlight_nodebox = {
+	half = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(1/2),
+	quarter = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(1/4),
+	small_cube = {
+                type = "fixed",
+                fixed = { -0.25, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0, 0.25 }
+        },
+}
+
 -- Yellow
 
 minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_half_yellow', {
@@ -74,15 +83,8 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_half_yellow', {
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thick_yellow_sides.png',
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thick_yellow_sides.png'
 	},
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0, 0.5 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0, 0.5 }
-        },
-
+        selection_box = glowlight_nodebox.half,
+        node_box = glowlight_nodebox.half,
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
@@ -104,15 +106,8 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_quarter_yellow', {
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thin_yellow_sides.png',
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thin_yellow_sides.png'
 	},
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.25, 0.5 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.25, 0.5 }
-        },
-
+        selection_box = glowlight_nodebox.quarter,
+        node_box = glowlight_nodebox.quarter,
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
@@ -136,15 +131,8 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_half_white', {
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thick_white_sides.png',
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thick_white_sides.png'
 	},
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0, 0.5 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0, 0.5 }
-        },
-
+        selection_box = glowlight_nodebox.half,
+        node_box = glowlight_nodebox.half,
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
@@ -166,15 +154,8 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_quarter_white', {
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thin_white_sides.png',
 		'homedecor_glowlight_thin_white_sides.png'
 	},
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.25, 0.5 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.25, 0.5 }
-        },
-
+        selection_box = glowlight_nodebox.quarter,
+        node_box = glowlight_nodebox.quarter,
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
@@ -198,15 +179,8 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_small_cube_yellow', {
 		'homedecor_glowlight_cube_yellow_sides.png',
 		'homedecor_glowlight_cube_yellow_sides.png'
 	},
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.25, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0, 0.25 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.25, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0, 0.25 }
-        },
-
+        selection_box = glowlight_nodebox.small_cube,
+        node_box = glowlight_nodebox.small_cube,
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
@@ -228,15 +202,8 @@ minetest.register_node('homedecor:glowlight_small_cube_white', {
 		'homedecor_glowlight_cube_white_sides.png',
 		'homedecor_glowlight_cube_white_sides.png'
 	},
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.25, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0, 0.25 }
-        },
-        node_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.25, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0, 0.25 }
-        },
-
+        selection_box = glowlight_nodebox.small_cube,
+        node_box = glowlight_nodebox.small_cube,
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
diff --git a/homedecor/misc-nodes.lua b/homedecor/misc-nodes.lua
index 4a58b390..c0099717 100644
--- a/homedecor/misc-nodes.lua
+++ b/homedecor/misc-nodes.lua
@@ -208,10 +208,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:chimney", {
 			{0.1875, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0.5, 0.25},
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.25, -0.5, -0.25, 0.25, 0.5, 0.25 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.bar_y(0.25),
 	groups = {cracky=3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_stone_defaults()
 })
@@ -305,10 +302,7 @@ homedecor.register("cardboard_box", {
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
 	walkable = true,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.5),
 	node_box = {
 		type = "fixed",
 		fixed = {
@@ -357,10 +351,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:dvd_cd_cabinet", {
 			{0.125, -0.5, 0.01217, 0.375, 0.5, 0.5},
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, 0, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_z(0.5),
 	groups = {choppy=2,oddly_breakable_by_hand=2,flammable=3},
 	sounds = default.node_sound_wood_defaults(),
 })
@@ -377,10 +368,7 @@ homedecor.register("filing_cabinet", {
 	},
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	walkable = true,
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
+        selection_box = { type = "regular" },
         node_box = {
                 type = "fixed",
 		fixed = {
@@ -418,10 +406,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:dishwasher", {
 			{-0.4375, -0.5, -0.5, 0.4375, 0.4375, 0.4375},
 		}
 	},
-    selection_box = {
-            type = "fixed",
-            fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-    },
+	selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 })
 
@@ -512,10 +497,7 @@ homedecor.register("doghouse_base", {
 			{-0.4375, -0.3125, 0.375, 0.4375, 0.5, 0.4375}, -- NodeBox11
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 1.0, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(1.5),
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	expand = { top="homedecor:doghouse_roof" },
 })
@@ -556,10 +538,7 @@ homedecor.register("doghouse_roof", {
 			{0.0625, -0.125, -0.375, -0.0625, -0.0625, 0.4375}, -- NodeBox38
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 	groups = {snappy=3, not_in_creative_inventory=1},
 })
 
@@ -648,10 +627,7 @@ homedecor.register("pool_table_2", {
 			{0.375,    0.25,     -0.4375,  0.4375,   0.3125,   0.3125},  --  NodeBox25
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:trash_can", {
@@ -719,10 +695,7 @@ homedecor.register("well_base", {
 			{-0.3125, -0.5, -0.3125, 0.3125, 0, 0.3125}, -- NodeBox17
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(2),
 	expand = { top="homedecor:well_top" },
 })
 
@@ -784,10 +757,7 @@ homedecor.register("well_top", {
 			{-0.0165975, -0.51, -0.125, 0.0165974, -0.46, -0.112033}, -- NodeBox43
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:coatrack_wallmount", {
@@ -1173,10 +1143,7 @@ homedecor.register("piano_right", {
 
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:toaster", {
@@ -1488,10 +1455,7 @@ homedecor.register("barbecue_meat", {
 			{0.125, -0.5, -0.125, 0.3125, -0.4375, 0.125}, -- NodeBox2
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:beer_tap", {
@@ -1599,10 +1563,7 @@ homedecor.register("tool_cabinet_bottom", {
 			{-0.5, -0.375, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5}, -- NodeBox5
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(2),
 	expand = { top="homedecor:tool_cabinet_top" },
 })
 
@@ -1636,10 +1597,7 @@ homedecor.register("tool_cabinet_top", {
 			{0.375, -0.155, 0.42, 0.405, -0.093, 0.4375}, -- NodeBox15
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:swing", {
@@ -1732,10 +1690,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:swing_rope", {
 			{0.3, -0.5, 0.025, 0.3125, 0.5, 0.0375}, -- NodeBox2
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null
 })
 
 local bookcolors = {
@@ -1930,11 +1885,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:desk_globe", {
 	sounds = default.node_sound_defaults(),
 })
 
-local wine_cbox = {
-	type = "fixed",
-	fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.25, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-}
-
+local wine_cbox = homedecor.nodebox.slab_z(0.25)
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:wine_rack", {
 	description = "Wine Rack",
 	drawtype = "mesh",
diff --git a/homedecor/nightstands.lua b/homedecor/nightstands.lua
index 863056df..4d41bbab 100644
--- a/homedecor/nightstands.lua
+++ b/homedecor/nightstands.lua
@@ -12,10 +12,7 @@ homedecor.register("nightstand_oak_one_drawer", {
 			'homedecor_nightstand_oak_1_drawer_front.png'},
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	walkable = true,
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
+        selection_box = { type = "regular" },
         node_box = {
                 type = "fixed",
 		fixed = {
@@ -48,10 +45,7 @@ homedecor.register("nightstand_oak_two_drawers", {
 	paramtype = "light",
 	paramtype2 = "facedir",
 	walkable = true,
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
+        selection_box = { type = "regular" },
         node_box = {
                 type = "fixed",
 		fixed = {
@@ -79,10 +73,7 @@ homedecor.register("nightstand_mahogany_one_drawer", {
 			'homedecor_nightstand_mahogany_1_drawer_front.png'},
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	walkable = true,
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
+        selection_box = { type = "regular" },
         node_box = {
                 type = "fixed",
 		fixed = {
@@ -112,10 +103,7 @@ homedecor.register("nightstand_mahogany_two_drawers", {
 			'homedecor_nightstand_mahogany_2_drawer_front.png'},
 	sunlight_propagates = false,
 	walkable = true,
-        selection_box = {
-                type = "fixed",
-                fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 }
-        },
+        selection_box = { type = "regular" },
         node_box = {
                 type = "fixed",
 		fixed = {
diff --git a/homedecor/nodeboxes.lua b/homedecor/nodeboxes.lua
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4c94f6d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/homedecor/nodeboxes.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+-- please keep any non-generic nodeboxe with its node definition
+-- this file should not accumulate any left over nodeboxes
+-- but is meant to host any abstractions or calculations based on nodeboxes
+
+-- a box is defined as {x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2}
+homedecor.box = {
+	slab_y = function(height, shift) return { -0.5, -0.5+(shift or 0), -0.5, 0.5, -0.5+height+(shift or 0), 0.5 } end,
+	slab_z = function(depth) return { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5+depth, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 } end,
+	bar_y = function(radius) return {-radius, -0.5, -radius, radius, 0.5, radius} end,
+	cuboid = function(radius_x, radius_y, radius_z) return {-radius_x, -radius_y, -radius_z, radius_x, radius_y, radius_z} end,
+}
+
+homedecor.nodebox = {
+	-- { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 },
+	-- can be used in-place as:
+	-- { type="regular" },
+	regular = { type="regular" },
+	null = { type = "fixed", fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 } },
+}
+
+local mt = {}
+mt.__index = function(table, key)
+	local ref = homedecor.box[key]
+	if type(ref) == "function" then
+		return function(...)
+			return { type = "fixed", fixed = ref(unpack(arg)) }
+		end
+	elseif type(ref) == "table" then
+		return { type = "fixed", fixed = ref }
+	end
+	error("unexpected datatype " .. tostring(type(ref)))
+end
+setmetatable(homedecor.nodebox, mt)
+
+
+
diff --git a/homedecor/refrigerator.lua b/homedecor/refrigerator.lua
index c0e8789c..745c9f80 100644
--- a/homedecor/refrigerator.lua
+++ b/homedecor/refrigerator.lua
@@ -49,10 +49,7 @@ homedecor.register("refrigerator_steel_bottom", {
 	description = S("Refrigerator (stainless steel)"),
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	node_box = fridge_model_bottom,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(2),
 	expand = {
 		top="homedecor:refrigerator_steel_top"
 	},
@@ -74,10 +71,7 @@ homedecor.register("refrigerator_steel_top", {
 	},
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	node_box = fridge_model_top,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 -- white, enameled fridge
@@ -95,10 +89,7 @@ homedecor.register("refrigerator_white_bottom", {
 	description = S("Refrigerator"),
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	node_box = fridge_model_bottom,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 0.5 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(2),
 	expand = {
 		top="homedecor:refrigerator_white_top"
 	},
@@ -120,10 +111,7 @@ homedecor.register("refrigerator_white_top", {
 	},
 	groups = {snappy=3},
 	node_box = fridge_model_top,
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 })
 
 -- convert the old single-node fridges to the new two-node models
diff --git a/homedecor/shingles.lua b/homedecor/shingles.lua
index db0c6df1..dce279f9 100644
--- a/homedecor/shingles.lua
+++ b/homedecor/shingles.lua
@@ -13,10 +13,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:skylight", {
 	walkable = true,
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 	sounds = default.node_sound_leaves_defaults(),
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.4, 0.5 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.1),
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:skylight_frosted", {
@@ -31,10 +28,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:skylight_frosted", {
 	walkable = true,
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 	sounds = default.node_sound_leaves_defaults(),
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.4, 0.5 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.1),
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:shingles_wood", {
@@ -48,10 +42,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:shingles_wood", {
 	walkable = false,
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 	sounds = default.node_sound_leaves_defaults(),
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.4, 0.5 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.1),
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:shingles_asphalt", {
@@ -65,10 +56,7 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:shingles_asphalt", {
 	walkable = false,
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 	sounds = default.node_sound_leaves_defaults(),
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.4, 0.5 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.1),
 })
 
 minetest.register_node("homedecor:shingles_terracotta", {
@@ -82,9 +70,6 @@ minetest.register_node("homedecor:shingles_terracotta", {
 	walkable = false,
 	groups = { snappy = 3 },
 	sounds = default.node_sound_leaves_defaults(),
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { -0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, -0.4, 0.5 }
-	}
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.slab_y(0.1),
 })
 
diff --git a/homedecor/slopes.lua b/homedecor/slopes.lua
index c8086b54..fdb62659 100644
--- a/homedecor/slopes.lua
+++ b/homedecor/slopes.lua
@@ -60,10 +60,7 @@ homedecor.register_inner_corner = function(modname, subname, groups, slope_image
 		paramtype = "light",
 		paramtype2 = "facedir",
 		walkable = true,
-		selection_box = {
-			type = "fixed",
-			fixed = {-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5}
-		},
+		selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 		collision_box = icorner_cbox,
 		groups = groups,
 		on_place = minetest.rotate_node
diff --git a/homedecor/tables.lua b/homedecor/tables.lua
index 870491c6..cb4297b4 100644
--- a/homedecor/tables.lua
+++ b/homedecor/tables.lua
@@ -274,10 +274,7 @@ homedecor.register("desk_r", {
 			{-0.5, -0.375, 0.4375, 0.4375, 0.25, 0.5},
 		}
 	},
-	selection_box = {
-		type = "fixed",
-		fixed = { 0,0,0,0,0,0 }
-	},
+	selection_box = homedecor.nodebox.null,
 	groups = { snappy = 3, not_in_creative_inventory=1 }
 })
 
diff --git a/lrfurn/armchairs.lua b/lrfurn/armchairs.lua
index 20c76346..1e85cef3 100644
--- a/lrfurn/armchairs.lua
+++ b/lrfurn/armchairs.lua
@@ -43,12 +43,7 @@ for i in ipairs(armchairs_list) do
 						{0.3125, 0, -0.5, 0.5, 0.25, 0.3125},
 					}
 		},
-		selection_box = {
-			type = "fixed",
-			fixed = {
-						{-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5},
-					}
-		},
+		selection_box = { type = "regular" },
 
 		on_rightclick = function(pos, node, clicker)
 			if not clicker:is_player() then