Is a Sunken Living Room Right For You?


May 17, 2022 by Marissa Crum

Updated on May 17th, 2022

Sunken living rooms – a statement space that draws its fair share of controversy, dividing homeowners between those that love and hate it. Opinions aside, this fun home feature first became popular during the 60s and 70s, aiming to give more intimate spaces for social gatherings in the home. They thrived for nearly 20 years, before abruptly falling out of fashion. Nowadays, the trend has resurged in some modern homes and with so many older homes featuring this sunken space, you’re guaranteed to come across them on home tours. So what exactly is a sunken living room and is this fun and funky space right for you? Let’s find out.

What is a sunken living room?

Today, you’ll typically find sunken living rooms in mid-century modern homes or brand new contemporary ultra-sleek builds. Also known as a conversation pit, sunken living rooms are a slightly lower “sunken” area of the home that usually houses the living area. Sunken living rooms used to be a popular home staple but eventually fell out of popularity. 

However, there are still homeowners that look for this blast from the past trend. If you own a home with these sunken rooms, there are plenty of ways to create an aesthetically pleasing sunken space in your home. They can be perfect for a variety of purposes, beyond a standard living room. Or if you’re buying a new build, you may want to consider adding this cozy feature to your home. 

The advantages of a sunken living room

Many see this space as outdated, but there are advantages to having a sunken room regardless of if you’re living in Dallas, TX, or renting a home in Charlotte, NC. Let’s take a look at the benefits of these spaces whether you’re a homeowner or renter.

Sunken rooms create an intimate area 

Sunken living rooms are known for giving your home a cozy space for social gatherings. “The benefit of a sunken living room is that it creates drama and…