Skip to main content

How to make a sunken living room trendy

Some fashion trends from the past should stay in the past (we’re looking at you, ultra-rise jeans). Others, like sunken living rooms, certainly have a place in the 21st century. This architectural style that was popular in the 1960s placed living spaces a few steps below the rest of the home, which is why they’re also referred to as conversation pits. A few decades ago, these sunken living rooms were the hot space to gather, largely because they created a more intimate space in the home.

While sunken living rooms aren’t as popular today, they are making a bit of a resurgence. Whether you’re on the hunt for a home with a conversation pit or are stuck with one and don’t know how to style it, check out these ideas below, and you’ll be on-trend in no time.

Recommended Videos

Why sunken living rooms?

Sunken living rooms were very popular in the ’60s and ’70s because the home was the primary gathering place, with homeowners hosting dinner parties and other occasions almost weekly. However, a sunken living room has a function beyond being a funky party space. These rooms are also great for open concept houses where walls are sparse. You can preserve the feeling of openness all while maintaining the definition between the kitchen and living room:

  • Sunken living rooms create intimacy by creating a defined space.
  • Sunken living rooms add character. They’re a unique detail (as long as they’re styled appropriately).
  • Sunken living rooms can make a space feel bigger. With the added space to the ceiling, the room automatically feels more spacious.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sunken living room ideas for decorating

When it comes to sunken rooms, safety should be top of mind. Visitors to your home who aren’t familiar with the layout may have difficulty distinguishing between the two levels, and it’s easy to trip down the stairs or step backward into the pit. For this reason, it’s essential for the stairs or one of the floors to be a different color. Play with the texture of the flooring too, and don’t be afraid to add a plush shag carpet or area rug for some visual interest.

Furniture

To make the area look functional rather than out of place, use furniture that fits the room so it doesn’t become a random, catch-all space.

  • If you’re styling it to be an after-dinner cocktail lounge, opt for large, plush couches as opposed to smaller chairs.
  • In an office, furnish the sunken area with a desk and two armchairs, or add short bookshelves to turn it into a reading nook.
  • If you have kids and want the room to be an activity center for the children, fill the room with children-sized furniture, toy chests, and activity stations.

Art and decor

Sunken living rooms are cozy by nature, so adding a few pillows and comfortable seating is the most intuitive way to style the space. However, feel free to take more risks. Conversation pits also add a ton of natural character to the home, so this is a great opportunity to add fun sculptures or weirdly shaped furniture to create more of an eclectic vibe.

Lighting

Since the room is below the rest of the area, the overhead lighting might not hit this space the way it illuminates the rest of the room. Be sure to add in a few floor lamps or glowing centerpieces to brighten the area a little. Because sunken living rooms increase the distance between the floor and ceiling, consider adding an interesting chandelier to draw attention upward and enhance the illusion of higher ceilings. Last, choose lighting with dimmers for multi-use spaces so guests can relax and play a board game but also lower the brightness for binge-watching.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The downsides

Keep in mind that, because of the popularity of this architectural design in the ’60s and ’70s, it’s easy for the space to look dated. To keep your room in the 21st century, choose ultra-modern accents and avoid the orange and red hues that were popular during the decade.

Additionally, conversation pits don’t offer a ton of flexibility. You can repurpose the room and make it trendy and functional, but it will still be a sunken room at the end of the day. There is only so much you can do with the space, and the size and shape of the room can be limiting. Unfortunately, because it’s an architectural style, there’s no easy way to alter or remove the pit without serious construction.

While we briefly touched on safety above, it’s important to highlight that a sunken living room may pose a problem for those with mobility issues. Often, people must walk downstairs or step down into the area in order to enjoy it. If you or any of your guests face mobility challenges, this may make for a non-inclusive space.

Whether you’re turning the space into an office or a romantic after-dinner lounge, a sunken living room is an opportunity to create a unique, cozy nook in your home. By choosing fresh, fun items that fit your style you’ll bring this nearly bygone style into the 21st century.

Kelly Kaliszewski
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kelly's work has appeared in blogs and on websites. When she's not writing, she is playing with her two dogs, cooking, or…
This TikTok-approved Easter table decor is easy to replicate
Perfect your Easter table decor with this adorable dining idea
Easter place setting on a table

Decorating for Easter festivities requires some cute and spring-inspired table setups that are sure to be the talk of any social gathering. Whether you’re adorning your space for the holidays or hosting a party, this Easter table decor idea from TikTok is simple to perfect and oh so adorable.
How to dress up your Easter table decor
https://www.tiktok.com/@macy.blackwell/video/7476202654092365086

TikToker @macy.blackwell shared a quaint, spring-inspired Easter table look that feels magical and elegant. If you’re looking to curate a cozy dining experience with plenty of holiday flair, try replicating her fantastic ideas.
Start with a runner
To start, this TikToker placed a green faux moss runner to the center of the table to add a touch of biophilia. We love this concept and the unique way this runner adds spring-like greenery to the space.
Choose the right dishware
White ceramic plates with soft, gentle ridge designs are layered at each place setting, followed by adorable decorative plates depicting rabbits. Any spring motif with a pastel color palette will do. We advise choosing a top plate featuring rabbits, chicks, eggs, or flowers.
You can’t forget fresh flowers
A staple of spring decor is fresh flowers. Tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and carnations are excellent choices. If fresh flowers aren’t for you, faux alternatives can also add the right amount of life and color. Follow in this TikToker’s footsteps by placing florals in unique vases like a teapot.
Decorative eggs are a must
Decorative eggs are a must-have this time of year. Purchase some in different sizes and intersperse them within your tabletop design. You can fill a vase with mini eggs to support floral arrangements or add larger pieces across the table runner for additional decoration.
Candy vases add whimsy
This TikToker also chose to take on a more whimsical Alice in Wonderland aesthetic by filling jars with Easter candy. To make the containers appear fuller, she added wadded up aluminum foil to help take up space and added Easter candy around it.
Opt for a pastel color palette
Many spring and Easter themes feature a pastel color palette. As you embark on the perfect dining table design scheme this season, choose pastel hues like pink, sage, lavender, periwinkle, and yellow.
Decorate with ceramic bunnies
Ceramics can also help fill out the table. We love how this creator used ceramic or porcelain rabbits to accent the centerpieces.
Easter bunny napkins are easy to make
One creative idea was rolling up the Easter napkins to create cute bunny motifs. First, she rolled the fabric. Then she folded the rolled napkin in half and tied the pieces together with a string or ribbon. Lastly, this creator placed a colorful egg in the loop to create the shape of a head and bunny ears.

Read more
Butter yellow is having a moment — how to use it in home design
This creamy hue will bring warmth and brightness to any space
Butter yellow entryway with bench

Butter yellow is having a major moment in the world of design — and it’s not hard to see why. This creamy, mellow shade brings an understated charm and gentle cheer to any room, striking the perfect balance between warmth and subtlety. As homeowners continue to gravitate toward cozy, livable spaces, butter yellow has emerged as a fresh, modern way to introduce color without overwhelming the eye.
This sunshine-inspired hue is an easygoing alternative to bolder yellows or trendier colors that can feel dated over time. It offers just enough personality to stand out while still maintaining a timeless appeal. From farmhouse chic design to minimalist modern spaces, butter yellow can be adapted to nearly any aesthetic, making it a versatile design staple you’ll want to consider for your next refresh.

Why butter yellow?

Read more
Nature-inspired homes sell for $12,500 more, new Zillow research finds
Organic modernism can boost your home value.
Stone fireplace with natural decor

Homeowners preparing to sell this spring may want to consider the power of natural home design. New research from Zillow shows that homes featuring organic, nature-inspired elements are commanding higher sale prices. In fact, sellers could get up to 3.5% more, which amounts to roughly $12,500 on a typical U.S. home.
The trend of incorporating natural elements is known as organic modernism. This design approach blends earthy textures with clean, modern lines. Popular features like soapstone countertops, white oak floors, and Venetian plaster walls are resonating with today’s buyers, who are increasingly drawn to homes that feel calming, refined, and connected to nature.
“The contemporary look of homes today is characterized by natural stone, wood flooring and cabinetry, and textured walls,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow home trends expert. “Buyers are seeking out and competing for homes with these raw but refined finishes.”
According to Zillow’s analysis of over 2 million listings, homes with the following features are consistently selling at higher prices:

Soapstone countertops increase sale price by 3.5%.

Read more