We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
During the middle of the last century, sunken living rooms became all the rage. These recessed pits in the floor were super groovy, but they didn’t stick around forever. Like most trends, the conversation pit is making a comeback. Should you add this 60s staple to your home?
A sunken living room is a seating area built a few steps lower than the rest of the home’s main floor. Its key features are a recessed floor, steps and cozy seating. Homeowners will step down into a space with cushions, chairs and a coffee table. This option can work well if you want to separate parts of your living room or add a unique, expressive feature.
While the conversation pit was credited to Bruce Goff, an American architect, in 1927, the design didn’t take off until the 1960s. This living room concept appeared on The Dick Van Dyke Show, but current interior design trends are seeing it emerge as a nod to the retro.
Your home is your creative canvas, but maybe you’re on the fence about whether you should invest in this architectural marvel. Here’s why you should consider a sunken living room:
Despite its positives, sunken living rooms have their critics. Before you commit to the pit, consider these possible negatives to carving out your living room floor:
Once you’ve made a decision, consider how you can maximize the use of space. Here are some ideas for minimizing the potential flaws of having a conversation pit.
According to the latest American disability data, more than one in four U.S. adults report having a disability. Older adults have statistically higher disability prevalence, and this is important to note, as older adults are more likely to own a home. Not only that, but people with children are more likely to own a home than those without children.
That means that when you sell, your pool of buyers could include people with disabilities or families with children, making safety around a sunken living room an important consideration.
To ensure your family and future families remain safe, install a railing along the perimeter to reduce missteps and falls. Use different flooring types or colors to show a visible contrast between the recessed floor and the main floor. Finally, discuss future ramp access with a qualified contractor before construction begins. They can help you plan the right slope, width, landing space and support points if you ever need to add a ramp.
A sunken floor could become dark and cavernous without enough light. Preferably, you’ll place the pit near a wide-open window, but if that isn’t possible, use sun-mimicking artificial light. Bright lights also reduce the risks of falls, especially with contrasting floors.
If you can only add one light source, make it bright enough to fill the whole room. This means installing overhead lights that cascade warm light across the entire conversation pit.
As a rule, you should select 800-lumen bulbs for overhead fixtures, as they provide sufficient light to illuminate the area. For accent lights on side tables, try 450 to 800 lumens. Bulbs in the 5000K range mimic natural light and may be easier on the eyes.
Living room trends come and go, and if you love your sunken living room, there’s no reason to update it. However, if you plan to sell or you only want a sunken area temporarily, consider future plans. For example, you could design lips around the perimeter of the pit where you can place a faux floor. Or, you could use classic or neutral furniture to keep the area modern.
Another thing to consider is the flooring or paint. The floor could be wood or tile, but if you plan to sell, avoid other possibly outdated elements like shag carpet or orange walls.
In the end, try to marry comfort and design. It’s likely that your conversation pit’s main focus is relaxation. Fluffy pillows and soft throws are things you can take with you if you sell. For this reason, it’s safer to put focus on how you’ll use the space to entertain your guests.
The conversation pit may not stay in fashion, but if you enjoy it, that’s more than enough reason to install one. But consider the pros and cons of a sunken living room before you invest. And if you decide to take the plunge, use these tips to make it safe, well-lit and possibly timeless.
