In today’s design landscape, the selection of room type has evolved into a crucial aspect of home decor. The choices encompass style, color palette, and thematic concepts, offering an array of possibilities. Take the sunken living room, for example; it might appear somewhat dated, reminiscent of bygone eras.
However, the reality is quite the opposite. Sunken living rooms continue to enjoy popularity, especially in light of the prevailing trend of open-concept homes.
Opting for a sunken living room within your residence presents a unique opportunity to establish a sense of space and distinction within an open layout. This enables you to craft a cozy living area that seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with a touch of individuality.
If you’ve dismissed the notion of incorporating a sunken living room into your home, it’s worth perusing the following examples. Each one exudes its own distinct charm, aligning with various design aesthetics that might complement the overarching style choices you’ve made for your abode.
These sunken living rooms span the spectrum, with some exuding a nostalgic retro vibe, while others seamlessly integrate into the most cutting-edge of modern residences.
So, why not give it a try? Don’t dismiss it until you’ve explored these 19 captivating sunken living room designs.
We’re confident that you’ll find something that piques your interest. While some may perceive sunken living room ideas as outdated in our contemporary society, current trends suggest otherwise.
The resurgence of sunken living rooms is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly among those residing in open-concept homes who seek innovative ways to delineate spaces and maximize utility within their abodes.The concept of a sunken living room can be instrumental in creating an extraordinary living space within your home. Notably, it imparts an illusion of spaciousness and organization, even in the absence of traditional room divisions, addressing the concerns of contemporary homeowners.Simultaneously, it imbues your open living area with an air of relaxation, charm, and modernity.Sunken spaces most commonly find their footing in split-level residences, where entryways are situated within stairwells, and rooms are only a few steps apart.
In such homes, basement-like areas often offer the potential to be transformed into sunken living spaces, providing additional room when needed or contributing to a more dynamic living environment.
Sunken Living Room Style Concepts
While architectural trends invariably evolve over time, certain styles manage to resist the relentless passage of architectural fads. This is precisely the enduring charm of sunken living rooms.Remarkably, these spaces have retained their original allure, virtually unaltered from our collective memories, and are steadily gaining favor among homeowners with open-concept abodes.As previously noted, they possess a remarkable ability to imbue living areas with an illusion of both spaciousness and coziness, two qualities that seldom coexist harmoniously.The zenith of sunken space designs undoubtedly arrived in the 1960s and 1970s, when they were primarily embraced by proprietors of bars and restaurants. During this era, numerous Hollywood producers and celebrities adopted this concept for their own residences, deeming it the epitome of elegance.
However, according to some accounts, the roots of sunken living spaces can be traced back to the 1920s, when numerous opulent hotels and the homes of affluent individuals incorporated them for private and formal gatherings.
The Pros of Sunken Living Room
When delving into the advantages and preferences associated with opting for the sunken living room style, several considerations come to the forefront.Ideally, we’d all covet a generously sized living room that exudes elegance and modernity. However, when it comes to creating visual delineations in such open spaces, the absence of walls can present homeowners with a daunting challenge.For better or worse, the sunken living room trend has staged a resurgence, sparking an increasing number of discussions surrounding this design choice. You might stumble upon it in the most unexpected of places, encounter references to it in popular TV shows (such as Mad Men), or peruse recommendation articles in Dwell magazine. It’s a trend that’s gaining traction!Let’s embark on an exploration to understand why sunken living rooms are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and determine whether they might represent an enduring and fitting choice for your home as well.
1. A sunken room gets rid of the have to specify locations with walls
Whoever claimed that a spacious and open living room lacks allure?While space may be a fixed factor, the same cannot be said for comfortable seating. There’s no need to erect walls or raise the ceiling panels; you can still revel in the comforts of an open space without the necessity of physical partitions.How does this work, you might wonder? Design aficionados often refer to sunken living rooms as “conversation pits,” and this nomenclature is fitting because they excel at rendering seating arrangements incredibly cozy and inviting.With a living room slightly recessed compared to the adjacent kitchen or dining area, it achieves an atmosphere that is undeniably welcoming, warm, and expansively open.
In essence, it places you mere centimeters away from a capacious yet intimate living space, all without the need for physical barriers.
2. A sunken space works well inside your home and outdoors
The concept of sunken spaces doesn’t limit its appeal to the interior; it translates just as beautifully to outdoor settings. Here, you have the opportunity to fashion a recessed patio area that not only amplifies the impact of your architectural choice but also provides you with a serene natural retreat to unwind in upon returning home from a long day at work.
3. The bigger the better!
Sunken living rooms exude an air of openness and spaciousness, largely due to the absence of doors or walls segregating each distinct area.This design embodies an open concept, effectively demarcating spaces while maintaining an inviting ambiance. It’s this characteristic that contributes to the illusion of larger rooms, making it a favorable choice for your home.
The Cons of Sunken Living Room
Let’s begin by considering scale. When contemplating the creation of a sunken space, it’s vital to think about proportions. If you’re recessing a petite area, the result might not be inviting; instead, it could feel somewhat claustrophobic, akin to being confined in a bathtub.This is because this design typically involves a slightly lowered elevation, akin to the placement of a sofa or couch in a conventional living room. If your aim is to achieve the cozy and enjoyable seating that a sunken space can offer, you’ll want to capitalize on the generous dimensions of your existing space. A spacious area will prove immensely advantageous when crafting a sunken living room style.Additionally, exercise caution in your selection of furnishings. In a sunken living room where available space has already been optimized, there’s limited room for experimentation with furniture arrangements that can dramatically alter its appearance.Lastly, if you’re embarking on a sunken living room project from the ground up, it’s important to be aware that this endeavor can incur significant costs. Creating a sunken living room from scratch may require a substantial financial investment.
18 Brilliant Stunning Sunken Living Room Ideas to Inspire You
Sunken spaces have earned the title of “retro chic” in contemporary times, yet their history reveals a wealth of distinctive approaches.While not all of these past practices have made a resurgence, they present a valuable resource to explore when designing your own sunken living room. What’s more, the very concept of a sunken living room remains an unconventional choice for the average homeowner, making it a potential standout feature to distinguish your home.Here are some considerations to ponder:
1. Simple Sunken Living Room
Whoever said your sunken living room had to be extravagant or flashy?In fact, you can create an attractive seating area with your existing furniture.Remember, the simpler your space is, the better it will complement a wooden floor or a few large windows.
2. Relaxing Pits
You don’t necessarily have to “sink” your entire living room. Instead, consider incorporating a sunken area as a cozy conversation pit for engaging discussions.A sunken living room can serve not only as a welcoming space for guests but also as a comfortable spot for more informal conversations, offering a distinct setting compared to a typical living room.
3. Functional Sunken Living Room
This implies that you should aim for a living room that is uncomplicated and laid-back. It’s about creating a space where you can enjoy a peaceful nap on the sofa without being overly concerned about its aesthetics. While it doesn’t have to be lacking in decor, another option for sunken living room design is to incorporate stairs that help delineate the space from other rooms.
4. Perpendicular Sunken Living Room
Classy and warm living rooms often rely on the use of both horizontal and vertical lines, working within a framework of stricter geometric shapes. This style is at its best when it incorporates subtle modern elements, such as a contemporary fireplace. In this design, you won’t find many curvy or intricate furniture pieces, as the emphasis is on simplicity and open spaces that seamlessly connect to other rooms. This combination creates a classy and refined look, not only in the overall design but also in the choice of furniture.
5. Modern Eclectic Sunken Living Room
A sunken living room designed with a lounge-style approach can be enhanced by incorporating striking focal points, especially when considering elements like a fireplace or a sleek chimney that draws the eye upwards and outwards. This modern and eclectic sunken living room style is currently trending, whether in hotels, apartments, or even in the lounges of everyday homes.
6. Conventional Sunken Living Room
Achieving this is straightforward in an open-concept home. When you already have an open floor plan, you have a seamless and clean environment to work with. You can use this to connect your living room seamlessly with the kitchen area. This choice is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, as the space can be designed to appear open and stylish.
7. Rustic Sunken Living Room
For country homeowners, this idea can be particularly appealing. Those who appreciate the charm of a sunken living room will find it even more delightful in the context of a country home. The expansive outdoor views and large windows complement this design beautifully. What’s quintessential for rustic living rooms is the sense of comfort they offer, along with the multiple seating areas they provide.
8. Practical and Brooding
For a contemplative homebody, the key is to optimize the narrow pathways and pay careful attention to the glass walls. The openness of a sunken living room can be highly functional, but it also requires meticulous planning to ensure the space doesn’t feel cramped or crowded.
9. Majestic Sunken Room Design
Majestic sunken living rooms, in reality, serve as prime examples of country-style interiors, offering ample space for furniture arrangements, repurposing, or creating a cozy atmosphere.If you own a pet or are considering getting one, this layout is well-suited to accommodate your furry friend. This particular style of sunken living room exudes a modern flair, despite its relatively limited space, thanks to its minimalist design that simplifies the decorating process.
10. Grand Sunken Living Room
One of the most common and elegant sunken living room designs suits an open-concept setting and certainly deserves consideration. This style is undeniably intriguing.It’s a layout frequently found in restaurants, large hotels, and even luxurious suites within buildings. Embracing this design offers comfort and a panoramic view of the room from a lower seating position, often accompanied by a stylish circular sofa.
11. Lounge-Style Sunken Living Room
If you have a penchant for strong, imposing styles, you might want to consider a lounge pad to complement your serene living room. The sunken living room is well-suited for this kind of style, allowing you to embrace imposing designs.This design integrates seamlessly with the lounge area, creating a larger and more interconnected feel throughout your home, effectively dividing and connecting various rooms.
12. Beachy Sunken Living Room
If you desire, you can always reminisce about summer memories with a rejuvenating, beach-themed living room. Just like with other types of sunken living rooms, it all boils down to your imagination.Moreover, it provides a wonderful and comfortable spot to enjoy quality time with your loved ones, relishing the days spent in a space that allows you to sit lower and gaze at the beach.Interestingly, this type of room can be found in many resorts and tourist destinations in various countries.
13. Spanish Style Sunken Living Room
This concept thrives in corporate and professional settings, especially those lacking a relaxing atmosphere. You can use it to host business partners, colleagues, or friends.Furthermore, who would have imagined that an old-style room and an old-fashioned concept could blend harmoniously to create such a unique space in your home, serving as a theme for your living room to unwind and welcome guests?
14. Classic Sunken Living Room
As we’ve mentioned on several occasions, there’s no need to go to great lengths to create something exceptional.You can repurpose your old furniture and still achieve the cozy ambiance you desire.With a level surface and stylish cushions, you can easily create a classic sunken living room reminiscent of hotel lobbies. It maintains an open and interconnected feel throughout the room.
15. Contemporary Sunken Living Room
If you’re concerned about sunken living rooms seeming outdated, consider incorporating contemporary elements such as modern furniture pieces, darker flooring, and varnished wooden ceilings, among others.These elements and materials can elevate the look of your sunken living room, giving it a luxurious and upscale feel, especially when combined with large windows and modern furnishings.
16. Vibrant Living Room Colors
This design is suitable for those with bold and adventurous tastes, seeking to transform their living room into a true sanctuary.In this style, the room features ample space without the typical sofa you’d find in a conventional living room. Instead, a flat desk and appropriate lighting are key elements that enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the sunken living room design.
17. Seasonal Sunken Living Room Design
Let’s clarify one thing: The most exceptional sunken living room you could possibly have is one that offers a breathtaking view. So, ensure that the sunken area faces your unique and beautiful tree, allowing you to witness the changing seasons.With its open room layout, it’s entirely possible to create a connection between your living room and the scenic views surrounding your home. All you need to do is incorporate a large window or another suitable feature into this sunken living room, allowing you to enjoy the view right from your living space. This concept is sure to be appreciated by creative individuals!
18. Vaulted Living Room
Lucky homeowners who have ample vertical space to experiment with can use these hanging elements to create a fun and exhilarating room. Elevated areas can also add an impressive touch to guest rooms.
Conclusion
The living room is undoubtedly the place where you’ll spend the majority of your time, whether it’s chatting with family and guests or enjoying your favorite TV show. It’s also the very first room your guests encounter when entering your home, making it a crucial space to create a lasting impression.When you embark on planning a sunken living room, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of this type of design. While it’s an advantage because it allows you to define the space and place sofas, TVs, and even a fireplace at different levels, improper placement can lead to accidents, with guests potentially stumbling and injuring themselves.Therefore, before opting for a sunken living room, carefully consider the size of your home and the arrangement of your furniture. If you relish sinking into plush cushions on your sofa and daydreaming, a sunken living room can offer an even more immersive experience, allowing you to recline in a lowered space of home decor. You can select a couch or sofa that suits your comfort preferences and complements your design vision.However, it’s worth noting that this conversation pit-style design requires a sizable area and can’t be implemented just anywhere. Still, it can become your designated gathering place for engaging discussions with friends.
One essential aspect to remember is that once you adopt this style, don’t overlook the importance of a coffee table. This design may have a vintage feel, but with the right furnishings and decor choices, it can exude a sense of elegance and modernity, or even embrace a completely contemporary aesthetic, depending on your preferences.
For architecture enthusiasts, experimenting with this style can be a thrilling endeavor, not only within homes but also in more extensive architectural projects.
