While sunken living rooms may evoke mid-century nostalgia, they have roots in ancient Japan, China, and Rome.Michelle Johnson/Supplied
Once a mid-century design staple, sunken living rooms – also known as conversation pits – are making a comeback. But are they a step up in style or a literal stumbling block? We asked design pros and an accessibility expert to weigh in.
What are sunken living rooms?
The term “sunken living room” may conjure retro visions of shag carpets, earth tones and wood-panelled walls – the kind of space that wouldn’t look out of place on Mad Men or The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But sunken living rooms are more than just mid-century nostalgia. They have roots in ancient Japan, China, and Rome as intimate spaces for important conversations.
In the contemporary sense, they are defined by a seating area that can be square, circular or U-shaped. Any configuration works, as long as it’s dropped a few steps below the surrounding floor level.
Sunken living rooms are both cozy and offer a sense of grandeur with high ceilings and a feeling of openness.doublespace photography/Supplied
Why are they coming back?
According to Andrew Hill, architect and co-founder of StudioAC, sunken living rooms offer a rare duality: spatial intimacy and a sense of grandeur at the same time.
“They’re both a deep breath and a nice little hug,” says Hill. “On one hand, they give you that dramatic sense of airiness – higher ceilings, more openness. On the other, they tap into a very human desire to feel enclosed and secure, to have your back against a wall. After all, think of how awkward it would be to have a sofa floating in the middle of a big room.”
Where do you usually find them?
Anywhere – including outdoors. Montreal’s Atelier Chardonnat has designed several backyard examples, including a beautiful poolside version in the Outremont neighbourhood.
An outdoor, poolside sunken living room by Atelier Chardonnat.Adrien Williams/Supplied
Interior designer Alykhan Velji, host of the AVD Inspire podcast, thinks they work particularly well in modern, open floor plans.
“With open-concept homes, it’s harder to create moments of coziness,” he says. “What I love about a sunken living room is that it naturally delineates the space. It feels distinct and doesn’t need walls to make it feel separate.”
Are there any practical advantages?
Sunken living rooms can create better indoor–outdoor connections – particularly in older homes with raised ground floors.
“In a lot of North American cities, the main floor often sits two or three feet above grade, to prevent basement flooding,” explains Hill. This is particularly true of older homes, such as those from the Victorian era. “The problem is, that disconnects you from your backyard. But now that we have better waterproofing tech, we can safely drop the living space so it aligns with the surrounding landscapes. That’s something we have done many times. In fact, it’s something clients have reached out to us to do.”
Do they have to look retro?
Not at all.
“People associate sunken living rooms with a certain mid-century aesthetic,” says Velji. “I love that aesthetic. But you don’t need shag carpet or built-in banquettes. You can use soft linen drapes, natural plaster, white oak floors – it can feel very contemporary and inviting.”
Are there any technical issues to consider?
Yes – especially if you’re planning a finished basement.
“If someone has big basement ambitions, they need to know that a sunken living room could impact that,” says Hill. “You lose head height underneath, so might not be able to have a gym where you can do jumping jacks. You might be able to dig down deeper, though that’s not always possible, and it can add significant cost.”
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Speaking of costs, are sunken living rooms more expensive than conventional ones?
Andrei Sosnovsky, a lawyer-turned-contractor whose Toronto-based firm Sosna specializes in renovations, says pricing varies depending on the context of the home.
“Sometimes it could be cheaper to build a sunken floor when it comes to rough framing and structural work,” he says.
That’s the case if, for example, a house is on a sloped site and the structure is following the incline.
But, he adds, finishing tends to be more expensive. “It will add a step or two, possibly a bit more baseboard, maybe a railing,” he says. Not necessarily significant costs, but not nothing either.
This style of living room is not exactly accessible, posing a tripping hazard for older adults and children alike.doublespace photography/Supplied
What about accessibility?
That’s where things get tricky.
“Sunken living rooms are an accessibility nightmare,” says Kaly Ryan, founder of Capella Design, a Vancouver-based business that specializes in making homes more inclusive. “They pose a hazard for older adults, people using mobility devices, folks with low vision, children, and anyone who might trip and fall once in a while (so everyone). At best, they exclude certain people from your main living space. At worst, they can cause serious injury.”
Can anything be done to make them safer?
Yes, but it may change the look.
“You could put a railing all the way around the area and down the stairs to prevent some issues,” Ryan suggests.
“Sometimes homeowners resist the idea of a railing because they’re worried about aesthetics,” adds Hill. “But especially near a kitchen, I often insist on it. You don’t want someone tipsy tumbling into the couch. That’s not a good scene.”
So, what’s the final verdict?
Do it if the idea of a cozy, conversation-focused space makes you smile. Don’t if stairs – even just a couple – would be a tripping hazard to you or your guests.