Sunken Living Room: 5 Opulent & Grand Design Ideas

During the 1960s, recessed living areas, also known as a sunken living room and its cozier relatives, discussion pits—took off like wildfire, popping up in newly built homes. Sunken living room ideas were the coolest way to entertain visitors or just hang out with the family for over two decades.

The style of space has become an important feature of a home in recent years. Style, color, and concept or idea options have never been so diverse. The sunken living room, for example, may not appear to be out of the ordinary if it were to be found amid those traditional designs.

The fact, however, is that this is no longer the case. Sunken living room ideas are still popular, specifically now that open-concept residences are all the rage! Adopting a sunken living room for your home allows you to create a feeling of space and seclusion within an open concept, supporting you in creating a comfortable living space that is both modern and unique.

If you’ve decided against having a sunken living room in your home, you should research the design concept. They’re all stunning, and they embrace a variety of styles, any of which may work well with the overall style choices you’ve made in your home.

Some of these 70s sunken living room have a really retro feel to them, while others would look perfectly at home in even the most modern design.

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Trendy Sunken Living Room

Sunken living room renovations are more prevalent than ever, especially among those in open homes who are searching for a unique and imaginative way to split a room or region to create more room and functional space in the home.

The sunken notion may help you create a wonderful living room in your home because it makes it appear huge and organized even though an open concept isn’t a priority for most people. It allows an open living space to seem calm, appealing, and trendy at the same time.

The most common type of sunken room is seen in split-level houses, where stairwells serve as entryways and sections are separated by only a few steps. Most of the split-houses have cores that resemble basements that can be smoothly transformed into a sunken living room or utilized to preserve more space if needed.

Construction and Style Involved in Sunken Living Room Ideas

Sunken living areas and discussion pits are best suited to structures with concrete slab or crawl space foundations since they require a recession in the floor level. Sunken areas are uncommon in buildings with basements since the recessed area of the floor would restrict height in a basement, rendering it unsuitable for basic living reasons.

The recessed room can be almost any form or dimension, and the depth can vary from a few inches to several feet or more (with numerous steps), based on the user’s preferences.

Architecture changes design all the time, much like fashion does. It’s unusual for decor to endure the test of time, but that’s essentially the point of the sunken living room. They haven’t yet changed much from how they originated, and they are becoming increasingly popular as a modern step down living room.

70s sunken living room designs were mostly adopted by bar and eating facility owners. Many Hollywood producers and other celebrities at the time welcomed the concept for their own homes, believing it to be the most advanced system they would ever uncover.

According to some stories, however, the roots of sunken quiet rooms may be traced back to the 1920s, when many well-known hotels and wealthy individuals’ homes used them for private and major gatherings.

Advantages of Having a Sunken Living Room

When it comes to the benefits and choices of the sunken living room concept, there are a few things to consider.

If we had our choice, we would all want a large, trendy, and fresh living room; but, wouldn’t it be difficult to create visual sections without a wall? This is when a homeowner’s life turns challenging.

Sunken living room function effectively in big open areas like great rooms because step-down design establishes different living places without the necessity for erecting barriers. They provide certain design advantages.

Let’s take a look at why sunken living rooms are becoming increasingly popular, and see if they’re a good, long-term option.

They establish the boundaries of the area. For big, open-concept houses, sunken rooms are ideal. When there are few partitions, putting rooms on a reduced level clearly demarcates the area without obstructing sightlines. Without missing any delineation between, for instance, the living area and the kitchen, the sensation of openness is maintained.
They provide a sense of closeness. Step down living room with comfy seats and cushions is an excellent way to create a more intimate atmosphere in your house. It compresses your family and friends into a smaller space for a cozier atmosphere, whether you opt for discussion or board games.
They add a character to the whole house. When opposed to a flat, box-like layout, step down living room give dwellings more individuality. To draw attention to the details, some houses include circular sunken chambers and fascinating woodwork.
They might provide the impression of extra space in a room. Sunken living room increases the distance between the flooring and the ceilings, making the room feel much larger. A skylight or unique lighting fixture placed above the sunken space might also attract the attention upward.

Disadvantages of Opting for Step Down Living Room

Not all sunken living room ideas offer peaceful spaces. There are a few disadvantages to contemplate, especially if you’re considering creating a sunken living room in your house.

They have the potential to create mishaps. If you asked most users what they detest about having sunken rooms, the most common response would be that they’re inconvenient. There’s a chance you’ll trip and fall if you’re not anticipating a pair of steps heading into a room. A sunken living room may appear innocuous, but it might be deadly if you live with someone who has mobility concerns.
They don’t provide you with a lot of options. There’s not a whole lot you can do with a sunken space. You can repurpose space for sitting or convert it to a playroom, but you’re stuck with an often inappropriate space for design. Even if you become innovative with how you utilize the space, it will always be in the same location, and the size and form will always constrain you.
Since many sunken living rooms demand custom-designed furniture that follows the circumference of the area, rearranging furniture may be tricky.

Also Read: 14 Living Room Trends 2022: From Classics to Hi-Tech Designs

5 Sunken Living Room Ideas

Sunken living areas are precisely what is considered retro-chic nowadays, yet they used to be far more prevalent in the past. Although some of these methods did not resurface, they are a good place to start when designing your own sunken living room.

Here are 5 inspirational ideas for sunken living room designs.

1. Modern Look

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With ante-focus focal points, a sunken living room in the lounge design will function beautifully. Especially in the case of a fireplace or a simple chimney that draws in upwards and outward vistas.

A modern sunken living room is one of the types that are popular today.

2. Simple Step Down Living Room

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A sunken living room doesn’t always have to be overwhelming. The seating area can be made fairly nice with the already existing furniture items. The simpler a room is, the better it will complement the design language.

3. Majestic Sunken Living Area

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Majestic sunken areas are country-style models that allow a lot of room to move furniture around, reuse, or simply relax in their warmth.

This type of sunken living room looks very modern because it doesn’t take up much space and is meant to be minimalist, making it easy to decorate.

4. Vibrant Step Down Living Room

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This is for people who wish to see their living space transform into a true retreat and have brave style services. This one has more area in the room because it does not have the conventional sofa in your living room.

5. Rustic Living Space

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This is a great concept for those who live in the countryside with an owner who likes the aesthetic of a sunken living room. You’ll adore it even more with its expansive outside space and magnificent windows.

What makes a rustic living room so popular is the feeling of comfort it provides, as well as the numerous seating options it provides.

From Mid Century Sunken Living Room to Modern

If you prefer snuggling into soft cushions on your sofa recliner and daydreaming, you can now do it even better with a sunken living room. From mid century sunken living room to modern chic, the options are endless to which you can revamp your space. Sunken living room are an opulent yet comfortable feature in a space where they can be the focal point of your home.