Sunken Living Room 1950s

The sunken living room has fallen out of fashion. There is, of course, no real science to the kinds of features that people decide to build into their homes, but my guess is that sunken living rooms fell out of favor for the same reason waterbeds did; they were kind of a pain in the ass. But what was their purpose? The History of Sunken Living Rooms The sunken living room might be synonymous with the 1960s and 1970s, but its modern origins can actually be traced to the 1920s.

The sunken living room as we know it today is most frequently traced back to a home that architect Bruce Goff designed for local artist (and mentor) Adah Robinson in 1927 Tulsa. In the 1950s, the Miller House, located in Columbus, Indiana, is said to have been one of the first to incorporate the sunken living room in the design. Whether it was the first or not, the property, built by architect Eero Saarinen, a Finnish American, in 1952, brought it to the attention of the world.

The sunken living room, or conversation pit as it was referred to way back when, was a very popular feature in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s. They were viewed as a way to distinguish an area in an open floor plan without having to use walls, and fostered an intimate entertaining area. The sunken living room, often used interchangeably with the sunken lounge, or conversation pit, saw its heyday in the 1950's and gradually fell off by the end of the 1970's.

According to a 1963 TIME magazine article, sunken living rooms were already on the way out and the once popular conversation pit was becoming just a pit. Find out about sunken living rooms, why they became so popular in the 1970s, and whether you should consider including one as a special feature of your home. In the '60s, sunken living rooms were what open floor plans are today: must-haves.

Now, what's old is new! So, could they regain popularity? You decide. The best sunken living rooms often pay homage to their roots while embracing modern comfort. Think about mixing vintage touches-like a classic geometric rug or mid-century coffee table-with sleek, contemporary pieces.

Large plants, textured pillows, and statement art can breathe life into the space. Sunken living rooms are making a comeback, and we're all about this resurgence. These spaces were at peak popularity in the 1950s through 1970s, a sultry feature in many stylish midcentury homes that encourages gathering and conversation.

Welcoming and cozy, today's sunken living rooms can be styled to appear minimalist, modern, rustic, and more.

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