{"id":19424,"date":"2022-06-07T07:59:06","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T07:59:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foyr.com\/learn\/\/?p=19424"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:08:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:08:45","slug":"best-sunken-living-room-design-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foyr.com\/learn\/best-sunken-living-room-design-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Sunken Living Room Design Ideas for Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nLearn<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n

<\/span>What is Sunken Living Room? (History and Origin)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The living room in the house is one of the most commonly used spaces. It is at the epicentre of all the activities in a home. A living room is also the first impression anyone gets when entering a house. The living area is where all the conversations happen and shared moments, making it very important to design a space that justifies its use. This is where the concept of a sunken living room in interior design is explored.<\/span><\/p>\n

Simply put, a sunken living room is an area of the house that is slightly lower than the rest of the house. If you are looking to buy a house or perhaps have already purchased a home, you might have stumbled on the topic of a sunken living room as part of a good home design. <\/span><\/p>\n

It was first seen when architect Bruce Groff used the concept to make a home for his teacher. It gained popularity overnight when featured in The Dick Van Dyke Show. The idea of a sunken space is loved by many but has also received an equal amount of criticism. <\/span><\/p>\n

After seeing the concept in some more Hollywood shows, it became a unique focal point for many new houses. Builders and new homeowners started requesting or making modern homes with sunken living spaces as its highlight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read also – 14 Best Living Room Interior Design Ideas<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/span>Sunken Living Room Concepts<\/span><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>sunken living room<\/span> is not just about recessed spaces in the centre of a living room. There are different ways you can treat a sunken living space to suit your design ideas. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the four main types below:-<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Open-Concept Sunken Living Room<\/span><\/h3>\n

Keeping the living space as an open floor has always been the best way to merge the sunken area in the room visually. Using low lying cushions rather than bulky sofas plays an integral role in the living space at different floor levels. <\/span><\/p>\n

Using no leg sofas and a plush carpet for the floor can create a cosy atmosphere in an open concept sunken living area. You can also put a coffee table in the lines of a Japanese tea table to further accentuate the area look.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Curved Sunken Living Room<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sunken spaces are a unique way to segregate a conversational space without solid walls. Branching away from the regular squared plan, you can also go for a circular shaped sunken living room. It holds a very privacy-oriented circular seating layout. <\/span><\/p>\n

The circular space is defined by its outline and the roundness of the sofas in use. At times the ceiling and chandeliers also follow the shape of the recessed area beneath. Fitting a circular space in an otherwise rectangular space can give you a theatrical effect of space.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Outdoor Sunken Patio Area<\/span><\/h3>\n

A recessed area is not limited to an indoor space. It subtly compliments the aesthetics and geometry of the house and is a multi-functional area to sit, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. You can also incorporate it into the exterior patio<\/a> and landscape designs. They can play a crucial role in enhancing the elevation of the house as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Recessed Seating in Pool<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the ways to add drama to a space is by using the sunken concept in the pool area. The recessed space acts as an informal gathering or conversational space right inside the pool. One can easily imagine some outdoor furniture places next to the pool area, but getting the seating below the water level not only makes the space exciting but can give you an interrupted view of the pool and its surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read also – 20 Wonderful Pool House Design Ideas<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/span>Advantages and Disadvantages of Sunken Living Room<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Some folks love the idea, whereas some folks dislike the very mention. When it comes to a sunken living room, the statement of \u201cbeauty likes in the eye of the beholder\u201d definitely rings true. But let\u2019s help you decide if you have a penchant for it by discussing the pros and cons of a sunken living room. Let\u2019s start with the advantages first:-<\/span><\/p>\n