Are Sunken Living Rooms Still Trending?
Sunken living rooms have returned in new layouts that focus on built-ins, strong geometry, and clean transitions between levels.
Designers use them to zone open spaces without walls and to anchor seating around fireplaces, views, or large art displays. The lowered footprint gives a room a defined center, which is why the trend continues to appear in both modern and retro-inspired homes.
1. Sunken Living Room With Retro Color Palette
The lowered seating zone uses soft pink cushions and a mix of patterned pillows to build a standout focal point. Concrete steps frame the pit and guide the transition toward the bar and art wall, keeping the layout structured and bold.
I would reduce the number of pillows to let the architecture stand out more.
2. Circular Library Conversation Pit
A full circular pit lined with deep rust cushions turns the library into a dedicated lounge zone. The skylight drops vertical light above the center, while the wood-clad walls anchor the space with a solid, enclosed feel.
I would add a slim side table so the seating gains more function.
3. Modern Sunken Seating With Brick Fireplace
This design integrates a timber platform with low cushions around a recessed floor, pointing the layout toward a tall brick fireplace. The clean geometry, neutral textiles, and linear edges match the large glass openings.
I would use denser cushions for better back support near the corners.
4. Mid-Century Sunken Lounge With Green Sofas
A wood frame wraps around the sunken area, pairing chartreuse upholstery with vertical wood wall panels. The built-in shelving behind the seating adds visual depth without crowding the layout.
I would swap some cushions to a neutral tone to balance the strong sofa color.
5. Rustic Sunken Living Room With Stone Fireplace
Earth-tone cushions sit inside a recessed layout formed by plastered built-ins. The stone fireplace anchors the room and pairs well with the brick floor and exposed beams above.
I would introduce a larger rug to soften the transition near the fire zone.
6. Contemporary Sunken Sofa Facing a Dual-Fireplace Wall
The seating platform aligns with a two-sided fireplace set in dark brick, linking both sides of the room. Low cushions and a simple coffee table keep the pit focused and structured.
I would raise the back cushions slightly for better comfort.
7. Minimal Sunken TV Lounge
A recessed seating area sits below a floating media console, framed with clean wood edges and pale cushions. The layout brings the TV to eye level without visual clutter.
I would add a floor lamp near the steps for more task lighting.
8. Plush Purple Conversation Pit
Full-height windows surround a large modular pit built from tufted violet cushions. The open concrete floor and slim ceiling lights underline the modern, gallery-style layout.
I would add two low tables in the corners for balance and usability.
9. Green Sunken Lounge With Indoor Plants
Olive-green tufted seating fills a concrete pit softened by layered plants along the raised edge. The mix of greenery and low furniture gives the space a calm, grounded look.
I would bring in a narrow console near the entry step for storage.
10. Bright Sunken Living Room With Arched Doors
A white built-in pit connects directly to the outdoor courtyard through tall black-framed arches. Simple cushions and a textured rug keep the focus on form and natural light.
I would add a second small table to improve reach from each seat.
11. Mid-Century Sunken Lounge With Black Leather Seating
The recessed layout uses a curved black leather sectional to define the pit and create a focused social zone. Terrazzo flooring, wood ceiling panels, and floor-to-ceiling glass frame the space with strong mid-century structure and clear sightlines toward the courtyard.
I would add a larger table to improve scale inside the pit.
12. Sunken Living Room Integrated With Indoor Pool
This design blends built-in seating with soft upholstery around a lowered floor that links visually to the pool and garden. Concrete surfaces, layered cushions, and an open transition between zones keep the layout continuous and tied to the landscape.
I would introduce more lighting near the steps to add definition at night.