Why Sunken Living Rooms Are Making a Come Back in 2025

Home design trends come and go relatively quickly; however, old trends eventually come back into fashion, often for their practicality, usefulness and nostalgia. The sunken living room is one home renovation concept that has been making a comeback in 2025. This living room was most popular between the 1950s and 1970s; however, it can still be found in Canadian homes built in the 1990s. If you are investing in home renovations in Oakville this year, consider how a sunken living room may support your goals. While old-fashioned, the sunken living room can definitely be functional in modern homes. You just need to ensure that you enlist the help of a reputable renovation contractor. Reach out to Rose Building Group to book a consultation for home or basement renovations in Oakville.

Here is a breakdown of why the sunken living room is coming back in 2025.

What is a Sunken Living Room?

A sunken living room is an older style choice that was popular in the mid 1900’s. It is essentially a living room where the floor is a few steps down from the rest of the house, creating a sunken appearance. This creates a designated space that feels more separated from the kitchen of your home. Usually, a few stairs, maybe 2 to 5 steps, will lead to this space.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Design

Nostalgia is a powerful feeling that many Millennials and Gen Zs like to capture through home design and decor. Retro styles and mid-century modern designs are becoming more popular again, and many prefer this over the 2010s, black and white, modern aesthetic. Older home styles feel more warm, comforting and “homey,” making these styles more popular in current home renovations in Oakville. The sunken living room offers an opportunity to blend older home design elements with modern finishes. 

Creating Intimate, Cozy Spaces

A sunken living room is a great choice if you really want to create an intimate, cozy space that feels a bit more segregated from other areas of the home. Some people like to keep their family room more casual or “lived-in”, and having your living room placed at a lower level can help conceal any “mess,” keeping your home looking pristine, while your living room remains cozy and casual. 

A sunken living room also creates a more immersive seating experience where family members are free from distractions from other parts of the home, allowing them to spend more quality time together.

Considerations Before Adding a Sunken Living Room

While the sunken living room is popular for good reason, you need to consider how it will fit into your lifestyle before adding it during your home renovations in Oakville. Ensure that you consider:

• Safety: A sunken living room may not be safe for young children or the elderly, as there may be a long distance between the main level of the home and the sunken floor of the living room. This can make it dangerous for those with less spatial awareness.
• Accessibility: A sunken living room may be challenging or annoying to access on a daily basis. This may be especially true for those with mobility issues. 
• Possibilities: Not every home can sustain a sunken living room, especially if you never had one to begin with. Ensure that you have a thorough discussion with your renovation contractor to see if a sunken living room is right for you.

Bring Back the Sunken Living Room with Rose Building Group

Overall, sunken living rooms offer the perfect blend of retro charm and modern comfort, making them an excellent choice for anyone conducting home renovations in Oakville. If you want to create a more private, cozy living space for your family, a sunken living room is a great way to achieve that. You just need to ensure that it is a realistic possibility for your home. Contact Rose Building Group to get started on your main floor or basement renovation in Oakville. 

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