Ok we’re just going to put it out there: we are a fan of the conversation pit. Perhaps not being around in the 70’s helps in having no sense of stylistic shame attached to the idea. But we can’t see what’s not to like, a large expanse of comfy lounging area to stretch out on and all those scatter cushions to have fun mixing up. More pics below.
Conversation Pits
Melbourne
[ Images from ‘The House Book’, Terence Conran, 1974 ]
We see there could be cleaning issues involved, you’d definitely have to have a no shoes policy. It’s such a versatile idea that you can build in to suit your space. We like the elevated option that creates underneath storage space. So are we alone in this or are there other fans out there? Even better, have you built your own conversation pit style lounge?
Related Reading
Look! Pillow Conversation Pit
Good Questions: What to Do With an Old Memory Topper?
Look! Classic French Linen Cushions
Comments (13)
Daily Email
Top Tours
- Corey's Converted Barn
- Lezlee & Kirk's Beverly Modern Manor
- Laura's Smallest Coolest
- A South Austin Sunny and Sophisticated Home!
- Jen of Made By Girl's Vintage Chic Home
Top Posts
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Love it! Don't have room for one in my house but maybe someday!
view Griffin's profile
Wish I had room for this!
view Sleek's profile
i've always liked these. an old park district building i used to go to for art classes had a pit like this for kids. it was awesome.
view miked's profile
I love conversations pits! so sexy, so louche!
view Limonata's profile
i've always wanted a sunken couch/ lounge. Ah dreams :)
view chusmabilly's profile
I like them, but they sort of belong to an era of more casual clothing (jeans, caftans, long hippie skirts, etc.). I can't picture someone with five-inch Manolos or a short skirt or a suit ever wanting to come to your parties if you have a conversation pit.
view Lisa Hunter (Montreal)'s profile
I can't picture someone with five-inch Manolos or a short skirt or a suit ever wanting to come to your parties if you have a conversation pit.
Maybe it's just me, but I'd consider that an added bonus of having a pit...
view tauremini's profile
I've always wanted one of these. In the room next to the hot tub. :D
Love the middle pic of the one by the window. That would be great at night for a little, you know...
view Valerie's profile
"The House Book" is such an amazing resource for anyone interested in home design. It's amazing how fresh many of the rooms in the book are after 34 years. The picture on page 187 of the Conran's living room is a testament to Terence Conran's talent, it would be a beautiful, livable room by today's standards. Everyone interested in design should own this book (although it will reveal many well-known designers of today as derivative!!). Love the conversation pits, it would be fun for a large playroom.
view modernlust's profile
I'll take a smaller version of that storage daybed.
view akb's profile
Oooo, would be fun to run an rpg in this kind of space, if one could put down a flat board in the middle for a table ;-)
view Chrysilla's profile
At my dad's ad firm in the 70's/early 80's, their conference room was a huge conversation pit. Picture a small upside-down plush devo hat. It was red, round, and tiered and my absolute favorite place to visit. I'd love a modern version in our library.
view beckerjess's profile
I'm not sure about a traditional "pit" but that last photo looks wonderful! A much more interesting alternative to a simple sofa area. My boyfriend and his roommate just got a new loft. I wonder if I can talk them into that...
view harlie's profile