Conversation pits started gaining popularity in the 1950s and were a common feature in houses throughout the 70s. Their distinctive feature was the sunken floor plan, often accompanied with cozy couches, cushions, and decorations.
The layout often included furniture that faced each other. This layout where guests would all be facing each other and could speak directly and easily to each other is what gave this architectural feature its colloquial name.
Architects Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard popularized the conversation pit in their now-famous piece of Modernist architecture: The Miller House. The conversation pit was one of the main features.
These architectural features became more and more common and stayed popular throughout the 70s. Known for their vivid colors, shag carpets, and welcoming atmosphere, they made a perfect lounge spot for any residence and its guests.
As trends tend to do, this architectural trend started to fade out after the 70s. Many conversation pits in homes were later filled in to create a uniform floor plan as the pits started to fall out of style.
But they remain a fun and quirky architectural trend to look back on. And who knows, maybe they will make a comeback in the next years! Let’s take a look at some of the most stylish conversation pits of the 70s:
The conversation pit from the iconic Miller House.Classic 70s colors blend with a space that has an organ, music set-up, and room for a party. Source: GoRetroAn accidental conversation pit from a 1966 tile advertisement. Source: GoRetroSource: 70s WorshipThe perfect shag carpet look in this cozy conversation pit. Source: 70s WorshipAnother view of this beautiful conversation pit.A circular conversation pit with a psychedelic rug. Source: GoRetroA conversation pit with a beautiful table sliced from a huge tree. Source: GoRetroTeens socialize and play cards next to a firepit in a conversation pit. Source: GoRetroTerence Conran’s The House Book, 1974. Source: 70s WorshipA woman getting cozy and reading in a conversation pit. Source: 70s WorshipA cliffside conversation pit with a view and window on the floor by Harry Weese, 1969 in WisconsinA father and son read a book while waiting for dinner in their conversation pit. Source: GoRetroFrom a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Holiday Inn. Source: 70s WorshipA cozy conversation pit with a stereo and pillows makes the perfect date night in. Source: GoRetroSource: 70s WorshipSource: 70s WorshipRoom for books, tv, phone, and pillows. Source: 70s WorshipSource: 70s WorshipCoffee and cigarettes and lounging in a conversation pit. Source: GoRetroAustralian House and Garden, 1975. Source: 70s WorshipA one-of-a-kind hot-tub conversation pit! Source: GoRetroThe Price house. Source P. HorstA mirrored ceiling and pool view from this conversation pit. Source: GoRetroThe color orange and conversation pits went hand in hand in the 70s.Architect Antti Lovag’s conversation pit design with a view.Another Antti Lovag designA gorgeous Antti Lovag design with an incredible view of the trees and the seaThe iconic Jeannie from “I Dream of Jeannie” even had a conversation pit!This dreamy conversation pit from “Interiors for Today.” Photo by Franco Magnani
