The Interesting History of Sitting Rooms vs. Living Rooms
Are you building a new luxury home, or remodeling your current one, and wondering whether to include a living room, sitting room, or both? Each space has a distinct purpose, and understanding the differences can help you design a home that truly fits your lifestyle.
Sitting Rooms, Living Rooms, and even Family Rooms…Oh My!
You actually have another option on top of a living or sitting room. Family rooms are also very popular and a little different than the other two.
A family room is usually a more casual room and a space for everyone! This room is welcoming to all and is a great spot to hang out, watch movies, and read a book.
The living room is a much more formal room. These rooms tend to be very large and for entertaining purposes such as a cocktail party.
Think of a sitting room as a room between the family room and living room. It is meant to be relaxing and intimate for the family. And it is also an ideal place to really rest and nap.
Family Rooms: The Everyday Gathering Space
A family room is your home’s comfort zone; a casual, cozy area where everyone can unwind. Think plush seating, a warm atmosphere, and multifunctional furniture perfect for:
- Movie nights
- Game days
- Curling up with a good book
Family rooms invite togetherness and are designed for daily use.
Living Rooms: Elegant Spaces for Entertaining
In contrast, living rooms are more formal and curated. These are ideal for:
- Hosting elegant cocktail parties
- Showcasing fine art, antiques, or custom furniture
- Impressing guests with timeless style
Living rooms are traditionally more elegant rooms used to display artwork or fancy antiques. These rooms are not meant to be used and should be reserved for special guests and special occasions.
This is why most living rooms have a very high-end and sophisticated look with sparkling chandeliers, decorative furniture, and plenty of lamps. Feel free to show off your style and favorite collectibles in your living room, this is what the room is meant for!
Sitting Rooms: The Relaxed In-Between
A sitting room offers the best of both worlds; more intimate than a living room, but more refined than a family room. Ideal for:
- Quiet conversations
- Afternoon naps
- Reading or sipping tea
If you have a large family, we always recommend adding a sitting room to your home. Since sitting rooms are a place for everyone to relax, they are usually cozy with an array of furniture for people to sit on.
The interior design is usually traditional, making it an inviting place for others to watch television or converse with each other. The calming environment makes it approachable, so include plenty of book storage, a television, and tables.
Design with comfort and calm in mind: layered textiles, soft lighting, and timeless, neutral palettes with hints of rich tones like deep red or royal purple. Stick to neutral colors and sprinkle in some dark reds and purples to add some personality to the room. It is best to keep it simple and make a sitting room a space for daily family gatherings.
Which Space Is Right for You?
- Large family? Add a cozy sitting room for connection without distraction.
- Love to entertain? A formal living room is your showpiece.
- Need balance? Combine the best elements from each for a customized, luxury experience.
Let Interiors Remembered Design the Perfect Space
Need help deciding between a sitting room or a living room? Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant living room, a serene sitting room, or a cozy family retreat, our team is here to help you bring it all together; with expert design that’s luxurious, timeless, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Give us a call at (480) 921-4224 or conveniently schedule a consultation through our website. We’d be glad to help and look forward to hearing from you!
Let us take care of every detail; so all you have to do is live beautifully.
What's the main difference between a sitting room and a living room?
A living room is typically a formal, elegant space designed for entertaining guests at special occasions like cocktail parties. It’s where you showcase fine art, antiques, and sophisticated design. A sitting room, on the other hand, is more intimate and relaxed—perfect for daily family use, quiet conversations, and afternoon naps. Think of it as the middle ground between a formal living room and a casual family room.
Can a living room be used every day, or is it just for special occasions?
Traditionally, living rooms are reserved for special guests and formal occasions. These spaces are designed to impress with high-end furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, decorative pieces, and curated collections. However, if you prefer to use your living room daily, our interior designers can create a sophisticated space that balances elegance with everyday functionality.
Where should a sitting room be located in the home?
Sitting rooms work well in various locations—near the primary bedroom suite for a private retreat, off the main living areas for easy family access, or as a transitional space between formal and informal areas of the home. The key is creating an intimate, relaxing atmosphere that feels separate from high-traffic areas while remaining accessible for daily use.
How much does it cost to design a sitting room or living room?
Design costs vary based on the size of the space, complexity of the project, and level of customization you desire. Full-service design packages that include custom furniture and complete space design typically range from $30,000 to $45,000, though this varies by project scope. We recommend starting with an interior design consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and project goals.
Can Interiors Remembered help me design both a sitting room and living room?
Absolutely! With over 30 years of experience and 600+ completed projects, our team specializes in creating cohesive, luxury interiors that include multiple living spaces. Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling, or updating existing rooms, we’ll help you design spaces that reflect your lifestyle and serve distinct purposes. We serve clients throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Sedona, and Mesa. Contact us today at (480) 921-4224 to schedule your consultation.
