Whether you love the concept of a formal sitting room or think it’s a waste of space, you can’t deny these spaces have come a long way from being status symbols in the Victorian era. But what are sitting rooms used for now—and how are homeowners reimagining today’s sitting rooms to serve their contemporary lifestyles?

Meredith McKenzie, interior designer and owner of The Selective Design, is sharing the history of formal sitting rooms, and exploring whether these spaces are worth investing in today. Plus, we’re sharing plenty of tips for maximizing your sitting room if you’re thinking about crafting one in your home.

The History of Traditional Sitting Rooms

The concept of a formal sitting room dates all the way back to medieval monasteries, where monks used these spaces to conduct business with visitors and laypeople. In the Victorian era, these spaces became status symbols for the middle and upperclass. Visualize a grand display of rare artwork, luxe furniture, and fine decor—proper enough to host public events like funerals or weddings at times. Ultimately, these spaces were gathering hubs, fit for families and guests to entertain and socialize, though often only reserved for adults.

Formal sitting rooms are also sometimes called reception rooms or parlors. “The word ‘parlor’ originates from the French term parler, which means ‘to speak,’ McKenzie explains. “Historically, these spaces were primarily used for conversation and the reception of guests—they are considered the precursor to the modern sitting room,” she says.

How Are Sitting Rooms Different from Living Rooms?

Today’s sitting rooms often reflect their historical roots while embracing a more modern lifestyle. Each iteration morphing into an idyllic spot in the home to foster hospitality, socializing, and zen time. McKenzie agrees, explaining that as homes evolve, “the sitting room has became a more intimate space for family gatherings and informal socializing.”

“A sitting room is often smaller and cozier, centered around relaxation and conversation,” McKenzie says. “[Its purpose] is to provide a quiet atmosphere to visit, read, or unwind.” But, there are some hallmark characteristics of sitting rooms that make them entirely a different species than living rooms. For starters, McKenzie explains how these spaces are typically void of a television—unlike living rooms, which usually feature “a larger, more casual family space used for entertaining guests and engaging in various activities like watching TV,” she says. “Traditionally, the sitting room is the smaller, calmer, more formal space, while the living room is an informal, everyday room for family life,” McKenzie says.

Are Sitting Rooms Obsolete?

With our modern era continuing to shift towards more casual and comfortable spaces for everyday living, McKenzie says that contemporary families often opt for a living room before they consider having a sitting room. But, if you have the space for both, McKenzie also makes a case for why these spaces can be just as useful.

A a well-designed sitting room can enhance your home’s functionality by providing a secondary living space that’s fit to host a variety of activities, she explains. Think: reading, enjoying tea time, sipping cocktails or coffee, sharing appetizers, having intimate conversations, or just unwinding in a cozy setting, she notes. “By thoughtfully considering furniture, layout, and personal decor, you can create a comfortable haven tailored to the needs of your family,” McKenzie says.  

How to Create a Sitting Room in Your Home

Thinking about crafting a sitting room in your home? McKenzie shares her professional tips on how to kickstart your design. First, “use a small space to your advantage and make your sitting room feel like a jewel box full of rich colors, patterns and finishes,” she says. Next, “add a splash of color or wallpaper to the walls, which will create a layer of depth. Then, mix in your personal touches with artwork and accessories to create a collected feel.”

But to design a picturesque space, McKenzie explains how a sitting room must balance formality, aesthetics, function, and comfort. “Choose seating that fits your room’s size and desired capacity,” she says, while explaining that you should arrange seating in a way that fosters conversation by angling the seats inward. Also consider adding furniture that’s not only beautiful but also offers ample storage to neatly stow away any essentials you want to keep out of sight.

Think Beyond the Sitting Room

Finally, take a deep dive into your everyday routine and lifestyle. What does your sitting room need to elevate the functionality and comfort of your home, every day? For example, McKenzie notes how modern day sitting rooms can even double as a home office, if you add a pretty desk with hidden storage. “Not only can a sitting room be multifunctional, it can serve as your personal retreat customized just for you,” she says.

While taking your room’s layout and square footage into account, don’t be afraid to think outside the box: how can your sitting room function for you? For inspiration, search for ‘sitting room ideas’ to help you fine-tune your vision.

For example, if you have family members with work-from-home jobs, a sitting room may act as the perfect backdrop to host video meetings. Or if you’re an avid reader, install custom built-in bookshelves to build a mini library.

Remember, a sitting room can act as a back-up living space, a secondary sitting area to host impromptu guests or a quiet zone to rest your mind. This setup can be ideal for your home especially if you only have one family room and could benefit from an extra living space.