When you think of the 1960s and 1970s and interiors trends of the time, there is one thing that comes to mind.

Sunken lounges or conversation pits first hurtled into our homes more than 50 years ago when the retro design piece reflected a shift shift towards open-plan living and suburban entertaining.

Its recessed design preserved sightlines, created a sense of openness and encouraged intimate gatherings, making them a symbol of the era’s relaxed cocktail-party culture.

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Now, in 2026, the sunken lounge is back.

Fresh from Milan Design Week, the trend is being reimagined as the modern conversation pit, with low-slung modular seating, organic curves and tactile textures emerging as key ways to create more intimate zones within open-plan homes.

Sunken lounges are back in 2026. Credit: Temple & Webster

The research

New Temple & Webster data shows searches for modular, curved and sectional seating are up 24 per cent year on year, while searches for its modular and curved sofa collections have grown 240 per cent.

The modern version delivers the same inviting atmosphere without architectural renovation, recreated through curved modular sofas, tactile fabrics, warm earthy tones and flexible layouts designed to bring people together.

While the 70s aesthetic was defined by plush velour, velvet and shag carpeting, today’s conversation pit embraces bouclé, chenille, textured linen and performance velvet, delivering the same warmth and comfort through a more refined lens.

Lucy Sutherland, Director of Insights & Trends at Temple & Webster, says the trend reflects a broader shift towards conversation-first living as we increasingly look for ways to disengage from our screens.

“As personal devices become the primary way we consume content, the TV is no longer the sole focal point of the living room,” she said.

“Furniture can finally turn inward again, creating spaces designed for conversation rather than passive viewing.”

New Temple & Webster data shows searches for modular, curved and sectional seating are up 24 per cent year on year. Credit: Temple & Webster

Today’s conversation pit embraces bouclé, chenille, textured linen and performance velvet, delivering the same warmth and comfort through a more refined lens. Credit: Temple & Webster

The why

One of the reasons why Aussies are once again loving the mid-century look is because it works in our modern open-plan homes.

The layout solves a common spatial puzzle in modern homes, creating intimacy within open spaces without compromising light or flow.

“The original conversation pit required architectural changes and built-in seating,” Lucy said.

“Today’s version achieves the same inviting atmosphere through low-profile, flexible furniture, making it an accessible way to create a cosy, social zone.

“This aligns with our current cultural scene, with more Australians looking to entertain at home.”

The strongest growth is coming from modular seating, reflecting Australians’ desire for more adaptable living spaces. Credit: Temple & Webster

The pieces

The strongest growth is coming from modular seating, reflecting Australians’ desire for more adaptable living spaces that can evolve around entertaining, family life and changing household needs.

Temple & Webster’s modular sofa collections have grown 240 per cent year-on-year, with Tasmania (+333 per cent) and South Australia (+272 per cent), as homemakers embrace more inviting indoor living spaces during cooler winters.

The revival is also bringing a distinctly retro colour palette back into Australian homes, as rich tones including Cinnamon, Caramel, Toffee and Rust take centre stage.

The revival is also bringing a distinctly retro colour palette back into Australian homes, as rich tones including Cinnamon, Caramel, Toffee and Rust take centre stage. Credit: Temple & Webster

How to do it at home

“A modern conversation pit is really about creating a room within a room,” Lucy said.

“Curved modular seating, oversized rugs, layered coffee tables and warm lighting work together to create an intimate space that naturally encourages connection.”

• Embrace Organic Curves: Choose low-profile modular seating with curved silhouettes.
• Anchor with Scale: Use an oversized, textured rug to visually create a distinct zone
• Remove Barriers with Layered Tables: Varying heights keep drinks and share plates within easy reach while maintaining open sightlines.
• Bring Lighting to Eye Level: Use warm floor and table lamps instead of harsh overhead lighting.
• Incorporate tactile materials: Think things such as bouclé, chenille and velvet.

For more information and to browse the trend for yourself, head to the Temple & Webster website here now.

The items to shop

1. Crescent Five Seater Modular Sofa, $2,499

2. Arco Cuved Four Seater Modular Sofa, $1,699

3. Dolly Faux Fur Swivel Accent Chair, $399

4. Two Piece Nolan Nesting Coffee Table Set, $319

5. Marilyn Marble Coffee and Side Table Set, $625

6. Great Geometric Hand-Tufted Wool Rug, $249-$349

7. Suki Stirped Hand-Woven Wool-Blend Rug, $249-$389

8. Arwyn Ceramic Table Lamp, $89.95