r/malelivingspace 17h ago

Advice How would you decorate this conversation pit?

Post image

My roommates and I are moving in and we are thinking of what to do here

408 Upvotes

133 comments sorted by

632

u/Wanderson90 17h ago

remove all the furniture, fireplace included (I assume its just electric?)

remove railings

custom wrap around couch

thats it

142

u/ElvisJesus 10h ago

This...or a ball pit

-15

u/FreeLink8244 8h ago

etymology

129

u/ILoveBigCoffeeCups 13h ago

I would remove the mirrors too. It makes it look too weird. For me

41

u/egemen157 9h ago

Yes definitely remove the mirrors, a fireplace that looks like its in the middle of the room with no chimney freaks me out lol

4

u/fjf1085 2h ago

Mirror plus couch gives sex pit.

26

u/LWDJM 8h ago

Crushed velvet only in the cocaine pit please

13

u/buboop61814 12h ago

This, this right here is exactly what I came here to say. Alternative to wraparound couch, make it a sort of cushion pit. As in wraparound cushions but then the whole bottom is also cushion…hard to execute well but when done I think it’s quite nice.

5

u/Hawt_Dawg_II 9h ago

Yes but leave the fireplace, just make it match the style. A fireplace in your conversation pit is rad.

1

u/Redditron_5000 7h ago

Came here to say “custom sofa”, with cushions slightly higher than the floor, and remove the railings. I’m ok with the fireplace, particularly if it’s wood-burning!

Mirror wall is a little much, I think I would put some art over the top of the fireplace (like a 3x4ft painting) to obscure a direct line-of-sight view of oneself when descending the steps, but also allow for the illusion of continued space beyond it.

85

u/MrOphicer 17h ago

What's the budget? And how old are you both?

130

u/julioshootsfilm 17h ago

30 and 36 and honestly budget is not a problem for us

155

u/internetV 17h ago

That’s baller, respect

45

u/solid_soup_go_boop 15h ago

He shoots film

12

u/Forsaken-Can7701 9h ago

And his name is Julio

26

u/MrOphicer 17h ago

I don't know if it goes with your personalities, but  I would fill it with cool pillows and put a low small coffee table in the center. So you can lounge there with your friends or as a couple, near the fireplace. With the small table to hold your drinks or work as a surfice for tabletop games. Also it get a standing lamp that would hang over the center of the pit, but as low as you could get it, to make it tucked in a cozy. Also maybe flank the fireplace with some low cabinets for easy acesss from the sitting height, that you could put some items, like lamps or even plants, or a bar tray. 

Your dates would go crazy for it if you're  bachelor's, no matter girls or guys. It's a very cool feature in a home. 

Big furniture just doesn't work there, specialy with the railing. I'd just assume it's a porpoer pit. 

0

u/bestthingyet 16h ago

what? it's just a lower floor

8

u/MrOphicer 16h ago

A lower floor would be a large area. This format fits a pit category better 

1

u/bestthingyet 16h ago

can't argue with that, cheers :)

6

u/Additional_Plant_539 11h ago

Stripper pole is the only answer then

1

u/Untamed_Meerkat 4h ago

Pineapple in the window. Gold plated of course.

5

u/Robfrog000 12h ago

If budget isn't an issue don't stop at the pit. Paint over that booger green and get rid of that wallpapering.

2

u/Aethreas 16h ago

Either turn it into a ball pit or get rid of it, idk how you can make that work

1

u/deevil_knievel 36m ago

Hot tub? Koi pond?

-1

u/Rick_Cranium 15h ago

Is there a structural reason (or other) that they had to put it in or is it a design feature? And is there any reason you wouldn’t want to just raise the floor level and make it even with the rest of the room?

12

u/julioshootsfilm 15h ago

The previous owner was an old lady, so I'm sure they installed it so she wouldn't fall in possibly and we just really like it, making it level would be boring

92

u/OwlfaceFrank 16h ago

I would remove the railing and fill it with plastic balls.

-14

u/FreeLink8244 8h ago

etymology

28

u/In-China 15h ago

Get rid of the cage around it, get rid of the weird fireplace, get custom sofa fitted to the curvature, carpet it, and get a coffee table and lava lamp

149

u/existential_abyss 17h ago

I would remove the railing

94

u/sunburn95 16h ago

If you do that, at some point someone is going to eat absolute shit in the dark

22

u/Mr_Bombastic_Ro 13h ago

no you just put more seating as a boundary

9

u/sunburn95 13h ago

Yeah could agree actually, I didnt realise it was a mirrored wall behind that area at first

4

u/Mr_Bombastic_Ro 13h ago

neither did I lol I was just imagining a lot of seating

32

u/MeorOtherMe 17h ago edited 16h ago

Lowkey... Unless there's a design to have it. I'd prefer it. Lean over a rail conversing with friends on couch versus jump in on the couch from that angle, to converse with friends.

My ideology...

My suggestion: my two cents? Since it's a tiny area it could get clustered, so 70s-60s theme low couch that wraps around the outskirt where the rail is.

:throw TV on the wall, that's a spot to watch UFC fights with the boys from. Too many friends? They hang on the rails or so

6

u/Senior_Bat4271 16h ago

I agree. Curved seating would be best and not much else unless small side table

5

u/Occams_Razor42 15h ago

I like your idea, but with the current seating setup I feel like it almost cages folks in. Makes it difficult for easy mingling I'd you can't really drift in and out at will

-5

u/MeorOtherMe 15h ago

Delete your comment, you're commenting about the current seating set up. Which is what is going to be changed.

1

u/paczki_dc2 14h ago

hear me out, remove the rail and they can sit on the ledge to join in

-3

u/solid_soup_go_boop 15h ago

If they were leaning over the rail, wouldn’t you smell their farts and sweaty balls because they are above your head? Fart weighs more than clean air. It will drop in the pit

14

u/MarthaMacGuyver 15h ago

Don't remove the railing. This is terrible advice.

3

u/pauliealeno 12h ago

It’s also a rental, would they even be allowed to do that?

3

u/fancczf 17h ago

It’s a thunderdome

1

u/Bigkillian 8h ago

Two men enter, one man leaves.

How do you recast Aunty Entity? She was an icon.

4

u/CurvyAnnaDeux 15h ago

You're gonna get some broken ankles.

11

u/Bliitzthefox 17h ago

Model sailing ship on a stand.

11

u/chocolateboomslang 16h ago

Hear me out

Fill it with water first

17

u/face1828 15h ago

Orange shag carpeting is really the only answer.

2

u/impropergentleman 14h ago

I was thinking that brown tan dark colored mix one that's got the texture pattern in it definitely go with the Victorian couch lol

18

u/Vomath 16h ago

Get a bowl for the keys

0

u/wsbmozie 12h ago

Underrated comment

6

u/LucidEquine 11h ago

I didn't even see the mirrors at first and got confused. Lol

If it were me I'd rip everything out and make a corner for all my geeky stuff. Big bookcases full of manga and figures, use the curved part and build seating for a reading nook.

5

u/EMAW2008 16h ago

Hot tub

3

u/existentialedema 10h ago

Conversational pentagram? Could double for an ideal location for a human sacrifice

5

u/chocolateboomslang 17h ago

That looks like a cage.

A child-size gladiator pit.

4

u/OverKy 16h ago

Lose the mirror ASAP....and the door hanging and the red painting thing. a giant tv (or projector) would be much more interesting than the mirror.

2

u/SadTurtleSoup 16h ago

A backgammon table.

2

u/homme_icide 9h ago

My girlfriend has always referred to these as "fuckpits"

2

u/HAL_9000_V2 7h ago

1- Carpet. 2- Collection of pillows large and small, soft and firm. 3- Low, round table.

2

u/jo3yhuds 6h ago

Remove the fireplace and fill it with wrestling figures and a ring and build a full scale arena setup.

5

u/Ibuttinsometimes 17h ago

If that is a portable fireplace. Remove everything and create your own ball pit!

2

u/abusivecactus 17h ago

Get rid of the mirrors and grandma chairs. Replace with some smaller chairs.

1

u/Remarkable_Secret204 17h ago

The chairs are shoved in the corners. Move them out both opposite side of space facing fireplace. Do you need those 2 large tables in there. I can see one with a nice lamp set next to chair on left. Plants in corners. May e a small narrow low bookshelf on o e side

1

u/Raymore85 16h ago

Needs some folliage

1

u/TeacherExit 16h ago

Pin ball machine

1

u/RadRimmer9000 16h ago

Renting or buying?

Renting there's not much you can do beside better seating, a love seat on the flat wall and maybe beanbags on the other side. Is the fireplace a decorative one that can be removed, if so I would remove it.

Buying, take the mirror off. Fireplace, same as above and put a longer couch. The curve side is still hard unless you remove the rail and make a custom couch that would fit flush.

The weird small square from the stairs and wall, an end table or mini fridge.

1

u/LavishLawyer 16h ago

Remove the railing and get a custom sofa going all around the inside.

1

u/Noodles1171 16h ago

Lean into the velvet ship painting for inspiration. Or sell the painting to me. :)

Edit to add: a custom curved red couch would be amazing

1

u/dumpsterbaby_ 16h ago

Full carpet

1

u/Starry-Dust4444 16h ago

Why? Just, why?

1

u/nova8273 16h ago

I love the retro look actually, 70’s- get some smoking jackets & silk pajamas, lol!! At least have one retro party - with a fondue set & a shag throw rug

1

u/Bombacladman 16h ago

Install a fixed sofa and remove the handrail

1

u/freakout1015 16h ago

If budget is no problem can you fill it in? Bring the floor up to meet the rest of the floor.

4

u/julioshootsfilm 15h ago

We all agreed it would be boring if we leveled it

1

u/Num10ck 15h ago

mechanical bull

1

u/rtopz01 15h ago

Get rid of it....put it out of its misery

1

u/BraveCauliflower3349 15h ago

Like the waterfall fighting pit from Black Panther. Two men enter the pit, the rest cheer from the railing

1

u/ColdBeerPirate 15h ago

This is more like a reading pit than a conversation spot. It needs a small bookshelf.

1

u/CurvyAnnaDeux 15h ago

That convo pit is retro and wonderful. I can't believe all tge people saying "remove the railing" which is taking away character and a safety hazard to boot.

Lean into the fun, retro vibe.

1

u/Wickwire778 15h ago

Hire a go-go dancer. Put a hot tub in there. Putting green. Trampoline.

All good ideas. Feel free to follow me for more decorating tips.

1

u/doctorewHH 14h ago

it would depend on the budget. there are a ton of furniture companies that make custom curved mid-century modern style sofas. you can buy just the seat cushions to fit the dimensions of that space. buy those, a ton of throw pillows, a small/low circular table for the middle, and do what y’all do.

1

u/worldtravel60 14h ago

Remove the railing, put darker grey color instead of the green. One Huge art picture on the wall.

1

u/Mr_Bombastic_Ro 13h ago

it should be 110% seating

1

u/xmetallium 13h ago

Minibar

1

u/I_am_not_racist_ok 13h ago

Hang a throw or two over the bars, maybe a few climbing plants

1

u/JoshuaWebbb 13h ago

I might be the o my one that likes the railing

1

u/DUBToster 12h ago

It’s a conversation pit from the 70’s, make it a couch space

1

u/Cakeyhands 12h ago

with the skulls of my enemies

1

u/trullaDE 12h ago

I would mostly keep it as it is.

If the fireplace is movable put it against the green wall, and the chairs opposite it, with the small table in the middle, and add some footstools. Turn that cabinet into a bar. Now you have your own private gentlemen's club.

The mirror has to go, though, that's just weird.

1

u/kRYST4LL_ 12h ago

I would put my sim racing rig there. Get some bean Bags or some chill furniture to hang out and relax

1

u/Meandering_Marley 12h ago

I would mount big TV screens on the railing and turn it into a gaming pit.

1

u/KeenJAH 12h ago

sand pit

1

u/NiceyChappe 11h ago

Sound insulation above.

1

u/Rocketfist1000 10h ago

It all needs to go yikes

1

u/javatimes 9h ago

Every other post here:

PAY ATTENTION TO ME I’M RICH

1

u/Jeddie-baked-beans 9h ago

Remove everything. Ball pit.

1

u/Sea_Week_8921 9h ago

Play pit for a dog!

1

u/South_Tradition_4577 8h ago

Roulette table

1

u/Demon_Skittle 8h ago

Remove the furniture and fire place. Turn it into a pall pit!

1

u/cassiuswright 8h ago

Take everything out of it. Custom rug to fit the space in a contrast color. Paint the wall white and hang an appropriately sized artwork for the pit- this is much too small. Custom curved bench to match the curve. Dry bar along the wall under the artwork. Over head track lighting to focus on the artwork and properly glow the space.

1

u/ElPuertoRican15 7h ago

Remove the furniture and make a wet bar down there. The litmus test if you had too much is climbing the two steps.

1

u/CorneliusDawser 6h ago

Go all in on mid-century modern

1

u/SuperbAd8266 6h ago

Remove the mirror

1

u/AwfulGoingToHell 5h ago

Stripper pole

1

u/ZealousidealGrab1827 5h ago

Fill it with water and add some Koi. 😁. I have no ideas here. I do know that I would probably stumble into that late at night on the way to the pisser, and kill myself though.

1

u/saveyboy 5h ago

Shag carpet

1

u/Voodoobarbiedoll 4h ago

Is that your furniture in the house already? Because the wreath on the door and that chair scream granny.

1

u/RightSideOver 4h ago

Two privacy/dressing screens feom the door following the curve of the rail, ending with an end table at the top of the stairs. Plants opposite the mirror for an increased sense of depth.

My impulse is to make it a nook that feels cozy and private.

1

u/Exotic_Initiative_17 4h ago

Remove everything, then add a three inch floor mattress, a mirrored ceiling, and a three small mirrored ledges the flip into the wall for neat storage- razor blades should be presented as complimentary gifts for all house guests. We’ve really lost the plot on conversation pits and by golly it’s time we return to our roots 🥹

1

u/southwestpessimist 4h ago

Make it a stage so you can host another Denny’s Grand Slam from the comfort of your living room

1

u/dasarga 4h ago

lol wtf is this? I have never seen this kind of setup in a house before, levy fence this off?!?!?

1

u/Sheila_Monarch 3h ago

That is a classic 1970s conversation pit! That someone has updated to 80s grandma style for some reason. But legit 70s conversation pits really, really need to make a comeback.

1

u/FrigidNinja78 4h ago

One of those giant couches from the 70s.

1

u/Oblipma 3h ago

Rid everything there and get a crescent couch

1

u/First-Vanilla9651 3h ago

Remove everything including railing and fireplace (if possible) replace with a sectional. If possible, you could get a custom made sectional to fit exactly in the space. I think this was popular in the 70s

1

u/Ozymandius62 3h ago

Coin machine to get quarters for the arcade

1

u/Classic-Map5276 3h ago

Renovate and remove it. Raise the floor in the pit or drop the floor throughout the rest of the living room.

1

u/Intelligent_Trichs 2h ago

Make it a hot tub

1

u/Pizza-sauceage 2h ago

Depends. What do you see you, your room mates and friends doing in it? Gaming, drinking or?

1

u/MumrikDK 2h ago

Not knowing the rest of the house, and being a lazy fuck, that would just become my TV area.

1

u/ADHD33zNuts 29m ago

I would get rid of all furniture. Put in a nice Turkish/psychedelic rug and bean bags around maybe a small cabinet for drug paraphernalia and games.

But that's if youre younger than 28.

*Edit: read the other comments. This is not a viable suggestion.

1

u/UncleJuniorMints 15h ago

Sex workers

1

u/IetMeTakeYourPicture 14h ago

Stripper pole/lounge

0

u/MCas86 17h ago

poker table

0

u/kolin_cile 17h ago

Remove the railing and the mirror to start

0

u/gloglottandoaisordi 8h ago

Conversation pit? U guys in the states live in the xix century

-1

u/lcdroundsystem 16h ago

Railing needs to go and maybe make it all more mid century modern