A growing trend in the UK rental market is the disappearance of the living room. Georgie, 27, who moved into a house-share with four strangers last year, was initially not concerned about the lack of a lounge area. The property had been converted from what was once a lounge to an inaccessible storage space. Her experience highlights how the absence of a living room can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Georgie's friends rarely visited her home, as there wasn't enough space for them to sit comfortably.
Research conducted by SpareRoom reveals that 29.8% of rooms listed on their website were in properties without a living room, with this number rising to 41.2% in London. According to SpareRoom's research, almost half (49%) of renters surveyed reported that the living room in their home was now being used as a bedroom.
The concept of shared leisure space has undergone significant changes since its inception. With advancements in technology, watching TV and streaming content have become increasingly individualized activities. In 2024, it was reported that less than half of 16- to 24-year-olds watch traditional TV at home.
However, not everyone sees the loss of the living room as a negative. Imogen, who moved to London in 2011, shared her experience of repurposing spaces with her housemates. The small kitchen became a social hub where they cooked, ate, and socialized together.
Most architects and interior designers advise against removing the living room. Peter Markos, an architect, experienced firsthand how difficult it was to live without a lounge area. He moved back to Birmingham to afford more space. Regan Billingsley, an interior designer, is open to the idea of rooms evolving based on user needs. She suggests that open-plan spaces can be layered with texture and lighting to create natural gathering points.
For many, having a living room is essential for fostering conversation, relaxation, and connection in the home. The absence of this space can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Research conducted by SpareRoom reveals that 29.8% of rooms listed on their website were in properties without a living room, with this number rising to 41.2% in London. According to SpareRoom's research, almost half (49%) of renters surveyed reported that the living room in their home was now being used as a bedroom.
The concept of shared leisure space has undergone significant changes since its inception. With advancements in technology, watching TV and streaming content have become increasingly individualized activities. In 2024, it was reported that less than half of 16- to 24-year-olds watch traditional TV at home.
However, not everyone sees the loss of the living room as a negative. Imogen, who moved to London in 2011, shared her experience of repurposing spaces with her housemates. The small kitchen became a social hub where they cooked, ate, and socialized together.
Most architects and interior designers advise against removing the living room. Peter Markos, an architect, experienced firsthand how difficult it was to live without a lounge area. He moved back to Birmingham to afford more space. Regan Billingsley, an interior designer, is open to the idea of rooms evolving based on user needs. She suggests that open-plan spaces can be layered with texture and lighting to create natural gathering points.
For many, having a living room is essential for fostering conversation, relaxation, and connection in the home. The absence of this space can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection.
. A living room isn't just about watching TV or lounging around, it's about having a space where you can hang out with others, share stories, and create memories. With everyone being glued to their screens all the time, it's no wonder we're losing that communal vibe.
And don't even get me started on how weird it is to have a bedroom that doubles as a living room... it's just not right.
. We're so focused on being efficient and cost-effective that we've lost sight of what really matters - connection and community.
. I mean, we're always talking about how important social skills are in school, but it seems like we've forgotten that outside too 
. Can't imagine living without a comfy spot to chill with mates or just relax after a long day 
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BUT FOR ME, A LIVING ROOM IS WHERE IT'S AT! IT'S LIKE, THE HEART OF THE HOME WHERE YOU CAN RELAX WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. WE HAD A HOUSE SHARED LAST YEAR AND WE USED TO HAVE LOTS OF PARTIES THERE, NOW ITS JUST SITTING EMPTY 
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. I love the idea of repurposing spaces like Imogen did, though! My small kitchen is my fave spot to cook and have a snack with the squad 
. But if someone's living room gets converted into storage, that's just sad 
I mean, i get it, spaces are getting smaller and people need more room for their stuff, but can't we just find ways to repurpose the spaces instead of removing them altogether?!?! 
like imogen said, her kitchen became this amazing social hub where they all hung out together... that's what i want from my living space!!! 
. Those architects and designers are right, a living room is a must-have for conversation and relaxation.
. Can't we find a balance between techy individual activities and good old-fashioned human interaction? 
Just kidding, but for real, it's not all bad. My friend repurposed their kitchen into a chill zone and now they're always having movie nights with their housemates 
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. So maybe instead of getting rid of living rooms entirely, we could just... repurpose them or make them more flexible? Like, have a big area for lounging but also some smaller spaces for cooking, eating, or just chillin' 
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. It's not just about the physical space itself, it's about creating those connections with others and feeling like you're part of a community 
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. We were just chillin', having a good time, but it felt weird not having that cozy spot to hang out. And don't even get me started on the fact that most of our rooms are being used as bedrooms now 
my friends and I were talkin about this & we all agreed that havin a comfy place 2 chill is SO important 
I mean, can you blame 'em? No living room means no chillin' with mates 
. But hey, maybe we're just old-school thinking 
... after all, my aunt still lives in her tiny flat from the 90s with zero social space 
and she's still kickin'! Maybe this is the future of chillin' – small spaces, big personalities? 
that double as a coffee table? It's all about making the most of space and getting creative with how we live.
or binge-watchin' my fave show Netflix 
. It's all about creatin' those natural gathering points without losin' out on personal space altogether.