The terms “great room” and “living room” are often used interchangeably, but the truth is these are actually two different rooms found in a modern home.

If you’re on the hunt for a new home, it’s important to understand how to spot the difference between a great room and a living room is obvious in different types of real estate. Whichever of the varieties you find more practical or just convenient for you, you can buy premium property with any of them. Here’s what you should know:

What is the Difference Between a Great Room and a Living Room?

A traditional living room is a formal space within a home that is used to entertain guests. This room typically features expensive, high quality furniture that provides plenty of space to comfortably sit guests. Because this is a formal room, it is not designed for everyday use, but rather reserved for special occasions.

The great room, on the other hand, is a large and open space within a home that is often designed with high ceilings. A living room is solely a formal entertaining space, whereas a great room can serve as a space for entertainment, recreation, and relaxation. Great rooms are far more casual than living rooms and are meant to be used everyday.

A great room is usually included in an open floor plan design. Most great rooms are located next to the kitchen or dining room, so family members can easily roam from one space to the other.

The Benefits of Having A Great Room

According to the National Association of Home Builders, most homes built in 2018 are designed with a great room. These rooms offer a number of benefits, including:

• Family Time
• Illusion of More Space
• Natural Light
• Multi-Functional

More Family Time Together

Great rooms are open spaces that bring families closer together and give them the opportunity to spend more time with one another in a comfortable setting. Even if two people are not in the same room, the open great room design allows them to communicate and spend time with one another.

For example, parents that are cooking in the kitchen can still bond with their children while they relax in the adjacent great room thanks to the open floor plan.

Creates the Illusion of More Space

There are no walls separating the great room from adjacent areas such as the kitchen or dining room. This open design makes the inside of the home seem larger than its actual size.

As a result, cleaning the house can make the home more appealing to potential buyers. Even if you’re not planning on moving out any time soon, this feature will make it easier for you to sell your home when the time is right.

Increases Natural Light

The open floor plan of a great room can increase the natural light in the home as well. Since there are no walls, natural light can stream through the windows and light up the great room in addition to the adjacent kitchen or dining room.  

You won’t need to use as much electricity to light the inside of a home that is lit by natural light. As a result, this floor plan could improve the energy efficiency of your home!

Multi-Functional Rooms

A great room can serve as several different rooms, including a TV room, home office, playroom, and casual living room.

Look for great room decorating ideas that allow you to use the space in any way you desire. For example, produce the perfect Feng Shui with muted, modern colours and a well placed large live edge dining table. Alternatively, create a bright and colorful accent wall in the corner of the room that is designated as your child’s play area. Try painting a wall red, for example, since this color symbolizes good fortune.

This simple design feature will clearly define this area as your child’s playroom without completely separating it from the rest of the great room.

The Great Room is a Must-Have

Home buyers usually have a long wish list of features that they are looking for in a new home. If you’re looking for a new home, make sure a great room is included on your must-have list. Having a great room ensures your home is comfortable, functional, and on-trend!