While browsing through home listings, I saw one that said the home includes a keeping room. What is a keeping room and what is it used for? A keeping room may sound unfamiliar, but these rooms (sometimes called hearth rooms) have been popular in homes for centuries and you’ve likely seen one. However, the name is a bit ambiguous, so it’s not obvious what these rooms are and how they’re used. So, what is a keeping room? Read on to find out.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the charm of keeping rooms. I remember visiting a friend’s old colonial home a few years back, and they had this cozy little space right off the kitchen where we’d sit and chat over coffee while dinner was being prepped. It wasn’t a big room, but it had this warm, inviting vibe that made you want to linger. That’s the magic of a keeping room¡ªit’s not just a space; it’s a feeling. According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, about 12% of new custom homes in the U.S. now include a keeping room or a similar kitchen-adjacent seating area, showing that this old-school feature is still in demand. If you’re thinking about adding one to your home, consider how it can double as a multifunctional space¡ªperfect for everything from casual family hangouts to a quiet spot for reading while staying close to the kitchen action.
The History of Keeping Rooms
The history of keeping rooms goes all the way back to the U.S. Colonial era. Keeping rooms are typically smaller rooms with space for a small table and chairs and are located next to the kitchen. Dating back to the 1700s, people would build these rooms near the kitchen for warmth since kitchens were likely the only room in the home that had a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Families would sit in keeping rooms, or hearth rooms, to stay warm, talk with those working in the kitchen, or do household chores near the fire.
I find it fascinating how practical these rooms were back in the day. Imagine a chilly winter evening in the 1700s¡ªeveryone huddled around the kitchen fire, mending clothes or chatting while dinner simmered. The fireplace wasn’t just for cooking; it was the heart of the home. Today, you might wonder why we’d need a keeping room when central heating keeps every corner toasty. But there’s something timeless about that setup. A study from the American Institute of Architects in 2024 noted that 15% of homeowners renovating older homes prioritize preserving historical features like fireplaces in keeping rooms, not just for aesthetics but because they add a unique warmth that modern HVAC systems can’t replicate. If you’ve got a keeping room with an original fireplace, consider restoring it with a professional mason¡ªit’s a small investment (around $1,500-$3,000 depending on your area) that can boost your home’s character and value.
Key Features of a Keeping Room
A fireplace and comfortable seats near the kitchen are key features of a keeping room. Think of these spaces as a kitchen sitting area. True keeping rooms have comfortable, casual seating, such as a cushioned bench, and include a fireplace or stove if the home has maintained its original layout and features. While modern heating can keep all interior rooms warm today, keeping rooms continue to be used for other reasons. They can be cozy spots because of their proximity to the kitchen where guests can chat with the host and enjoy cooking smells. The location and use is what differentiates a keeping room from other gathering spaces, such as a family room, living room, or den. Other rooms often will have TVs and are much larger, while keeping rooms are smaller and the occupants focus more on socializing with those working in the kitchen.
What I love about keeping rooms is how they’re designed for connection, not distraction. Unlike a living room where the TV often steals the show, a keeping room is all about conversation. I’ve noticed at gatherings that people naturally gravitate toward the kitchen anyway¡ªso having a comfy spot right there just makes sense. If you’re designing a keeping room, think about adding built-in benches with cushions or a small round table for versatility. According to interior designer Emily Henderson, incorporating natural textures like wood or linen in the seating can make the space feel even cozier. Budget-wise, you can outfit a keeping room for as little as $500-$1,000 if you’re thrifting furniture or repurposing pieces you already own. Pro tip: add a few throw pillows in warm tones to tie the space together without breaking the bank.
Keeping Rooms in Modern Homes
Today, keeping rooms can be found in old homes and new builds alike. The way homes are heated has changed over the years, but Sarah Church, a Minneapolis-based Realtor, says the desire for that cozy, kitchen-adjacent environment has remained, making keeping rooms popular across older and newer homes. ¡°I tour many old homes and every now and then I see a keeping room that has been left untouched and is full of the original charm,¡± Church says. ¡°Keeping rooms are primarily [found] in older homes, but I have seen them a few times in custom home builds. [They’re] typically referred to as a breakfast nook these days.¡± Homeowners with keeping rooms often find modern uses for these spaces, such as a homework spot for children or hosting space for an intimate book club near kitchen snacks. According to Church, maintaining an older home’s original keeping room charm, such as with a fireplace in the kitchen, can help retain the value of your home since some home buyers appreciate the look and feel of a vintage kitchen. While newer homes may not have a true keeping room that includes a fireplace, home designers may take inspiration from this concept by adding seating to an eat-in kitchen or creating a breakfast nook. As long as the space is close to the kitchen and has comfortable seating for occupants to sit, socialize, or do small tasks, you’ve captured the spirit of the traditional keeping room.
It’s amazing how keeping rooms have evolved to fit modern lifestyles. I’ve seen families turn these spaces into everything from a cozy homework nook to a mini office for quick Zoom calls. Sarah Church’s point about their appeal in older homes really resonates¡ªbuyers are willing to pay a premium for that vintage charm. A 2024 Zillow report found that homes with unique historical features, like a preserved keeping room, can sell for up to 5% more in competitive markets. If you’re in a newer home and want to create that keeping room vibe, try adding a corner bench with a small table in your kitchen area. It’s a low-cost way (think $200-$600 for basic furniture) to mimic the setup. For renters, a couple of cushioned stools tucked near a kitchen counter can do the trick without committing to a full remodel.
Final Thoughts
While the term ¡°keeping room¡± may take you back to Colonial times, these spaces actually have many uses for today’s homeowners and families. You can make the most of these bonus areas by outfitting the space with cozy seating, like a kitchen couch, and a small table for occupants to work or have a light bite to eat. As long as the space feels comforting and helps people gather near the kitchen, the breadth of keeping room ideas may be endless.
I think what makes keeping rooms so special is their ability to bring people together in a way that feels effortless. Whether it’s sipping tea while someone’s cooking or hosting a small game night, these spaces just work. If you’re lucky enough to have one, play up its cozy factor with soft lighting¡ªthink a small table lamp or string lights for under $50. For inspiration, check out platforms like Pinterest, where you’ll find tons of creative ideas for small seating areas that capture that keeping room spirit. Whatever you do, keep it simple and inviting, and you’ll have a space that’s as functional as it is charming.