Maybe you haven’t heard of a keeping room, but this cozy space could be just what your home needs. This old idea is becoming popular again, bringing warmth and comfort to modern homes. A keeping room is a relaxed spot next to the kitchen where family and friends can gather and unwind while someone cooks.
Kitchens are now the main gathering place in many homes, but they can get crowded. A keeping room gives guests a place to relax without being in the cook’s way. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of keeping rooms, how people use them today, and tips for creating one in your home. You might find it becomes your favorite spot.
The History of the Keeping Room
The keeping room, sometimes called a hearth room, started showing up in the late 1700s, especially in colonial American homes. (The Keeping Room at The Macy-Colby House, n.d.) Back then, the kitchen was usually the warmest place in the house since it had the only fireplace for cooking and heating. Families would gather there to stay warm and do daily tasks.
This small room next to the kitchen became the main place for chores like sewing, mending, and food prep. It was a practical way for families to stay warm and spend time together. Keeping rooms started in New England but are also found in many old Southern homes, where they were the center of family life for years. (Keeping room, n.d.)
The Modern Keeping Room
While we no longer rely on a kitchen fireplace for heat, we may not need a kitchen fireplace for warmth anymore, but keeping rooms are still great for casual gatherings. Today, you’ll find them in both old and new homes, giving people a cozy place to relax instead of sitting on kitchen barstools. It’s cozy because of its proximity to where meals are made,” explains designer Michelle Gage. “They’re a great gathering space for family and friends while the party prep is happening.”
Gage also says this space strikes the right balance. “It allows everyone to get close to the action but not too close to the busy chef.” Since the kitchen is a busy place with hard surfaces, having a nearby area with soft, comfy furniture is a great match. It’s meant for relaxing and connecting, right in the heart of the home.
Designing Your Perfect Keeping Room
Creating a keeping room is all about cultivating warmth and coziness. It’s a space for conversation, relaxation, and connection. While designs can vary, the emphasis should always be on comfort.
Furnishings
Choose soft, inviting furniture. A deep sofa with lots of pillows and blankets is a good choice. Some people add a built-in breakfast nook or comfy rattan chairs for a sunroom feel. The idea is to make the space so comfortable that guests want to stay and relax.
Fireplace
Many keeping rooms today have a fireplace as the main feature, honoring the room’s history. (Keeping room, 2025) Placing comfy chairs around the fire makes a cozy spot for enjoying a drink, reading, or playing games with family.
Open-Concept Homes
You don’t need a separate room to have a keeping room. In open-plan homes, a spot next to the kitchen can work just as well. An eat-in kitchen or a small dining nook can serve as a keeping room, giving everyone a place to gather that fits right in with the rest of the house.
Keeping Room vs. Family Room
It’s easy to mix up a keeping room with a family room, but there are some differences. A family room is usually bigger and used for many things. It often has the TV and might be in the basement or at the back of the house.
What makes a keeping room special is that it’s right next to the kitchen. It’s always close to where the cooking happens. Both rooms are nice extras, but the keeping room is meant for being part of the kitchen’s social life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a keeping room and a family room?
A keeping room is a smaller space adjacent to the kitchen, designed for comfort and warmth, often featuring a fireplace. A family room is typically larger, centrally located, and used for a range of activities, usually separate from the kitchen. (Keeping room, 2025)
Can I create a keeping room in a modern home without a fireplace?
Yes, while traditional keeping rooms often included a fireplace for warmth, modern iterations can emphasize comfort with cozy seating and decor, rather than a fireplace.
How can I make a small kitchen feel like it has a keeping room?
Incorporate comfortable seating, such as an overstuffed armchair, and add elements like plush pillows, a soft rug, or a small table with games and books to create a cozy atmosphere, mimicking the function of a traditional keeping room.
A Timeless Addition to Your Home
From its start in the 1700s to today, the keeping room has always been about warmth and bringing people together. By giving family and friends a comfy spot near the kitchen, a keeping room adds both usefulness and a sense of togetherness to your home.
If you’re building a new house or want to improve your current one, think about adding a keeping room. This classic idea gives you a cozy escape from daily busyness and helps you make more time for relaxing and connecting with others.
