Brits spend 48 days a year on the sofa, with nine out of ten1 people enjoying relaxing on the sofa with their family - and it’s also having a positive impact on our relationships, new research reveals.
ScS, one of the UK’s leading furniture and flooring specialists, surveyed more than 1,000 people to find out about their sofa-time habits. The research found the majority of Brits spend at least an hour a day relaxing on the sofa, with more than half (55%) using that time to catch up with family and friends.
Brits are most likely to spend time on the sofa with their partners too, with over two thirds saying they are more likely to couple up on the couch as part of their sofa-time. Relationship expert, Caroline Brealey explains the positive impact sofa-time is having on couples and their relationships.
Caroline says: “In a relationship it's the little things that count. Big romantic gestures are lovely, but the day to day moments you share are what keep you connected and the relationship healthy. Cuddling provides comfort and security and after a long day at work spending some quality time cuddled up on the sofa together being close and having physical contact can be hugely intimate and romantic.”
She continues: “Sofa time is also important for people with children as it brings together the family. Time spent with your children on the sofa, whether reading, watching a movie or chatting, is essential for maintaining family ties and creating common interests.”
The poll also revealed the nation’s sofa-time habits. Interestingly, when it comes to where we sit, more than half of respondents admitted that they have a favourite spot on the sofa and get annoyed if another family member ‘steals’ it. This is most common in those aged 45 – 54, with 60% admitting the trait, compared to just 36% of those aged 18-24.
Despite common belief, it’s actually older people who spend the least amount of time on the sofa each day, with 17% of those aged 65 and over spending less than an hour a day on the sofa compared to just 6% of 25 to 34 year olds.
Simon Nicholson, Furniture Buying Director at ScS, said: “With our lives seeming to get busier and busier, fitting in time with the family and our partners can be a struggle, so it’s great to see so many are putting their sofas to really great use as part of this precious family time.
“While it’s tempting to get engrossed in your favourite TV shows and other distractions, it seems that families around the country are using time together on the sofa at the end of a long day to catch up and invest in their relationships, which we think is a real testament to the benefits and comfort offered by the [modest/humble] family sofa.”
