" Pets also appear to take prime position with almost 1 in 5 parents ( 18 %) opting to cuddle up with their furry favourites rather than their children ( 11 %)."
EDITOR ' S CHOICE
SEATING HIERARCHY
George Clarke , Architect and Sofology Ambassador , believes a more creative approach to living room layouts could help ease the arguments this winter .
“ You only have to watch an episode of Gogglebox or the brilliant Royale Family , to see how people feel most comfortable in a seat they know and love . We ’ re creatures of habit , so layout is definitely key to keeping the peace .
“ Unsurprisingly the report revealed that over a third of people ( 37 %) opt for a living room layout where the TV sits central . In this situation avoid placing furniture around a room ’ s edges , as it can result in a seating hierarchy . Instead pull pieces into more intimate arrangements and create a personalised space that suits everybody ’ s needs .”
THE PERFECT POSITION
According to the survey , the three most important elements to any living room set-up is a comfortable seat ( 68 %), a TV ( 15 %) and a fireplace ( 10 %).
“ Just as a well-designed kitchen features the golden triangle of sink , refrigerator and stove , so too should a living room , deliver zoning for TV lovers as well those wanting a break from screens ,” explains Clarke .
“ Think about access to side tables as well as clear sight of the TV . A comfortable viewing distance is double the length of your TV from sofa to screen . This should prevent any sore necks or eye strain and get you into the perfect spot for more nights in .”
Feet up on footstools was voted best sitting position by a fifth of women , ( 19 %) whilst over a quarter ( 28 %) of men opted to relax whilst sitting upright with both feet on the floor .
BEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE
Regarded by half of those surveyed ( 50 %) as the favourite room in the home , the living room is where people feel most relaxed with people spending more time there , on average , than they were five years ago ( 38 % spend 25 + hours a week now vs . 26 % in 2019 ).
Jan Duckworth , Brand Director at Sofology comments : “ Our living rooms have to work extra hard these days , used as much for working from home as catching up on Strictly . Our sofas are central to the action especially as we head into winter months and accommodating everybody ’ s needs in a room we all want to feel at home is essential .”
Our living rooms aren ’ t only used for cosying up these days . The report highlights that over a quarter of us ( 27 %) use our living room as a dining room , with 1 in 4 families ( 25 %) using it as a playroom , and a quarter setting up an office there ( 23 %).
A lack of space elsewhere has seen the majority of 25-34 year olds most likely to have their living rooms double as another space ( 72 % do so ).
The death of the dining room appears imminent as half of us ( 51 %) eat on the sofa every day with the same number hosting socials in their living rooms every month .
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