NEW YORK — Two-thirds of Americans are obsessive about one thing in particular in their homes – their spot on the sofa. A new study of 2,000 people finds that 66 percent admit to having unofficial assigned seating throughout their homes.
Americans are so loyal to their favorite spots, that they’ll argue with another family member about sitting in their “spot” twice a month. Whether it’s at the kitchen table, dad’s recliner, or the family couch – 68 percent of respondents say they’re very passionate about their “spot.”
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Designer Looks only at Value City Furniture, the survey reveals that more than half of Americans (55%) would feel uncomfortable sitting anywhere else but their favorite spot. A quarter of participants add they’d politely claim the spot and ask them to move.
On why people are attached to certain spots, 63 percent associate positive memories with particular areas or pieces of furniture in their home. Old isn’t always gold, however, as 56 percent of respondents have used the extra time during the pandemic to update their home’s interior design and make it more comfortable.
Is it time to upgrade your favorite spot?
Results from the survey show that the average home has seen three cozy updates over the past year of quarantine – costing the average American $752. Three in 10 (31%) have spent upwards of $1,000 updating their cozy corners.
Some invested in new accessories like shelving or lamps (33%), new artwork or decor (27%), or a new bed (27%). Others splurged on a new sofa (26%), new seating options for their living room (22%), or a new television (19%).
“Adding new furniture and décor, especially when it comes to more seating, can make a big impact on your main living space. We know that the perfect combination of beautiful style, lasting quality and surprising price are the ingredients to create a favorite cozy seat for everyone in the house,” says Jonathan Schottenstein, president and CEO of Designer Looks only at Value City Furniture, in a statement.
Coziness goes high-tech
Nearly three-quarters of the poll (73%) like their home has good energy and makes everyone feel comfortable. Moreover, 61 percent take pride in putting in the time and money to achieve that feeling. Some of the factors that people consider when purchasing items to improve their homes are comfort (36%), price (19%), and appearance (16%).
Half of Americans admit that they would give in to splurging on an item they love, even if it’s out of their budget. What is the most exciting home upgrade to shop for? Nearly three in five Americans say it’s a sofa or recliner for their living room.
Shoppers are also keeping up with the times, as 59 percent specifically crave fancy technology upgrades when getting new furniture. The top features they look for include adjustable foot or headrests (38%), LED lighting (24%), and USB ports or built-in charging features (32%).
“Stylish and high-tech doesn’t have to also mean expensive, especially if you are shopping for a recliner. The style and technology added to them takes care of all your digital needs, and when it comes to aesthetics, it’s possible to find pieces that combine high-end design with high quality and are still affordable,” Schottenstein adds.