Your Happy Place

Out with formal and in with cosy; new research reveals the laid back living room is key to our happiness.

Research commissioned in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, by leading sofa brand DFS has revealed the nation’s perfect living room. As our lifestyles have changed, the living room has been revolutionised from a formal entertaining space, into a relaxing haven; multifunctional but still traditional enough to marry form and function.

We’re now a nation of living room loungers; on average the majority of us spend approximately 21 hours a week in our living room during summer. This almost doubles to 35 hours a week during the delights of wintertime, making this obvious heart of the home all the more significant in lifting our spirits as we retreat from the cold.

Happiness at home

The research highlighted the very significant role the living room plays in our emotional wellbeing. According to the research, over half of the population cited the living room as the space in the home where they feel happiest.

This emotional attachment to our living room seems to be driven by our love of hunkering down for near-hibernation, especially during the bleakness of winter, with half of the respondents saying they are truly relaxed when in the living room.