A nationwide survey carried out by retailer Furniture And Choice explores how people across the UK tackle decorating new homes, investigating the costs associated with decorating and the unique factors that influence how they choose what to buy.
The findings include: 80% of people prioritise value for money when buying furniture; 63% say a new sofa is their top furniture priority when moving; and people, on average, spend the most on their kitchens (£2792) and the least on their spare bedrooms (£1374).
For those purchasing furniture, nearly half (48%) of respondents intend to keep their items for five or more years, highlighting how the UK’s furniture is not as seasonal as the trends make it appear, and pieces are often enjoyed by several generations over their lifespan. This theme is reflected in the use of hand-me-down furniture, with 59% of respondents sharing that they have relied on family members, friends or online websites for free or hand-me-down pieces. Out of those, sofas (18%), coffee tables (15%) and TV stands (15%) are the most common.
Pets also play a significant role in how people design their living spaces. Nearly half (49%) of respondents furnish and style their living spaces around their pets, using pet-friendly fabrics and arranging furniture to create comfortable spaces for their pets (19%), and those aged 25-34 are the most likely to consider their pets in their furnishing decisions (81%).
Head of design at Furniture and Choice, Amthal Karim, comments: “Our latest survey shows that while style matters, it’s value and durability that truly shape how people furnish their homes. Homeowners are demanding more from their furniture – there is an obvious shift towards timeless designs and materials that are likely to last longer.
"A large piece of furniture such as a sofa or dining set is a costly purchase, so timeless pieces are more likely to be valued than those that are trending on TikTok. Only 37% of respondents surveyed said they prioritise trendy and modern designs above other factors such as longevity, affordability and materials. At Furniture And Choice, we strive to offer good value, high-quality furniture. Our furniture ranges are developed with both style and affordability in mind.”
Furniture And Choice commissioned a survey of 2000 adults across the UK. Read the report here.
