According to a new survey by Ocean Finance, the dining room, a place where families used to enjoy spending time together over dinner, is the least popular room in our homes. However, Christmas may see people making use of the room again.
The new data revealed that the dining room sees less use than any other room in British properties. Almost a third of those polled (31%) admitted that the dining room is the room that their family spend the least time in. The exception to this was special occasions – such as time over the festive period and the occasional family sit-down meal.
Ranking second from bottom in the survey was the ‘posh lounge’ or sitting room. However, this could change over the festive period particularly if people are hosting guests for the day.
As expected, when it comes to households spending time together, it appears in front of the TV comes out top. A resounding 79% of respondents admitted the living room or lounge is where they spend the most time together as a family – and this is set to increase on Christmas Day; opening presents and watching Christmas TV.
Ian Williams, spokesman for Ocean, says: “Not that long ago the dining room was the main place the family would assemble; perhaps to enjoy a meal together at the end of the day or to eat breakfast at the weekend. However, today this space has fallen into disuse in many UK homes. Christmas could be the one exception to the rule, as families may decide to celebrate the special occasion by eating together in a more formal space than the kitchen-diner or living room.”
