The average sofa has played host to 537 film screenings, 8,508 hours of TV time – and has witnessed 311 arguments, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults found that Brits will hold on to their trusty sofas for an average of eight years – during which time they will provide a comfy spot for 401 naps.
It is also the place where men are forced to spend the night a total of 269 times, after a row with their partner or a drunken night out.
And sofas see their fair share of wear and tear over the years – with 316 drinks spilled on them, and 65 scribbles from kids.
But at the end of it all, almost all of those polled (92 per cent) say they will always try to resell the furniture when they no longer want it.
The research was commissioned by Sofology, to celebrate the launch of its staple-free “Gaia” sofa, created in partnership with architect and TV presenter, George Clarke.
Jan Duckworth, from the sofa manufacturer, said: “Our sofas are really at the heart of a home, and serve as the location for so many moments, big or small.
“As a result, we know Brits have high expectations for their sofas, and will always be on the lookout for furniture which is up to the task.
“This fun bit of research proves that the sofa is really part of the family, and endures a lot more than we could ever really imagine at each stage of the journey.”
The research also found the average sofa will swallow the TV remote between its cushions 346 times – and will have to be protected from pets' claws 488 times over their eight years of service.
Brits also see the value in the piece of furniture they spend so much time enjoying – admitting they’re willing to shell out £1,010 on average for their dream sofa.
However, seven in ten (71 per cent) have bought, or would consider buying, their sofa second-hand – with 43 per cent of those who do so considering it to be more environmentally friendly.
And nearly half (44 per cent) consider the environmental credentials of a sofa before making their purchase.
The main reason for replacing a sofa is when the fabric and stuffing starts to get old and worn out.
The final resting place of most sofas which have reached the end of their lives in the UK is the tip – where 38 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, end up dropping off their long-serving couch.
But a third will pay it forward, and gift their furniture to a family member or friend.
And a forward-thinking 47 per cent of sofa owners try to ensure their sofa maintains some resale value when they no longer want it.
Jan Duckworth, from Sofology, which is also launching its Green Friday initiative to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, added: “Choosing the right sofa for you takes all kinds of considerations, from price, to durability, to its environmental credentials.
“And we think it is so important that customers have access to all the information they need to make an informed decision, and from a brand they can trust.
“This is why we have been making strides as a business to make a difference to the planet where we can – ranging from keeping waste as low as possible, to the specific types of fibre used in a sofa.”
THE AVERAGE SOFA BY NUMBERS:
- 8,508 hours of TV time
- 537 film screenings
- 401 sofa naps
- 346 lost remotes
- 316 drinks spills
- 311 arguments
- 286 make-up sessions
- 269 nights spent on the sofa after an argument
- 65 kids' scribbles
