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Dining rooms are our least-used room (except at Christmas)

1st December 2014 Print

The dining room, once a place where families would enjoy time together every evening over dinner, has fallen out of affection in UK homes. However, Christmas may see people making use of the room again.

Recent research conducted on behalf of Ocean Finance revealed that the dining room sees less action than any other room in British properties, with nearly a third of respondents (31%) admitting that it is the room that their family spend the least time in. The exception to this was special occasions – including Christmas and Boxing Day – and the odd family sit-down meal.

Another unloved space that may benefit from a little festive cheer in the next few weeks is the ‘posh lounge’ or sitting room. Overall it was ranked as the second least used room in the house, but this could change on December 25th – particularly if people are hosting guests for the day.

When it comes to households spending time together, it’s now more likely for them to do so in front of the TV than over dinner. Four-fifths (79%) of respondents said it was the living room where they spent the most time together as a family – and they may do even more of this 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.”