Sofa etiquette has long been taking centre stage in living rooms across the UK, shaping everything from volume levels to who wins the remote.
And according to a recent survey, sofa etiquette is as much about sharing snacks as it is about keeping schtum during your favourite show.
Silence Is Golden (29%)
Nearly one in three Britons agrees there should be absolute silence when the telly’s on. Talking (29%) is considered a cardinal sin, as is switching channels without unanimous consent (26%). For the digitally inclined, doom-scrolling during a film ranks high on the naughty list (20%).
Snacks, Spoilers and Snoring (24%)
Families have drawn firm lines around treats and teases alike:
- Share the snacks (24%) – no stashing popcorn for yourself.
- Remote control hogging (24%) – treat it like a communal resource.
- Spoiler sharing (24%) – a big no-no if you value harmony.
- Snoring bans (24%) – audible snoozing risks an icy reception.
Comfort Is Communal
Blankets must be divvied up fairly (17%), and putting feet on fellow viewers without permission is off-limits (12%). Even the person nearest the door has duties – letting in the takeaway (10%) – lest the sofa summit descend into chaos.
If you dare to binge your family’s favourite drama alone (10%), expect a frosty welcome back to the group screening.
Phones, Feasts and Furniture
One in five households enforces a strict “no phone zone” during family movie nights (19%). A small but vocal minority believes crunchy cereal bowls and melting chocolate have no place on upholstery (4%).
- TV dinners are acceptable once a week (3%), provided you use a proper tray (8%).
- Cushion counts are down to one per person (4%), and armrests exist for arms, not feet (8%).
- Manspreading earns an eight-percent ban, with dads dubbed the most prolific sofa hogs (17%). Young children (16%), the dog (16%) and moody teenagers (13%) round out the list of unwelcome sprawlers.
The Nation’s Perfect Couch
Modern Sofa Rules, According to British Families…
| Rule | % Agree |
|---|---|
| No shoes on the sofa | 33% |
| No talking when watching a show | 29% |
| No switching channels without asking | 26% |
| If you bring snacks, you must share | 24% |
| No hogging the remote | 24% |
| No snoring | 24% |
| No spoilers | 24% |
| No doom scrolling during the film | 20% |
| Family movie time is a phone free zone | 19% |
| Blankets must be shared | 17% |
| Curtains must be closed during the movie | 15% |
| Use a coaster | 13% |
| No falling asleep in a family film | 13% |
| No putting feet up on someone without asking | 12% |
| Pausing for a wee is acceptable ONCE per family member, per film or episode | 12% |
| Don’t take up more space than your allotted seat cushion | 11% |
| Never binge a family favourite on your own | 10% |
| Whoever is closest to the door lets the food delivery in | 10% |
| Armrests are for arms not legs | 8% |
| No manspreading | 8% |
| A tray is a must for a TV dinner | 5% |
| Footrests should be shared | 5% |
| No eating cereal on the sofa | 4% |
With Brits clocking up an average of 26 hours a week on their settees, finding the right sofa matters. Unsurprisingly, a corner sofa rules the roost (26%) for its ability to cradle the whole clan.
Kellie Wyles, Head of Upholstery at DFS says: “It’s clear from the research that the sofa is often the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that we have a series of do’s and don’t’s when it comes to etiquette.”
“We have hundreds of comfortable yet stylish models to choose from, so you and your family can find your thing and enjoy everything from family movie nights to lazy Sunday lounges in style.”
By codifying these unwritten rules, UK families ensure that sofa time remains a source of comfort, camaraderie and—most importantly—a little bit of peace and quiet. So next time you sink into the cushions, remember: great sofa etiquette isn’t just polite—it’s the secret ingredient to a happier household.
