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New global IKEA study finds nearly 1 in 5 people eat dinner on the sofa

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New global IKEA study finds nearly 1 in 5 people eat dinner on the sofa
Business

Business

New global IKEA study finds nearly 1 in 5 people eat dinner on the sofa

2026-02-10 20:07 Last Updated At:20:25

MALMÖ, Sweden, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 1 in 5 people now eat dinner on the sofa, according to a new global study by IKEA that reveals how screens, space, and shifting routines are quietly transforming one of our most human rituals.

The study, one of the largest Cooking & Eating surveys ever conducted with 31,339 respondents across 31 markets, found that fewer than half (44%) eat dinner at a kitchen table, while 18% dine on the sofa, 4% eat in bed, and another 4% stand in the kitchen. In the UK, nearly half (48%) now eat on the sofa, while 31% eat at a kitchen table.

The survey also shows that only 7% of people live in households with device‑free policies at the dining table. In contrast, 54% watch TV when eating alone, and 40% do so even when eating with people they live with. Lack of time remains the biggest barrier to cooking at home on weekdays, particularly among younger generations: 38% of Gen Z and 33% of Millennials cite it as one of their top challenges. People living with children and those in fast‑paced urban environments report even more obstacles, including limited space and insufficient kitchen equipment.

Lorena Lourido Gomez says: "Together, these findings reveal how modern life is reshaping one of our most human rituals, reflecting growing concerns about loneliness and digital distraction, even as 60% say connection through food matters to them. It's clear that food remains one of the strongest love languages across cultures. That's why we're putting even more focus on Cooking & Eating this year to help bring people back together around food, and to design for real, meaningful moments in everyday life."

Where, when, and how we eat 
Across the globe, eating has become more fragmented, informal, and mobile. Americans and Hungarians are also twice as likely to eat in bed compared to other nationalities (9% vs 4%), and Brits are nearly three times more likely than the global average not to have a dining table.

The average dinner time around the world is 6:44pm. As homes get smaller, the traditional notion of "sitting down to eat" is being replaced by more fluid, on-the-move behaviours.

For more information, visit IKEA Cooking & Eating Report 2026 and Ingka Newsroom.

MALMÖ, Sweden, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 1 in 5 people now eat dinner on the sofa, according to a new global study by IKEA that reveals how screens, space, and shifting routines are quietly transforming one of our most human rituals.

The study, one of the largest Cooking & Eating surveys ever conducted with 31,339 respondents across 31 markets, found that fewer than half (44%) eat dinner at a kitchen table, while 18% dine on the sofa, 4% eat in bed, and another 4% stand in the kitchen. In the UK, nearly half (48%) now eat on the sofa, while 31% eat at a kitchen table.

The survey also shows that only 7% of people live in households with device‑free policies at the dining table. In contrast, 54% watch TV when eating alone, and 40% do so even when eating with people they live with. Lack of time remains the biggest barrier to cooking at home on weekdays, particularly among younger generations: 38% of Gen Z and 33% of Millennials cite it as one of their top challenges. People living with children and those in fast‑paced urban environments report even more obstacles, including limited space and insufficient kitchen equipment.

Lorena Lourido Gomez says: "Together, these findings reveal how modern life is reshaping one of our most human rituals, reflecting growing concerns about loneliness and digital distraction, even as 60% say connection through food matters to them. It's clear that food remains one of the strongest love languages across cultures. That's why we're putting even more focus on Cooking & Eating this year to help bring people back together around food, and to design for real, meaningful moments in everyday life."

Where, when, and how we eat 
Across the globe, eating has become more fragmented, informal, and mobile. Americans and Hungarians are also twice as likely to eat in bed compared to other nationalities (9% vs 4%), and Brits are nearly three times more likely than the global average not to have a dining table.

The average dinner time around the world is 6:44pm. As homes get smaller, the traditional notion of "sitting down to eat" is being replaced by more fluid, on-the-move behaviours.

For more information, visit IKEA Cooking & Eating Report 2026 and Ingka Newsroom.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

New global IKEA study finds nearly 1 in 5 people eat dinner on the sofa

New global IKEA study finds nearly 1 in 5 people eat dinner on the sofa

SHANGHAI, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories — Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels, highlighting a diverse product matrix of more than 300 products across 17 globally recognized IPs, including Ultraman, Transformers, DC, Evangelion, Naruto, Minions, Jurassic World, Hatsune Miku, and Hero Infinity. Four new model kits also made their global debut, emerging as key highlights of the event.

Mario Maurer attended the opening ceremony of Blokees Thailand Toy Expo as a special guest and engaged in interactive exchanges with consumers.

In the Blokees Model Kits category, Blokees exhibited its Champion, Legend, and Fantastic Series, featuring popular IPs such as Transformers, DC, Mega Man, Saint Seiya, Evangelion, and Naruto. More than 50 products were presented to consumers. Among them, four newly launched items—including Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-12-Phoenix Ikki, Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-14-Andromeda Shun, Blokees DC-Champion Class 05-Batman (HUSH), and Blokees DC-Champion Class 06-Catwoman (Hush)—drew strong interest from fans.

Blokees also highlighted its HERO5 and HERO10 series, featuring well-known IPs including Transformers, Saint Seiya, and Naruto, catering to consumers of hero-themed collectible models.

The DaaLaMode series introduced a range of products inspired by popular IPs such as Hatsune Miku, appealing to female consumers. Meanwhile, the TERRAVENTURE series presented nature and creature-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, further expanding Blokees' offerings across different consumer segments.

In the Blokees Wheels category, which integrates construction, play, and customization, products are organized into the C, E, and S series. The lineup includes IP-based offerings from Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman, with upcoming collaborations featuring Fast & Furious and Ford.

In addition, Blokees highlighted its global consumer ecosystem, BFC (Blokees Family Creator). Selected works from 2025 The 3rd BFC Creation Contest Stellar Season were exhibited in Thailand for the first time, reflecting strong user creativity and engagement. 2026 The 4th BFC Creation Contest Season of Awakening has officially launched, further encouraging global participation.

Under its "Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting" strategy, Blokees continues to expand across Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. Thailand is rapidly becoming a strategic hub in its regional expansion, as the company strengthens both product innovation and community-driven growth worldwide.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Blokees made its debut at 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, exhibiting multiple products

Blokees made its debut at 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, exhibiting multiple products

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