The traditional dining room table is being dethroned by the sofa in a shift towards casual dining, according to a recent global study by IKEA. Across 31 countries, over 31,000 people revealed that the way we eat is evolving, with nearly 1 in 5 individuals opting for dinner on the sofa, surrounded by screens, cushions, and a sense of “comfortable chaos.”
The living room sofa has become the new dining table for many, with 48% of UK residents now choosing to eat dinner in this relaxed setting. The trend isn’t limited to the living room though, as younger generations are embracing bed-dining, with 4% of people globally eating in bed, a figure that doubles among Gen Z. In the U.S. and Hungary, 9% of residents prefer a bedroom banquet.
Dinner time has become more time-sensitive, with the average global dinner bell ringing at 6:44 PM, and meals lasting just 27 minutes. Interestingly, lower-income households tend to finish dinner in under 10 minutes, compared to their higher-earning counterparts.
Despite the rush to finish meals quickly, many of us stick to familiar dishes, cycling through the same 10 dinner meals each week. Additionally, 40% of individuals eat the exact same breakfast every day, showcasing our penchant for routine.
As screens become ubiquitous in our lives, the “no phones at the table” rule seems to have disappeared, with only 7% of households maintaining a device-free zone during dinner. A significant number of people watch TV while eating with family, and some even leave the television on while hosting guests.
While our dining habits are evolving, our commitment to sustainability is growing, with Europeans leading the charge in reducing food waste. However, our culinary preferences vary widely, with different countries showcasing diverse tastes for spicy, sweet, and picky eaters.
Lorena Lourido Gomez of IKEA notes that despite the changing rituals surrounding mealtime, food remains a significant love language across cultures. The heart of the meal may remain consistent, but the way we gather and eat is certainly shifting towards a more casual and screen-filled experience.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.