The UK’s most extravagant sofa has been designed – including double-decker functionality to house more people, a built-in fridge and a button to make the sofa change colour.
An artist’s impression also revealed a built-in popcorn machine for peckish people, and heated seats that will warm up backsides in the winter.
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It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults revealed what their dream sofa would be, with totally stain-proof from anything pets, kids and spillages could throw at it a key attribute.
While 16% would like their ultimate couch to contain a built-in foot massager, and 13% long for a system which automatically dims the lights when it recognises you’ve nodded off in front of the TV.
Jennifer Fellows, customer insight manager at the sofa brand Sofology, which commissioned the research and put together the ambitious idea, said: “This elaborate sofa would probably cost an arm and a leg to build for real.
“But our team had a huge amount of fun mocking it up to combine everything Brits would like to see in the ideal sofa.
“Our expert designers are always looking to create innovative ideas for those perfect moments on the sofa, and this could be the world’s most elaborate piece of furniture yet.
“Of course, the key element of any sofa is comfort – if it’s not lovely to sit on, then no amount of popcorn machines or disco balls can save it.”
The study also found the average adult would be willing to part with nearly £1,500 to get their dream sofa – but on average, spent just over £900 on the one they’ve currently got.
Of those currently longing for a new sofa, the top reason was that it’s not comfortable enough, while others think it’s ‘old’ and simply needs replacing through wear and tear.
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But 14% worry their sofa doesn’t really ‘represent’ them and their personality, so needs an update.
More than a third (34%) believe a sofa is the single most integral part of a living room, tying the whole room together.
And 63% have nodded off on the furniture, 57% have had their dinner on it, and 34% have had an amorous encounter.
Despite this, 37% have bought a sofa online without giving it a test-sit first, and 32% admitted they’ve picked one based on style, rather than comfort.
Jennifer Fellows added: “We all want a sofa that not only looks brilliant but is the final piece to complete our front room jigsaw.
“People want their sofas to be built to last, and that’s why we encourage all our customers to spend time finding the right one.
“Our results found adults only change their sofa every seven years, so if you make a bad choice, you’re seemingly stuck with it for a long time.
“Part of the reason we commissioned this research because of our mission to help customers feel at home on a sofa that they love.”
ATTRIBUTES FOR BRITS’ DREAM SOFA:
- It is spillage resistant
- Impossible to stain by pets, children or spillages
- It is self-cleaning
- It folds out into a bed (which is actually comfortable)
- Cools down when it’s too warm
- Has a holder for remote controls
- Has a built-in neck massager
- Heated seat pads
- It has a fold away tray to eat off
- Increases or decreases in size depending on the number of people
- Has a built-in foot massager
- Can move around the room on wheels
- Fat burning massager
- Can change colour
- Built-in duvet
- It automatically turns the lights off if you fall asleep in front of the TV
- Can change material
- Converts into a double decker sofa for more guests
- Smart speaker built-in
- Surround sound television speakers built-in
- Has a built-in hand massager
- It is voice controlled (Hey sofa, please recline…)
- Ability to be used outdoors when the weather is nice
- Has built-in light switches
- Built-in fridge
- Mini gym – leg raiser/arm pulls
- 4D experience for watching films
- Has a built-in tablet
- Automatically opens the front door so the delivery driver can bring your takeaway to you
- It can pour beer / wine / soft drinks
Studies have also shown that small business owners are struggling during the cost of living crisis with some even working for free.
Another study revealed people are too frightened to become their own boss.
The Sun has also revealed the top ten tips for a successful small business.
