Average Brit Has Spent £1,000 On Home Improvements Since First Lockdown

The average Brit has spent more than £1,000 on home improvements to make their property more inviting and comfortable since the first lockdown began this spring.

A study of 2,000 adults found they have forked out an average of £239 on new homewares and furniture and £893 on decorating since March.

And 46 per cent admitted this is more than they’d usually spend in a typical year.

More than a third have felt the need to make home improvements due to spending more time than ever in their abode this year, with 59 per cent wanting their home to be as ‘snug’ as possible this winter.

It also emerged that of those upgrading their homes in 2020, half did so in order to make it more cosy, inviting, or comfortable, while a third wanted to occupy their time and 19 per cent to change the use of rooms.

The research, commissioned by wood burning stove company, Contura, revealed the living room has been the main focus for improvements since lockdown began.

The living room was also labelled the cosiest room in the home and the most popular room to enjoy a night in, with more than half of respondents favouring downtime on the sofa, compared to their bed (22 per cent).

Contura,: "As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, cosiness and comfort inevitably become more important to us, but it appears this applies even more so this year.

“It’s only natural that having spent more time at home than ever, Brits are placing more value on and finding ways to improve their home environment.

“Whether that’s through the purchase of a few pleasing items such as candles, cushions or throws to make the living room more inviting, redecorating completely, or repurposing a guest bedroom into a study to work more comfortably from home.

“Our homes are where we need to feel safe, relaxed and content, and with the current lockdown and the uncertainty around whether there may be more to come this winter, it’s no wonder we all want to create the cosiest homes possible to help us through.”

The research found 60 per cent of adults are looking forward to spending time at home during the colder months, with 50 per cent considering it to be more important that their abode is cosier this winter than in previous years.

With the prospect of spending more time at home throughout winter, 63 per cent are looking forward to feeling cosy, while 59 per cent like the thought of escaping the cold and 46 per cent are excited to spend quality time with loved ones.

A further 30 per cent equate time at home over the coming months with an opportunity to improve their wellbeing and 41 per cent are excited about embracing the snug feeling of winter.

It also emerged that the average adult will enjoy four cosy nights in a week during winter.

But 20 per cent will hunker down every night of the week in the colder months.

More than half consider these moments to be a perk of winter, while 45 per cent feel that nights in are important for their overall happiness.

The nation’s ultimate cosy day or night in was found to consist of wearing pyjamas (38 per cent), watching TV (69 per cent) and eating pizza (29 per cent).

A further 62 per cent would ideally be sat in front of the fireplace or wood burning stove and 51 per cent would need the sound of rain on the window to feel as cosy as possible.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed that in order to create a cosy atmosphere this winter, Brits are planning to buy fleece throws (15 per cent), slippers or thick socks (36 per cent) and books (12 per cent).

Contura lifestyle expert, Catharina, added: “It is so important for our overall wellbeing to feel a sense of security, comfort and enjoy downtime with family or loved ones in winter, and our homes are crucial in providing all of those things.

“Although this year has undeniably thrown many hurdles at us and despite our general tendency to mourn the loss of summer, daylight and warmer temperatures, it is encouraging to see that the UK is prioritising the home, its cosiness and their happiness.

“Winter is a season that forces us to slow down, hunker down, and appreciate the little things – warming food, cosy settings, quality time spent in each other’s company.

"And those that focus on these things will not only endure the coming months, but will relish them. ”

Top 10 things Brits plan to buy this winter to create a cosy home:
1. A fleece throw
2. Thick socks
3. Slippers
4. Autumnal/winter scented candles
5. Books
6. Pyjamas
7. Cushions/pillows
8. Loungewear/tracksuits
9. Jumpers
10. New bedding

Source : Contura

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.