According to a new study by MADE, an overwhelming number of Brits, 82% in fact, have admitted to having their own designated spot on the sofa in their household.

This show of territorialism has even been known to drive two in five Brits (40%) to arguments with family members, friends, and housemates as they defend their right to sit in their favourite spot.

To help understand the neurological reasoning behind Brits’ desire for consistency in sofa lounging habits and seating arrangements, the furniture retailer has partnered with clinical counsellor Nilou Esmaeilpour and chartered clinical psychologist Dr Melody Smith to explain why people may be inclined to have specific seating preferences.

Choosing the same seat is a need for routine and consistent behaviour patterns:

Dr Melody explains: “Humans naturally gravitate towards routines and consistent behaviour patterns, and choosing the same spot in various settings is a manifestation of this tendency.

“Research in environmental psychology suggests that habitual seating choice provides a sense of comfort and predictability. It reduces the cognitive load involved in making decisions and increases the feeling of security and control over one’s environment.”

Familiarity, comfort, territorialism, and a need for control are the reasons for favoured spots in the home:

Nilou adds: “The main reasons for choosing the same seat include familiarity, comfort, a sense of territory, and a need for control.

“Social factors also determine favourite sofa or group seating spots. Our role within a family or social group often influences our seating choices. For example, a person who unconsciously assumes a leadership role may choose a seat that faces the rest of the group, making it easier for them to communicate and oversee others. Similarly, a person who prefers watching instead of leading may choose a more peripheral spot allowing them to watch the group without being in the spotlight.”

Territorial instinct influences this repetitive behaviour as it provides a safe environment:

Nilou explains: “Territoriality is a manifestation of the strong need to claim and control a piece of physical space. We feel safer and more confident if we have established control over a seat in a regular café haunt or the workplace.

“For example, if one chooses a particular seat and nothing bad happens, that seat would be labelled a ‘safe seat’. This becomes extremely important from a psychological point of view, as it means we are cutting down the number of variables we may need to pay attention to in the environment.”

These behaviour patterns, known as the mere exposure effect enforces a sense of security and minimises conflict:

Dr Melody adds: “This is a common and valid behaviour pattern known as the “mere exposure effect”. Repeated exposure to the same environment increases an individual’s preference for it.

“Choosing the same seat repeatedly can be considered a safe choice because it has previously proven unproblematic, reinforcing the sense of security and minimising potential discomfort or conflict. Humans are generally very highly invested in these outcomes.”

Lizzie Hetherington from the MADE product team reveals basic maintenance tips to prolong the lifespan of your sofa, to keep it looking its best for longer.

“These habitual seating habits can have a big impact on the lifespan of a sofa, as the wear and tear is concentrated on specific spots, rather than being distributed across the entire sofa’s surface.”

“The type of material you choose can also impact your sofa’s durability, as some materials are more durable than others. Leather sofas are a great option as they can last for decades if cared for properly, and they don’t need to be cleaned as often as fabric. They should be wiped down with a damp cloth and ideally vacuumed every few weeks. After this is done, leave the sofa to dry before taking a seat, as this will prevent creases forming. To keep your sofa in the best shape, you should also avoid placing it in direct sunlight.”

“Velvet sofas are also highly durable thanks to their dense weave and short pile. The smooth texture of velvet also makes it less susceptible to friction, which can cause wear and tear, meaning it is able to withstand more frequent use. In order to maintain a velvet sofa, you should vacuum it regularly (making sure to follow the direction of the pile) as well as brush with a soft brush to lift the pile in areas that are used more frequently.

“Alternatively, cotton sofas are known for their strength, as they maintain their shape as well as their structure. Cotton sofas should generally be vacuumed each week to prevent a build-up of dust, whilst raising the pile and preventing creasing. ”

“Sofa fillings such as foam and feather require different maintenance and vary in comfort. Foam-filled sofas are more structured and firmer, whereas feather sofas are more relaxed.

“The main things to consider when choosing a filling is how often the sofa will be used and how much upkeep you are willing to put in.

Over a third (36%) of Brits have never flipped their sofa cushions, with only 19% flipping them regularly. Lizzie explains how this simple piece of sofa maintenance can prevent sagging and how often sofa cushions should be rotated.

“Over time you may expect cushions to lose some of their volume, however, getting into the habit of regularly flipping and fluffing your cushions can help prevent unwanted sagging. This can also improve the overall comfort of the sofa, as it prevents lumps and compressions from building up in certain areas.”

“By fluffing the cushions regularly, you’ll help restore the cushion’s shape and material fibres. Do this every few weeks and your sofa should stay looking as good as new for many years.”

For those looking for a new designated seating spot on a new sofa, check out MADE’s range of seating options, with everything from armchairs, two- and three-seater sofas and corner sofas.