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A Shift in Dining: IKEA's Insight into Modern Dinner Habits

A recent global study conducted by IKEA presents a fascinating insight into how modern life is redefining traditional dining rituals. According to the findings, nearly 1 in 5 individuals now opt to eat their dinner on the sofa, rather than at the kitchen table. This shift reflects broader changes in lifestyle and social norms.

The survey, one of the most extensive of its kind with contributions from 31,339 participants across 31 different markets, indicates a significant departure from conventional dining practices. Surprisingly, only 44% of respondents reported dining at the kitchen table, while 18% have embraced the comfort of the sofa. Even more telling, 4% admitted to dining in bed, alongside another 4% who stand and eat in the kitchen. Particularly noteworthy is the situation in the UK, where almost half (48%) of individuals now prefer the sofa for their meals.

Perhaps one of the most striking revelations from this research is the stark reality of device usage during meals. A mere 7% of participants live in households that enforce a no-device policy at the dining table. In contrast, a staggering 54% of those dining alone choose to watch television, and 40% do so even in the company of others, revealing the pervasive role of screens in our everyday lives.

The challenge of time scarcity is a significant barrier to home-cooking, especially for younger generations. Among Gen Z and Millennials, 38% and 33% respectively cite lack of time as a primary factor impeding their ability to prepare meals. Additionally, families with children, as well as those residing in fast-paced urban environments, face even greater challenges, such as limited kitchen space and inadequate cooking equipment.

Lorena Lourido Gómez, a spokesperson for IKEA, commented, "These findings collectively speak to how modern life is reshaping one of our most fundamental human rituals. As we navigate through increasing concerns about loneliness and digital distractions, food emerges as a vital connection point, with 60% of people expressing that connecting over meals is important to them. It's clear that food continues to be one of the strongest love languages across cultures. This year, we are dedicated to enhancing our focus on cooking and gastronomy, encouraging people to gather around food and design authentic, meaningful moments in everyday life."

The study underscores a global trend where eating has become more fragmented, informal, and mobile. Interestingly, Americans and Hungarians are found to be twice as likely as other nationalities to dine in bed (9% vs. 4%). Additionally, British individuals are almost three times more inclined than the global average to lack a designated dining table.

The average dinner time worldwide has been recorded at 6:44 PM, indicating that as living spaces shrink, the traditional notion of 'sitting down to eat' is being replaced by more fluid and dynamic habits.

In essence, IKEA’s study is not merely a reflection of changing dinner habits; it provides a lens through which we can observe the evolving landscape of social interaction, personal well-being, and culinary practices in a fast-paced, digital world. For more insights, you can refer to the full report in the IKEA Cooking & Eating Report 2026.