Australians spend 50 days a year on the couch for a surprisingly sweet reason

Couches are important. It’s where we like to relax while still entertaining the fantasy of being social. But how much time do you think you spend semi-horizontal on your sofa?

New research from Plush reveals Australians spend on average 50 days a year - or 3.3 hours per day - on a sofa.

Plush also thought they’d find out what Aussies are actually doing (other than watching TV) when they spend over 3 hours a day lounging on the lounge.

They even broke it down by state -- and it turns out NSW do one thing the other states don't.

What happens on the couch

In heart-warming news, the Sofa Census found 1 in 4 couples exchange the most “I love yous” on a sofa. You guys!

Following suit, 68 percent of Aussies say the sofa is their favourite spot to get closer to their partner.

But it’s not just a place for the romantics – 63 percent of us say it’s where we connect with our mates.

Forget the kitchen, many agree that their sofa is more than just furniture, with 83 percent of Aussies saying it’s the true hub of the home.

It’s the place where most conversations take place (75 percent), where we play games (71 percent) and is even the place 65 percent of Aussies choose to wipe away tears and comfort each other.

It’s clear the sofa is the preferred place to maximise quality time.

In fact, the majority of Australians say the sofa is where they show their family unconditional love (70 percent). Very cute, everyone.

State-by-state preferences

Us Aussies do have our quirks when it comes to sofa habits, specifically, how we sit on the couch.

The census found:

·West Australians like to curl up, legs tucked underneath

·South Australians are more likely to sit up straight, feet on the floor

·Queenslanders are more likely to put their feet up on the coffee table

·Victorians like to sprawl out on the sofa, feet up

·Those from New South Wales enjoy lying flat out and also are the only state to predominantly use the term 'sofa' as opposed to 'couch' or 'lounge'.

Chris Burke, CEO of Plush, thinks the rise in the importance of the couch has to do with the changing nature of living situations.

“While the term ‘couch potato’ is often associated with time on the sofa, the Sofa Census from Plush shows Australians are doing more than just lazing around the big screen. As kitchens and dining areas shrink and apartment living continues to rise, sofas are becoming the real heart of the home where Aussies are able to spend quality family time together.”