A new study has revealed three things in our homes that are likely to catch guests' eye. We love making our homes into calm spaces for ourselves - but we often wonder what kind of impression they give off to visitors or virtual visitors.
So what are the top things guests notice? We'd imagine it would be things like the smell of our hand soap, the plushness of our hand towels, and how comfy our best sofa is...but the answers may actually surprise you!
The top three things guests notice
Research by Confused.com (opens in new tab) used eye-tracking technology to locate areas of different rooms that hold people's gaze for the longest time when they are visiting – they are...
1. Office chairs
In the top spot were office chairs. This comes as no surprise - the working-from-home revolution meant we had to invest in functional office items like chairs, desks and laptop stands, and so we're likely comparing everyones to our uncomfy choice now! Especially via video calls...
They're not always the most beautiful pieces of furniture, it's fair to say. However, a proper office chair with lumbar support are much better than working from the sofa, or bed.
If it's time to take the plunge, invest in the best office chair so you can work in comfort and style. It shouldn't feel at odds with the rest of your decor, and guests will be admiring it rather than noticing an ugly black chair tucked in the corner.
2. Kitchen floors
Next up, we have kitchen floors - how are yours looking? With 323 views and maintaining the gaze of visitors for 2,987 milliseconds, kitchen flooring is the second most viewed element in the home according to this study.
Whatever yours looks like, keeping it freshly swept and mopped when guests come over goes a long way. If you're planning a kitchen renovation, it could be worth spending a bit more time making sure you're 100% happy with your decision.
3. Throws on a bed
It turns out the throw blanket on your bed can also get a lot of attention from guests. Throws were the fourth most-noticed element recorded in the study, after children's beds or cots.
The best throws bring all the cozy vibes, as well as providing some extra warmth on chilly nights. Layering a blanket at the bottom of your bed is a great way to finish of your bedroom and make the bed look more luxurious.
Of course, it's essential to have the best mattress to lay your throw on, too...