Recliners, Beanbags And Hammocks: Americas Favorite ‘Chill Spots’ Revealed

From the dip in a well-worn mattress to a hammock in the backyard or a late father-in-laws recliner, Americans are fiercely loyal to their favorite places to unwind at home, according to a new survey.

A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults split evenly by generation, conducted by Talker Research for Stressless furniture, found the average person has two go-to “spots” around the house that they claim as their own. For nearly one in three Gen Z and millennial respondents, that number rises to between three and four.

Whether its a beanbag, a great-grandmothers chair, a kitchen counter stool, or a computer chair “where I can see everything,” these personal retreats serve as essential stress-busters.

For most, the bond is deep: 79% say everyone they live with knows their spot, and more than half (54%) admit theyd take serious offense if someone else sat there. Some even enforce personal rules — 19% ban work in their spot, while 18% reserve it for especially stressful days.

“Its no secret that Americans are experiencing a stress epidemic, faced with anxiety in just about every aspect of their lives,” said Beverly Kastel, Stressless marketing director for North America. “While its refreshing to see that something as simple as a favorite spot is helping to wipe away this stress, its important to have a space where youre able to relax and unwind.”

More than half (52%) consider their spot “sacred,” and 58% use it to relax or unwind. For 41%, its a place for quiet time. When settling into their favorite place, seven in 10 Americans treat the moment as a mental and emotional reset. Among Gen Z, 40% use their spot for self-care or mental health, while 30% of millennials say its where they pursue hobbies and passions.

Home is clearly where the calm is: respondents are twice as stressed at work as they are at home (59% vs. 29%). Even daily errands can spike anxiety for 43% of adults, while 67% admit they feel relieved when plans are canceled.

Millennials lead the homebody movement, with 74% preferring to stay in when given the choice. Overall, 74% of respondents say theyre bigger homebodies now than ever before, and 82% call their home a “sanctuary,” with most adopting that mindset in just the past five years.

“While there may not be much you can do about stressors at work or elsewhere, establishing your home as your sanctuary is a sure-fire way to leave that stress at the door,” said Peter Bjerregaard, President of Ekornes, Inc., maker of Stressless. “Your home should be the place that restores your energy, not drains it. When you design your space with spots for comfort and relaxation in mind, youre not just decorating — youre investing in your well-being.”