The death of the living room: It's hard to invite people over not everyone wants to sit on a bed'

"You miss shared experiences, she says. It was hard to invite people over because not everyone wants to sit in a bedroom there wasn't space for a proper chair and your bedroom becomes less relaxing, and more stressful. She would go to friends' houses for dinner, but they rarely came to hers. I felt really bad because they were always hosting me and I couldn't return the favour. Eating, sleeping, socialising and working in a bedroom can lead you to feel trapped."

"A third of those living in a shared property said they would willingly forgo a living room in return for cheaper rent. Photograph: Posed by models; Caia Image/Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF Living rooms have long been commonplace within western homes and something many of us take for granted, but according to recent research from SpareRoom, a growing number of rentals advertised on the house-sharing website come without living room access."

A substantial portion of shared rentals lack living-room access, pushing occupants to conduct eating, sleeping, socialising and work activities within bedrooms. Converted lounges and tiny kitchens reduce opportunities for communal cooking and hosting, so housemates often eat separately in bedrooms and avoid inviting guests. Constant multifunctional use of bedrooms increases stress, reduces relaxation, and fosters feelings of isolation and being trapped. Many tenants accept the absence of a living room for cheaper rent. SpareRoom data indicate a notable share of listed rooms are in properties without living rooms, with higher concentrations in urban areas.

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