Is your (show) home Instagram-worthy?

Would you prefer if your house looked like a show home? A survey suggests that 62% of British homeowners do!

British homeowners are forgoing a lived-in home in a bid to style their house to look like a show home – all for an increased social media following and Instagram likes, according to new research.

A survey of 1,000 UK adults by Discount Flooring Depot has revealed that 62% of British homeowners would prefer their house to look like a show home rather than a homely home with creature comforts.

living room with grey sofa round coffee table and shelves

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Want more home inspiration? READ: How to make your home more Instagrammable

The research found 74% of Brits confessed to sharing pictures of their own homes on social media, with 46% admitting the reason for this is to gain likes and comments on these kinds of platforms. Almost half (48%) of those surveyed said they display items in their home which are purely for display purposes.

The survey also quizzed respondents on items they have in their home for display purposes only. Here are the results:

Candles

candle wreath

(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Wreford)

Candles (41%) were the item most likely to be placed in the home purely for display purposes.

Towels

basket towels

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

Towels (38%) came in second in the list of home accessories which are displayed in the home and not to be used.

Books

bookcase beside chair

(Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Antrobus)

28% of amateur interior designers confess to displaying books that they have never read.

Love book displays? READ: 7 beautiful ways to display your books

Baked goods

baked goods

(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)

A fifth (21%) of Brits place treats in the home such as cakes or sweets.

Glassware

glassware and crockery

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Scarboro)

 15% display glassware and crockery such as decanters and fine china around their home.

Toys and games

toys and games

(Image credit: Future PLC/Jeremy Phillips)

Surprisingly, 5% of British homes even have children’s toys and games which are solely for display.

“We completely understand British homeowners want to keep their house presentable on a day to day basis but it’s also nice to enjoy the things we invest in for the home, especially things such as treats, toys and games.

“Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are fantastic for providing inspiration for interiors and we often encourage our customers to share images they like and the looks they would like to recreate in their own home," says Paula Gray, designer at Discount Flooring Depot.

For more home decorating ideas. READ: The UK's most Instagrammable walls

The data also found that homeowners in Nottingham are the most house proud with 56% confessing to sharing picture of their home on social media, followed by Liverpool (48%) and Southampton (39%).

Is your home worthy of Instagram likes?

Deputy Editor

Jennifer is the Deputy Editor (Digital) for Homes & Gardens online. Prior to her current position, she completed various short courses a KLC Design School, and wrote across sister brands Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, Country Homes & Interiors, and Style at Home.