MODERN British men now spend more on styling their homes than women, according to a new poll.
New research has discovered the average male forks out £1,304 (€1,500) a year on soft furnishings, scented candles and items for the home, whereas women spend slightly less at £1,141 (€1,300).
The poll shows a generational shift, with 87 per cent of men saying they are far more interested in home décor and domesticity than their father’s generation ever were, with 37 per cent of them stating their own dad would never have taken an interest in the style of the home.
In fact, nearly half of British males (47 per cent) reckon they now have a better eye for style than their partner, with a further eight in ten (85 per cent) saying they are actively involved in all aspects of the interior design of their home.
48 per cent of men now regularly shop for scented candles, while 54 per cent purchase cushions – and 47 per cent choose pot plants to make their homes more attractive.
The poll by British wallpaper manufacturer Graham & Brown for International Wallpaper Week also found that the average male will shop for things for the house at least three times a month – with artwork, throws and fresh flowers also among the top purchases.
But blokes’ input comes at a cost, with three in ten men (30 per cent) having experienced a dispute with their other half in a furniture shop or DIY store because they couldn’t agree on something.
The poll of 1,500 adults also revealed one in five couples (20 per cent) also regularly argue about how to make the bed correctly, with 14 per cent having even argued over where to hang a picture.
Surprisingly, above half of men (53 per cent) even said they spend more money on things for their home than they do on technology, clothes and nights out.
Alan Kemp, Head of Marketing for British wallpaper manufacturer Graham & Brown, said: “It’s been our experience that women are more involved with the interior styling of family homes than men are – but this research reveals that this isn’t always the case, and in fact British men are more involved in choosing items like wallpaper, soft furnishings and homeware than ever before.”
