Home Appliance and Furniture Industries Showcase Unique Products Aligned with Lifestyle Changes
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jonghwa] Ms. Kim Minji (29, pseudonym), who used to enjoy watching movies at theaters as a hobby, recently purchased a comfortable sofa and TV as her time spent enjoying online video streaming services (OTT) like Netflix and Watcha at home increased after the emergence of COVID-19. This was to watch videos on a large screen with good sound in a comfortable chair just like at a movie theater, even at home. The immersion is higher than watching on a small phone screen in bed, resulting in greater satisfaction.
Changes in Interior Trends Due to Increased OTT Usage... Related Products and Furniture Popular with 'Home Cinema' Concept
The prolonged spread of COVID-19 has brought many changes to people's lifestyles. Especially, there have been significant changes in how leisure time is spent. As time spent at home increased, hobbies that replaced outdoor activities with indoor ones became part of daily life, and viewing time on OTT platforms such as YouTube and Netflix greatly increased.
According to the National Leisure Activity Survey and National Cultural Arts Activity Survey published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute, the proportion of leisure activities done with family or friends generally decreased during the COVID-19 situation, while non-face-to-face leisure activities or solo leisure activities increased significantly.
In particular, the most common solo leisure activities were 'watching television (27.5%)', 'internet searching/creating one-person media/social networking services (SNS) (14.6%)', and 'watching mobile content, videos, and video-on-demand (VOD) (10.8%)'. By type, the most participated leisure activity was 'rest activities (90.5%)', with 'watching television (67.6%)' being the highest among detailed leisure activities. Watching mobile content videos and VOD increased from 7th place (20.8%) in 2019 to 5th place (32.6%) in 2020. Although daily life is returning to normal with the phased recovery called 'With COVID-19', it is expected that the untact environment experienced during COVID-19 will become normalized.
The rise in OTT popularity is also significantly influenced by the decrease in visits to movie theaters and cultural arts events due to COVID-19. More people prefer to comfortably watch works through OTT at home while enjoying their favorite snacks rather than watching movies at theaters. As this 'home cinema' trend continues, the interior and furniture industries are also releasing products targeting this trend one after another.
With Koala's 'Kush Sofa Bed,' You Won't Envy Premium Movie Theaters
Australian home furniture company Koala introduced the 'Kush Sofa Bed,' which combines the best comfort and practical design. It can be used as a comfortable sofa, and by simply pulling the cushion sheet forward, the sofa seat extends to transform into a bed in just 4 seconds. It can be easily and quickly changed according to needs, making it popular among consumers who want to comfortably watch OTT in small spaces.
Additionally, the Koala Kush Sofa Bed is made with Koala's triple-layer urethane foam and uses high-quality filling materials that have passed radon safety verification and CertiPUR-US® certification, providing luxurious comfort. The edges are reinforced to prevent sagging even after long-term use, and it is offered in rare colors inspired by Australia's nature such as beige, green, dark blue, and gray, allowing you to create a cozy and unique private relaxation space or entertainment room.
Moving Stand TVs Gaining Attention for Enjoying Video Content on Large Screens Anywhere at Home
With the development of OTT, the demand for consuming content on larger screens with clearer resolution is increasing, and changes due to OTT expansion are becoming prominent in the home appliance market. LG Electronics recently launched the 'LG StanbyME,' which allows users to freely watch videos indoors without being restricted by location. It features a moving stand design and is equipped with a built-in battery, enabling wireless use for up to 3 hours while moving it to desired places, unlike traditional TVs.
One of its advantages is that OTT content can be enjoyed on a large screen. It is useful for people who want to comfortably watch videos by moving around the house and operating it like a tablet PC with their hands. Since its release last August, it has been explosively popular, selling out instantly in every batch released through platforms like SSG.com and Lotte Hi-Mart live broadcasts.
Watching Movies While Eating Popcorn in Bed... Bed Trays for Beds Becoming Essential Furniture
As eating inside movie theaters was prohibited, consumers increasingly sought convenient bed trays to comfortably enjoy their favorite snacks while watching movies at home. The 'Handy Bamboo Bed Tray' from home living brand Visbiba, which features a modern and natural concept, can be easily set up in narrow spaces such as beds and sofas, and is very popular on the all-in-one lifestyle platform 'Today’s House.'
Featuring a natural design that highlights bamboo wood grain, the Handy Bamboo Bed Tray is designed with foldable legs, allowing it to be used as a regular tray when the legs are folded. When not in use, the legs can be folded for storage, making it highly space-efficient. Additionally, it has handles on both sides for easy carrying and stable placement of drinks or snacks to prevent spills, making it a highly preferred product.
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