Decoration

When to Replace a Sofa

When buying a new piece of furniture, you want to be sure of quality. So, one of the questions on your mind is probably how long should a sofa last? Well, a well-made sofa tends to last up to 15 years. One that’s heavily used may last slightly less and sofas in more formal spaces may last longer.

In this article we’ll outline when to replace a sofa and what to do with your old one.

Fabric

There are many reasons the fabric on your sofa hasn’t lasted as long as it should have. For example, a sofa in a busy family living room with pets may undergo a little more wear and tear than in a more formal seating area. In this situation you may find the upholstery has stretched a little, lost its shape and even torn in some parts.

Fabric is also prone to discolouration. If your sofa is sat near a window, then the natural sunlight may fade the upholstery. This may mean the sofa no longer complements your interior décor, so you’ll be looking to replace it. If your upholstery is removable, a dry clean could help restore some life to it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try dying it.

Say you still like your sofa’s style and the frame is in good nick, have you considered reupholstering it? Enlisting the help of a professional could mean your sofa looks as good as new in no time at all.

Creaking

You might think that your sofa creaking is just a sign of its character or perfectly normally. That isn’t the case unfortunately. Regular creaking could be a sign that your sofa’s frame or structure is starting to deteriorate. Whilst your sofa may last a little longer, it’s worth thinking about replacing it before springs start poking into your legs. If your sofa is new, then speak to the manufacturer about it as this could mean there’s a flaw in the construction.

Style

We would always recommend choosing a sofa with a timeless style that you know you’ll love for years to come. However, many people are limited by size, space and budget when buying their first sofa, so it’s unsurprising that style may be your reason for wanting a new sofa. If reupholstering or adding some scatter cushions doesn’t cut the mustard, it may be time for a new sofa.

That’s all well and good, but definitely spend time deciding on your next sofa. Consider how your tastes have changed and only invest in a sofa that you know you’ll love for years. If budget allows, opt for a quality sofa that’s durable and well made.

Uncomfortable

The sofa is often the place you go to unwind and relax after a long day, so you want it to be as comfortable as possible. If the sofa is sagging, offers little support and is no longer comfortable then you should consider replacing it. Even if it still feels comfortable, if the sofa isn’t supporting you properly then it can lead to back damage. Get ahead of this by replacing your sofa as soon as you notice its support is going.