If you look at the number of sofas in good condition in consignment, secondhand, and thrift stores, you’ll see that many people decide to replace a sofa simply because they want to redecorate. As the sofa ages, it may show some signs of wear, such as sagging and squeaking, which may indicate when it’s time to buy a new sofa. So how long should a couch last? The average lifespan of a high-quality sofa is 7-15 years. The difference here depends on many factors, including how many times the furniture has been moved, and the traffic conditions of the new sofa.
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How Long Should A Couch Last?
This question is by far the most incredible of all homeowners. We’ve always wondered why we’re always disappointed when we think we’ve picked the best sofa and it only lasts a few months. The reason is, that most of us are probably enchanted by the beauty and style that the sofa adds to our home without paying much attention to its longevity. A sofa is one of the most expensive household accessories and one of the most used. Why should you continue to invest your precious capital in projects that will stand the test of time? If you can’t trust yourself to make the right choice, get expert help. We know it’s not easy to determine which sofas will last the longest, so we’re here to provide some guidance on how to make your sofa the best friend of your life.
6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Couch
You Begin to Hear Creaking Noises
If you can hear squeaks, pops, or squeaks every time someone sits down, these are warning signs of structural damage to the sofa. The noise can be a problem with weakened joints or metal springs on the wooden or metal frame. Older furniture is usually built with hardwood and screws. Today’s cheaper furniture is made of faux wood, staples and epoxy.
Unless the sofa is old or a treasured heirloom, repairing structural damage and replacing the upholstery can cost almost as much as a new sofa.
The Odor Is Overwhelming or It’s Itchy
Unless you’ve been working hard to keep pets, kids with leaky diapers, sweaty bodies, and feet off the couch, you’re likely to build up odors in the upholstery and padding underneath. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning help, but in the end, the smell can take over. If a room doesn’t smell fresh even after cleaning, it might be time for a new sofa.
When you bought a sofa, you probably didn’t choose fabrics that felt itchy, but now you’re itchy after a nap, and you may even have red bruises on your legs. You may have bed bugs.
The Upholstery Looks Terrible
There is a difference between a change in trim color and taste and a worn, faded or heavily stained interior. Daily use, jumping children and pets will eventually wear down most fabrics. Some frayed areas can be mended, even on leather; but eventually, the fabric will reveal the padding underneath.
Fading refers to placing the sofa directly in front of a window with direct sunlight. Not only will the color change, but the sun’s UV rays can weaken the fibers, causing them to tear.
If someone uses a sofa, stains are inevitable. Spot cleaning should be done immediately in the event of a spill, and thorough cleaning of the upholstery will keep the fabric looking bright and help eliminate some odors. You can buy cleaning products, rent or buy a steam engine, or hire a professional cleaner.
If the sofa is structurally sound or sensual, you can choose to regroup rather than replace the sofa. Upholstery fabrics are expensive, and unless you are very good at do-it-yourself projects, a professional may be required, and labor costs must also be factored into the bottom line. Maybe a good slip will buy you more time when you decide what to do: replace or regroup.
Your Decorating Tastes Have Changed
How can that huge floral print you loved look so dated now? It’s perfectly understandable that different home styles and your own tastes change over time. Eclectic is a wonderful decorating style but sometimes even that look needs a new sofa.
The Cushions Are Flat and Lumbar Support Is Gone
If you feel that a rug provides more padding and support for your nap than a sagging sofa cushion, it’s time to make a change. If the rest of the sofa’s upholstery is still intact and can be easily removed from the seat cushion, just add new padding and you’ll get more vibrancy from the sofa.
Seat cushions can be padded with pillow cushions, solid foam cut to size, or loose shredded foam. To add a little support to the seat cushion, measure the length between the side arms of the sofa and the depth of the seating area. Cut a piece of 1/2-inch thick plywood to fit the space and place it under the cushion.
The Couch Doesn’t Fit the Room Space
People living in a mobile society typically buy a sofa for the first time after college, rent an apartment, and now in a large family room in their new home, the sofa looks lost. Or, they downsized and tucked that big sofa into a new, smaller space, blocking the view from the windows.
You can move the small sofa to the bedroom or study. But for smaller rooms, the sofa shouldn’t be sandwiched between other furniture or placed where it rubs against another surface every time someone sits or lies down. This will cause excessive wear on the interior and may damage the frame. Time to change the sofa.
How to Treat Your Sofa Right
No matter how durable your sofa is, there are limits to the abuse it can handle. Let’s take a quick look at some tips you can practice so your couch will last longer.
- Vacuum regularly: Because your sofa is always exposed, dust can settle on it quickly. Please make time every day to dust or at least vacuum every weekend. Be sure to clean areas where pet hair, food debris, and dirt have accumulated. If the seat cushion is not attached, remove it and vacuum the sides thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean wooden and metal parts. Regular maintenance of the sofa can improve the appearance of the sofa and affect its longevity.
- Clean up spills and marks promptly: Avoid spilling food on the sofa whenever possible. If you do, don’t wait – it’s best to wash it right away with some water and detergent. However, when you decide to thoroughly clean the entire sofa, you should refer to the cleaning guide provided by the manufacturer. Keeping your sofa free of stains is a surefire way to extend the life of your sofa.
- Avoid direct sunlight and all forms of heat: Leather sofas may crack and discolor at high temperatures. If possible, place the sofa a reasonable distance from the windows to avoid damage from direct sunlight.
- Find a temporary covering: This is one of the quickest ways to prevent the premature aging of your new sofa. Getting a temporary covering works well for fabric upholstery. Once they wear out, you can replace them while preserving the original fabric.
- Try a makeover: Are you attached to your old sofa and don’t want to replace it just yet? Constant makeovers will help maintain the new look and feel. Consider refilling sagging cushions and changing upholstery regularly to extend the life of your sofa. No matter how durable your sofa is, there are limits to the abuse it can handle. Let’s take a quick look at some tips you can practice so your couch will last longer.
Conclusion
A sofa is not something to buy casually. It’s a legitimate investment to brighten your home and serve as the main stage for living room events. That’s why the best way to make sure your next sofa will last a full decade is to invest in a very high-quality sofa.
However, mass is only half of the equation! To make sure your sofa is still the stylish and comfortable thing you want, be sure to treat and maintain it well. Your wallet and family will thank you
