What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Sofa?

When buying its only natural to consider the life expectancy of a sofa new sofa, we find that the excitement of a brand new piece of furniture can almost overwhelm us, as we start furnishing and decorating our living space. What we often forget to consider, so we don’t hinder our optimism, is the average lifespan of a sofa.

Regardless of whether you have an old sofa or a new couch, it can be beneficial to know how long sofas typically last, so you can look for the warning signs that lead up to needing a replacement.

Sofa Life Expectancy

Unfortunately, for the life expectancy of a sofa, your beloved sofa won’t come with a specific expiration date that informs you of when you are due an upgrade. However, the average life expectancy of a sofa of around 7-15 years, if it’s good quality and has a structurally sound sofa frame when you purchase it.

When it comes to cheaper sofas from charity shops or other secondhand sellers, it makes sense that they already have general wear and tear and won’t be in their prime condition. Therefore, when it comes to the life expectancy of a sofa like this, it is likely that it wouldn’t last as long as a brand new sofa would.

When To Replace Your Sofa

As with most furniture, there are some tell-tale signs that it is time to replace your sofa. Some of them are quite subtle, while others are a lot more obvious.

Sofas that start to creak when you sit down are in definite need of replacement. Creaking sofa frames often indicate that the structure is worn and starting to break down, so you’ll want to look for a new couch as soon as possible.

Similarly, if your sofa was once comfortable but has recently lost its cosy factor and is starting to sag, you’re probably due a replacement.

On the other hand, if your finances have recently improved and you fancy some more up-to-date furniture in your living room, don’t hesitate to get your old, cheap quality furniture replaced.

Saving Your Sofa

Don’t have the money to replace your sofa right now? Are you really attached to your sofa – perhaps it was handed down to you by your grandmother? Here are some expert tips on saving your old sofa or ensuring minimal damage is done to your new sofa so the life expectancy of a sofa won’t affect you as much.

Fading Fabric

If your sofa is placed by your living room window and has been sitting in direct sunlight for years, it is likely that the colour has faded. Velvet, fabric, and leather sofas are sadly all prone to the danger of natural sunlight so, for future reference, keep your upholstery away from sunlight.

Worn Fabric

Has your fabric sofa become worn, with the material fraying in places it shouldn’t? Seek out a professional reupholsterer and they can replace your sofa’s fabric with more durable material and increase the life expectancy of a sofa

Uncomfy Sofa Cushions

Have your sofa cushions lost their soft snugness, leaving your sofa feeling unrelaxing and looking tired? You needn’t worry because you can bring new life to your sofa cushions.

In general, you should plump up your pillows once a week so that they maintain their softness and reduce their chance of flattening. If you find that your cushions are lumpy, or plumping them up just isn’t working for you now, send them off to a reupholsterer so they can refill them.

Struggling With Stains

Spot cleaning your fabric should be your go-to first step when it comes to removing stains from your sofa. However, if that doesn’t work, and you’re sure that the stains are too unbearable to deal with, then it’s for the best to get your couch reupholstered.

Conclusion

Sofas, like all things, aren’t meant to last forever. However, with these tips as well as some time, care, and effort, you can be certain that your prized sofa will stick around for generations to come.