Furniture Lifespan Guide: When to Replace Your Furniture
What is the average lifespan of a sofa? Recliner? Dining set? Here’s everything on replacing furniture (& why you need to do it).
Living Room Furniture Lifespan
When Should You Replace a Sofa?
If you notice fraying, hear creaking and/or get the uncomfortable ‘sinking in’ feeling every time you sit on your couch, then it’s probably time for a new sofa. On average, a quality fabric sofa can last seven to fifteen years; quality leather sofas can last even three times as long as fabric sofas.
When Should You Replace a Recliner?
Because they are generally made with the same types of material and framework as sofas, quality recliners will often last as long as sofas, about seven to fifteen years – about seven if they see daily/nightly use, fifteen if they are used more as a decorative/accent piece, and as high as 20 if they are leather.
When Should You Replace a Coffee Table?
Coffee tables can undergo a lot of stress – over time, the damage done by playing kids, teething pets and spilling drinks can add up to a coffee table that’s seen it’s day. Depending on the amount of wear and tear, most coffee tables can last anywhere from five to twenty years. If you are unsure whether you need a new coffee table, check for the signs: unstable legs, discoloration and an outdated look can all mean that it’s time for a replacement.
Dining Room Furniture Lifespan
When Should You Replace a Dining Table?
Similar to coffee tables, the dining table lifespan depends on the dining table quality – on average, this can mean anywhere from five to twenty years. Even with dining tables of quality designs, though, outside influences can lead to slow deterioration over time; discoloration from direct sunlight, stains from condensation and scratches from constant contact with dining chairs can affect the overall look and feel. Yet, while ‘look’ and ‘feel’ can be and often are tolerated, safety hazards should never be. If you start to notice lopsidedness or instability in your family’s dining table, it’s definitely time for a new one.
When Should You Replace a Dining Chair?
Because their job is literally to hold us up on a daily and nightly basis, the average lifespan of dining chairs is usually a lot less than the average lifespan of a dining table. Depending on the material type and style – the heavier the material and thicker the frame, the longer it will live – dining chairs can be expected to last anywhere from five to fifteen years.
When Should You Replace a Kitchen Island?
The kitchen is, arguably, the most visited room in the house, which means the typical kitchen island is among the most-used pieces of furniture – usually worn down by chopping, drawer-pulling and other physical stressors that go along with food preparation. While the weight and durability of a stone kitchen island make its longevity almost limitless – often more than twenty years – depending on the quality of the craftsmanship, you can expect most other islands, such as metal and wood kitchen islands, to last between ten and twenty years.
Bedroom Furniture Lifespan
When Should You Replace a Bed?
When it comes to replacing items in the bedroom, the mattress usually receives all the attention – even though the bed can be just as important. Without the proper support, even the highest quality of mattress can quickly lose its shape and comfort. So, how do you know when it’s time for a new bed? While most beds will last between seven and fifteen years, it’s time for a new one if your current platform bed and its components, including the mattress foundation, are creaking, splintering, or sagging – no matter how long you’ve had it.
When Should You Replace a Dresser?
One of the sure signs that your dresser’s time is up is a stubborn drawer mechanism, especially if the drawer is constantly falling off its guides or failing to budge. Also look for wobbly legs and loose drawer pulls, both symptoms of overuse – and both potential accidents waiting to happen. While most age-related impairments will usually start occurring after five to fifteen years, your best bet is to replace your dresser at the first signs of safety risks – especially in dressers or armoires designed for children.
When Should You Replace a Bedroom Bench?
When used mostly for decorative purposes, and when routinely cleaned and maintained, a quality bench can technically last forever. On the other hand, if a bedroom bench is used regularly for sitting, then it should, for safety reasons, be replaced at the first ‘creak’ or ‘wobble’ – which can usually appear after as little as seven years.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
