Is your sofa past its prime? Signs it’s time for a furniture upgrade
Published:Friday | October 25, 2024 | 12:05 AM
Beyond simple decorative pieces, furniture is vital to the cosiness and practicality of our homes, but even our most cherished sofa or chair will eventually begin to show signs of wear and tear, causing many homeowners to wonder: How frequently should I replace my chairs?
Andrea Johnson, sales manager, Ashley Furniture HomeStore Liguanea, which recognised its Ashley’s National Chair Day on October 24, advises that sofas and chairs should be replaced between seven and 15 years after purchase.
“A well-made sofa or chair’s average lifespan ranges between seven and 15 years, depending on its quality, usage and level of maintenance. This is so because the chairs in your living room, for example, will deteriorate if it is used daily. Furniture in formal living room spaces or other areas with less traffic have a tendency to serve longer,” Johnson said.
She added that there is no set rule for knowing when to replace your furniture, but there are a few tell-tale signals when it is time to go furniture shopping. Due to repeated use, your sofa may begin to wobble or squeak and lose some of its original comfort, or show signs of noticeable deterioration as evidenced by drooping or changing shape. By taking these into account, lifelong physical harm to the body and poor posture can be avoided.
“When it comes to your health, it’s crucial to remember that not changing your sofa or your favourite chair might have long-term consequences for your body. Good posture can lead to a good life, and a decent chair can help with that!” Johnson concluded.
How to increase the lifespan of your chairs
n Rotate cushions: Rotating seat cushions ensures even wear and extends the life of your upholstery.
n Regular cleaning: Vacuuming your sofas helps to reduce dust buildup, while professional cleaning can help maintain the appearance and comfort of your fabrics.
n Limit sun exposure: Avoid placing your chairs or sofas in direct sunlight, which can cause fabrics to fade over time.
n Opt for high-performance pieces: If your furniture gets heavy use, consider pieces with stain-resistant fabric for easy cleaning.