Couches are some of the most (if not THE most) important pieces of furniture you can buy; a well-made couch can last generations with proper maintenance. Still, even they have an expiration date which can vary depending on a variety of factors. While there are general rules and timeframes for how often you should replace your couch, it can be hard to get a definitive answer. To make this process easier, we at Bel Furniture have written a guide to help you know when it’s time to replace your couch.

How Do You Know a Couch Is Worn Out?

Generally speaking, the average life of a sofa purchased today is seven to 15 years. As mentioned above, this can vary depending on material and use: a fabric sofa has an average life span of 15 years, or just seven with regular/heavy daily use. Meanwhile, leather can last for up to 20 years if properly maintained, or 15 with daily wear and tear.

However, warning signs can appear before those 15 and 20 year windows. For instance, if your couch begins creaking or popping, that can be a sign of structural damage; the noises could be a problem with the joints on a wooden or metal frame or the weakening of a metal spring.

If your couch’s cushions begin sagging, and no longer offer the same support they used to, it might be time for a change. Although, if there isn’t significant structural damage, the upholstery is still in good condition, and can be removed easily, new filling may be enough to keep it in tip top shape. But, if the upholstery becomes too frayed, and the padding/filling becomes more and more visible from underneath the fabric, then it’s probably best to just replace it.

For those of us with pets and/or kids, the build up of various odors and stains could become too much. The couch itself may be just fine structurally, but if it looks like it’s seen better days, then that could also mean it’s time to  go shopping.

While not directly pertaining to the age and condition of your couch, a change in personal style or living situation could signify the time for a change. A couch you bought years ago may no longer fit your current style or living space. In this case, an upgrade could still be an option, even if the couch is in good condition otherwise, with no structural damage.

Reupholstering a couch is an alternative to buying a new one outright, but this could become a costly project. Assuming you are not the DIY type, reupholstering furniture can often cost more than purchasing new furniture; getting a professional to reupholster your couch is already expensive, and could include hidden costs that you won't be aware of until after the upholsterer starts the project.

If you are the type to take matters into your own hands, you should know that the fabric itself is still quite expensive. On top of the financial cost, the actual upholstery process could prove to be quite time consuming and difficult.

What Type of Sofas Last the Longest?

A couch with a metal frame that is held together by staples is generally regarded as a poor quality sofa, and not worth repairing/reusing. Conversely, a couch with a wooden frame and wooden pins is more likely to be structurally sound, which reduces how often you should replace your couch.

Leather is a very durable material and, if cared for properly, generally lasts for 15 years, at minimum. A sofa with legs that are part of the frame (as opposed to stapled on) will last you a long time as well. At Bel Furniture, we have several pieces of furniture explicitly designed with long-term durability in mind.

First up is a two-piece, top grain leather living room set. Each piece was designed to be stylish while also being sturdy and capable of lasting for years to come. Natural oils from skin can alter the appearance of leather, so give this piece regular wipedowns with a light-colored, damp cloth every now and then, followed by a dry cloth to finish. By doing this, you can count on decades of comfort and service out of this particular selection.

We also have this contemporary sofa and loveseat set, made with a quality hardwood frame, which resists wear and tear, guaranteeing longevity. It also comes in grey, which is an extremely versatile color for interior design, so it will be able to slot into just about any living room.

Find Your Next Couch at Bel Furniture

If you’ve read this far and are thinking it’s time to replace your couch, then let Bel Furniture help you. We are the largest in-stock furniture company in Texas, so whether you’re looking for a memory foam, fabric sofa, or a durable leather couch, Bel Furniture has you covered. Visit your local Bel Furniture and let our expert team help you out!