When to Replace your Sofa? Important Signs to Look Out for (2024)

It’s so easy to figure out when food has gone bad when the milk has expired, or when it’s time to change your toothbrush - unfortunately, sofas don’t come with expiry dates, so most people are double-minded about whether they should replace or upgrade their sofa or try to survive a few more years with it. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will have a better idea of when is the right time to replace your sofa.

Signs it might be time to replace your sofa

One of the first signs of a sofa reaching the end of its lifespan is that the seat and back no longer give you proper support. Here are some more signs you might notice:

• There is structural damage, as the frame feels like it has broken down or it has started to squeak or creak.
• The sofa fabric is worn out or stained.
• The sofa is too small or too big for the room or the family.
• You can visually notice that the seats or sofa cushions are sagging.
• There is an overwhelming odour or itchiness caused by the sofa.
• You don’t feel rested after getting up from the sofa
• You’re just ready to upgrade - you don’t always need a sign to upgrade your sofa.
  Perhaps you got the old one when you had just started your first job or moved into your first apartment, and now you’re ready to afford a better-quality sofa.
  Or perhaps you’re just renovating the whole house/room and the outdated sofa needs to go.
  It’s okay to simply replace your sofa because you’re redecorating or upgrading your lifestyle.

How long do sofas last?

The lifespan of the sofa depends on the type of sofa you’ve invested in.

High-end, luxury sofas like the ones we sell are usually built to last a lifetime as they’re made from the best quality materials, leather and fabric.

Many of our returning clients report how their sofas look as good as new even after decades of usage and we know that this is mainly because of the sofa's incomparable quality and expert craftsmanship.

Mid-range sofas that are usually priced between £1000 to £8000 will also last you for an average of 20 years.

But sofas under £1000 are usually mass-produced ones that must be replaced or repaired within 10 years.

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Factors to consider when deciding whether or not to replace your sofa

The first factor to consider is, whether you are ready to upgrade your sofa? If you’re not prepared to make such an investment right now, you may look at other options that can add a few more years to your sofa.

According to our sofa expert, Cristina Chirila, it would be better to save a bit more and then invest in a good quality sofa instead of buying another average sofa which will need replacing in a few more years.

Sometimes, even a good-condition sofa can need replacing. With the passage of time, our taste evolves and so does our decor, so a sofa that felt right at home a few years back might seem out of place now that your taste has changed. If this is the case, our designers recommend investing in a timeless sofa next instead of a trendy one.

Chesterfield sofas, tuxedo arm sofas and camelback sofas are all examples of timeless sofas that work well with both traditional and modern decor styles.

It would also be good to invest in a neutral-coloured sofa with removable cushions so if you feel like changing things up in a few years, you can easily replace the cushion coverings.

If you do decide to buy a new one, we highly recommend going through this guide on how to choose a sofa for your home.

Affordable ways to fix your old sofa

If you’re not ready to replace your sofa yet, here are some alternate measures you can take:

• If the sofa is in good condition otherwise but the fabric seems to be facing, it could be because of natural sunlight. You can consider moving the sofa to a different spot in the room where it is away from the window.
• Some of us are just too attached to a sentimental sofa to let it go - it could be because you inherited the sofa from someone you loved or because it has special memories that you’re not ready to let go of for now. In such situations, you can try reupholstering, as long as the sofa's structure is strong enough.
• If the sofa is structurally sound and the only issue is the sagging of the cushions or seats, you can try refilling them as they can be padded with pillow inserts and foams. If you go for good quality inserts, you can add another 5-10 years to your sofa.
• If the only reason you’re replacing the sofa is that it’s stained, you have probably already tried all the different types of stain removers. The next step should be to get it professionally cleaned by a specialist. If this too does not work, you can consider reupholstering.

Keep in mind that buying a new sofa is often less expensive than reupholstering an old one. Once the upholsterer begins the project, there can be additional fees associated with the project that you are unaware of.

There is also a feeling of uncertainty with these things, as opposed to when you buy new furniture, where you know exactly how much it will cost upfront.

Additionally, when buying a new sofa, you are completely aware of what the end product will look like. On the other hand, with reupholstery, you truly don't know what you're getting into until the project is finished.

The benefits of replacing your old sofa with a new one

The primary benefit of replacing a sofa is, of course, comfort.

Sofas are the hallmark of comfort these days as coming back from a tiring day at work, sofas are the first spot we want to relax. If your sofa is not giving you the desired level of comfort, it needs to be replaced with one that does the job.

Moreover, not all sofas can be saved - fixing or reupholstering are just temporary measures and often a waste of time and money.

So if you can buy a new sofa, go for it and your back will definitely be thankful to you.

What do I do with my old sofa after buying a new one?

There are numerous ways to get rid of old furniture, and how you do it will mostly rely on how well-made it is and whether or not the fabric is irreparably ruined. Here are your options:

• Selling it: If your sofa is in decent shape and you want to sell it, think about doing so online. If it doesn't work, try a garage or rummage sale.
• Giving it to a friend/family member: You might wish to gift the sofa to someone you know, for example, a friend is moving into their first apartment, especially if they don't have much money for furniture.
• Moving it to another room: If the sofa is in good condition but doesn’t fit well in the living room because of its size, you can try adjusting it in the bedroom, study or even the hallway - as long as it looks good in the new location.
• Donating it: The Salvation Army or Goodwill frequently accepts secondhand sofas. They might even visit your house to pick it up. You can also consider giving it to a school or a refuge for the homeless.
• Getting rid of it: Along with your trash service, several locations also provide a haul-away service. To learn more about their rules, you should contact your city or local municipality.

Summing up

We’ve shared with you all the benefits of upgrading your sofa along with the factors that need to be considered so you can decide whether you should replace your sofa with a new one or refurbish the old one in an attempt to prolong its life.

If you need help with buying a new sofa, you can go through these tips on buying a new sofa or get in touch with our expert design team that will help you select a sofa that doesn’t just fit your budget but also enhances your interiors.