Knowing when to replace living room furniture isn't always cut and dry. As noted, the lifespan depends on the material, usage and overall quality of the piece. Find a breakdown of how long couches, chairs, coffee tables and side tables usually last and how to determine whether they're on their last leg.
How Long Do Couches Last?
Sofas last from seven to 20 years, though most cap out at roughly 15. The same goes for loveseats, sectionals and sleepers. Couches with solid wood frames (even better if it's kiln-dried) and reinforced joinery hold up the longest. Genuine leather upholstery has a longer lifespan than fabric.
Signs Your Couch Needs to Be Replaced
If your couch makes a creaking noise or feels wobbly when you sit on it, it could mean the frame is failing. Flat or sagging cushions, stained upholstery, tears, holes or a lingering odor are other red flags. Lastly, if your sofa is simply uncomfortable or outdated, it's worth investing in a new one.
Not sure what type of couch to get? Here are 35 Stylish and Functional Living Room Sofa Ideas to get your wheels turning.
How Long Do Fabric Chairs Last?
Fabric-upholstered chairs can last just as long as couches — often seven to 15 years. (You'll generally get a few more years with leather upholstery.) Designs with solid wood frames and dense cushions typically last a bit longer.
Signs Your Fabric Chair Needs to Be Replaced
The same rules of thumb for replacing couches apply to fabric chairs. A rickety frame, uneven legs, a finicky recline function, stains, rips, holes and funky smells you can't get rid of are all signs a chair is past its prime.
When you're ready to get a new one, explore these Living Room Accent Chair Ideas for inspiration.
How Long Do Coffee Tables Last?
Coffee tables can last anywhere from five to 25 years and sometimes longer. Since this piece of furniture doesn't need to support body weight, there's no reason a high-quality design wouldn't survive for one or two decades. However, cheaper models made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or particle board will show signs of wear much sooner.
Signs Your Coffee Table Needs to Be Replaced
Aside from children occasionally using them as makeshift play structures, coffee tables don't bear much weight. Most of their deterioration is in the form of cup rings, sun fading or shoddy construction merely wearing down. As the centerpiece of every living room, your coffee table should complement the rest of your furnishings.
And if you're short on space, something with built-in storage might be useful.
Here are 27 Ideas for Decorating a Coffee Table in Your Living Room.
How Long Do Side Tables Last?
Like coffee tables, the lifespan of living room side tables is roughly five to 25 years. Inexpensive options will wear down sooner, and solid wood designs are generally the most durable.
Signs Your Side Table Needs to Be Replaced
Stubborn cup rings, a faded finish and a wobbly frame are tip-offs that your side table needs to be replaced. Like chairs, uneven legs are another telltale sign. You might also just want a different style, a larger surface or something with a drawer.
Check out these 33 Side Table Decor Ideas for tips and inspiration.
Living Room Refresh: Tips and Considerations
Knowing when to replace living room furniture isn't always cut and dry. As noted, the lifespan depends on the material, usage and overall quality of the piece. Find a breakdown of how long couches, chairs, coffee tables and side tables usually last and how to determine whether they're on their last leg.
How Long Do Couches Last?
Sofas last from seven to 20 years, though most cap out at roughly 15. The same goes for loveseats, sectionals and sleepers. Couches with solid wood frames (even better if it's kiln-dried) and reinforced joinery hold up the longest. Genuine leather upholstery has a longer lifespan than fabric.
Signs Your Couch Needs to Be Replaced
If your couch makes a creaking noise or feels wobbly when you sit on it, it could mean the frame is failing. Flat or sagging cushions, stained upholstery, tears, holes or a lingering odor are other red flags. Lastly, if your sofa is simply uncomfortable or outdated, it's worth investing in a new one.
Not sure what type of couch to get? Here are 35 Stylish and Functional Living Room Sofa Ideas to get your wheels turning.
How Long Do Fabric Chairs Last?
Fabric-upholstered chairs can last just as long as couches — often seven to 15 years. (You'll generally get a few more years with leather upholstery.) Designs with solid wood frames and dense cushions typically last a bit longer.
Signs Your Fabric Chair Needs to Be Replaced
The same rules of thumb for replacing couches apply to fabric chairs. A rickety frame, uneven legs, a finicky recline function, stains, rips, holes and funky smells you can't get rid of are all signs a chair is past its prime.
When you're ready to get a new one, explore these Living Room Accent Chair Ideas for inspiration.
How Long Do Coffee Tables Last?
Coffee tables can last anywhere from five to 25 years and sometimes longer. Since this piece of furniture doesn't need to support body weight, there's no reason a high-quality design wouldn't survive for one or two decades. However, cheaper models made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or particle board will show signs of wear much sooner.
Signs Your Coffee Table Needs to Be Replaced
Aside from children occasionally using them as makeshift play structures, coffee tables don't bear much weight. Most of their deterioration is in the form of cup rings, sun fading or shoddy construction merely wearing down. As the centerpiece of every living room, your coffee table should complement the rest of your furnishings.
And if you're short on space, something with built-in storage might be useful.
Here are 27 Ideas for Decorating a Coffee Table in Your Living Room.
How Long Do Side Tables Last?
Like coffee tables, the lifespan of living room side tables is roughly five to 25 years. Inexpensive options will wear down sooner, and solid wood designs are generally the most durable.
Signs Your Side Table Needs to Be Replaced
Stubborn cup rings, a faded finish and a wobbly frame are tip-offs that your side table needs to be replaced. Like chairs, uneven legs are another telltale sign. You might also just want a different style, a larger surface or something with a drawer.
Check out these 33 Side Table Decor Ideas for tips and inspiration.
