What's the average life expectancy of home furniture?
Most furniture items in the home can last for at least six years on average, although some pieces may only last two or three years. Of course it all depends on furniture usage and the quality of its composition.
For example, a mattress in a guest room could last ten to fifteen years or more if it is only used on an occasional basis and properly looked after with a mattress topper and regular cleaning. However, a sofa in a family living room may only last three to four years, particularly if it is the primary sofa. General wear and tear will impact its quality fairly quickly.
What home furniture material lasts the longest?
Comparing different home furniture materials can be difficult, given that different items use different materials. To illustrate a fair comparison, let’s take a look at a living room sofa.
A feather filled sofa may only last a few years before it begins to feel lumpy, although it does offer excellent softness and comfort when new. Similarly, polyester filled sofas are a cheap yet comfortable option for those with feather allergies, and they also last reasonably well if properly cared for - up to five or six years.
Foam is the most common filling for sofas and tends to last the longest - up to fifteen years. High-density foam is resilient and is suitable for most sofas, although medium-density foams and memory foams can be used for custom specifications.
All three of the above materials are used in various furniture items and their longevity does depend on average usage.
How to check if your home furniture is of high quality and will last
A good quality furniture item will have joints that are screwed or doweled, and will be made using solid materials such as wood or metal. It will also be structurally sound (not wobbly!), fairly solid and well-built for its purpose to endure daily life.
You can easily check whether your furniture is good quality by simply trying it out. Do you feel safe when sitting on, leaning on or using the item? Does it flex at all when it is in use? Some items will flex a little, such as a sofa or other soft furnishing, but its main structure shouldn’t bow or creak. For soft furniture items like armchairs and sofas, you should consider whether they are appropriately supportive, comfortable and retain their shape after use.
When to get your home furniture reupholstered?
You should reupholster your furniture if it has been marked by stubborn or unhygienic stains, or if the fabric itself is damaged or contains an odour. Likewise, sofa and chair cushions should be replaced with a new filling material - whether it be foam, polyester or feather - when they start to sag and comfort is compromised.
That said, you can choose to reupholster your furniture at any time if you simply fancy a change in design, or would prefer your cushions to be softer or firmer!
When is the time to buy new furniture?
You should replace furniture if it is structurally unsound, unsafe, or unsalvageable via professional cleaning or re-upholstery, including new fabric covers or inner filling material.
Certain items have recommended timelines for replacement and it's best to check on the timeframe for your item. Mattresses should be replaced every 10 years and office chairs every 7-10 years, for example. .
Mohammed Bashir
Managing Director, Simply Foam Products Ltd.
(Note: Easyfoam is a trading name of Simply Foam Products Ltd.)
Unit 20 Barton Industrial Park, Etruria Way, Bilston, WV14 7LH
Email ID: editor@easyfoam.co.uk
Company Phone No: 0800 3345545
EasyFoam is UK’s No.1 online foam supplier for upholstery, packaging, acoustics etc. We supply made to measure foam for any application such as soundproofing, packaging, replacement sofa cushions, mattresses, boats, settees, and much more.
