While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa. Luckily, there are ways you can make your sofa appear just as beautiful as the day you bought it.
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.
Unfortunately while most owners expect that their swanky new couch should last them between 7 to over 30 years, the reality isn't that pleasant. In a survey by Rowe, the average American sofa is only 6 years old. That means sofas are either not built to last anymore, or people simply are throwing their old ones out.
Leather sofas are incredibly durable and only look better with age. Leather is also pretty odor-resistant; cloth can easily wipe up most stains and spills.
“You can spend $4,000 if you want a high-quality sofa, but in reality there are lots of companies where you can get a $2,000 sectional that will look good in five years' time,” she says. Here are a few things to look out for to be sure you're getting the most bang for your seating-area buck.
Consider the two thirds rule
A sofa that's the full length of the wall in front of which it is positioned could prove overbearing in a room scheme. But it's also the case that a sofa can look too small. One approach to getting the right proportions is to aim for a sofa that's about two-thirds of the wall length.
Mid-Range ($1,500 to $3,000).
You can find high-quality, mid-range sofas with polyester, velvet, and even leather upholstery for anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000. Even with this material upgrade, mid-range sofas are often larger than budget variants, encompassing pieces like 3-4 seat sectionals and sleeper sofas.
An 18th-century design that has never gone out of style, a camelback sofa is characterized by the graceful lines of its dramatically arched back. Camelback sofas are versatile enough that they're well suited for both ornate, classical designs as well as a more modern design ethos, or even a “shabby chic” look.
Firm luxury sofas are made from springs or coils, which provide excellent support throughout the entire seat area. These sofas tend to be more durable and last longer than soft sofas.
If you're looking to invest in a new sofa that will last a long time, Margaret Carroll suggests shopping for a piece of furniture that is of “heirloom” quality, as it will almost always last over 20 years in style and comfort.
Rule #1: long-lasting sofa frames should be made of kiln-dried hardwood—oak, ash, alder, and beech all work. Drying the wood in a kiln removes up to 95% of the moisture, which prevents the frame from warping or bowing.
On average, a sofa should last anywhere between 7 to 15 years, providing it's properly maintained on a regular basis. While you can get it reupholstered or buy new cushions to give it a refresh, sometimes it's best to let it go and look for a new one.
While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa. Luckily, there are ways you can make your sofa appear just as beautiful as the day you bought it.
So here's your first tip: anything under $699 is considered an inexpensive sofa. $799–$1,999 is the average you'll pay for one sofa. Any sofa within the $2,000–$3,000 is considered “higher-end”.
1. How often should you replace a sofa? The common consensus is that an average sofa will remain in prime condition for around seven years, after which a drop-off will begin. A top-quality sofa might even see you through 15 years of family life, but even that will succumb to sagging eventually.
Beige: This classic couch color remains popular for a good reason—this warm, cozy color is extremely versatile and enduring in any style or color living room.
If you want timeless furniture, go for a timeless color. Yes, a color! A blue, yellow, or black sofa will be a lot more timeless than the popular gray.
Brown. Surprisingly, brown bed sheets and couches are widely used, despite their seemingly boring color. Using brown for your bed sheets and especially your couch may be the best choice in hiding any type of stain. This earthy hue blends well with most color palettes that you may have in your bedroom and living room.
There are a few factors that can help distinguish the quality; for example, the overall weight, frame/foundation, spring system, seat cushion foam and upholstery fabric all play a huge role in the quality of a sofa or chair.
According to home experts, the average cost of a couch falls between $400–$1,500, but the price depends on a few factors. For instance, what kind of upholstery a sofa is made of. If it's a couch made of cotton, synthetic fabric, or microfiber, you can expect to pay on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Ethan Allen 's sofas, sectionals , chairs, and recliners are stylish, durable, and sustainably built in North America with high-quality craftsmanship . The only downside is that the luxurious looks and long-lasting comfort comes at a comparatively high price when measured against similar brands we've reviewed.
If it is made from quality materials, it will last longer than others. The best high-end furniture is made from natural wood and steel. These materials will last longer than those made from MDF & aluminium. If the materials are cheap, you will likely find them peeling off or flaking after only a short time.
Research the Value of Your Items
Typically, used furniture will sell for 20-50 percent of its original sale price. This is higher for some pieces and lower for others. A couch that is noticeably worn will sell for less than a desk that still has a fashionable style and lacks any damage.
However, generally speaking, a sofa should last between 7-15 years, on average. For something that typically costs a big sum of money, this might not seem like a particularly long time. That's why it's absolutely crucial to choose wisely when buying a new sofa and invest in a company you fully trust.