Leather furniture is a great investment because it is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also last decades if well-maintained. Just like other things, leather furniture has its own expiration. While the furniture itself does not indicate the expiration date, your couch will show signs that it needs replacement. There are guidelines that can help you decide when to consider replacing your leather couch.
The average lifespan of your furniture
Dining Room Tables: These pieces of furniture are made to last so long as they are not burned, scratched or dented. Most dining room tables are made from durable materials that can withstand pressure and resist damage. You can extend their life by placing tablecloths or placemats to protect the surface. If the tabletop is starting to become unsightly, you will need to consider replacing it, especially if repairs will not do the trick. A replacement will be necessary if your table has become too small or too large for your room.
Mattresses: Depending on the type mattress you have purchased-foam, spring or waterbed, you can consider replacing it after 5 to 10 years.
Dining Room Chairs: These household items can serve you for many years, especially if seats are not upholstered. There are circumstances which will serve as your clue for replacing these pieces of furniture.
Are they wobbly? Is the upholstery frayed? If dining room chairs are beyond repair, consider replacing them so your family or guests can sit comfortably. If only one chair is showing signs of wear and tear, it is up to you whether you are going to buy the whole set or only replace the damaged chair.
Sofas: Everyone loves to sit on a leather sofa because of its soft texture. A few hours spent watching TV or playing board games will be more memorable if your sofa supports you. However, stains, wear, and tears are inevitable. If you hear a squeaking sound every time you sit on a couch or the seats are sagging, a replacement will be your best bet. Sofas typically last up to 15 years depending on the material, maintenance and how it is being used.
Why replace a sofa?
Knowing the lifespan of these furniture pieces and household items will give you an idea about the additional criteria for replacement. Lifespan should not only be the determining factor for replacing a sofa. There are also other factors that will help you decide whether to keep or replace this piece of furniture.
The upholstery of your sofa or couch is the first thing you need to check. Does the material indicate signs of wear and tear? Is the color fading? Or the material fraying? Leather sofas are prone to discoloration when it is placed near a window where sunlight is coming through. Due to the faded color, the sofa that used to match your furniture becomes the odd one out.
Replacement is also the solution for sofas that start to creak when you sit on them. Creaking is an indicator that the structure of your sofa starts to break down. Do not wait for springs to pop loose as it can be a bigger problem. While it is true that you need to set aside a budget for high-quality furniture, it does not necessarily mean that it should cost an arm. Be sure to thoroughly check the material so you will know the sofa’s quality. Buying inexpensive furniture pieces is discouraged because they are not resistant to pressure and might not be comfortable to sit on.
Should you replace or reupholster your couch?
It is hard to let go of a treasured possession, especially if it is a reminder of the first job you landed on after college. It often has sentimental value if it comes from your grandmother or any significant family member. This piece of furniture, when given as a gift becomes a tangible symbol of their love. How can you possibly let a precious piece of furniture go? This is where replacing vs. reupholstering kick in.
If your sofa is important to you, removing signs of wear and tear is the option that will work for you by reupholstering this piece of furniture. There are several questions that you have to ask yourself so you will know the best solution to this kind of situation:
Do you have antique furniture? It is hard to get rid of an item when it has been passed on from generation to generation. Be sure to hire a specialist who is skilled in restoring antique furniture.
What type of leather should you choose? This one can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the merits of each type. It is best to leave the matter to experts as they are the ones who will tell you the type of pattern and leather to replace your couch with.
Does your sofa have a sound structure? You will need to make sure that your leather couch has a sound structure. Even if you try to preserve the appearance of your sofa, if it is no longer functional, restoring it to its best appearance might still render this piece of furniture unusable. You will know that your sofa has a sound frame if it manages to retain its structure for at least 10 years.
Should you do it yourself? If you have a lot of time on your hands to embark on a do-it-yourself project, then you may do so to save money. However, if you are not an expert or not sure how to reupholster the chair, you might want to hire an expert to do it for you.
In weighing your options and the costs, always take the benefits you will reap into consideration. Regardless of the route you wish to take, you need to make sure that your decision will give you satisfaction.