6 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Fabric Sofa

time2022/10/31

The average lifespan of a sofa purchased today is 7 to 15 years, but with six warning signs before the armrests fall off, it may be time to start looking for a replacement.

fabric sofa
fabric sofa
If you look at the number of sofas in good condition at consignment stores, second-hand stores, and thrift stores, there are a lot of people who decide to replace a sofa just because they want a redecoration.

If you look at the number of sofas on the side of the road on trash day, you will see that many people decide to replace the sofa when their arms fall off and the cushions explode.

There is a proper middle ground between the two. The average lifespan of a sofa bought today is 7 to 15 years, but with six warning signs before the armrests fall off, it may be time to start looking for a replacement.

1. Fabric sofa is not suitable for room space

People living in mobile societies typically buy their first sofa for a rented apartment after college, and now it looks like they're lost in the extended family room of their new home. Or, they downsized and tucked that big sofa into a new, smaller space, blocking the view from the windows.

You can move the smaller sofa to the bedroom or study. But for smaller rooms, the sofa should not be sandwiched between other furniture or placed in a position where it rubs against another surface every time someone sits or lies down. This will cause excessive wear on the interior and may damage the frame. It's time to replace your sofa.

2. You start to hear the creaking of the fabric sofa

If you hear squeaks, pops, or squeaks every time someone sits down, these are warning signs of structural damage to the sofa. The noise could be a problem with weak joints or metal springs on the wooden or metal frame. Older furniture is often made of hardwood and screws. Today's less expensive furniture comes with faux wood, staples, and epoxy.

Unless the sofa is older or a treasured heirloom, repairing structural damage and replacing upholstery can cost almost as much as a new sofa.

3. The cushions of the fabric sofa are flattened and the lumbar support is gone

If the rug feels like it provides more padding and support for your nap than a sagging sofa cushion, it's time to make a change. If the upholstery on the rest of the sofa is still intact and can be easily removed from the seat cushion, you can get more life out of the sofa by simply adding new padding.

Seat cushions can be padded with pillow cushions, solid foam cut to the correct size or loose and shredded foam. To add a little support to the seat cushion, measure the length of the sofa between the side arms and the depth of the seating area. Cut a 1/2" thick piece of plywood to fit the space and place it under the cushion.

4. The smell of the fabric sofa is unbearable or itchy

Unless you've been struggling to keep pets, kids with leaky diapers, and sweaty bodies and feet off the couch, you may be building up odors in the upholstery and padding underneath. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning can help, but in the end, the smell may win out. If the room doesn't smell fresh, even after cleaning, it may be time for a new sofa.

You probably didn't choose a rough fabric when you bought the sofa, but now you're feeling itchy after a nap, you might even have red bruises on your legs, and you might have bed bugs on the sofa. Better get a new sofa.

5. Your decorating tastes have changed

How does that huge floral print you love look so outdated now? It's totally understandable that different home styles and your own tastes can change over time. Eclectic is a wonderful decorating style, but sometimes even a look like this calls for a new sofa.

6. Fabric sofa upholstery looks terrible

There is a difference between a change in trim color and taste and a worn, faded or heavily stained interior. Daily use, jumping kids and pets will eventually wear down most fabrics. Some worn areas can be patched up, even on leather; but eventually, the fabric will expose the padding underneath.

The fading comes from placing the sofa directly in front of a window that receives direct sunlight. Not only does the color change, but the sun's UV rays weaken the fibers to the point of tearing.

If someone uses a sofa, stains are inevitable. Spot cleaning should be done as soon as a spill occurs, a thorough upholstery cleaning will brighten the appearance of the fabric and help eliminate some odors. You can buy cleaning products and rent or buy a steamer or hire a professional cleaner.

If the sofa is well-structured or sentimental, you can choose to reupholster rather than replace the sofa. Upholstery fabrics are expensive, a professional may be required unless you are very handy with do-it-yourself projects, and labor costs must be added to the bottom line. Maybe a good sofa cover will take more time when you decide what to do: replace or re-upholster. If you want to buy a new fabric sofa, welcome to contact us.

WLAND is a professional custom fabric furniture manufacturer. Our main products are fabric sofas, fabric dining chairs, fabric stools and fabric headboards, etc. Whether you prefer luxury or simplicity, you're sure to find your favorite furniture in our latest collection. These products exceed your expectations in design and durability, and we want to give you a great experience buying our furniture.