If you’ve got a sofa which is a little bit past its prime, then you definitely need to make sure that you have started to think about replacing it.
The important thing to remember when it comes to sofas is that you’ve got a lot of options. Typically, a sofa can last anywhere from seven years to 15, but you’ll probably start to notice a lot of wear and tear before then.
Let’s take a look at how to spot common issues with sofas, as well as tips for giving them a bit of love.
Sofa Cushions – Flat and Sad
If your sofa cushions look a bit sad and flat, they can easily be restored to look like they are new again. You start off by plumping the sofa cushion to make sure that it doesn’t necessarily show these signs of ageing. In fact, if you do this from the outset, you really begin to mitigate the issue.
It’s recommended that you plump the cushion about once a week. However, if they have given up inside, then you would need to send them to a reupholster.
If you’ve just bought a sofa recently, and you want to know how long the sofa cushions will last, check the price tag. The life expectancy of good quality sofa cushions is about 10 years, whereas cheaper options will last less.
Fixing Up Old Fabric
If you’ve got an old fabric which is starting to go a bit, you can fix it up quite easily. Wear and tear is pretty normal, so don’t worry too much about it.
Fabric can and does often fade over time, so it’s important to take a look at what this can do to the overall quality of the sofa. If you want to delay the process, then you will need to keep the sofa away from natural sunlight, because this is one of the biggest ways that colour can fade away
Worn out fabric can often be another big problem. If this is the case, you need to get hold of a professional reupholster, as they will be able to replace the fabric with new material, which will save you the money of having to get a brand-new sofa.
The Creaky Frame
If your frame is beginning to creak, then that is your sign that the sofa is about to give up. Furthermore, this type of sofa can be uncomfortable to sit on, regardless of what you try and do to solve the problem.
The type of repair job that you need to do will depend on the materials that are used in the composition. So, for example, if you are dealing with a metal frame that has staples, then the likely candidate is broken panels and joints that require a full repair job. However, if you’re dealing with something like wooden pins, then you just need to make a few small alterations.
Again, a reupholster can be your best friend. They will be able to repair the sofa and restore it back to its original condition, which means you can keep using it for longer. You don’t always have to swap out for a brand-new item if you don’t want to. However, generally speaking, your best bet is going to be to make smart decisions when it comes to picking out a new sofa, so you should definitely try and avoid anything which is lightweight, because this will just break all over again.
Stains
Stains on a sofa are terrible things. Having a stain can be nothing short of a massive problem, which is why it is very important to take a look at all of the different choices you’ve got when it comes to cleaning up the fabric.
Ultimately, make sure that you use safe chemicals when trying to clean up a stain, otherwise you may wind up doing more harm than good.
Final Thoughts
Trying to figure out how long your sofa has left can be tricky. There is no definitive answer as such. Obviously, you can delay the time when you have to purchase a brand-new model by repairing any damage that crops up, but after a point, you may as well just replace it for something new. It can definitely take time to figure out how to repair all the damages, but it’s worth it in the long run. Your sofa can be a valuable asset, so it’s well worth taking the time to make sure that it looks good and performs well.
