While it may have served you well over the years, or been a pain in the derriere – quite literally– at some point you have to bid farewell to your trusty old couch.
Aside from the bed, your couch is likely the most utilized piece of furniture in your home. In addition to be a gathering spot for entertaining guests, it's the perfect resting place to kick up your feet after a hard day's work.
Depending on the materials used and its construction, a couch can last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. Of course, many variables come into play, such as: proper couch care , wear and tear from pets or children, as well as exposure to direct sunlight. It also runs the risk of becoming outdated – think floral patterns and plaids that were all the rage back in the 90s.
If you aren't sure whether to stick with your current couch or replace it with a brand new model, these factors below may help sway your big decision:
1. Your couch is too big for its surroundings
If you've recently downsized into a smaller living space and your large sectional or overstuffed sofa takes up too much living space, it's probably time to consider shopping for a smaller, more compact model . The same goes for new home owners residing in cozy condos and townhomes.
2. Your couch is too small for its surroundings
Alternatively, if you find your couch gets lost in your spacious living room, now's the time to be thinking about couch with larger dimensions to make the space more occupied. This is your opportunity to play with various styles, shapes and even bright colours (see #7).
3. No longer comfortable, or never has been
Perhaps you originally purchased a firmer seat, but have now found softer cushioning more comfortable. Or, the gorgeous Italian leather couch you spent a small fortune on is just too cold to sit on in the winter and tends sticks to your skin during the summer months. Either way, it's important to keep comfort – not just style – in the forefront of your mind when purchasing your next couch.
4. Has become an eyesore
Does the mere sight of your sofa make you cringe? Do you find yourself throwing a blanket or cover over it to hide nasty stains and rips? If the answer is yes, it's definitely time to hit the furniture stores running.
Also, trends come and go, which means the couch you bought back in the 90s' may no longer complement your current decor.
5. No longer works for your family or lifestyle
If you purchased your couch before the pitter-patter of little feet and mucky hands, there's probably a good chance you would have chosen a different make or colour of couch . Even if kids aren't on the agenda, the addition of a new furry friend or two is certainly a factor to keep in mind when choosing to keep your current couch or swap it for a new one.
6. Sad, sagging springs
Droopy drawers aren't a pretty sight, nor is a saggy couch. If you can, remove your cushions and flip the couch over to inspect for broken or bent springs. Sometimes the springs can be bent back into place using pliers, unless they are broken. This little exercise may even prove fruitful and put a little spring in your step as you're sure to find a bit of pocket change to use towards your brand new couch.
7. Make a statement
If you want to update the look of your living space, but don't want to break the bank, a new couch is guaranteed to breathe some new life into the room. For smaller rooms, you'll want to option for softer, earthy colours like tan, beige, taupe or a light green.
Remember, you can always add some flair and show off your creativity with some fun throw pillows of various textures and shades. Larger living spaces allow you a little more flexibility. Consider a bold-coloured couch in bright red, mustard yellow or fuchsia.
8. Weak, unsupportive frame
Frames made of particleboard , plastic or metal tend to have a shorter lifespan than those made of hardwood such as oak or beech. Even soft wood, which is easy on the wallet, can let you down after a few years. If you're frame is deteriorating – staples beginning to pop out, loose screws, wobbly legs – it's advisable you replace the couch.
9. Fillings fall flat
Similar to a sagging frame, saggy, baggy sofa pillows aren't exactly inviting, or comfortable. After a few years, the foam filling can begin to break down. If your sofa has a few rips, you may even notice the poly fill beginning to leak. While you can always flip or swap the cushions, that will only prove to be a temporary fix.
10. Just wanting a change
While it is said that a couch will last anywhere upwards of 10 years, is it really something you want to pass on to the next generation? Unless it is of sentimental value, there's no harm in giving it away. There are plenty of non-profit organizations that would be happy to take it off your hands and put it to great use so it doesn't end up in our landfills.
Happy couch shopping!