How often should you replace these common home furnishings? (2024)

No one wants to sit in a saggy and stained sofa. Or sleep on an unsupportive mattress. But how do you know for sure that they've truly passed their use-by date? Well it does partly come down to common sense, but if you're not sure whether to part with a long-standing piece, this guide to the average lifespan of common home furnishings will help.

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1. How often should you replace a sofa?

How often should you replace these common home furnishings? (1)

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. Well, don't we all?!

2.How often should you replace scatter cushions?

How often should you replace these common home furnishings? (2)

Depending on how much punishment they receive, your sofa cushions will need to be swapped out after as little as six months. Regular plumping and washing might allow you to string that out to a year or two, but if that cushion has been there for three years, it's advisable to get rid.

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3.How often should you replace curtains?

How often should you replace these common home furnishings? (3)

You'll be happy to hear that there are no official 'rules' with this one. When your curtains start to look tatty and faded, you'll probably want to switch in a new pair, but this will depend on how well you care for them.

One thing you could consider is having two pairs on rotation – one lighter set like the above for summer, and heavier, more insulating drapes for winter. That way, they'll last twice as long!

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4.How often should you replace a mattress?

How often should you replace these common home furnishings? (4)

OK, so you might have an idea regarding this one thanks to a certain brand of TV ads. But is the seven years as recommended totally accurate – or a clever marketing ploy? Well, it is sort-of accurate.The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing your mattress every seven to 10 years, whatever the mattress guarantee says and whether it's memory foam, pocket-sprung or gel.

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Of course, if you are getting rid of any existing furnishings, do so responsibly. Mattresses and sofas, for example, are full of recyclable materials. Visit your local council's website to see if they offer disposal and recycling facilities. Most will charge you a small amount, but a few – like Lewisham Council – will do the job for free.