How Long Should Living Room Furniture Last?

December 16, 2023  ·  6 min read  ·  Reviewed by Sarah Zubowski

The answers to the questions “how long should living room furniture last?” and “how long does furniture last?” can be very different depending on the source. In our expert opinion, furniture should be able to last a lifetime, if manufactured properly. However, many furniture retailers tend to purchase furniture that is not made with integrity and therefore cannot last very long. 

Deciding that you need new furniture can be a big decision. With the time and money that it takes to furnish a home, you want to be sure that the furniture you purchase will not only serve its purpose but last long enough to make the investment worth it. Unfortunately, most furniture out there in your average store isn’t built to withstand the test of time. 

Understanding the average lifespan of furniture and how to distinguish quality pieces that will last can help save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

What is the average lifespan of furniture?

Depending on who you ask or where you search, this question can have many answers. On average, living room furniture such as sofas, sectionals, chaises, and armchairs can last around 7-15 years before they will need replacing. That range is more likely to be true if you purchased your pieces from standard retail outlets. But there’s a twist.

The reason that average furniture only lasts around 15 years maximum is because it is not manufactured with the intention of a long lifespan. As we discuss in our blog about assemble-it-yourself furniture, cheap materials, subpar construction, and lack of durability can lead to rapid wear and tear, forcing you to replace these pieces every few years. So, how often should you replace your couch? Here’s another twist.

If you purchase high-quality furniture, you probably won’t have to replace it. Ever.

Because these pieces are manufactured with durable materials that can last a lifetime if cared for properly*, you may never have to buy another couch, sofa, sectional, or chair ever again — unless you want to! As the living room is typically the focal point of the home, living room furniture can tend to be on the more expensive side if you shop at a regular store. This makes it all the more crucial to find furniture that is durable, comfortable, functional, and appealing so that you can enjoy it for as long as possible and stop shelling out so much cash. 

*Keep reading: How to maintain upholstered furniture

How can you tell if furniture is good quality?

If you’re ready to find your furniture for life but are unsure of where to begin, here are some ways to ensure that the furniture you’re purchasing is top-tier quality. 

  • Shop with a furniture manufacturer: Because you can see where and how the pieces are made, buying factory-direct furniture is an easy way to tell if the product you’re getting is of high quality. Wondering how to buy furniture directly from the manufacturer? Just head on over to Living Designs Furniture! We hand-make every piece of furniture we sell in our Houston on-site factory and our experts can answer any question about our manufacturing and upholstering process.
  • Shop in person: The largest difference between buying furniture online vs in-store is that you can’t interact with furniture online. A core reason that we encourage all of our customers to shop in our showrooms is so that they have a clear idea of exactly what they are buying. By touching the fabric, feeling the cushions, and seeing the configuration, you can verify the quality and won’t be blindsided by any detail.
  • Inspect the materials: Top-quality furniture often uses hardwood frames, durable fabrics, and high-density foam or springs for comfort and support. These types of materials are more resilient and can withstand normal wear and tear longer than plastics or cheap metals. Learn more about our locally sourced materials in our buying guide.
  • Check the construction: The superior craftsmanship at Living Designs Furniture is a type of quality that can’t be replicated anywhere else. We strive for perfection in every piece that we handcraft, and when you experience our furniture, you will be able to tell the difference. 

Purchasing furniture from a reputable manufacturer is the best way to ensure that you spend your hard-earned money on a top-quality product that will last. Although the convenience of buying a cheap couch online can be appealing, it will only cost you more time and money in the long run to replace it. Do yourself and your wallet a favor and choose living room furniture that you can enjoy for years to come.

Trust the experts at Living Designs Furniture who can help you design pieces to fit your home, lifestyle, and needs without compromising on style or quality. With our help, having the living room furniture you have always dreamed of is possible for your home.

Living Designs Furniture handcrafts furniture for life 

Let’s review: How long does furniture last traditionally? About 7-15 years. How long should living room furniture last? Longer than that. Amongst other upholstered furniture types, how long do couches last at Living Designs Furniture? A lifetime.

The answer is simple: if you want living room furniture that will last, shop at Living Designs Furniture first. Other furniture stores will not be able to match us on quality, style, and price. Our commitment to quality allows you to find your dream furniture for less and enjoy it for as long as you want. 

Ready to start shopping but need a little guidance? Book a free design consultation with our experts today at our Downtown Houston location to discuss your goals, needs, and vision. Our Woodlands branch carries our selection of best-selling models that will fit perfectly in your home! Visit a showroom today to find the best furniture in Houston.

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