Unlike groceries or medication, your household furniture doesn’t come with a ‘best before’ declaration. But that doesn’t mean they do not have expiration dates. We just need to look a little harder. Our experts have done all the hard work for you and determined the different lifespans, and how to safely dispose of furniture when the time is right.  

There are some things TLC can’t fix

Most good sofas have a lifespan of 7 – 15 years, especially if you reupholster it regularly and give it some good ol’ TLC (tender loving care). However, if your couch creaks or shakes every time you sit down, it is a sign to invest in a new one.  

Patio seating on the other hand needs to be replaced more frequently. Even the best materials are no match for the wrath of Mother Nature. Being constantly exposed to torrential rain, or the scathing heat can take its toll. Change your outdoor furniture at the first sign of rotting wood or rust, because this usually means there is more damage than meets the eye.  

Rest easy, rest safely

Bed frames are meant to be sturdy and can withstand some rough handling. However, you will have to frequently check and tighten the bolts and screws to ensure they last 15 – 20 years. A word to the wise, if your bed starts to make a noise at the slightest touch, get it checked by a professional sooner rather than later.  

Bedding, on the other hand, needs to be changed more often. It is good practice to change your pillows every 3 – 6 months, or if it feels deflated to touch, whatever comes first. Our home interior decorators in Chennai recommend you swap out your mattresses every 7 – 10 years to ensure you always get a good night’s sleep.   

Where comfort meets function 

Your living room furniture is likely to see the most amount of foot traffic, especially since it’s where you will do the most entertaining. Of all the furniture in this space, your coffee table goes through a lot – hot food, dirty feet, scratches, and even an occasional pet or kid jumping on it. If it comes with a laminate finish, the colour tends to fade, and it will visibly seem run down or worn out. Glass tops on the other hand could easily chip, crack or even break. Our best interior designers in Chennai estimate the average lifespan of a coffee table is 5 – 6 years.  

While floor rugs elevate the visual appeal of any space, it is also prone to dust and stains. Usually, area rugs in the living room or bedroom can last a whopping 7 – 10 years, whereas it is a best practice to swap out the bathroom rug every 3 months to maintain hygiene.   

Ways to safely dispose of your furniture

It can be a difficult decision to get rid of your furniture. But remember that once you have set your mind to it, half the battle is over. Here are a few ideas to safely dispose of your furniture:  

• Contact an organization that can help you recycle
• Donate to the less fortunate
• If broken beyond repair, contact your local corporation

To ensure the longevity of your furniture, you can reach out to our experts at Vibrant Spaces. We make most of our furniture in-house, and it goes through 75 stringent checks before it reaches your home. Our pieces also come with a 10-year warranty, so you get nothing but the best with Vibrant. 

Want custom-made furniture of your own? Give us a call today!