What can affect the lifespan of your furniture?

You probably do your best to look after the furniture in your home. You wipe up any spills, try to prevent bangs and dents, ensure it is looked after and perhaps even perform some general maintenance (sanding, painting, etc.).

But while all of this is good, there are some other factors that could mean your furniture doesn’t last as long as you’d want it to. When you spend good money on decent furniture, you’d expect it to last a while. Three years? Five years? Fifteen years? My parents have had their leather sofas for 20 years and they still have plenty of life left in them!

Unfortunately, this can’t be said for all furniture, and you may find yourself replacing things sooner than expected. Like me, you probably would expect the lifespan to be a little longer, and hate to get rid of items.

So what does impact the lifespan of furniture? I’ve teamed up with Jo Alexander to provide you with the answers for both indoor and outdoor furniture. From proper maintenance to selecting the right materials, we’ve identified seven factors that can help you keep your furniture looking and feeling new for years to come.

Quality of materials

One of the things that has the biggest impact on the longevity of your furniture is the material, specifically the type of material and its quality.

High-quality materials are more durable and resistant to wear and tear than cheap ones, making them a better long-term investment.

When shopping for furniture, look for pieces made of hardwoods like teak or oak, as well as high-quality leather or long-lasting upholstery fabrics.

You may also want to avoid ‘fast furniture’. This is a term used for inexpensive furnishings that are sold in bulk and at a cheap price to keep up with current trends (sorry IKEA, I love the Billy bookcase, but it’s just not good for the environment). Such furniture is generally made from particleboard or other low-quality materials, such as plastic, and these are more prone to cracking and breaking.

It’s also important to consider the quality of the hardware used in your furniture. Look for pieces with sturdy, well-made joints, hinges, and handles that won’t wear down easily.

Choosing furniture made of high-quality materials and hardware will not only increase its lifespan but will also make it easier to use and maintain in the long run. If you’re not sure what to get, we recommend teak furniture, as this is often regarded as one of the most durable, long-lasting materials for indoor and outdoor use. You can find out more here.

If you aren’t sure whether you can afford this type of furniture brand new, then purchase it secondhand. We have bought loads of solid wood furniture over the years that really does stand the test of time without breaking the bank, and it’s more environmentally friendly to do this, too.

Room temperature and humidity

Another important factor that people often forget about is the environment in which your furniture is placed.

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause wood to warp and crack, leather to dry out and crack, and upholstery fabrics to fade and weaken. This is why it’s important to get the right material type, whether indoors or outdoors. Rattan furniture, for example, is a natural, eco-friendly material that is also stain-resistant; however, it is more susceptible to outside elements such as wind, rain, sunlight, dirt, and debris than other materials such as plastic, metal, or wood.

It’s always a good idea to keep your outdoor furniture out of direct sunlight. If this isn’t possible, you can create shade using a garden umbrella to avoid fading and discoloration, or simply cover it when not in use.

For indoor furniture, use window treatments such as blinds or curtains to block out the sun’s rays during the hottest parts of the day. In addition, keep your furniture away from heating and cooling vents, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and affect the moisture content of wood and upholstery fabrics.

Environmental factors

For outdoor furniture, protection from different weather elements is crucial to prolong its lifespan, especially for untreated wood or other materials, because exposure to rain, sun, and wind can cause them to rot, rust, fade, and weaken over time. This is why it’s important to consider investing in high-quality covers or storing them indoors during inclement weather.

In addition, be sure to clean and maintain your outdoor furniture regularly. You can do this by using a mild detergent and water, as well as treating with a protective sealant to prevent rot and decay.

Placement

When it comes to extending the lifespan of your furniture, its placement in your home is also something that you should consider.

Large and heavy furniture items like sofas and large cupboards are best placed in spots where they won’t be moved frequently, as moving them around can cause damage to floors, walls, and the furniture itself.

Another thing to keep in mind is putting your furniture away from high-traffic areas where it may be bumped or knocked over. These incidents can cause scratches, dents, and other types of damage that can shorten your furniture’s lifespan.

Proper use and weight distribution

It is important to use your furniture as intended to keep it in good condition for years to come. Avoid using chairs as stepping stools or placing heavy objects on your table, as this can cause undue stress on the legs and joints of your furniture, which can lead to damage and a shorter lifespan, especially if you have older furniture.

You should also be mindful of how you distribute weight on your furniture. To avoid tipping or instability, try to evenly distribute the weight of objects on both sides of tables and shelves.

Cleaning and maintenance

Proper cleaning and care for your furniture is another important factor that can affect its longevity and appearance.

The accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris can cause wear and tear on its surfaces over time. Besides, dirty furniture can appear unsightly and dull, affecting the aesthetic and feel of your living space.

A soft cloth or brush can be used to remove surface dust and debris from wood, metal, and plastic furniture, which can then be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Leather furniture, on the other hand, requires conditioning products to keep it supple and soft. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on any type of furniture, as they can cause damage and shorten its lifespan.

Regular inspections and repairs

Finally, regular inspections and repairs are also required from time-to-time to keep your furniture looking its best. You can also identify signs of damage and normal wear and tear early on. When inspecting furniture, check for loose joints or cracks in the wood and address these issues promptly to prevent further harm to your furniture.

If the damage is severe, it’s best to invest in professional repairs, such as fixing broken legs or restoring damaged upholstery. Although this may appear to be an additional cost, it can save you money in the long run by extending the lifespan of your furniture and avoiding the need for replacement.

 

All in all, there are many factors that can help you prolong the lifespan of your furniture. From choosing high-quality materials and hardware to maintaining a consistent indoor environment, taking care of your furniture can save you money and add longevity to your home decor. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make your furniture last for many years, providing comfort and style for you and your family.