You're a responsible person. You take care of your belongings and you love your home. It's been a while since you've replaced any furniture, but signs have started to show that it's time to buy new stuff. The signs can be subtle, so let me break them down for you: wood splintering, mattress not being as cushy as it used to, or leather couch cracking? If one of these signs has shown up on an item in your home, it might be time to get you a piece that will last many more years.
Mattresses
Mattresses can usually last up to 10-15 years if it's brand new. Of course, as one of the most used pieces of furniture in the house, you'll want it to perform well from the moment it's purchased until it's on its deathbed--if you will. If you've had the same mattress for a few years and it doesn't feel as comfortable as before, you might want to consider getting a new one. At The Furniture Mall, we have our sleep specialists that can give you a support report that find the areas of your body that need adjustment while asleep, and match you with a mattress that will keep your body from breaking down as well over the years.
Beautyrest® Harmony Lux™ Carbon Series Queen Mattress
Couches & Chairs
As far as couches go, you can usually tell signs of wear and tear after about five years (but again this depends on if they're upholstered). Cracking leather, sinking cushions or broken springs are all signs that your couch needs replacing soon. You should try to replace them within three years, however; otherwise, the frame could be compromised altogether.
Wood furniture
Wood furniture items such as dining tables need even more attention because wood does deteriorate over time and starts falling apart. There are ways to preserve your wooden pieces, so make sure you brush up on some tips on how to best care for them. If you see signs of warping or chipping, then it's time to say goodbye.
Recliners
Recliners are one of the pieces in your home that deteriorate faster than any other. There's a reason why they're known as "the lazy man's furniture"--they don't last very long! Most people purchase their recliner when they buy a new couch, so it makes sense for them to wear out at around the same time. If you find signs of cracking and/or stuffing coming loose inside your recliner, then it might be time to say goodbye and get yourself something more durable like an ottoman or chair.
Burkner Flexsteel Recliner by Signature Design by Ashley
Lighting
Lighting is another item in your home that you'll want to replace, but signs of wear and tear don't usually happen until much later. Your lighting items will still work just fine for years without having any signs of deterioration or damage, but it's best to purchase new lights when you're about the move--especially if they're antique pieces.
Accessories
Accessories such as throw pillows and area rugs, signs of wear and tear might not show up for years. If you're like most people that love to decorate their homes with new things every season, then these items are the perfect place to start. Throw pillows get a lot of use throughout the seasons; they can get dirty and need replacing often (usually about once or twice a year). Area rugs can last anywhere from five-seven years before signs of damage become too great--but again it depends on how much foot traffic is going in and out over its surface daily.
Throw Pillows by Signature Design by Ashley
You should also make sure you take care of your home while looking for signs that it's time to replace certain pieces: clean regularly, get up on the furniture to inspect for signs of wear and tear, wash bedding in hot water every week, dust often. Not everyone has the time to be a part-time home inspector, but if you take care of your home then it will take care of you.