Here’s a review of the six warning signs that it might be time to get a new couch.

How Long Should a Couch Last?

The average life span of a sofa purchased today is seven to 15 years.

Tan couch with yellow cushions next to houseplants and blue rug

The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria

you’re free to move smaller couches to a bedroom or study.

This will cause excessive wear on the upholstery and could damage the frame.

That’s when it’s time to replace your couch.

Tan couch corner with yellow cushion and houseplant in white pot closeup

The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria

Older furniture was usually constructed with hardwoods and screws.

Less expensive furniture today is put together with manufactured wood, staples, and epoxy.

Cut a 1/2-inch thick piece of plywood to fit the space and place it under the cushions.

An assortment of upholstery cleaners we recommend, including the Bissell Little Green Original Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, side-by-side on a wood floor

Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning help, but eventually, the odors may win.

Do you notice red welts or bug bites on your legs?

If you think you might havebedbugsorfleasand are considering changing the couch, this would be a good time.

Tan couch upholstery with frayed ends closeup

The Spruce / Alandra Chavarria

Your Decorating Tastes Have Changed

How can that huge floral print you lovedlook so datednow?

Understandably, different home styles and tastes change over time.

Eclectic is a wonderful decorating style, but sometimes, even that look requires a new sofa.

Daily use, jumping kids, and pets will eventually wear out most fabrics.

Some frayed areas can be mended, even on leather; the fabric will eventually expose the padding underneath.

Fading comes from placing a couch directly in front of a window that receives direct sunlight.

you might purchasecleaning products, rent a steam-based machine, orhire a professional cleaner.

If the couch is structurally sound or sentimental, you might choose to reupholster it instead of replacing it.

Labor costs must also be added to the bottom line.

Perhaps a good slipcover will buy you a bit more time as you decide whether to replace or reupholster.