Typical Lifespans of Common Furniture
Sofas & Upholstered Seating
Generally lasts 7 to 15 years, depending on usage and care.
The Spruce
Cushions can wear out first, though sturdy frames (especially with eight-way hand-tied springs) permit re-upholstery.
Better Homes & Gardens
Furniture & Then Some
Chairs & Recliners
Upholstered chairs and recliners typically last 5 to 10 years, though leather and higher-quality materials can stretch toward the upper end.
Furniture & Then Some
Tables & Desks
Coffee, side, and accent tables: about 5 to 15 years (solid wood lasting longer).
homfurniture.com
Dining tables: 5 to 20 years, or even longer when built from solid wood with good craftsmanship.
homfurniture.com
Parachute Home
House Beautiful
Desks: around 15 years with regular use.
Bed Frames
Solid wood bed frames: potentially indefinite (“immortal”) lifespan if well-maintained.
House Beautiful
Parachute Home
Metal frames: generally last 10 to 15 years before showing wear.
Parachute Home
Parachute Home
Mattresses
Standard mattresses have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
Foam comfort layers may degrade in as little as one year, whereas latex cores can last 20 years or more.
Wikipedia
Dressers, Nightstands, Other Case Goods
Dressers: approximately 10 to 20 years, depending on build quality.
Parachute Home
Nightstands: about 5 to 25 years, though cheaper materials (like MDF) often don’t last as long.
Parachute Home
Outdoor Furniture (e.g., Teak)
Teak furniture can last for decades, sometimes being passed down as heirlooms due to its exceptional durability.
Wikipedia
Southern Living
What Influences Longevity?
Materials matter: Solid hardwoods (oak, walnut, cherry, teak) and durable metals (steel, aluminum) last far longer than engineered boards (like MDF or particle board).
Better Homes & Gardens
+1
Construction quality: Traditional joinery (dovetail joints), well-constructed frames, and premium upholstery significantly boost lifespan.
Real Simple
House Beautiful
Care & maintenance: Regular cleaning, avoiding moisture and sunlight, protecting surfaces, and addressing wear early can extend life.
Wikipedia
Furniture & Then Some
Reupholstery & restoration: High-quality frames can outlast their grills—many can be re-upholstered or refinished.
Better Homes & Gardens
Real Simple
Personal experiences: Some durable IKEA pieces (e.g., Poäng chairs or solid-wood items) have lasted 15–25 years with care.
Reddit
+1
Others attested to Stickley wood furniture lasting almost 20 years like new, or even decades-long life for heirloom-quality pieces.
Reddit
Summary Table
Furniture Type Typical Lifespan
Sofas & Upholstered Seating 7–15 years
Chairs & Recliners 5–10 years (more for leather)
Coffee/Accent Tables 5–15 years
Dining Tables 5–20 years or longer
Bed Frames (Wood) Potentially indefinite
Bed Frames (Metal) 10–15 years
Mattresses 7–10 years (latex cores last longer)
Dressers & Case Goods 10–20 years
Nightstands 5–25 years
Outdoor Furniture (Teak, etc.) Many decades, sometimes heirloom-worthy
Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping or evaluating your furniture’s lifespan, prioritize solid materials, excellent craftsmanship, and proper care. This not only stretches the functional life of your pieces but also aligns with a more sustainable, “buy-it-for-life” mindset. Happy to dive deeper into a specific piece or help you assess a real setup!
