The Furniture Health Report
Words by Emma Hughes
January 08, 2025
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8m
Furniture is a part of our everyday life and is what helps make a house a home, yet furniture care and investment can be overlooked as we might assume they will just naturally last a long time and don’t need regular care and maintenance. However, we’re here to let you know that this is not the case! In fact, our Furniture Health Report will look to reveal how often you should be updating your furniture, the potential risks of not doing so, and what the experts say. Just keep on reading to find out more!
Why do people update their furniture?
The top reason for replacing furniture is due to damage (29%). Of course, this makes sense, but it’s important to note that furniture has a lifespan, and an item may still need replacing before it’s ‘damaged enough’.
The second most popular reason for changing furniture was due to discomfort, with 15% of respondents choosing this option. When it comes to furniture like sofas and chairs, comfort is such a key component, and you should think about whether it’s good for your health in the long run.
Next up, of those we surveyed, 13% said that they have updated the furniture in their home due to not liking the previous style. Changing up the interior design of a room is a fun way to give your home a refresh, but if you find that you’re the type of person to do this regularly, consider whether you’re playing into temporary trends too much.
Last but not least, 8% of people said that they’ve previously replaced furniture because it was too big or too small for the space they had. This only highlights the importance of doing research and checking dimensions and measurements before purchasing any new piece. On this particular point, we’ve actually got our very own Will It Fit measuring guide which can help you figure out whether a piece of furniture will fit perfectly in your home or not.
How often do people update different furniture pieces?
Okay, so we’ve covered some of the reasons people swap out their furniture, but how often do different furniture pieces actually end up being updated – let’s find out!
Office chairs
According to our research, a whopping 69% of people have never replaced their office chair. In fact, you might have spent a fair amount of time finding the perfect one that fit your needs. But as with any piece of furniture, there is a lifespan, and given that you likely spend five or so days each week sat in the same chair, it might not be looking as smart or feeling as comfy as it once was.
Caring for your office chair
When it comes to the best ways to take care of your office chair, this can vary depending on the type of material it is made out of. However, these are some general points to consider that apply to both leather and fabric office chairs:
• Avoid direct sunlight to help prevent discolouration.
• Be mindful of sharp objects, such as belt buckles or pens, which may snag or damage the material.
• Clean your office chair regularly following the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid stains or dirt becoming deeply ingrained.
We also sought advice from Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, who says, “An office chair is one of the most important pieces of furniture for maintaining your comfort and wellbeing, especially if you spend long hours sitting. Over time, however, even the best chairs can wear out and lose their effectiveness. Signs that it might be time to replace your office chair include flattened seat cushions, difficulty adjusting the height or tilt, or any wobbling or instability in the base.
“Using an old or poorly functioning office chair can have a significant impact on your posture. Without proper support, you may find yourself slouching, which can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain over time.
“An ergonomic chair with adequate lumbar support, adjustable settings, and good cushioning helps keep your spine aligned and reduces strain on your muscles, improving both comfort and productivity. If your current chair isn’t meeting these standards, it’s worth considering an upgrade to protect your posture and overall health.”
You can find more specific material guidance in our leather furniture care guide or our fabric care guide; alternatively, it might be time that you start looking for a new office chair altogether – luckily, we’ve got lots of options for you to choose from.
Garden furniture
Just under two-thirds of Brits (61%) told us that they’ve never replaced their garden furniture. Whilst these pieces of furniture are designed to be durable and long-lasting, even the best outdoor furniture won’t last forever and needs some maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Caring for your garden furniture
Over time, garden furniture will naturally become worn out, especially as it’s exposed to the elements, but there are things you can do to delay this. Some ways to help ensure yours lasts as long as possible include:
• Putting furniture somewhere indoors during severe weather conditions like strong winds.
• Making sure to use outdoor furniture covers when you’re not using it.
• Not dragging furniture when moving it, as this can damage the joints.
On top of this, Lena has some advice - “Garden furniture is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause significant wear and tear if not properly maintained. Rain, wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll on materials, leading to deterioration over time.
“Wooden furniture is particularly susceptible to moisture, which can cause rot, warping, or splitting, while metal pieces are at risk of rust and corrosion if they aren’t protected. Even synthetic materials like plastic or rattan can fade, crack, or become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight. For wooden furniture, consider applying a weatherproof sealant to preserve its durability, while metal items may benefit from a protective coating to prevent corrosion.
“Knowing when to replace your garden furniture is crucial to maintaining a safe and comfortable outdoor space. Signs that it’s time to invest in a new set include visible rot or soft spots in wooden furniture, which indicates water damage and weakened structural integrity. For metal furniture, any sign of rust, especially if it has penetrated the surface, can lead to instability and further deterioration.”
For more guidance as well as specific tips depending on the type of material, be sure to check out our garden furniture care guide. Or, if you’re ready to get a brand new set to spruce up your outdoor space, you can shop our selection of high-quality garden furniture.
Dining tables
Interestingly, 57% of our survey respondents said that they have never replaced their dining table. As the place where you serve up meals, entertain guests, and maybe even play a few board games, the dining table is a versatile piece of furniture that certainly sees a lot of use.
Caring for your dining table
If you want to make sure your table lasts as long as possible, there are steps you can take in order to maintain the quality. This includes:
• Protect your dining table surface by using felt under-cloths and place mats.
• If you need to move the table, carefully lift it; never drag or push.
• Gently dust your table and polish it with a soft, lint-free buffing cloth on a regular basis.
Lena also adds, “Your dining table is one of the most hardworking pieces of furniture in your home, and with the right care, it can last for decades. To keep it in top condition, always use coasters and placemats to protect the surface from heat, spills, and scratches.
“Regularly clean your table with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage finishes, and consider applying a protective wax or polish if suitable for the material.
“However, even with proper care, certain habits can lead to wear and tear over time. Dragging heavy items across the table, placing hot pans directly on the surface, or allowing moisture to pool can cause long-term damage.
“Warning signs to watch for include deep scratches, fading or discolouration of the finish, and any wobbling or instability in the legs or joints. These can indicate larger structural issues that may require professional repairs or, in some cases, replacement. By being mindful of how you use your dining table and addressing small issues promptly, you can preserve its beauty and functionality for years to come.”
For more advice, check out our dining furniture care guide. However, if yours is looking past its best due to wear and tear over the years then it might be time to go find a new dining table altogether .
Mattresses
Perhaps most shocking is the fact that 35% of people we surveyed admitted to having never replaced their mattress. As a rule of thumb, most sources say that the general lifespan of a mattress is between seven to ten years.
Caring for your mattress
If you’re not doing anything to take care of your mattress, this may also have an impact on how long it stays in good condition. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
• Always follow the mattress manufacturer’s care instructions, as recommendations may vary by model.
• Clean your bed with a soft brush or with the upholstery attachment on a vacuum.
• If applicable to your model, help prevent natural dips in spring interior mattresses by rotating and flipping the mattress on a regular basis.
To add onto this, Lena says, “An old or poorly maintained mattress can seriously affect your sleep quality and health. As a mattress ages, it loses its ability to support your body properly, which can lead to discomfort, back and neck pain, and poor sleep. If you wake up feeling unrested or experience pain, it may be time to replace your mattress.
“To maintain your existing mattress, it’s essential to rotate it every three to six months to ensure even wear, particularly if it’s memory foam or innerspring.
“Using a mattress protector can help prevent stains, dust mites, and allergens from settling into the fabric and regularly vacuuming your mattress will remove dirt and debris. It’s also a good idea to air it out every few months as this will prevent moisture buildup. Make sure to keep your mattress on a supportive bed frame which can help avoid sagging and ensure long-lasting comfort.”
You can find more advice on prolonging the lifespan of your mattress in our bedroom furniture care guide. But if you do think it’s time to replace it, you might want to head over to our range of mattresses to find a new one.
Methodology
The "Furniture Health Report” is the result of a comprehensive national survey conducted by TLF on behalf of Barker and Stonehouse. 2,000 UK nationally representative participants were surveyed.