A nationwide survey of 3050 homeowners by design-led furniture brand, Swoon, purports to show how short the furniture lifespan is within British homes.
While nearly half of respondents (48%) believe their new sofa should last between 5-10 years, and 37% expect it to endure for over a decade, the reality tells a different story, says Swoon: "In fact, 29% of Brits swap their sofas every five years, 51% every 10, and a mere 8% say they’ve never replaced their sofa. It’s clear that while we expect longevity, we’re ditching our furniture far more frequently than anticipated or hoped – and it turns out we're constantly upgrading."
Homeowners in the South East (54%) and London (50%) are the biggest sofa-swappers, replacing theirs more frequently than other regions, states the brand – while those in Northern Ireland (61%) and Wales (58%) tended to hold onto their sofas for more than a decade.
The survey also revealed that 74% of Brits feel justified in replacing a sofa if it is broken or damaged. Younger buyers (aged 18-25) are particularly prone to replacing their sofas when they are damaged beyond repair (90.7%), suggesting they might be choosing cheaper, less durable options as their first purchase.
"But that’s not the only reason," Swoon continues. "Nearly 70% admitted they’d replace their sofa simply because it no longer fits their interior design style, and 12% confessed to swapping it out when it no longer suited their personal taste.
"With personal taste and trends driving a large portion of sofa replacements, it’s no surprise that 90% of respondents are planning to redecorate within the next year, with 43% expecting to spend over £2000 on their next home update. Surprisingly, over a third (36%) of homeowners said their interiors are no longer to their taste, while 31% said their current furniture simply doesn’t work for their lifestyle any more. What’s more, 46% admitted to experiencing ‘house-barrassment’ – feeling ashamed of their homes. The pressure to keep interiors fresh and stylish is evidently high across the country.
"So, what can be done to ensure that our furniture lasts longer? A significant 81% of those surveyed said they’d be willing to spend more on a piece if it promised durability, while 68% are drawn to unique designs and 50% would pay more for items with a warranty."
Interestingly, while younger buyers are more focused on aesthetics and trends, older Brits (56+) are increasingly prioritising furniture longevity and eco-friendliness, suggesting a shift towards sustainability as age increases, says Swoon.
Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon, offers some advice: “If you are looking for timeless, long-lasting furniture that will be with you for life, there are two main factors to consider – design, and durability.
“Buying into trends, whether that be current colour crazes or influencer-driven fads, will often eventually mean your piece will feel outdated. Instead, choose a sofa that you identify with. Something versatile, and most importantly, irresistibly comfortable. After all, you may well be sitting on it for 10+ years.
“Additionally, look for base pieces that will stand the test of time. Models with low-cost materials and flimsy designs are often doomed to a short lifespan. Higher-quality pieces are designed for longevity, adapting to your needs and being there through every milestone. In the end, a well-made sofa is an investment that can be passed down or repurposed, rather than ending up in a landfill.
“If you are a trend lover, or simply enjoy regularly switching up your interior, opt for neutral base pieces that can then be accessorised to suit a multitude of looks. Switch out seasonal throw pillows to freshen up the space, or paint a feature wall in that trending tone if you truly love it.
“Or, opt for a Swoon Full Circle sofa, which features an innovative clip system allowing technicians to easily reupholster the sofa in your home – transforming your look at a fraction of the cost of a new sofa.”
