Do you have your eye on a new bedroom set? Dreaming of a complete bedroom makeover? You might have a very good excuse to give into your urges and start planning. Bedroom furniture doesn’t last forever, especially when you buy poorly manufactured or assembled pieces that are used heavily on a daily basis.
Most people have no idea when to replace their furniture, and for some pieces it is very important. Here are the pieces most commonly found in bedroom sets online. (Source: https://www.1stopbedrooms.com/bedroom/bedroom-sets)
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Bed frames or platforms
Your bed frame probably won’t last as long as you think. Wood bed frames and platforms last about 7 to 10 years, while metal frames can last up to 15 years. Every year you put more stress on your bed frame, and it will begin to break down. Even if you have an antique or passed-down headboard and footboard, you should replace the metal frame on occasion. Failing to replace it could cause injury if it breaks while you are sleeping.
Mattresses
Although not technically part of the bedroom set, most people are confused about how often to change out their mattress. Like your bed frame, your mattress breaks down over time. Most mattresses should be replaced about every 8 years, although you can extend the life by up to 2 years with diligent use of mattress covers and pads. It is best to replace your mattress at the same time that you replace the bed frame. If you’re dying for a new look, go ahead and buy the new headboard and footboard while you’re at it.
Headboards and footboards
On the other hand, headboards and footboards last much longer, sometimes decades. There are many antique headboards and footboards that seem as though they will last forever. Unfortunately, a lot of the newer bed models are not built with durability in mind.
Upholstered headboards won’t last as long as solid wood, but you can get hybrids that last a bit longer. Upholstered headboards attract dust and other allergens, as well as easy to stain from leaning back on it. Even if you clean your upholstered headboard once a week as recommended, it will not last longer than your mattress or bedframe.
On the other hand, solid wood headboards are extremely durable, and can last for decades with proper care. Make sure you have a good frame to use with the headboard and footboard to give it ample support and extend its life.
Chest of drawers or dressers and nightstands
A chest of drawers or dresser can last a long time, or it can last just a few years. Truthfully there is a large range of how long such pieces can last. A very cheap dresser purchased from Walmart or Ikea may only last a few years before the drawers start breaking down, especially if you overload them.
On the other hand, most dressers of moderate quality will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while those of the highest quality may last much longer. Chests of drawers that have tongue-in-groove construction are easier to maintain and repair to extend the life of the bedroom furniture. Often the drawer bottoms will wear out long before the case. If that happens, you can extend the life of your dresser or chest of drawers by repairing or replacing the drawer bottoms.
Armoires and wardrobes
These heavier pieces of bedroom furniture are the most durable in your bedroom set. These pieces typically last several decades. Many antique armoires are just as durable today as they were 100 years ago. Since this is now considered a luxury bedroom furniture piece, they are still built with a longview. If you want to make use of an armoire, make sure it will match your other bedroom furniture as it needs to be replaced.
Bedroom benches
Having a bench in your bedroom can be incredibly convenient, especially while preparing for the day. Some benches even offer some interior storage. Most benches are not actually designed for heavy use. You can usually make a bedroom bench last at least 7 years before it starts to break down. If you have a storage bench, the time you have with the piece might be much less, depending on how often you use the bench.
Area rugs
Especially if you have hardwood or tile floors, you want to have an area rug in your bedroom. Area rugs don’t last very long as a general rule. Even with careful care and maintenance, carpet fibers break down within about 3 to 5 years. You may be able to stretch your area rugs to as long as 10 years if it doesn’t see frequent use (such as in a guest bedroom).
Accent chairs
Have a bigger bedroom that gives you space for a sitting area? Accent chairs are a great way to add a little comfort to your escape from the big bad world (or your housemates). Accent chairs come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and levels of durability. Just remember that cheap accent chairs are made cheap, and they will only last 3-5 years. Pay a bit more for durability, and you could get 5-8 years out of your chair before it requires maintenance or reupholstered.
The bottom line is that most of your bedroom furniture should be replaced at a minimum every 8 years. Even though sturdy pieces like some dressers or headboards can last much longer, you will need to at minimum replace your bedframe and mattress within that time.
If it really is time for a new bedroom set, you should really look into buying your bedroom furniture online. You’ll get some great prices on bedroom sets of decent quality. Many bedroom furniture pieces today are made with engineered wood that is highly durable, lightweight, and beautiful.
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