When Is It Time for a New Sofa?

I’ve been asking myself this question since we moved into our new house.

It’s not that we need a new sofa.

We actually have one sofa that’s not even being used.

But I would really like to replace the gray sofa which is in our family room with one of these.

I’ve blogged about my love for rolled arm sofas here and here.

The thing is the sofa I want to replace is only 4 years old and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. For new readers, this is the couch I’m talking about as it used to sit in our old living room:

It’s well-made and would easily last many more years. So I feel kind of guilty about the whole thing. So what do you think? At one point is it okay to replace a perfectly good couch?

(Photos: 1.via Dress, Design, Decor 2.Notebook Mag 3.Domino 4.via Ill Seen, Ill Said 5.via My Favorite & My Best 6.Depadova 7.From the Right Bank)

27 comments

  1. Jane

    Well the answer to that question depends entirely on (1) whether you propose to repurpose, reuse or upcycle current sofa or (2) give it to a needy friend or (3) sell it. I personally object to selling because I think you could find someone who deserves it. Once you get over those ethical issues, go for it.
    Jane’s last post…Snakeskin and Rainbow KnitsMy Profile

  2. A House and Home

    First of all, I heart your existing couch, so send it on over. Second, I just saw a one year old gorgeous white velvet tufted couch on Craig's List, with they ad saying they are remodeling. Four years is long compared to that time frame. As long as you don't throw it away, go for it. But did you think you were going to hear any no's from us? :)
    A House and Home’s last post…Bedroom InspirationMy Profile

  3. Tonia

    I think that it's ok to replace a perfectly good sofa if you are changing decor styles. Then there's what to do with your sofa that's in perfect condition. There are 2 options:: 1) give the sofa away to a family that could use it, if your budget allows 2) Sell the sofa to help with the cost of the new one

    I'm sure that you'll make the right decision

  4. Aimee@ the Functiona

    Ally, are you in my head??! I have been thinking the same thing. I REALLY want a rolled arm (Charles of London arm?) sofa but ours is perfectly serviceable. Mine is actually 10 years old but I actually still love the fabric. The arm are WAY too big though. Every time I look at it it makes me a little mad/sad. I will if you will!!
    Aimee@ the Functiona’s last post…Tudor in the AfternoonMy Profile

  5. Jane Flanagan

    I really want a new sofa too, but there are other things to buy on my list before I get around to replacing anything else… An English roll-arm will definitely be my go-to choice when I finally do though!
    Jane Flanagan’s last post…Paint it blackMy Profile

  6. laney

    …my thinking is…if you can afford to replace your sofa and want to…do so…but…GIVE the other sofa away…that way two people have a new sofa…and you will feel wonderful…now if that second person had a respectable sofa and gave that sofa away…and then that person could….well…you know …that initial good feeling could end up going a long way…

  7. Ally

    Thanks for your feedback, everyone. I would definitely donate my old one. That's what I always do with old furniture.

    pretty far west: I like that. If we applied that rule in our house, I'd have a new one every few months!

    A House & Home: Hehe. Busted.

    sarah g: Welcome!

    Aimee: Deal!

  8. sarah

    I experience the same kind of struggle. I sometimes wonder if I get tired of things quickly because of the daily design stimulation. It seems like I fall in love with a new sofa weekly.

  9. The Zhush

    Such a relevant question for me as well. We have had the same blue couch in the family room for about 8 years…lately its been bothering me, but the problem is it was custom made…needed to be extra long, and I can’t justify a. getting rid of it…and b. ordering a new custom couch! Reupholstering might do the trick, but not sure.Good luck with your decision…love the last couch you posted! (and the image of your old living room is stunning!)
    The Zhush’s last post…Summer Style Secrets- Rikshaw DesignMy Profile

  10. Kelly

    I have been thinking the same thing about MY sofa which is only about 2 years old. So, I decided I would put it on CraigsList for a price I would be happy with and if it sells, then it's fate. :o ) I think on my 27th week on Craigslist. I just know one day it's gonna be fate! LOL! (Just kidding! But I am seriously about to do this exact thing! Already talked the husband into it.)

  11. Carol Evans

    I have just ordered a new sofa. The one I am replacing is 6 yrs old and still good. I am having it recovered and using in another room. I cannot wait for the new one. Go for it.

  12. Piper

    I know exactly how you feel – although I can say that our couch is actually in a sad state (sigh…a white sofa is not the way to go when you have 2 dogs!!) It sounds like you just need to sell or giveaway yours and get one that would make you happier!! I'm thinking I need to take that advice too :)
    Piper’s last post…does my bag look big in thisMy Profile

  13. Sarah @ Maison Bohem

    Its time for a new couch whenever you're done with it. I subscribe to Macintosh's philosophy about how things in your home need to qualify under two categories – Practical AND Beautiful. They can't fulfill just one of the requirements… it must be both. And this means beautiful to YOU. I say Craigslist the old couch and go get your rolled arm dream sofa.
    Sarah @ Maison Bohem’s last post…Baby CharlieMy Profile

  14. Elli D.

    If you are asking yourself this question, it is a sign you should get a new sofa. You will not be completely satisfied until you get it anyway – you will just keep asking yourself the question all over again until you buy it. Seriously, I know what I'm talking about.
    Elli D.’s last post…Good Economic NewsMy Profile

  15. casey@loft&cottage

    I love your sofa choices! The two-cushion, low rolled arm is so classic. I’d love a new sofa myself, but it’s just not in the budget. And there’s nothing *wrong* with my sofa either. But if you can sell what you have, or reuse in another room, or give to a worthy friend/cousin/etc, why not move on and get what you really want?
    casey@loft&cottage’s last post…italian holiday- finiMy Profile

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