Is It Worth Reupholstering a 20-Year-Old Sofa? Norfolk Upholstery Experts Explain

At MY Sofa Covers, we're Norfolk upholstery experts. We’ve spent decades helping Norfolk and Suffolk homeowners breathe new life into their favourite sofas - whether that’s through replacement covers, fresh cushion interiors, or full upholstery services.

When your sofa is looking tired, sagging, or worn down, you face a big decision: replace it with something new or invest in reupholstery. Many homeowners ask us, “Is it worth reupholstering a 20-year-old sofa?” 

The answer often depends on the quality of the frame, your budget, and your priorities around comfort, design, and sustainability.

 If you’re wondering what to do with your sofa, this guide breaks down the options.

How Do I Know if My Couch Is Worth Reupholstering?

Not every sofa is built to last, but high-quality brands such as Multiyork are well known for solid frames and long lifespans. Here are signs your sofa is a good candidate for reupholstery:

• Sturdy hardwood frame — if the frame doesn’t creak or wobble, it can likely be reupholstered.

• Comfortable structure — even if cushions have sagged, the right interiors can restore shape and support.

• Sentimental or design value — reupholstery allows you to keep the piece while updating the fabric.

• Better than buying new — many modern sofas have shorter lifespans, so reupholstery is often the smarter long-term choice.

💡 Expert insight: At MY Sofa Covers, we often see Multiyork sofas still going strong after 20 or even 30 years. With reupholstery, they can last decades more.

The Average Lifespan of a Sofa

Most sofas on the market today last 7–15 years, depending on quality. Cheaply made options may struggle to last even half that time.

In contrast, a well-built sofa with reupholstery can last a lifetime. That’s why many homeowners choose to invest in their existing furniture instead of replacing it.

Sofa Upholstery vs Replacement Covers

When thinking about sofa upholstery, you may wonder whether you actually need a full reupholstery service or if replacement covers would do the job.

• Replacement covers (a MY Sofa Covers speciality) are ideal if your sofa fabric looks worn but the padding and frame are sound.

• Upholstery services are better if your sofa needs deeper restoration, such as new webbing, springs, or complete fabric replacement.

• Replacement cushion interiors are a quick win if your sofa feels flat but the covers still look good.

👉 Tip: For Multiyork sofas, custom-tailored covers are often the perfect middle ground — giving you a “brand new” look without the cost of full upholstery.

Norfolk & Suffolk Upholstery Expertise

Choosing a local upholsterer has its benefits. Whether you’re based in Norfolk or Suffolk, working with local specialists like MY Sofa Covers ensures:

• Personal service and expert advice tailored to your sofa.

• The convenience of local workshops and delivery.

• A chance to view fabric samples in person, making it easier to match your interiors.

FAQs: Upholstery Questions Answered

Is it worth reupholstering a 20-year-old sofa?
Yes — if the frame is solid, reupholstery or new covers can extend the life of your sofa by decades.

What is the average lifespan of a sofa?
On average, sofas last 7–15 years. High-quality sofas with reupholstery can last a lifetime.

How do I know if my couch is worth reupholstering?
Check the frame and structure — if it’s still strong and comfortable, it’s likely worth reupholstering.

What sofa lasts a lifetime?
Solid hardwood frames (like Multiyork sofas) combined with high-quality upholstery or covers can truly last a lifetime.

How to tell if a couch is high-quality?
Look for hardwood frames, proper joinery, and durable suspension systems. Weight is also a clue — heavier sofas usually mean stronger frames.

What is the best sofa brand?
Brands like Multiyork, Duresta, and Parker Knoll are known for their craftsmanship and suitability for reupholstery.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between reupholstery and replacement comes down to the sofa you own. A cheaply made sofa may not be worth the investment, but a well-built piece — especially from trusted brands like Multiyork — is almost always worth saving.

At MY Sofa Covers, we specialise in helping Norfolk and Suffolk homeowners get the best from their sofas. From replacement tailored covers to cushion interiors and upholstery services, we make it easy to restore your furniture so it looks and feels as good as new.

Want to explore your options? Contact our team today to see how we can transform your sofa.

A 25 year old Mulityork sofa we recently reupholstered.