Last Updated:May 04, 2025, 07:55 IST
Everyday habits like dragging furniture or ignoring spills could be silently shortening your furniture’s lifespan.
With just a little care, your furniture can stay sturdy, stylish, and comfortable for years to come.
Your sofa looks pristine, your dining chairs haven’t collapsed, and your shelves still hold up your favorite books—but is everything as perfect as it seems? Furniture experts warn that our daily habits, often dismissed as harmless, could be gradually reducing the lifespan of our most used pieces.
Whether it’s dragging a table during a quick clean-up or leaving your armchair sunbathing by the window, small missteps in furniture handling accumulate into long-term damage. The good news? These habits are easy to fix—if you know what to watch out for.
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“The wear and tear we don’t notice every day—like sunlight exposure, minor spills, or piling stuff on couches—eventually impact both functionality and aesthetics,” says Raghunandan Saraf, Founder and CEO, Saraf Furniture. “Being mindful can go a long way in preserving your investment.”
Here are the most common habits silently sabotaging your furniture—and expert-approved tips to help fix them:
1. Dragging Instead of Lifting
Rearranging your space? Don’t drag that chair across the floor. It may be quicker, but this habit can loosen the joints, weaken the structure, and scratch your flooring. “Always lift furniture when moving it,” advises Saraf. “And for smoother movement without damage, consider using felt pads or sliders under the legs.”
2. Letting the Sun Do the Damage
That sunny spot by the window might be great for your plants—but not for your sofa. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to discoloration, cracked leather, and faded wood tones. “Furniture, especially wood and leather, isn’t meant to bake in the sun,” warns Saraf. “Simple fixes like curtains or blinds can protect your pieces from harmful UV rays.”
3. Skipping Regular Cleaning
Dust, pet hair, and crumbs aren’t just an eyesore—they can also degrade fabric and invite pests. A neglected sofa or cabinet quickly loses its charm and hygiene. “Wipe down wood surfaces weekly with a damp cloth and vacuum upholstered pieces regularly,” says Saraf. “Clean furniture looks better and lasts longer.”
4. Using Armrests as Seats
It might be tempting to perch on the armrest of a chair or lean back on the soft edge of a couch, but these parts aren’t built to bear weight. “Armrests and backrests aren’t meant for full-body pressure,” cautions Saraf. “Repeated misuse can cause bending or even breakage.”
5. Overloading Shelves and Cabinets
Just because your bookshelf hasn’t buckled yet doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Excessive weight—especially near the edges—can lead to sagging or structural damage. “Always check the recommended weight limits,” says Gopal Suthar, Founder of Furniselan. “Place heavier items closer to the wall or the base to evenly distribute pressure and reduce stress on the frame.”
6. Ignoring Spills and Water Rings
Whether it’s a tea spill or a forgotten glass leaving a water ring, moisture is a major enemy of wood and fabric. “Stains, odors, and mold can all stem from untreated spills,” warns Suthar. “Wipe them up immediately with a dry cloth and use coasters or tablecloths as preventative measures.”
7. Turning Furniture into a Wardrobe
Dumping clothes or bags on sofas or chairs might seem convenient, but this habit strains the furniture and gives your home a cluttered feel. “Piling objects inappropriately not only affects structure but also diminishes visual appeal,” says Suthar. “Opt for smart storage like ottomans and benches that double up as décor.”
8. Forgetting to Rotate Cushions
If your couch always supports you in the same spot, you’ll start to see uneven wear. The flattened side becomes obvious—and uncomfortable.
“Rotate and flip cushions every week,” suggests Suthar. “It helps maintain even shape and prolongs both comfort and aesthetics.”
The Takeaway: Small Habits, Big Impact
Taking care of your furniture doesn’t require professional maintenance or expensive fixes. It’s about small, consistent acts—like keeping it clean, avoiding excessive weight, and being gentle with movement.
“The essence of a home goes beyond structural function,” says Saraf. “Comfort and durability come from how we treat the items that fill our space.”
So next time you’re tempted to drag a chair, pile your clothes, or skip a wipe-down—remember, those habits are silently taking a toll. With just a little care, your furniture can stay sturdy, stylish, and comfortable for years to come.
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Location : First Published:News lifestyle Everyday Habits That Secretly Ruin Your Furniture — And Smart Fixes to Save It