Bed Guides

How Often Should You Change Your Bed? Know When to Switch

7 min read
May 09, 2025
By Sonno Beds

Summary:

How has your bed been supporting your mattress and your sleep? Have you been noticing some strange sounds coming from the bed while you move? It might be due to cracks and wood deterioration. Instead of sleeping poorly on an old bed, hop on and read our blog below to know how often should you change your bed.

One thing that we all overlook most of the time when losing sleep or feeling tired is that it might be time to change your bed. It’s not just the mattress but so many other things that are affecting your sleep. So, the question is, how often should you change your bed?

Believe it when we say that there is no one-size-fits-all answer here because it depends on multiple factors, like the quality, build, manufacturer’s guarantee, and type of bed. We don’t want to, but it’s things like your bed is breaking or the joints are coming loose, it eventually get ignored.

So, to keep you on track, we have made this detailed guide to help you understand when should you change your bed. Check out the signs, how to increase lifespan, and when exactly you should go for bed replacement.

What Does Your “Bed” Really Include?

If you’re thinking about when to change your bed, then you might be thinking about:

  • Your bed
  • Your mattress
  • Your bedding like cushions, pillows, bedsheets, duvet covers, etc.
  • Headboards
  • Slats

Each has its own lifespan, and your bedding is something that should be changed once a week to avoid dust and allergens. People who have any particular skin disease should change their bedding every day or at least after 2 days. Now, because of frequent wash-ups up your bedding does not have a very long lifespan.

Mattress

7 to 10 years

Beds

10 to 15 years

Pillows

1 to 2 years

Bedding

2 to 5 years (depending upon thread count and quality)

Toppers and protectors

3 to 5 years

But in this blog, our main focus is beds, since they are the foundation of your mattress and one of the most important parts of your bedroom.

When Should You Change Your Bed?

Short Answer: Every 10-15 years

Beds that are made with great quality and materials can last between 10-15 years and even longer than that. But certain factors can affect their life, usage, and overall look.

  • Materials - If we talk about a solid wood and metal bed, they will last longer than an MDF bed.
  • Usage - If a bed has been used frequently, then it might not last as long as a guest bed.
  • Weight - If the bed has excessive weight on it, then it might break or have strain joints.
  • Environment - Your room environment matters a lot for your bed. Certain factors have quite an effect as dampness, sunlight, and humidity.
  • Professional assembly - It really is important that your bed is assembled properly. A pool assembled bed will break easily and can cost you a fortune.

8 Telltale Signs To Replace Your Bed

Your bed has seen all the glory, but now it may be past its prime. So, how can you be absolutely sure of that before buying a new one? Let us share some red flags that we consider about bed replacement.

  1. Your bed is creaking, squeaking, and making too much noise lately
  2. It wobbles a lot when you change sides
  3. The structure does not feel the same as before
  4. Slats are broken and cannot support your mattress
  5. Cracks, splinters, and wood movement
  6. Loose or rusted metal joints
  7. Your mattress is sagging, especially in the middle
  8. It’s past its guarantee date

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Bed?

Here are a few ways that can help:

  • Tighten the screws and joints (check them regularly)
  • Clean your bed regularly
  • Avoid excessive weight
  • Avoid jumping on the bed
  • Protect it from too much sunlight
  • Keep your bed away from a damp or humid environment

Types Of Beds & Their Lifespan

1. Wooden Beds:

Lifespan: 10–15 years (solid wood)

5–10 years (MDF)

Pros:

  • Sturdy Construction
  • Easy Maintenance:
  • Customisable Finishes
  • Timeless
  • Versatile

2. Metal Beds

Lifespan: 12–20 years

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Modern or vintage aesthetic
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable 
  • Strong weight support

3. Upholstered Beds

Lifespan: 8–12 years

  • Luxurious look & feel
  • Comfortable backrest
  • Wide range of fabrics
  • Warm & inviting
  • Customisation options

4. Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

Lifespan: 8–12 years

  • Maximised storage space
  • Dual functionality
  • Clutter-free living
  • Hidden & dust-free storage
  • Ideal for small spaces

So, When Exactly Should You Change Your Bed?

There may be some situations where you may need to replace your bed, such as:

  • You're relocating to a new house, and your existing bed doesn't look good in the new decor. Perhaps the new room is smaller or larger than your existing bed.
  • There is a strong chance that you require additional storage in your new apartment or house due to less floor space. In such situations, ottoman storage beds and divan beds are the perfect option to fulfill all your requirements.
  • If you’re doing a makeover or redecorating, then a new bed might do the trick, and it will be a significant and beautiful change.
  • Is your bed producing much noise? Do you notice creaks on the base? Then, it’s time to get a new one.

Buying A Bed - What To Look For?

So, here is a quick bed buying checklist for you to follow:

  • Size

While you may think that you know like the back of your hand about the right size and your room space, there are still other factors that can mess this up. For example, the doorways, hallways, and stairs are too narrow for your bed delivery.

  • Materials & Quality

There is one thing that we love about the old days that there was not a pool of choices when buying beds. But now there are so many choices, and we are not talking about the colours but the manufacturing, material, and the designs. So, if a person with no knowledge of build and quality goes into the market, they might not be able to tell anything about it. It is truly important to check the bed you’re buying because it is a significant investment. The best thing you can do these days is buy a bed under a risk-free trial so that you can get a refund.

  • Ease Of Assembly

We all know that traditional beds were quite heavy and not so easy to assemble. That’s what makes modern beds a wonderful choice, especially if you don’t know too much about assembling. You can go for a bed that requires minimal work, like divan beds, or choose professional assembly services.

  • Storage 

If it’s time to ditch the old and buy a new bed, then you should consider storage. It’s going to make your life easier and your home look clutter-free. In cases where your apartment or home has less floor space in the bedroom, storage beds can help a lot.

What About Your Old Bed?

Even if it’s an old bed, it still can come pretty handy, and you can:

  • Donate if your bed is in good shape
  • Recycle it by contacting your local council
  • With a few DIY methods, you can resell it

Conclusion

There is no exact timeline or answer on how often should you change your bed. 10-15 years is quite standard, but based on multiple factors, you can enjoy your bed for a very long time. The best thing you can do is quality check from time to time and ask yourself how well you’re sleeping lately. If you’re hearing creaks or seeing any damage that makes the bed unstable, then no matter the years, it’s time to change your bed.

FAQs

What are the common signs of bed replacement?

Common signs include:

  • Squeaking or wobbling
  • Broken or warped slats
  • Cracks, rust, or splintering
  • Visible sagging or dips
  • Less support during sleep

How often should you change your bedding?

Once a week

On one hand, your bedding plays an important role in comfort and aesthetics, but overusing it can also result in:

  • Dust
  • Mites
  • Allergens