Giving the lounge a total makeover- wasteful?

[QueenoftheNights]

I need opinions. Had 2 sofas in over 30 years. Current one was from L Ashley and had it about 15 years. I've had new seat cushions made by them and had it recovered (loose covers) once, same for a single chair.

it's in pretty good condition- we take care of our stuff.

BUT it's all feeling a bit dated compared to the new styles of sofas out now.. I'd love new curtains (the ones I have are fading down the edges with the sun) . Carpets are fine - pale cream.

A part of me thinks what the hell, swap it, but my tight side says there is nothing wrong with it all and I'd be trying to get a few quid on Ebay for it all, and spending over £1K on a new sofa and chair. (Got my eye on something in a teal-grey one in J Lewis.)

Opinions???

You don't get a medal when you die for being frugal and "good" you know! If you can afford it, why not? I assume the old sofas will go to a good home, and you won't dump them down a country lane somewhere, so you're doing something good for someone who can't afford a new one, and it'll bring you joy every time you walk into your living room.

Do you smoke? If not, add up how much you'd spend on cigarettes each year if you were smoking. Then tell yourself how much better it is to be spending this money on furniture you'll love than on damaging your health.
This is what I do

Your curtains are fading and your sofa is over 10 years old. I'd say you can afford to update...

You know when you go into old people's homes and everything is the same as it was 30 years ago? Good quality furniture and clean and tidy but style-wise just rather stuck in a depressing time-warp? Don't be that!

Smoke Good grief what a weird question. No, I've never smoked.

Yes I am afraid of the time warp.

The sofa is still in stock at LAshley so it's not that out of date - think it's the Kendal design.

I've just come from a very poor working class background where you never get rid of anything until it's worn to shreds!

Definitely sell or donate the old one. If it's still in good condition someone will be really grateful for it.

You would be wasteful to send it to the skip when it's in good condition though.

I think the smoking question was a mindset way to congratulate yourself on the fact that you can spend money on other stuff, rather than an accusation!

I know what you mean about it feeling frivolous - I often stop myself from buying things because there's always something more "important". But you'll get pleasure from it and can afford it...

To explain....I grew up with frugal (but very generous) parents and as a result found it hard to spend money on what seemed unnecessary things. I smoked until I got pregnant with my first child 18 years ago and when I first gave up smoking, I used to put the money away in a jar and if I wanted something I felt guilty spending money on, I used my cigarette money and didn't feel so guilty.

If you feel guilty, donate the sofas to charity - the ones that take furniture will come and collect it from you. That way a charity benefits and someone else will make use of your sofa.