Tag: buying a new mattress

  • How to Get Your Home Ready for Autumn: 5 Simple Ways to Create a Cosier Space

    How to Get Your Home Ready for Autumn: 5 Simple Ways to Create a Cosier Space

    It’s official, autumn is finally here! There really is something about the beginning of September that brings with it a real cosy vibe. Shorter evenings, back-to-school routines, and colder days all make for more time spent indoors, and with that, comes a closer look at our interiors. We’re all about making the most of our homes, and at this time of year, that means making them work for the colder months as we say goodbye to our good friend, the sun, until some time next year. 

    The easiest part about redecorating for autumn is that it doesn’t involve a huge amount of work (or cash, for that matter). A few small changes here and there to your furniture, colours, textures, and layouts can all make your space feel warmer, cosier, and ready for the season ahead.

    1. Layer Up with Soft Textures

    One of the easiest ways to make your home feel instantly cosier is to introduce more texture to your space. Go for some soft throws, cushions, and rugs. These are a great way to add warmth without having to do any major overhauling of your style! 

    In the living room, drape a throw over the sofa, and complement it with some cushions in autumnal tones. Adding a rug underneath your coffee table is another great way to add a cosy touch to the room and make it feel more inviting. For bedrooms, switch up your bed linen to add some texture, and use a throw at the foot of your bed to tie it together. 

    2. Bring in Warmer Colours

    While summer tends to lend itself to lighter shades and brighter hues, autumn gives us the opportunity to start introducing richer, warmer tones to our interior décor. Some favourites for this time of year include earthy greens, warm browns, and rich rust shades, all alongside creams and deeper neutrals. These are great for creating an inviting, relaxed atmosphere in the home.

    Now, you don’t have to get the paintbrush and masking tape out to achieve this look. Instead, turn to accessories. Cushions, artwork, curtains, throws, and even rugs are great ways to introduce new colours without breaking the bank (or your back).

    3. Add Warmth Through Lighting

    As we say goodbye to the days of the grand stretch and lose out on summer sun warming the house well into the evening, it’s time to look towards lighting to replace the shortened daylight hours. If you’re a fan of the big light, good for you! If you’re not, you’re in luck. Creating layers of light with table lamps, floor lamps, and candles are a great way to make your space feel cosier, without relying on one bright overhead light when it’s time to wind down in the evenings.

    If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to adding lighting around the home, start by using floor or table lamps to highlight furniture and features you want to draw attention to (think table lamps on bedside lockers, floor lamps next to the sofa or armchairs), and add to that as needed with candles and ambient lighting.

    4. Take Stock of the Furniture You Use Every Day

    September really is a great time to look at the bigger picture. With the return to routine, we often start to notice when things aren’t quite working once we find ourselves spending more time at home. Sometimes that’s a sofa that’s past its best years, a dining table that is no longer suited to accomodate both dinners and homework sessions, or even a bed that’s not as comfortable as it once was. If you’ve started to notice little niggles like this here and there, now’s the perfect season to get on top of it all! This doesn’t have to be a lot of work, or take up a huge amount of time — just do a mental audit of what you’ve got going, and make note of what you’d like to change.

    5. Make the Most of your Spaces

    Focus on where you spend most of your time, and make sure to give those rooms a little bit of extra love. If you’re someone who mourns the loss of summer evenings on the balcony or patio, invest in some throws and maybe an outdoor heater or two so as not to lose out on your favourite space. However, if you welcome the retreat back indoors that comes with the season, then consider this a free-for-all to embrace the cosiness of spending time indoors. Make sure to consider how your furniture was laid out during the warmer months, and whether it still works now. If you’re having to squeeze more people around a table or onto a couch now that the outdoors are off the table, it might be time to think about re-arranging your set up.

    Ready for a New Season?

    There’s no better time than the beginning of autumn to give your home a little bit of extra attention. Whether you’re making small changes with colour and texture, or investing in a piece of furniture you’ll enjoy for years to come, the aim is still the same; curating a home you’ll want to come home to and enjoy spending time in.

    Psst, if a bigger refresh has been on your mind as of late, now is a good time to let you know that the Autumn Event is now live at Murphy Home, with great prices across our range of furniture and home essentials. Why not head to our website or visit one of our stores to check it out?

  • What Size Bed Do I Need? A Guide to Bed Sizes & Bedroom Space

    What Size Bed Do I Need? A Guide to Bed Sizes & Bedroom Space

    Furnishing your bedroom is a fun endeavour, and it sounds simple, until it’s not. Once the measuring tape comes out, things get a little bit more complicated. There are more than a few things to keep in mind when choosing a new bed, but that’s where we come in! You need to consider things like how many people will be sleeping in the bed (or the room, if it’s shared!), and once you’ve settled on a size for said people, there’s more to come. While a bed might fit comfortably inside an empty room in theory, the same might not be said once bedside tables, wardrobes, and all your other pieces join the party. Will there still be enough space to move around the room? 

    I know, it’s a lot to consider. That’s why we recommend starting with your bed, and going from there. Once you’ve narrowed down your options in sizing, it’s much easier to know what you can fit around it! So, starting with the bed; in Ireland, the most common options you’ll see are singles, doubles, and kings. Each size definitely has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the right choice will depend on both your sleeping habits and the space you have available.

    Single Beds (3’0”)

    Single beds are the smallest choice you’ll find on the market, with ours ranging from about 90cm to 130cm. They’re designed for just one person, which make them a popular choice for children’s bedrooms, guest rooms, and smaller spaces where you’re tight on room. For an adult (just one, mind!), a single bed can be perfectly comfortable, and makes sense if the room is compact. It gives you more floor space to play around with, so if this is a non-negotiable for you, a single bed might be in your future. Just keep in mind that they don’t leave you with a lot of room to stretch out and starfish.

    Small Double (4’0”)

    A small double is about 120cm wide, putting it in between a single bed and a standard double. It gives one person considerably more room to stretch out, while still not taking up a huge amount of space in a room. This is a great compromise if you don’t fancy going for a single, but find yourself tight on space! Unlike a single, though, a small double can accomodate two people, but unlike a double or king, it will feel considerably cosier, so if you tend to overheat (or just like your space!) during summer nights, this might not be your best option. If a standard double feels too large, but a single feels too small, then this is just right, goldilocks.

    Double (4’6”)

    A standard double bed is probably the size you’re most familiar with. At about 135cm wide, these are a practical option for most bedrooms. You have ample sleeping space for two people, but the size is still manageable in most average-sized bedrooms. Even if your bedroom is on the smaller size, a double is a good compromise between comfort and maintaining enough usable floor space around the bed itself.

    One thing to keep in mind about the double is that while it can comfortably accomodate two people, you’ll still have less personal space than in a larger size. If you tend to move around lots in your sleep, a size up can make a noticeable difference (and hopefully avoid any kicks or shoves).

    King Size (5’0”)

    Generally coming in at about 150cm, these beds are a comfortable upgrade from a standard double. However, with the extra width comes another 10cm in length. This doesn’t take up a huge amount of extra space, but it is an important consideration if you’re already playing jenga with your bedroom furniture. If you have a larger master bedroom, and want the bed to act as a focal point without dominating the space, then a king size is a great choice.

    Super King (6’0”)

    If you have the space for it, and consider sleep a priority above all else, then a super king is a hard one to beat. These beds are about 180cm in width, and hold on to that extra 10cm from the king size. You’ll have oodles of space to roll around, starfish, and stretch out as you please. If you’re a restless sleeper (or sleep beside one), these are a great option. Unfortunately, the trade-off here is the amount of space they take up. In a smaller bedroom, a super king will dominate the space, and you might lose out on room for bedside lockers and other pieces around the room. Make sure to measure and check that you’ve still got enough room to move about once the bed is in place!

    Is a Bigger Bed Always Better?

    Not necessarily! Depending on the space you have at hand, the person using the room, and the kind of sleeper they are, it might sometimes be less of a headache to scale down when needed. If you have a spacious bedroom & enjoy having room to stretch out, a bigger bed is a no-brainer, but if you’re furnishing a smaller guest room, it might be worth considering something smaller and more compact. Make sure to check our mattress guide too — having the bed is all well and good until your mattress doesn’t fit!

  • How Long Should Furniture Actually Last? A Realistic Guide to When It’s Time to Replace It

    How Long Should Furniture Actually Last? A Realistic Guide to When It’s Time to Replace It

    Furniture really isn’t something that most of us replace often. Unlike smaller pieces of décor around the house, a sofa or dining table is expected to be with us for years, sometimes even decades — hence the phrase, ‘part of the furniture’. You might wonder to yourself, ‘How long should this actually last?’. The answer depends on a few things. Namely, the quality of the furniture, how often it’s used, and how well it’s looked after. While there isn’t a set expiry date, there are some clear signs that it’s time to think about replacing or upgrading some key pieces around your home.

    Sofas: Around 7 – 15 years

    A quality sofa is built to withstand years of everyday life, but when it’s getting to the end of it’s lifespan, it’s often the cushions, upholstery, and suspension that begin to show their age before the frame does. You might notice;

    • cushions that don’t bounce back
    • creaking or groaning when you sit down (from the sofa, not you)
    • sagging seats
    • worn or faded fabric
    • reduced comfort

    If you find yourself compensating with extra throws and cushions to make your sofa feel more comfortable, that’s often a good indicator that it’s time to start looking for its successor.

    Dining: 15 years or more

    Dining tables and chairs often have the longest lifespan, because they’re generally subjected to less continuous use than sofas. However, that’s not to say that years of family meals, homework sessions, and entertaining don’t leave their mark. Look out for:

    • wobbly chairs
    • loose joints
    • deep scratches that affect the surface
    • unstable table legs

    Dining furniture can be refreshed and kept well for years with proper care, so it really is one of the longest-lasting investments in your home.

    Mattresses: Around 7-15 years

    Now this one really can vary, depending on the quality and materials in your mattress. High-density memory foam and latex mattresses resist sagging and can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, while budget spring mattresses can lose their tension earlier than that. Considering your mattress affects the quality of your sleep, this isn’t something you want to compromise on at all. As materials soften over time, they can stop providing the support your body needs to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. It might be time for a replacement if:

    • you wake up with aches and pains
    • there are dips, uneven areas, or (gasp) lumps
    • the edges have lost their support
    • you’re sleeping better eslewhere

    Many people adapt to an aging mattress slowly over time, so often you won’t realise how much it’s changed until you sleep on a newer one.

    Bedroom Furniture: 10-20 years

    Bed frames, wardrobes, and bedside lockers are all typically built for longevity, but like everything else, daily use eventually catches up with them. In this case, it depends heavily on the build quality and materials used. Solid wood chests of drawers and sturdy bed frames can absolutely last you decades, especially when they’re well looked after. On the other hand, flat-pack items can sometimes wear out within 3 to 5 years. If you’re unsure, signs it might be time for an upgrade can include:

    • drawers sticking not closing flush
    • damaged hinges
    • squeaky or creaky bed frames
    • visible wear that’s difficult to repair

    Something we often overlook is how much factors like humidity, sunlight, and frequent moving can affect the lifespan of your pieces.

    Age Isn’t Everything

    If your furniture still looks great, works great, and feels great, then there’s no need to consider replacing pieces (unless of course, you’ve caught the redecorating bug!). Well-built, quality pieces that have been cared for properly can comfortably outlast cheaper alternatives by many years.

  • Struggling to find the right mattress? Look no further!

    Struggling to find the right mattress? Look no further!

    Picking a mattress can be seen as a super overwhelming and challenging thing to do as there are so many on the market at the moment, and so much to choose from. You may find yourself asking, ‘where do I start?’, well, we’re here to help you!

    It all depends on what kind of sleeper you are and if you have any needs for your sleep (like a bad back, for example). There is an array of factors to take into consideration. And we’re here to help you with that.

    Here at Michael Murphy Home Furnishing, we have a wide selection of mattresses all from 100% Irish, reputable brands: Irish Legacy, King Koil, Odearest, and Respa. When you look on our website, you will notice mattress ratings which tells you how soft or firm it will be.

    Let’s break them down.

    Rating 1 – Soft.

    If you find yourself wanting to sink into the bed and have your bed cradle you to sleep, or if you find yourself with hip pain, a soft mattress is what you may want. The Odearest Faithlegg mattress is designed with cushion and a 1600 pocket spring system which allows for each individual coil to respond to pressure and movement – making it ideal for bed sharing. For added comfort and softness, the upper surface of the mattress is comprised of a natural fill pillow top which combines sleep-inducingly soft Merino wool and soothing cotton – a versatile mix which keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.

    The downside to a soft mattress is that it is not the best option for spinal alignment as you can sink into the mattress, so while it can be a great option for side-sleepers, for those looking for a good postural experience, there are other solutions out there.

    Rating 2 – Soft-Medium.

    If you are looking for something soft to drift asleep on, but something that supports you while doing so, rating 2 mattresses are for you. The soft yet supported nature of soft-medium mattresses can relieve you of joint pain and provide better night sleep for side sleepers or couples. Our Odearest Kildare Pocket 1000 and Respa Burren mattresses can provide this experience for you!

    The Respa Burren has dreamy layers of foam and polyester that provide the cushion-soft base we all know and love, with the necessary support brought in by open coil springs. While the Odearest Kildare Pocket 1000 combines memory foam with a pocket spring system for a softer, more malleable feel! Both mattresses are soft-medium, giving you the soft yet supported experience, perfect for those who love to snuggle and sink into their bed!

    Rating 3 – Medium-Firm.

    Medium-firm is the perfect middle ground between soft and firm. If you want something that will be soft, contour to your body and has some back support, the Respa 1400 Imperial is for you. Generally speaking, medium-firm mattresses last longer and cost less than soft and medium types because their materials are much stronger! And they offer great support for side sleepers, chronic position switchers and stomach sleepers.

    Respa 1400 Imperial has a quilted exterior that cleverly hides the advanced pocket spring system that is designed to distribute weight evenly and to dissuade the mattress from bending out of shape!

    Rating 4 – Firm.

    Firm mattresses are designed to have the sleeper sleeping on top of the mattress, not sinking into it, so perfect for heavy sleepers or those that like to sleep on their back, but not for side sleepers due to the firmness. Firm mattresses are great for spinal alignment and support thus reducing back pain.

    At Michael Murphy Home Furnishing, we have the Irish Legacy Advance Life Pocket 1600 which has sturdy support and is ideal for those who have partners that move in the night (or maybe you are the shuffling partner!) as the sides are foam-filled which prevents any dipping or roll-off sensation at the edges.

    Rating 5 – Extra Firm.

    King Koil Back Guard is what you search for when looking for an extra firm mattress. If you think extra firm is for you, you may have back pain or poor spinal alignment. International Chiropractors Association (ICA) approved and endorsed; the King Koil Back Guard is the best thing you can do to support your back when you’re sleeping. You will feel supported and comfortable on this extra firm mattress.

    We hope this breakdown was useful for you and your decision making process!