Tag: Sofa

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?

10/09/2026
What Size Sofa Do I Need?

We all know there’s more to choosing a sofa than just finding one that looks good and feels comfortable. The size you end up deciding on can affect how comfortably people can sit, how easily you can move around the room, and whether your living space feels balanced or not. It seems simple at first, and then you’re inundated with terms like ‘two-seater’, ‘modular’, ‘chaise’, ‘four-seater’, ‘corner sofa’, and it just keeps on going. How many people can each size accommodate? How much space will they take up? It’s a lot to consider.

When it comes down to it, how big your sofa needs to be depends on how you use your living room, who’ll be using the sofa, and ultimately how much space you have to work with.

How many people fit on a two-seater sofa?

Ah, the humble two-seater. Generally designed for two people, this is often a practical choice for smaller living rooms, apartments, or in rooms where the sofa isn’t the only seating option. But here’s the kicker. ‘Two-seater’ doesn’t necessarily mean that two adults will have lots of room. Seat width and depth can vary a lot from one sofa to another, so two people may be able to sit comfortably on one model, while another might feel a bit cramped. If your sofa is mainly for one or two people, a two-seater can be a great choice that doesn’t take over the room.

How many people fit on a three-seater sofa?

When it comes to an average living room, a three-seater is usually the most versatile option. As suggested by the name, it’s generally intended for three people. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the actual usable seating space depends on the design. If you value a bit more space to stretch out, a three-seater can provide plenty of room (without crossing over and taking up too much space on someone else’s ‘side’). It’s also a good choice for families, and can work as the main sofa alongside additional seating like an armchair or footstool. If you regularly host guests though, you might have to consider whether three seats are enough for your usual crowd.

What about a four-seater?

These are particularly useful for larger families or households that spend a lot of time relaxing together, and they provide more room to spread out. Keep in mind that a larger sofa doesn’t automatically make better use of a room. With a bigger sofa, you’ll need to be a bit more mindful of the dimensions you have to play with. You still need to make sure there’s enough surrounding space for people to move comfortably and it’s overall proportions need to suit the size of the room, too. If you’re working with a smaller space, a large sofa can make everything feel a bit too cramped.

Are corner sofas good for families?

Corner units are popular for a few reasons, one being that they make use of two sides of a room and plenty of seating, all in one piece of furniture. Depending on the configuration and dimensions, they can accommodate 6 people comfortably, so they’re a good choice if you often have guests, or have a busy household. They’re also great for stretching out on rather than sitting upright, which makes getting comfy and cosy a whole lot easier. These sofas can take up a lot of space in a room, so make sure to measure the dimensions before committing!

How many people can sit on a chaise sofa?

A chaise sofa combines a standard sofa with an extended section designed for putting your feet up, so they’re particularly appealing if lounging is a priority. The chaise itself isn’t necessarily an additional seat (there’s no back to it!), but it can come in handy for extra spots. When making your decision, consider how much time you spend horizontal on the sofa versus how much time is spent upright to help you make your choice!

Don’t forget about the room itself!

Remember that the room is just as important when considering a new sofa! The number of people you want to seat is really only half of the equation. Before making your final decision, measure the room carefully and think about how people will move around the space. Make sure you leave yourself enough clearance for walkways, doorways, and any other furniture you’ll want to add, like coffee tables, side tables, storage, and rugs. Most importantly, check that the sofa can actually make its way through your front door, hallway, and any tight turns along the way. A good tip is to mark out the sofa’s dimensions on the floor using masking tape. This will give you a much better idea of the space it’ll occupy before you commit to a particular size.

10/08/2026
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.
06/08/2026
How to Test a Sofa Before You Buy

It’s no secret that buying a new sofa is a big investment. In fact, that’s probably an understatement. Your sofa is where you’ll relax after work (or during, if you’re lucky enough to WFH), spend weekends with family, host friends, binge-watch your favourite series, and if we’re being entirely honest, enjoy the occasional (read: frequent) afternoon nap. And yet, despite the amount of time we all spend on our respective sofas, lots of us only test a prospective one out for a few seconds before making a decision. We sit down, stand back up, admire the colour, and move on.

It’s important to remember that choosing the right sofa is about far more than how it looks. A sofa that feels comfortable for all of the thirty seconds you sat on it in-store can feel completely different after an hour. That’s why it really is worth taking your time in-store, and testing any potential sofas properly before making a decision. Here a few things to make sure to check off your list before you buy;

1. Sit the Way You Normally Would

Don’t just perch yourself on the edge like it’s a festival toilet. Get comfy. Sit as you would at home. Lean back, relax your shoulders, and give yourself a moment to settle into the cushions. If you usually tuck your feet, or sit cross-legged, then now isn’t the time to stand on ceremony. Bring your legs up and let yourself actually see how the sofa actually feels. The more realistically you use the sofa in-store, the better of an idea you’ll have of how it’ll feel every day. Don’t be afraid to kick your shoes off and take a minute — they’re made to be sat on!

2. Pay Attention to the Seat Depth

One of the biggest factors in how a sofa feels from one to another is the seat depth, and it’s often something that people tend to overlook in their search. For the unitiated, seat depth is the horizontal distance from the front edge of the seat cushion to the back cushion, or the frame itself, depending on the sofa. Anywhere between 58cm and 65cm is considered standard seat depth, with measurements above and below that range considered deep, or shallow, respectively.

While there is no right or wrong choice here, it’s good to be aware of the difference! A deeper seat is perfect if you like stretching out and lounging on your sofa, while if you prefer sitting upright (or you happen to be on the shorter side), a shallower seat might feel more comfortable. If you find you have to add cushions to support your back on your current sofa, it might be an idea to look for a shallower seat in your new one!

3. Lean Back and Check the Support

Now that we’ve covered the seat cushions, let’s move on to the back support — it’s just as important! While sitting, lean back naturally, and notice how the sofa supports your lower back, shoulders, and neck. A well-designed sofa should feel supportive without forcing you into an uncomfortable or unnatural position. If you have to lean too far back at an angle, then the sofa might not be for you. Otherwise, if your shoulders and lower back is supported, but your neck isn’t, then it might be worth looking for a similar shape, but with the addition of headrests!

If you spend long evenings watching the telly, or hooked on a good book, make sure to stay seated for a couple of minutes instead of getting right back up.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Lie Down

I know, I know, people might see. Gasp. Who cares?

If your sofa is likely to double as a napping spot (or a spot for overnight guests), then make sure to test it exactly as you plan to use it. Go on. Stretch out across the cushions and see if you have enough space. Check whether the armrests are a comfortable height, and whether the seat cushions are still supportive when you’re lying down. You might feel a little bit awkward, but lean into it. It’s far better to find out now than after it’s been delivered to your home.

5. Stand Up Again

Often, when testing out sofas, you tend to get up, and move on to the next without much thought. It is something you should consider, though. Some sofas are lower and softer than others, which can make them a bit more difficult to get up from. If you, or someone in your household has mobility concerns, this is an important thing to keep in mind. If you find it difficult to stand up easily, it might be an idea to look for something that’s a little bit less slouchy, and more upright.

Take Your Time

The best sofa for you is the one that feels comfortable and supportive when you first sit down, spend some time on it, and still when you’re standing up. Taking an extra ten minutes in-store to test your potential sofa out can help you feel much more confident in your decision (because it is a big one to make!), and could save you years of wishing you’d chosen differently.

Don’t be afraid to chat to a member of our team when you’re testing sofas out — after all, they know them all inside out!

30/07/2026
5 Signs It Might Be Time to Upgrade Your Sofa

Your sofa is by far one of the hardest working pieces of furniture in your home. It’s where you relax after a long day at work, enjoy family movie nights, entertain guests, and even take the odd afternoon nap. Sadly though, even the best sofas don’t last forever. As heartbreaking as that may be.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for an upgrade, there are often some clear signs that your current sofa (beloved though it may be) has reached the end of its lifespan. Here are five things to look out for when deciding whether or not it’s time to replace your sofa.

1. The Cushions Are Sagging and Losing Support

Your cushions are one of the first signs your sofa is reaching the end of it’s time. This is because over time, daily use can take its toll on sofa cushions. If you’re constantly having to fluff them up, or find yourself sinking into the seat and finding it tough to get comfortable, it could be a sign that the cushioning materials have worn down.

While some cushion wear is normal, excessive sagging can affect both comfort and support. A sofa should help you relax, not leave you feeling uncomfortable once you get up, so this isn’t a sign to ignore.

2. You Can Hear Creaking or Feel the Frame Shifting

This is big warning sign from your sofa. If your couch creaks when you sit down (like your knees might), feels unstable, or wobbles a bit when moved, the frame might be beginning to weaken. In some cases, repairs can solve the problem — and all our frames do come with a ten year warranty, so this isn’t something you’ll have to worry about — significant fame damage is often a sign that replacing the sofa might be the better long-term investment.

A quality sofa is built on a sturdy frame, but years and years of use can sometimes lead to structural issues. If you’re noticing this kind of wear and tear on a relatively new sofa, it might be a sign it’s not long for this world, and a replacement might be the better option over a repair.

3. The Upholstery is Looking Worse For Wear

Now of course when it comes to sofas, small signs of wear are inevitable, especially in busy households. This isn’t something to worry about! However, if your sofa is covered in stains, fading, tears, or worn patches that can’t be easily repaired or hidden with a carefully placed throw cushion, it might be time to consider something new.

Your sofa is often the focal point of the living room, so its appearance can have a big impact on how the entire space feels. A fresh new sofa can instantly make a room look cleaner, brighter, and more inviting.

4. Your Family’s Needs Have Changed

Sometimes it’s not the case that the sofa has worn out, but rather that you’ve outgrown it instead. Perhaps your family has grown, you’ve moved to a larger home, or maybe your lifestyle has simply changed. A compact two-seater that once did the job perfectly well might no longer provide enough seating, while a large sofa might feel overwhelming in a smaller space.

When your furniture no longer suits the way you live, it may be worth exploring other options that better match your current needs.

5. It No Longer Offers the Features You Want

There’s no denying that furniture design has evolved significantly over the years, and many modern sofas offer features that weren’t commonly available in older models. Power recline, adjustable headrests, built-in storage, wireless charging, heated seats, cup holders, speakers, and even mini-fridges are all fair game now, and can add extra comfort and convenience to everyday life. If your current sofa feels dated compared to what’s available today, upgrading could dramatically improve how you use and enjoy your living space.

How Long Should A Sofa Last?

While there is no single answer to this question (sorry!), a well-made sofa will typically last between seven and fifteen years, depending on its construction, materials, and how much use it gets. Regular maintenance and proper care can definitely help to extend its lifespan, but eventually every sofa reaches a point where replacement becomes more practical than a repair.

If you’ve noticed several of these signs in your current sofa, it may be time to start exploring your options and find a sofa that better suits your lifestyle. Why not pop into one of our stores or head to our website to get started?

07/07/2026
To keep your leather furniture looking as good as new, here’s what you need to do!

If you’re reading this that means you have just bought some leather furniture, or you’ve been thinking about purchasing some! Either way, we are here to guide you through the various ways in which you can care for your leathery goods.

You will be happy to learn that leather furniture in a normal domestic environment should need little attention. Although it is not essential for leather to be cleaned as regularly as their fabric counterparts, the accumulation of household contamination and dust is unwelcome (and unwanted). This should be dealt with before it becomes too difficult to remove. It’s worth remembering that leather is a natural product that can have scars and blemishes due to the nature of the material. Rather than being a fault, this is a characteristic that should be cherished as it makes your furniture unique!

So, with that said, here are 3 ways to take care of leather!

1: Removing Oils: As humans, we have oils in our skin and hair that produce and replenish themselves as we go through our daily tasks. If there is a build-up of these oils, it can cause staining and the breakdown of the leather surface. In order to avoid this, it is important to clean it correctly. This is where Michael Murphy Home Furnishing comes into play – we have a wide range of care products for various fabrics/materials, and our Leather Care Kit is exactly what you need to remove these oils correctly to get the longest life out of your leather furniture.

2. Scuffed Surfaces: Unfortunately, due to the nature of leather, if you find that your leather furniture becomes scuffed, scratched, or damaged in any way, it is recommended that you contact a leather specialist for advice or repair depending on the state of the piece. You can also do this if you notice discolouration of the surface (from sun damage for example).

3. Dusting and Cleaning: Lint-free cloths are going to be your best friend when maintaining and dusting your leather furniture. Dust regularly using these cloths, to avoid leaving any dust trail behind. You can also vacuum your leather furniture using a soft brush attachment, this part is important. You need to remember the nature of leather, so be careful and gentle with it. Always remember to clean between the seats and arms as crumbs and fluff can cause premature wear and tear. It is very important to use the correct fluids and cloths when cleaning leather. Do not use regular household detergents, wax or spray polish as this will cause damage to the leather, especially if the detergent is designed to be abrasive. This goes without saying, but it is important to wipe spills using the same lint-free soft cloth as you use for dusting. Never soak the leather! (If you accidentally over-wet it, remove excess liquid as best you can and allow it to dry naturally).

We strongly advice the use of our leather care products to keep your furniture looking good for years to come! They can be purchased in-store or online.

17/06/2024