Tag: tips and tricks

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!

17/08/2026
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
Summer Entertaining: 5 Furniture Essentials for Hosting at Home

Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, inviting friends over for dinner, or just making the most of the longer evenings while we have them, summer is always a great time to have guests over. Now, while hosting isn’t about having a perfectly styled (and clean!) house, or a magazine-worthy dining room, it is about making sure your home (and dining room, magazine or not) can actually serve the people you have over. Most guests won’t ever notice if your cushions don’t match, or if the table isn’t set with elaborate cutlery. What they will remember is how comfortable they felt, how easy it was to relax, and the conversations had long after plates had been cleared away.

If you enjoy entertaining, or maybe just want to do more of it, a few furniture choices can make a real difference to your set up. Here are five pieces that can help make hosting easier, more comfortable, and overall, more enjoyable for everyone!

1. Make Room for Everyone

We’ve all been there, and on both ends of the spectrum; someone brings along a partner nobody was expecting, people who had to cancel can suddenly make it, or for some reason, everyone seems to gravitate into the same space that’s just too small for the people in it (hint; it’s usually the dining room). All of a sudden, you’re trying to squeeze extra chairs in where there really isn’t the room for them, everyone is a bit too close for comfort, and you’ve got knees and elbows knocking. Happens to the best of us, trust me.

This is where an extendable dining table really comes in handy. Instead of taking up valuable space that you might need day to day, it gives you the flexibility to create extra room only when you need it. Two of our favourites are the Catania, which extends from 1.8m to 2.6m, and the Lucia, from 1.3m to 1.7m.

2. Keep Everyone Comfortable Around the Table

Take a moment for me, and think back to the best dinner party you’ve ever been to. Or, consider the worst, and think about what stood out. Did people rush away the moment the meal was finished? Hopefully not — that’s definitely something you want to avoid. The most memorable evenings are the ones where people stay chatting for hours, sharing stores, and forgetting to check the time (but not forgetting to keep everyone’s glasses topped up!).

Comfortable dining chairs make a much bigger difference than you might think. Supportive seating encourages your guests to linger, which really sets a dinner apart from a meal. Upholstered chairs or well-designed supportive seats can make longer gatherings that much more enjoyable for all involved.

3. Keep Hosting Clutter-Free with Smart Storage

One of the less glamorous parts of entertaining is the ardous task of simply finding somewhere to put everything. Serving dishes, bottles, candles, placemats, and cutlery all have to live somewhere before (and after!) your guests arrive.

A sideboard is great in this situation; it helps to keep everything organised, and close at hand, without taking up space on your dining table or kitchen worktops. It also handily doubles as a serving station, which works in your favour.

4. Make the Most of Outdoor Living

With the summer we’re having, it’d be foolish not to make the most of it! When the evenings are long, and it’s actually pleasant outside, take advantage, and allow your garden, balcony, or patio to become an extension of your living space with the right furniture.

A sturdy (and extendable!) outdoor dining table like the Lazio is the perfect setting for al fresco meals, especially when paired with the Modena chairs. A relaxed seating area, like our Modena Sofa is an ideal spot for evening drinks, catching up with friends, and enjoying the weather while we have it. If you really want to take it to the next level, add a few cushions, a blanket or two, and you’ll have a space people will never want to leave.

5. It’s the Little Details That Guests Remember

At the end of the day, great hosting isn’t about impressing people, and nor should it be. It’s about making them feel welcome, and more often than not, it’s the smallest details that contribute to this.

Think about how people will move around your space, and make sure there’s room to chat without anyone having to squeeze past furniture. Keep a side table nearby for drinks (and some coasters, if you’re fancy), light some candles, and have some throws ready. These simple touches really help to make people feel relaxed, and that’s what people will remember long after they’ve left.

Create a Home That’s Ready for Every Occasion

If nothing else, remember that the best homes aren’t the ones that look perfect; they’re the ones where people feel comfortable enough to put their feet up, stay for another cup of tea, and lose track of time. Good furniture can’t create these moments on its own, but it can make them easier.

27/07/2026