There’s nothing more exciting than getting the keys to your new home – except maybe getting to furnish it! This can be a daunting task, and we understand why. So many questions to answer before you can even say Michael Murphy Home Furnishing! That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Furniture ‘Must-Haves’ for new homeowners looking to make their dream house a home. Even if you don’t have those keys jingling in your hand just yet, read along and maybe you’ll get some ideas for your Pinterest Board! Or, some sneaky ideas for this year’s Black Friday purchases…
Hopefully, this list will come in handy – take it with you the next time you go shopping, or even when you’re staring at an empty, lonely room, just wondering how you’re going to bring it to life.
What are the furniture basics?
In this blog, we’ll break down some furniture essentials that just about every house needs. Some may serve you, and others may not! Remember to think about what works for you! The pieces featured below are staples in most Irish homes and serve to make your day more comfortable, your house more useful, and your life more beautiful. Let us know which ones you’re adding to your list!
1. The Sofa
Every house needs a sofa. A sofa-less house is just… sad. ‘Nuff said. Invest in a comfortable couch to liven up your living room and add a cosy touch. You can even accesorise with cushions or a throw, and you’ve instantly added some character to your sitting room! We know it can be overwhelming, so to help you start somewhere, try the Rochester!
2. A Bed (and Mattress)
Arguably one of the most important pieces in any home (for me at least) – your bed should be a non-negotiable when it comes to comfort. Luckily, we’ve got you covered there too! Depending on your preference, you can choose a bedframe that’s suited to your style, and pair that with a mattress of your choosing. You can tailor this choice to your own tastes – we recommend going in store and sitting on as many as possible. Bam, now you’ve got a cosy nighttime retreat sorted!
3. A Bedside Table
Staying in the bedroom for a minute, we also recommend adding to your set up with some functional furniture. You’ll need somewhere to put your phone at night, endless cups of tea, and the books you always buy (but never read). This is where a bedside table comes in! These are a handy option as many incorporate storage into the design, which adds a stylish utility to your bedroom.
4. A Wardrobe
Still in the bedroom for now, but don’t worry – we’ll get to the rest of your lovely new house soon! Our next vital piece of furniture is a wardrobe! To maintain access to your floor and avoid scattering random socks across your room, the next step is to add a wardrobe. Choose one that compliments the style you’ve built with your current additions, or go for something contrasting for an eclectic flair!
5. Dining Table & Chairs
Moving into the kitchen now, and we think having a dining table and set of chairs really signals to everyone paying attention that you have your life together. It lets people know that you are a civilised adult with mealtimes – what could be better? When choosing your dining table, think about how much space there is available to you. If you choose something too big, you’ll constantly be squeezing around the furniture and getting frustrated with your hoover. On the other hand, if you go too small, you run the risk of making the space look a little bit cold, or empty. It’s important when choosing the chairs, or bench, especially when mixing and matching, to test sitting at different heights – make sure you choose what’s comfortable to you! We particularly love the Ankur.
6. A Mirror
… On the wall, who is the fairest of them all? We think it’s the Jennifer! Though, if you’re looking for something a little bit smaller, then maybe the rounded Laura is more to your taste. A mirror is versatile enough that you can place one almost anywhere in your house, and we’re sure it would fit right in! How else would you check out your outfits before you leave the house, anyways?
7. A Coffee Table
A coffee table is an essential piece of furniture! Use one as a vehicle to add personality to a room, while incorporating some useful storage space. Not to your taste? No worries! In that case, look for a console table to fit the bill!
8. A Rug
Now that you’ve got the bulky basics sorted, think about adding a rug to the whole affair. The storage is sorted, you’ve handled the big things – so now consider a rug. This can really change up a space, especially if you’re lacking in ‘acquired’ furniture. If there are any areas of your house that need an extra bit of character, a rug is your best friend. We particularly like the Levi, maybe you will too!
9. Lighting
Okay, the place is furnished. Your bedroom is ready to go, the sofa prepared for a well-deserved nap, and your kitchen is waiting—but it’s getting dark, and the big light simply won’t do the job. This is where a few nifty lamps come in. Choose something that matches your style and creates the ambience you’re looking for. We recommend a floor lamp for rooms like the sitting room and the kitchen, while table lamps might be a better fit for bedrooms. For a quirky addition, we suggest the Abstract Face Lamp, but if you’re looking for a more classic feel, check out the Leon!
10. And Finally…
We’ve certainly covered the basics at this point, but we believe the final addition should be something you want. You have free rein here! If there’s anything you’ve had saved in the depths of a pinterest board for years, or longed for every time you walked past a shop display, this is your invitation to treat yourself and get it! Whether it’s a set of plates and cutlery you’ve always wanted, a TV to settle in front of for the night, or even a fun design piece—now’s the time!
And there you have it!
That brings us to the end of our furniture must-have compilation! Is there anything that sparked your interest or helped you in the quest to furnish your new house? Or did we miss any essentials? If so, let us know!