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Elevating Your Home With A Ceramic Dining Table
We don't give them enough credit, do we? Our dining table bears the weight of school books, laptops, art supplies and the Friday night Chinese. Let's not forget the late-night chats when the kids are tucked up in bed, those heart-to-heart with our teens, and of course, where you savour that first morning cup of coffee (we can almost taste it). What you’re looking for should be durable but also stylish, beautiful, and well-suited to your taste. You can have the best of both worlds with ceramic! In this guide, we want to delve into the countless benefits of choosing a ceramic table and show our most popular models, so the only question left to answer will be “Who’s doing the dishes?” What Are Ceramic Tables? Ceramics is a man-made material crafted by coupling a porcelain stoneware slab with a tempered float glass. But what really matters is that ceramic tables have been a popular choice for our customers for a myriad of reasons. Let's dive into them now! Ceramic Dining Table Pros and Cons When picking the perfect dining table, consider its features, benefits and downsides (if any). With all the info, you’ll be able to make the best decision. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of owning a ceramic dining table. The Pros: ● Durability: Ceramic tables stand the test of time, no matter how busy or chaotic the household is! Ceramics are renowned for their durability as they have remarkable resistance to heat, stains, and scratches. Compared to other tabletop materials, they're less susceptible to surface damage caused by sharp or abrasive objects. ● Aesthetic Appeal: There is no denying that a ceramic dining table is beautiful to look at with its standout smooth and refined appearance. Ceramics also provides a wide range of choices in terms of colours, patterns, and finishes. Whether it’s vibrant or soft tones, complex hand-painted patterns, or various finishes like glossy, matte, or textured, ceramic offers limitless possibilities to create the look you’re after. ● Low Maintenance: No matter what your home life is like, you should know that your furniture is working for you. Low-maintenance furniture like ceramic dining tables is the smartest choice. You want something that day-to-day is going to be easy to clean and preserve. ● Heat Resistant: One of the appealing features of ceramic dining tables is their heat-proof property. They can withstand high temperatures without becoming damaged or discoloured. This means you can pop down any hot dishes or pots directly onto the table without a second thought. ● Stain Proof: Children (and us adults) can be messy. With homework, art projects and the rest taking place around this focal point in the home, there are bound to be some messes. Luckily, ceramic tables are highly resistant to damage like strains and scratches because of their smooth and durable surface. ● Easy to Clean: All it takes is some warm water and a damp cloth. Ceramics are non-porous, meaning stains cannot penetrate the material. With regular cleaning and minimal effort, ceramic tables can stay in excellent condition. ● Minimal Fading: Ceramic tables are known for their resistance to fading, ensuring that their vibrant colours and patterns remain intact over the years. The Cons: The reality is, choosing new furniture is a personal endeavour. Your decision will be influenced by factors such as your lifestyle, the type of space you have and your unique taste. A couple of things to note: Ceramic is a heavier material. If you don’t plan on moving it around, this will be no problem. As you may know ceramic is cold to the touch, unlike warmer materials like wood. This comes down to personal taste and what you’d prefer for your home. Why Choose Ceramic Over Marble? In the past, marble was all the rage for those seeking that classy and polished look. But guess what? Ceramics are here to give you that same refined look without all the downsides of Marble. You see, ceramics offer a comparable appearance but are way more practical. No more worrying about pesky cracks or the material being porous. It's a game-changer! In fact, most dining furniture suppliers now rely solely on ceramic to provide the desired look, making it not only equally stunning as marble… but also more practical. Choosing The Right Ceramic Table There are so many options out there for dining tables. You only have to step foot in the 1933 Furniture Company showroom to see it! Before you go excitedly, and perhaps hastily, purchase a new ceramic dining table, consider the space it is going into. It would be incredibly disappointing to fall in love with a piece to find out that it will not work in your home. Here are some key aspects to consider. ● Size: This is crucial when choosing the right ceramic dining table. If you don’t want to get stuck between the table and the wall, consider how much space you have to work with before making any other decisions. Measure the area where the table should go, and leave plenty of room for movement. ● Size: Consider the golden rule; choose a table based on the shape of your room. For example, square and circular tops work better in square rooms while rectangular or oval-shaped tables best suit rectangular rooms. ● Finish: Decide what type of finish you would like on the surface of your table. There are plenty to choose from like glossy, matte and lots of colour finishes. ● Fixed or Extension: Making the most of a space is something we all value. Your house should serve your needs, and there are some clever ways to make the most of your available space. For instance, choose an extendable table with a hidden extension leaf that can be used on special occasions if you like the option of extra seats around the table. If you don’t have tons of space, then a fixed ceramic dining table may work for you. Our Most Popular Ceramic Dining Tables Omnia – Dining Table: The Calligaris Omnia table boasts a suspended tabletop and easy-opening mechanism, ingeniously designed to keep the legs nestled at the corners when extended. This stunning centrepiece is available in an abundance of options to suit your needs. Cameo – Dining Table: The elegant oval silhouette of the Cameo would complement a wide range of contemporary home decor styles. You can select from a variety of ceramic finishes for the tabletop, and with the option to choose complementary finishes for the central column, you have the freedom to personalise it according to your style preferences. Icaro – Dining Table: This is a real show-stopper! This stunning centrepiece is available in a range of sizes and base finishes to suit your needs. Match with elegant chairs for a modern and sleek design. Have a burning question about one of our ceramic dining tables? Call us on (046) 9093012. We hope this article helps you make the right decision. Creating spaces in our customers' homes that they will love and that can last for decades is something we take great pride in at The 1933 Furniture Company. We would love to chat with you further if you need more advice! Get in touch with us or drop by our store.
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Tips For Understanding Natuzzi Leather Grades
Struggling to pick the right Natuzzi Editions grade for your sofa? Let's make it easier for you. Choosing the perfect leather for your home is key. Why? Because the right leather sofa will complement your lifestyle and last you for many years. When it comes to quality, style, and choice, Natuzzi stands out amongst the best! They offer a wide variety of leather grades, and understanding the nuances amongst these grades is important as it impacts the sofa's appearance, texture, and durability. While the abundance of choices might feel overwhelming initially, with the right guidance, you're sure to find just the right one for you and your family. Overview of Natuzzi's Leather Selection Before we unravel the intricacies of leather grading, let's pause to appreciate Natuzzi's legacy, tracing back to 1959 when Pasquale Natuzzi started making sofas in Italy. From humble beginnings, he has grown the business to be the most successful furniture company to come out of Italy. Natuzzi is known as a quality sofa and furniture manufacturer with factories in every corner of the globe and has made the planet a little more comfortable and a lot more stylish! What Are Leather Grades? Leather grades are different types or categories of leather. This is evident when you look at Natuzzi's swatches. Each grade displays various features like appearance, feel, and natural beauty. Some are super durable against spills and accidents, while others are soft and sumptuous and show all the natural characteristics of the leather. No matter what, there's definitely a suitable leather grade to match what you like and need. Natuzzi’s Leather Grading System Every Natuzzi grade has its own swatch, so it's not simply a matter of picking a colour and getting a grade. Instead, it's more of a chance to explore each grade sample and pick the colour that suits you best within that specific swatch. Natuzzi leathers start in a Category (CAT) 10, the next is Category (CAT) 15 and then a Category (CAT) 20. Each grade has distinct features designed to cater to different preferences and needs to suit your lifestyle. Decoding Leather Grades: (What You Need to Know) Before we delve deeper into the specifics of each grade, the most important place to start is whether to choose protected or unprotected (natural) leather. Protected leather is known as PROTECTA. This leather is supple, strong and coated with an invisible protective layer that guards against spills and stains. Whereas Natural leather, known as NATURAL, retains all the characteristics and markings on the hides. Variations in grain size and finishes are expected and indeed loved as it means that the sofa will wear in and age beautifully, but without the protective layer it means that spills will have to wear out over time. Let's break down each Natuzzi's grades: Grade 10 PROTECTA leather: Finish: This leather is pigmented, dyed, and embossed with a grain. Thickness: Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm. Appearance: Semi-shiny look — it has an invisible coating and uniform appearance that guards against spills. Characteristics: Designed to withstand liquid spills and resist staining, catering to active lifestyles and great for family use. Leather will soften and stretch over time which is normal and natural. Grade 15 PROTECTA leather: Finish: This leather is pigmented and dyed with natural grain textured buffing and embossing features. Thickness: The thickness range is approximately 1.3mm to 1.5 mm. Appearance: This leather will feel smooth and soft to the touch and has invisible stain protection. Characteristics: Family-friendly, soft and stretches with use. It has a uniform look, but natural characteristics will be evident like scars, veins and differences in grain. Grade 15 NATURAL leather: Finish: This leather features a natural grain. The finish is semi-waxy and can easily be marked and scratched. Thickness: The leather is 1.1mm to 1.3mm. Appearance: Smooth and soft to the touch, leather may have colour variations as the dye takes to different areas. Characteristics: Spills on this leather will leave marks that may wear out over time. Given its soft nature, this leather tends to soften and form pools. Therefore we recommend that you dress your sofa daily. Grade 20 PROTECTA Finish: A soft leather with a natural grain and slight protection against spills. Thickness: The thickness range is approximately 1.4mm to 1.6mm. Appearance: Super soft and sumptuous to the feel, and suitable for family life. Characteristics: Inherent natural traits will be evident. Leather will gradually soften and form pools over time therefore, we recommend that you dress your sofa daily. Grade 20 NATURAL Finish: This leather is beautifully soft, and all the natural grain will be evident. Thickness: The leather is 1,6mm to 1.8 mm. Appearance: Super soft and sumptuous to the touch but remains vulnerable to spills as there is no protective layer. Characteristics: Scars are evident, and Italians believe this leather shows all the natural life the hide has had, from insect bites to scars. Spills and stains will have to wear out over time, so this leather is not one for the faint-hearted; children may need to be wrapped in cling film! Factors to Consider When Choosing Natuzzi Leather We think that sofas are bought as a 10-year purchase; that's why we offer a 10-year frame warranty, so it's important that you get the right sofa for your home. Many people forget that they like to have a takeaway in front of the TV at the end of the week with a nice glass of vino, so take a moment to consider how you like to live, unwind and relax. In Ireland, we have always loved protected leather for its durability and versatility. On the other hand, natural leather is more vulnerable to stains yet has the softest and warmest finish. Despite this, we had numerous customers who love the marks and talk about them as 'battle scars', giving their sofa a lived-in look they adored. However, it wouldn't be for many who would like their sofa to continue looking stained, so those customers should look to PROTECTA leather for practicality and ease of maintenance. Final Thoughts Ultimately, it's important to look beyond just the grade and consider factors like your lifestyle and preferences. Living spaces have to be multi-functional, so consider how you will live, work and relax, and you won't go wrong. We have the experts here to help you with your choices, so all you need to worry about is who will pour your wine when you have your feet up on the electric recliner! Should you have any questions, feel free to visit us or give us a call; we're always here to provide guidance and help you find the perfect solution.
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How to Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Home
Choosing a dining table is not simply a matter of style – it is a decision that influences how you live every day. The dining table is where family and friends gather, where meals turn into conversations, and where a room gains its sense of connection and purpose. It needs to feel inviting, suit the proportions of your space, and stand the test of time both in strength and in design. In modern homes – particularly where kitchen, dining and living spaces flow together – the dining table often becomes the visual anchor of the room. It should complement your interior style while also supporting how you use the space, whether that is daily dining, hosting extended family, or serving as the central hub for work, homework and everything in between. With so many shapes, materials and configurations available – from the handcrafted wood of Neptune, to the ceramic innovation of Calligaris, and the intelligent engineering of Skovby’s extending designs – it’s important to understand what will work best for your home and lifestyle. This guide is designed to simplify the process, helping you choose a dining table that not only looks right, but feels right, and continues to perform for years to come. Choosing the Right Size for Your Space The size of your dining table must work in harmony with the room. A table that is too large will overwhelm the space, while one that is too small can feel underwhelming and impractical. How to measure correctly: Allow at least 60–75 cm of space between the edge of the table and any walls or furniture. This ensures comfortable movement around the table, even when chairs are pulled out. For open-plan spaces, consider the flow of the room. The dining table should define the area without interrupting walkways or blocking natural light. In smaller rooms, opt for a table with a more open base or a pedestal design, which creates visual space and allows more legroom. Tip: Place masking tape on the floor to map out the footprint of the table you’re considering. This gives a true sense of scale. How Table Shape Impacts Flow and Proportion The shape of your table is just as important as the size. It influences how people interact around it and how the table sits within the room. Rectangular Dining Tables The most traditional and versatile option. Ideal for longer rooms and open-plan layouts. Brands like Calligaris offer sleek ceramic rectangular tables with slim bases that allow for generous seating without crowding the space. Round Dining Tables Perfect for creating an intimate, social setting. With no corners, round tables soften a room and are ideal for square spaces. They encourage conversation and create an inviting focal point. Oval Dining Tables A blend of rectangular functionality and round-table softness. Skovby excels in oval designs that extend seamlessly, offering flexibility without compromising on style. Square Dining Tables Best for square rooms or compact dining areas. They create balance but are typically more suited to seating four to six people comfortably. Design Insight: Curved edges and oval shapes visually occupy less space and can make a room feel larger, even when seating capacity remains the same. Fixed vs Extending Dining Tables Your lifestyle should determine whether a fixed or extending table is right for you. Fixed Tables Ideal if you have a dedicated dining room or consistent seating needs. A fixed table from Neptune, crafted in solid oak, creates a permanent sense of presence and elegance. Extending Tables Perfect for modern living where flexibility is key. Skovby’s patented extension systems are a leading example – beautifully engineered mechanisms that allow one person to extend the table with ease. Best for: Homes that entertain regularly Growing families Open-plan spaces where adaptability matters Dining Table Materials: Style, Durability and Maintenance The material you choose determines both the appearance and the long-term performance of your dining table. Solid Wood (Neptune) Natural, characterful, timeless Ages beautifully but benefits from gentle care Best for those who appreciate craftsmanship and individuality Ceramic (Calligaris) Heat, scratch and stain-resistant Highly practical for busy households Available in a range of contemporary finishes Low maintenance with exceptional durability Glass Visually lightens a room and enhances natural light Showcases statement table bases Modern and minimal, though some may prefer anti-scratch glass options for longevity Veneer (Skovby) Offers the appearance of solid wood with greater stability Less prone to warping in sunlight or heat High-quality veneer is often indistinguishable from solid wood and can be an excellent long-term choice Your material should reflect your lifestyle: a ceramic table may be ideal for young families, while solid oak may suit those who value tradition and tactility. Pairing Your Table with the Right Chairs A well-chosen dining table deserves chairs that balance comfort, proportion and style. When selecting chairs: Consider scale – the chair height should allow for at least 25–30 cm between the seat and the underside of the table. Comfort is key – padded and upholstered chairs invite longer meals and conversation, while wooden chairs offer structure and visual clarity. Mixing chairs and benches can create a relaxed, contemporary look while maximising seating. Brands like Calligaris offer ergonomic designs with flexible backs, while Skovby chairs complement their extending tables with seamless alliances in tone and style. Design and Aesthetic Harmony in Open-Plan Spaces In open-plan living, the dining table often sits at the centre of the visual story. It needs to connect seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry, flooring and living area. Consider: Base design: Pedestal and central bases allow for flexible seating arrangements and keep the space visually open. Coordination, not matching: The dining table should complement your interior palette but does not need to match your kitchen exactly. A contrast between materials can create warmth and interest. Lighting: A statement pendant above your table not only adds style but can visually define the dining zone in a larger space. Investing in Quality: What Makes a Table Last A dining table is an investment piece. Quality construction ensures it will remain part of your home for decades. Look for: Weight and stability – a sign of solid construction Precision engineering in extending systems (Skovby is particularly renowned) High-quality finishes that protect against daily wear Sustainably sourced materials from reputable brands When you choose a dining table from a brand like Neptune, Calligaris or Skovby, you are not just choosing a style – you are choosing reliability, innovation and long-term value. Frequently Asked Questions What size dining table is best for my room?Allow 60–75 cm of clearance around the table on all sides to move comfortably. Measure your space before choosing a table size. Which dining table material is the most durable?Ceramic is one of the most durable materials available – resistant to heat, scratches and stains. Solid wood is also long-lasting but requires more care. Is an extending dining table worth it?Yes – if you host or need flexibility, an extending table offers versatility without taking up extra space day to day. Do dining tables and chairs need to match?They should complement each other in tone or style, but they do not have to match exactly. A curated look often feels more natural and sophisticated. What is the best dining table shape for small spaces?Round or oval tables work best in smaller rooms as they remove corners and maintain an open flow. Visit Us In-Store Every home is different – and the best way to choose the right dining table is to experience the quality in person. At The 1933 Furniture Company, our team can guide you through different finishes, extending mechanisms and styling options to help you find a table that fits your home and the way you live. Whether you are drawn to the classic warmth of Neptune, the innovation of Skovby, or the contemporary detail of Calligaris, you’ll find dining tables designed to be lived around, not just looked at. Visit our showroom in Navan to find the dining table that will become the heart of your home.
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Mattress Shopping in 2025: What’s Actually Worth Paying For?
By the time you start researching mattresses, it’s usually because your sleep isn’t what it used to be. Maybe you’re waking up with a sore back. Maybe your partner’s tossing and turning is waking you up. Or maybe you’ve just hit that point in adulthood where you want things that actually last.
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A Sofa That Lasts – Our Expert Guide to Choosing the Right One
A sofa is a big investment for your home. Get it right and you’re set up for years of comfort. Get it wrong and it’ll frustrate you daily. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At The 1933 Furniture Company, we’ve been helping customers choose the right sofa for their home for decades. Here’s our step-by-step guide to finding the perfect fit — for your space, your lifestyle, and your taste. Start by Browsing Before you visit, take some time to explore what’s available. Browsing online can help you understand the styles, shapes, and features that catch your eye. Our website includes a wide selection — from deep-seated corner sofas to classic 4-seaters — so you can get a sense of what might work in your home. Take note of what stands out, whether it’s a specific brand, colour, or material. Shortlist Your Favourites Once you’ve spotted a few contenders, add them to a wishlist or jot them down. Seeing them all together helps you compare and contrast the details that matter — seat depth, material options, cushion style, or whether a recliner feature appeals. This makes your in-store visit more focused and easier to manage. Visit Us and Speak to an Expert Online browsing only gets you so far — you’ll really understand the difference when you sit down on a sofa yourself. When you visit our showroom, our furniture experts can guide you through materials, finishes, and protection options. Whether it’s the durability of leather, the cosiness of plush velvet, or the practical benefits of family-friendly fabrics, we’ll help you weigh up the pros and cons. Choosing a Sofa to Suit Your Lifestyle The best sofa isn’t just about looks — it needs to match how you live. Think about: Who’s using it? Families with kids may want durable, stain-resistant fabrics, while a quiet reading space might benefit from something softer and more indulgent. How will the room be used? A corner sofa can define an open-plan space for entertaining, while a smaller sofa or armchair set might suit a more formal sitting room. Pets? Leather is easier to clean, but some protected fabrics are designed to resist snagging and stains. We help customers think through these decisions every day. Our goal is to make sure your sofa feels right for your home and your life — not just the showroom. Understanding Your Space A quick tip before you visit: come prepared. Bring photos and a short video of your room, including any key features like doors, windows, radiators, or alcoves. Measure the room’s dimensions, and don’t forget to measure doorways and hallways to ensure your new sofa can be delivered easily. Understanding the flow of your space helps us recommend the right shape, size, and orientation. A well-fitted sofa complements the room — it doesn’t overwhelm it or leave awkward gaps. How Ordering and Delivery Works Once you’ve made your choice, ordering is simple. You can place an order in-store, by phone, or email. For orders over €800, we offer free nationwide delivery. A 30% deposit secures your order, and you can pay the balance before delivery via a secure payment link. We’ll keep you updated on lead times — these vary depending on the brand and model. When your furniture arrives in our warehouse, we’ll contact you to schedule delivery at a time that suits you. Choosing the Right Material Materials matter. Each has its advantages, and what works best depends on your lifestyle: Natural Leather: Shows the character of the hide — natural markings, scars, and wrinkles — and develops a beautiful patina over time. Suppler and more luxurious, but requires some care. Protected Leather: Treated for extra durability and easier cleaning, ideal for busy households. Fabric: Offers the widest range of colours, patterns, and textures. Protected Family-Friendly Fabric: Designed to resist stains and wear, a smart choice for homes with children or pets. Plush Velvet: Soft, inviting, and rich in appearance, best suited to lower-traffic spaces. Explore Our Collections We offer sofas and armchairs to suit every style, from classic to contemporary: Natuzzi Editions and Italia Living: Italian leather with an unmistakable touch of luxury. Tetrad and Alexander & James: Classic British design, perfect for adding timeless charm. XOOON: Contemporary, urban styles with vibrant fabrics and modern shapes. Every collection is available to view and test in-store — because comfort is something you should experience for yourself, not just read about. If you’d like help planning your visit or have questions before you come, feel free to get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to guide you.
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