A Sofa That Lasts – Our Expert Guide to Choosing the Right One – The 1933 Furniture Company

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A Sofa That Lasts – Our Expert Guide to Choosing the Right One

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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What to Consider When Buying a Sofa

What to Consider When Buying a Sofa

A sofa is more than somewhere to sit. It’s where you unwind after a long day, where family gathers, and where a room comes to life. Choosing the right one is both a comfort decision and a design investment. One that looks beautiful, is super comfortable to sit on, fits the space its intended for, and stands the test of time. Here’s what to consider before you buy.   Measure the Space Before You Fall in Love Start with the practical side. Measure your living room carefully – not just the floor space, but doorways, stairways and hallways too. Many beautiful sofas have failed to make it through a front door! Measure not only the space where your sofa will sit, but also every access point leading to it. Sketch a simple floor plan or use masking tape to outline the footprint of different sizes on your floor. Allow enough clearance for flow — at least 40 cm between the sofa and other furniture so people can move comfortably around it. In small rooms, consider sofas with slim arms or raised legs, which create visual lightness. In large rooms, two smaller sofas facing each other can feel more balanced than one oversized piece. Think, too, about where natural light falls and what will be visible from other areas of the house. A sofa often frames the sightline of a room, so its placement affects how the whole space feels. Match the Sofa to How You Live Lifestyle shapes function. A family with young children needs something different to someone living alone or a couple who entertain frequently. For family life: Durable, resistant fabrics are essential. Choose mid-toned colours that disguise marks and avoid very soft fillings that lose shape quickly. We actually offer many of our models in durable, stain-resistant fabrics, such as Crypton. For entertaining: Consider a corner or modular sofa that encourages conversation. Velvet or textured upholstery can make a space feel more welcoming. For relaxation: Deeper seats, higher backs, and feather-wrapped cushions create a softer, enveloping feel — ideal for film nights. For smaller spaces or apartments: Two-seaters, chaise-end designs, or a pair of armchairs can offer the same comfort without overwhelming the room. Be honest about how the sofa will be used. If it’s likely to double as a workspace or a nap spot, that should influence both comfort level and fabric choice. Choosing Between Fabric and Leather Your upholstery is more than an aesthetic decision — it determines the sofa’s lifespan, maintenance, and comfort. Fabric Sofas Fabric offers warmth and variety. Textured weaves, boucle, or linen blends bring depth and tactility. Many options include stain-resistant finishes, making them family-friendly without sacrificing style. Lighter shades can lift darker rooms, while richer tones – navy, olive, or rust — create intimacy. Leather Sofas Leather offers timeless appeal and improves with age. It’s resilient, easy to wipe clean, and naturally hypoallergenic. However, it reacts to temperature: cooler in winter, warmer in summer. For a softer look, semi-aniline leather combines durability with a supple feel. Leather will also age naturally, known as patina. This will oftentimes develop over a long period across the sofa's life, and is something that  many people actively seek out, rather than avoid. A natural patina gives leather its depth and individuality — the soft sheen, subtle creases, and tonal variation that tell the story of years of use. Unlike fabric, which may fade or pill, leather improves with age, gaining a richness that new upholstery simply can’t replicate. To help this process along, occasional conditioning keeps the surface supple and prevents drying or cracking. Wiping with a soft cloth and using a leather balm once or twice a year will maintain its flexibility and enhance the patina’s gradual development. Mixed Materials For a contemporary approach, mix materials. A leather base with fabric cushions or a fabric sofa with leather piping adds subtle character while maintaining practicality. Comfort, Depth and Cushion Fillings Comfort depends as much on proportions and filling as it does on style. The difference between a sofa that’s comfortable for ten minutes and one that’s comfortable for ten years lies in the internal structure. Seat depth: Standard seats range from 50–60 cm. Taller people often prefer deeper seats; smaller frames benefit from shallower ones that allow both feet to touch the ground. Seat height: Between 45–50 cm is most comfortable for most users. Back height: Higher backs support posture for reading or longer sitting periods. Cushion fillings: Foam holds shape and gives a firmer sit. Fibre offers medium softness and needs regular plumping. Always test the sofa in person. Sit the way you normally would: cross-legged, reclining, or curled into a corner. The right comfort level will feel effortless, not forced. Frame and Build Quality The unseen structure defines how long your sofa lasts. Look for strong, solid frames — they resist warping and retain strength over time. Avoid sofas built from softwood or particleboard. High-quality sofas use screwed, glued and dowelled joints, not staples alone. Springs are another quality marker: serpentine springs in the base and tensioned webbing in the back create lasting support. Good craftsmanship means no squeaks, no movement, and even weight distribution. It’s worth asking the retailer about the frame warranty; reputable manufacturers offer at least 10–15 years. Style and Design Considerations A sofa should sit comfortably within your interior scheme without dominating it. Traditional homes suit structured designs with scroll arms, turned legs or buttoned backs. Contemporary spaces favour clean silhouettes and modular flexibility. Scandi or minimalist interiors benefit from pale woods, light fabrics and gentle curves. Statement pieces — such as a bold velvet or leather corner sofa — can define a large open-plan room. When choosing colour, think about longevity. Neutral bases with changeable cushions and throws evolve easily over time. If you love colour, anchor it with muted flooring or wall tones so the sofa becomes a feature, not a clash. Practicalities: Delivery, Access and Longevity Before ordering, confirm dimensions with your retailer and measure access routes again — including ceiling height at stair turns. Many premium sofas offer modular construction or removable arms to ease delivery. Ask about fabric protection, cushion rotation, and care instructions. Turning cushions every few months maintains even wear. Vacuum seams occasionally to prevent dust build-up, especially in fabric models. High-quality sofas can last 12–15 years comfortably, with reupholstery extending life even further. Consider this when setting your budget — quality saves money over time. Sustainability and Sourcing Increasingly, buyers want furniture that aligns with sustainable values. Sofas built from FSC-certified wood, natural latex, or recycled fabrics reduce environmental impact. Locally made options also cut transport emissions and support Irish manufacturing. When possible, ask about material sourcing and production methods — a reputable retailer will always be transparent. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best sofa fabric for durability? Tightly woven synthetics or performance fabrics offer the best resistance to daily wear. Leather remains the longest-lasting option when properly cared for. How long should a sofa last? A quality sofa should last at least a decade. Cheaper frames or fillings often lose comfort within a few years. What sofa shape suits a small living room? Choose a two-seater or compact L-shape with slim arms. Sofas raised on legs make the room feel more spacious. Are recliners less stylish? Not anymore. Modern recliners use hidden mechanisms and can be upholstered in the same premium fabrics as fixed sofas, offering comfort without bulk. How do I know if a sofa is well made? Check the frame warranty, joint construction, and spring system. A heavy, sturdy frame is a positive sign. Final Thoughts Buying a sofa should never feel rushed. It’s a decision that affects how you live, relax, and connect with others every day. The right one balances proportion, comfort, and design in equal measure. At The 1933 Furniture Company, our team combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of how people live in their homes. We invite you to visit our showroom to explore Ireland’s leading sofa collections, test comfort levels in person, and discover what quality truly feels like.

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Elevating Your Home With A Ceramic Dining Table

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

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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