Sofa Buying Guide for Ireland

Introduction

Buying a sofa is one of the most important furniture decisions you'll make for your home. It's the centrepiece of your living room, the place where you relax after a long day, and often the first thing guests notice. With so many styles, fabrics, and sizes to choose from, it can feel overwhelming — but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect sofa for your Irish home.

1. Measure Your Space First

Before you fall in love with a sofa, measure your living room carefully. In Ireland, many homes — particularly older terraced houses and apartments — have narrower hallways and doorways, so it's essential to check:

• The width and depth of your living room
• The width of your front door, hallway, and any tight corners
• Allow at least 45cm of walkway space around the sofa

A good rule of thumb: your sofa should take up no more than two-thirds of the room's width.

2. Choose the Right Style

The style of sofa you choose should complement your home's interior. Popular choices in Irish homes include:

• Corner sofas — ideal for open-plan living areas and maximising seating. Browse our corner sofa collection for inspiration.
• 3-seater sofas — a classic choice for standard living rooms
• 2-seater sofas — perfect for smaller rooms or as a companion piece
• Chaise sofas — a stylish option that adds a contemporary feel

At House of Murphy, our full sofa range is designed to suit a variety of Irish home styles — from compact apartments to spacious family homes.

3. Pick the Right Fabric

Ireland's damp climate means fabric choice matters more than you might think. Consider:

• Linen & cotton blends — breathable and stylish, but less stain-resistant
• Velvet — luxurious and on-trend, but requires more care
• Leather & faux leather — durable, easy to clean, and great for families with children or pets
• Performance fabrics — stain-resistant and hardwearing, ideal for busy households

If you have young children or pets, opt for darker tones or performance fabrics that can handle everyday life. Our in-store team at House of Murphy can help you choose the right fabric for your lifestyle.

4. Consider Comfort & Fill

How a sofa feels is just as important as how it looks. When testing or researching sofas, look at:

• Seat depth — deeper seats are more relaxed; shallower seats offer better posture support
• Cushion fill — foam is firmer and holds its shape; feather/fibre blends are softer but need more plumping
• Frame quality — hardwood frames last longer than softwood or metal alternatives

Every sofa in the House of Murphy range is built with quality frames and carefully selected fills — because we believe comfort should last as long as the sofa itself.

5. Think About Delivery in Ireland

Delivery lead times can vary significantly. Key things to check:

• Is the sofa in stock or made to order? Made-to-order sofas can take 8–16 weeks
• Does the retailer deliver to your county? Some rural areas may have limited delivery options
• Will the delivery team bring it inside and assemble it, or is it kerbside only?
• Check the returns policy — in Ireland, you have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2022

At House of Murphy, we offer nationwide delivery across Ireland with a white-glove service — we bring it in, set it up, and take away the packaging.

6. Set a Realistic Budget

Sofas in Ireland range from under €500 for entry-level options to €3,000+ for premium pieces. As a general guide:

• €500–€1,000 — good for starter homes or rental properties
• €1,000–€2,000 — solid mid-range with better fabrics and frames
• €2,000+ — premium quality, longer lifespan, and more customisation options

Investing in a quality sofa pays off in the long run — a well-made sofa can last 10–15 years with proper care. Explore our range across all budgets in our sofa collection.

7. Sustainability & Longevity

More Irish consumers are thinking about sustainability when buying furniture. Look for:

• FSC-certified hardwood frames
• Brands that offer repair services or spare parts
• Fabrics that are durable and easy to maintain

At House of Murphy, sustainability is at the heart of how we source and build our furniture — so you can buy with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The perfect sofa balances style, comfort, practicality, and budget. Take your time, measure carefully, and don't be afraid to ask questions about materials and construction. We're here to help you find a sofa you'll love for years to come.

Browse our full sofa collection → or explore our sofa beds if you need a versatile option for guests.