We’ve spoken before on this blog about myths surrounding furniture… and we’re back to do it again! Last time, we spoke about common misconceptions surrounding furniture care (read here, if you’re interested!), but this time, we’d like to dive at the topic head on. We’ve seen a lot of different misunderstandings about furniture recently, so we’re here to clear all that up! Read on to find out more…
#1 All furniture is made equally
Wrong! This is one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to furniture. Just like fashion and most other things quality can vary a lot with different furniture. Some brands might prioritise craftsmanship and durable, well-sourced materials that are made to last, while others may not. To make sure you get the most bang for your buck, look for pieces that are made from solid wood, and high-quality fabrics. Don’t hesitate to ask in-store if you’re not sure – we’ve got your back on quality!
#2 Style and comfort can’t co-exist
Oh, sweet summer child, you couldn’t be more wrong! You definitely don’t have to sacrifice comfort in the name of style (that’s only for Doc Martens). At Michael Murphy’s, comfort and style easily go hand-in-hand. Take this Cuddler for example. It’s not only insanely comfortable to sit and relax on, but it looks stunning in any setting.
There, point proven.
#3 Buying Furniture Online is Risky
Well, yes. Maybe from dodgy websites. But not from our website. If you shop with us you’re guaranteed to have a smooth experience. We know that buying furniture can be a very tactile experience, especially with things like sofas and beds. This is why we make sure to include as many pictures and as thorough a description as possible on our website, so that you can make an informed decision before you buy.
However, if you’re still not convinced, then pop into one of our seven stores and go for it the old-fashioned way! A good tip is to research a piece you’re after on the website, then head in-store and see if it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
#4 Furniture should always be bought in sets
This is one myth we’re happy to bust! While it’s certainly true that lots of people like to buy their furniture in matching sets to really build that cohesive feel – it’s absolutely not an obligation! In fact, we think that mixing and matching styles, colours, and patterns can help to create a more personalised style. It also helps you to update your style over the years; when you update your furniture bit by bit, rather than a big overhaul all at once, you can create a more natural, personal style.
One of the best ways to add character to add character to a room is by incorporating some mismatched pieces in contrasting colours or textures. So, let this be your sign. Don’t be afraid to match that vintage rug with the contemporary coffee table in your living room!
#5 Fabric Furniture is always difficult to keep clean
Not true! While some upholstered pieces can be tricky to clean, it’s far from impossible. Take a look at our Florida range. These sofas come equipped with our Aquaclean technology that makes them a breeze to clean up! This means you won’t have to stress if you spill a drop or two of your cuppa while you watch I’m A Celeb (or during wine nights!).
Most sofas can be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and some gentle elbow grease, but if you notice some stubborn stains, there’s no need to fear – all hope is not lost! That’s where our range of Furniture Care products come in. Check out our previous blog on furniture care if you need any extra pointers!
So, don’t think yourself confined to leather if you’re worried about children (or furbabies) leaving marks on your lovely sofa. The furniture world is your oyster!
How many Myths did we bust today?
We like to think we are truth-seekers here at Michael Murphys, so we hope we’ve brought the truth to you today. Furniture has definitely changed over the years, so we can understand why there might still be some lingering misconceptions out there. Let us know if we’ve missed any! We’ll be back to bust more furniture myths in the future.

