Murphy Beds: Everything You Need to Know

People who live in small apartments usually look for space-saving solutions to make the best out of their houses.

Murphy beds are a foldable bed that you can hinge on the wall, and fold it throughout the day and extend it when you want to sleep, it can also present a sleeping solutions for overnight guests.

What is a Murphy bed?

A Murphy bed is a bed that presents useful space-saving solutions for people who live in small apartments and houses because they are installed on the wall and can be lowered and raised to utilize the space of the room.

Murphy beds can easily fit any style because of the wide range of colors, designs, and styles they come in to ensure that they match the preference of anyone.

Murphy Bed Sizes

Pros of Murphy Beds

Space-Saving

Murphy beds are renowned for their space-saving capabilities. They function as fully functional beds at night, but fold seamlessly back into a piece of furniture during the day, allowing you to utilize the full dimensions of the room for other activities.

Multifunctionality

If you were thinking of getting a futon or convertible couch, the Murphy bed could be a better option, as it offers these features and can be raised to the wall after usage to maximize the space of your room.

Variety of Styles

Murphy beds come in various styles and mechanisms, which will be discussed later in this article, making them uniquely suited to fit the preferences and aesthetics of every sleeper.

Supportive

Despite the nature of a Murphy bed, one might think it wouldn't be sturdy enough. In fact, if you invest in a high-quality Murphy bed, you'll get the support you need for a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

Cons of Murphy Beds

Cost

Murphy beds do not come cheap. The cost of installing and custom-designing them might be high, and It’s even more difficult to find a deal with a reasonable price because the majority are custom-built or high-end models.

Wall space

Someone may not simply have enough wall space for a Murphy bed installation. In that case, frequent furniture rearranging might be necessary to make room for it.

Mattress Considerations

A Murphy bed can only accommodate mattresses that are either memory foam or latex. So, if you prefer another type of mattress, like a hybrid or an innerspring, you might find that Murphy beds aren't a good fit for you.

Suitable Mattresses for a Murphy Bed

Mattress Type

• Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are an excellent choice for Murphy beds due to their ability to retain their shape despite being folded up multiple times.
• Latex: In addition to retaining shape, Latex mattresses are also very durable and will last for a very long time, which makes them a perfect fit for Murphy beds.

Mattress Thickness

Not all mattresses will fit a Murphy bed, some are simply too thick. Most Murphy beds can accommodate mattresses up to 12 inches thick, so it's crucial to confirm compatibility with your specific bed frame by consulting the manufacturer.

People who should get a Murphy Bed

• Studio apartment or tiny home residents: Murphy bed maximizes the space and the area that can be used within the apartment, which is especially beneficial in small apartments.
• Apartment renters with limited square footage: Renters with limited space and need to find a place for a bed will find Murphy bed a great option, as it provides the sleeping space at night, but in the morning they can be raised and the space can be used normally.
• Frequent hosts: If you receive a lot of guests daily, then you might consider a Murphy bed because it could also be used as a sofa, in addition to providing a sleeping solution for overnight guests.
• Minimalists: The Murphy beds can fold, which maximizes the overall space of the room, so it’s a great fit for people who prefer the minimal aesthetic.

People who should not get a Murphy Bed

• Elderly or people with mobility issues: Murphy beds need to be lowered and raised frequently, which could be difficult for people with mobility issues or elderly people.
• Young children: Murphy beds can present a risk hazard to children because they can be lowered and raised, which means that it could injure them, especially if it’s not properly installed.
• Individuals who prefer specific mattress types: Because of the limited amount of mattresses that can be used for a Murphy bed, some people might take an issue with that, as they might prefer a certain mattress that doesn’t suit the bed.

Murphy Bed Mechanisms

Spring Mechanism

Spring mechanism is known for supporting heavy weights, it also has the ability to modify the springs' tension. When the bed is lowered to a horizontal position, you may take out a leg thanks to the pivoting system in the legs. There are several sizes available for Murphy beds with spring lift mechanisms,

Piston Mechanism

You may easily make any necessary modifications to your Murphy Bed with the help of the piston mechanism. Air pressure or gas pressure can be used with the pistons, additionally, they typically have a locking mechanism for an extra layer of security. This guarantees that in the event of a piston malfunction, the bed will remain closed.

Types of Murphy Beds

Vertical Murphy Bed

Traditional Murphy beds are the most popular type among Murphy beds, it can be lowered and raised and it’s a great space-saving option for small rooms.

Horizontal Murphy Bed

A Horizontal Murphy bed is housed in a cabinet that is shorter than a vertical Murphy bed, it also extends into the room less than the vertical bed, which takes less space.

Murphy Bunk Bed

A metal guard rail and a ladder for the upper bunk are included with these wall beds. They are ideal for the child's room, which may be used as a play area during the day, and the Murphy bunk bed provides more space for children to play.

Murphy Cabinet Bed

This bed is freestanding and doesn't require any kind of wall or floor attachment which is what makes it special, They are perfect for any space, guest room, living room, or TV room.

Murphy Desk Bed

A Murphy desk bed has a desk integrated into the front panel, They combine utility and comfort with their multipurpose design, which enables them to work as a desk during the day and fold away beneath the bed frame at night.

Library Murphy Bed

The library Murphy bed combines the practicality of a Murphy Bed with an integrated bookshelf in one package, which not only enhances the look of your room but also has a space-saving quality as you’ll save the space of a separate bookshelf.

Murphy Bed Considerations

• Mattress compatibility: If you have a certain mattress in mind that isn’t latex and memory foam, then you should reconsider buying a Murphy bed, and look for other bed frames.
• Mattress size: Choosing the mattress size should be dictated by the amount of space available in your room and your bed size, and it’s a crucial factor for optimizing the performance of a Murphy bed.
• Available space and room size: You have to make sure that your room will fit the Murphy bed when it’s fully extended.
• Wall strength: Since Murphy beds require to be mounted on the wall, you need to consider your wall strength before installing one.
• Plumbing and electrical lines: There are different ways for the Murphy bed to be lowered and raised, so you should consider that aspect before buying one.
• Personal preference: Some people will prefer the traditional-looking bed, and they like the aesthetic of it, and wouldn’t want the wall-mounted look of the Murphy bed.
• Budget: Since most Murphy beds are custom-made they tend to be very expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget you should weigh your options before deciding whether to buy a Murphy bed or not.

FAQs

Where Can a Murphy Bed be Installed?

Murphy beds can be installed in a number of locations around your house, offering a space-saving and versatile solution for maximizing your living space. Playrooms, bed rooms, offices, and guest rooms are a few common choices.

Are there Murphy beds that don’t need to be mount to a wall?

Although there are Murphy beds on the market that don't require wall attachment, the majority do so for safety reasons, but if you want one that doesn’t mount to a wall you should consider a freestanding Murphy bed.

Can Murphy beds fall?

Yes, The bed can abruptly fall and injure somebody if it’s not raised properly, however, Piston Mechanism Murphy beds offer more safety, and even if the bed itself malfunctions it won’t fall.

How do I choose the right Murphy bed?

There are many factors that you should take into account before deciding whether a Murphy bed is suitable for you, you have to consider the space available in your room, the mattress size, the bed size, and of course the budget, as Murphy beds tend to be expensive.

Do Murphy beds provide sufficient comfort for daily sleep?

Yes, Murphy beds may be just as comfortable as regular beds; however, the quality of the mattress is what really matters.

Conclusion

Murphy bed can be a wonderful choice, if you're searching for a new bed that fits in a small area, as when not in use, these beds are made to fold into the wall, making the living space more airy and open.

But you should consider many factors before making that decision, such as the budget, the size, and the mattress compatibility.