The Murphy Bed: A Hidden Gem for Small Spaces
What is a Murphy Bed or Wall bed?
A Murphy bed consists of a bed frame attached to a wall or cabinet, allowing it to be folded up vertically when not in use, typically against a wall. is the ultimate space optimizer that easily transforms any room into a multipurpose area. Beds take up around 33 square feet, but the fold-away design of a Murphy bed allows you to reclaim this space.
There is no other furniture that can instantly transition from unobstructed décor to a functional sleeping area. These beds can not only turn your home office into a cozy guestroom, when they are folded away, they seamlessly blend into the background, enabling you to convert your bedroom into a fabulous workout space.
So, whether you call it a wall bed, fold-down bed, fold-up bed, cabinet bed or hideaway bed, the magic of a Murphy bed lies in its ability to provide sleeping accommodations at night without taking up floor space or impeding the flow and functionality of a room during the day.
Many cabinet beds also provide storage for pillows, blankets, sheets and anything else you might want to store, shelve, or display. These beds are ideal anywhere that space is at a premium. This includes small apartments, dorms, guestrooms, dens, or home offices. A hideaway bed will help you to maximize the efficiency whether you are a studio apartment dweller, or someone who just wants more room.
A wall bed is also the perfect solution for those who don’t have a dedicated guestroom but who want to be able to accommodate overnight visitors. These beds fold up into a wall making them look like built-in furniture, so it is a convenient sleep option that easily integrates into any room, even your living room. Either as a primary sleeper or to occasionally put-up guests for the night, these beds will solve your limited space dilemmas.
History of the Murphy Bed
The wall bed was invented by William Lawrence Murphy at the beginning of the 20th century. According to popular lore, Murphy came up with the idea to maximize living space in his one-room apartment in San Francisco. He developed the fold-away bed around 1900, patented it in 1908 and opened the Murphy Bed company in 1911. The bed quickly gained popularity which continues to this day.
Safety & Comfort of Wall Beds
Modern fold-down beds are not only brilliant space savers they are designed with safety and comfort in mind. The folding mechanisms are often counterbalanced, making them easy to lift and lower. Safety features such as locking mechanisms ensure that the bed stays securely in place when it's in the upright position. Although mattresses designed for these beds are typically thinner and lighter to facilitate the folding, most come with an integrated support system for added comfort.
Sizes of Wall Beds
Wall beds come in the full range of sizes and a wide assortment of configurations so they can accommodate different room dimensions and user needs. So, whether you choose a single/twin, full size/double, queen, or king, depends on the available space and who will be sleeping on it. The size of a Murphy bed is also determined by whether it includes shelves, cubbies, cabinets, or drawers. Some hideaway beds come with built in desks, couches, and closets, so the size can vary significantly.
Prices of a Wall Bed
The price of a wall bed depends on the size, material, and style. The costs range anywhere from a few hundred to over $10,000. The type of lifting mechanism (i.e. whether it is a manual lift, or it includes spring or piston assistance) also contributes to the cost. Murphy beds made of metal or solid wood may be more expensive, but they are also more durable than those made of MDF or particleboard.
It is fair to say it is unlikely that you can find a quality queen- or king-sized fold-down bed under $1,000 and you can expect to pay at least $1,500 for hideaway beds that include storage options. The cost continues to increase as you add features like integrated adjustable lighting, built-in charging stations with USB ports and power outlets.
How to Install a Wall Bed
The first thing you need to do is select a wall that can support the weight and then choose a suitable location while ensuring there is ample clearance (enough space for the bed to fold down without obstruction).
When purchasing a fold-down bed, you’ll want to think about how easy it is to assemble. Installing a Murphy bed can be a complex process, so professional assembly and installation is strongly recommended.
If you opt to forgo these recommendations always follow manufacturer’s instructions. At a minimum you will need a stud finder, pencil, and level, as well as a drill. The first step involves installing the frame to a vertical mounting surface. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs. These are the attachment points for the frame (never try to mount the frame to drywall!). Studs are commonly vertical wood 2x4s spaced 16 inches apart. You want the frame to be securely attached to at least 3 or 4 studs, you also want to make sure that it is level. The next step involves connecting the folding mechanism to the bed frame, making sure all moving parts are secure and properly aligned.
The final step involves installing the mattress support system. Make sure to test the installation to ensure it operates smoothly and securely. Depending on the design, you may need to install additional components, such as a cabinet or decorative façade.
Novogratz: Her Majesty Full Size Daybed Murphy Bed with 2 Side Cabinets
A fold-down bed is defined by the versatility of its design. Whether you have a vertical murphy bed or a horizontal wall bed, the marriage of style, comfort, and convenience make them an amazing option for smaller or dual-function spaces. They come in a vast assortment of sizes, styles, and configurations, so you are sure to be able to find one that suits your needs.
A hideaway bed is a cost-effective way of getting more usable space from your home and the smart buys are the ones located at the nexus of quality and affordability. So, whether you want to free up square footage for activities or just to open-up a room to give it a more spacious feel, murphy beds are the epitome of functional, space saving furniture.
Novogratz: Her Majesty Full Size Daybed Murphy Bed with 2 Side Cabinets
