Murphy Bed Comfort: 6 Essential Tips for a Restful Night's Sleep

Murphy beds, or hidden wall beds, are often hailed as the ultimate space-saving solution for small apartments and multi-functional rooms. However, beneath their clever engineering and sleek design, a common question lingers: Are Murphy beds comfortable?

Some might worry that these beds sacrifice comfort for compactness, wondering if a bed that folds away into a wall could ever offer the same restful experience as a traditional bed.

In this article, we'll dispel these misconceptions by exploring how Murphy beds can indeed match—and sometimes exceed—the comfort of regular beds.

From selecting the perfect mattress to ensuring proper installation, we'll provide ways to boost your Murphy bed comfort and turn any room into a dreamy retreat.

1. Select The Right Mattress

The key to any bed's comfort is the mattress. When choosing a Murphy bed mattress, consider the mattress thickness and material. Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses are popular choices as they provide excellent support and adapt to your body's shape.

Keep in mind that not all Murphy beds accommodate every mattress type; most require specific Murphy beds mattresses designed for folding. Aim for a comfortable mattress that doesn't exceed the recommended thickness to ensure it can be easily tucked away when not in use.

2. Invest In A High-Quality Bed Frame

The durability and stability of your Murphy bed largely depend on the bed frame. High-quality frames are integral to Murphy bed designs, enhancing the bed's safety and comfort. Ensuring your frame is robust means less squeaking and shifting at night, letting you sleep undisturbed.

Materials Are Key

Choosing the right materials for your Murphy bed frame can significantly impact its performance and durability. Here are some examples of high-quality materials used in Murphy bed frames:

• Solid Wood: One of the most popular choices for Murphy bed frames, solid wood is known for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Woods like oak, maple, and cherry are commonly used and offer excellent stability and weight capacity, reducing the risk of warping or bending over time.
• Plywood: An economical alternative to solid wood, high-grade plywood offers good durability and support while being lighter in weight. Plywood frames can be easier to install, which is beneficial for a folding bed that is regularly lifted or moved.
• Metal: Steel or aluminium frames provide exceptional strength and durability. Metal frames are often equipped with advanced mechanisms like spring-loaded or hydraulic lifts that enhance the Murphy bed's ease of use and safety. These materials are less likely to deform and can handle significant weight, ensuring the bed remains stable.
• Engineered Wood: For those looking for a cost-effective option without compromising too much on quality, engineered woods like MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) or particle board offer reasonable strength and stability. They are typically covered with laminate or veneer to improve aesthetics and resistance to moisture and wear.

Craftsmanship And Features

The construction of the frame also plays a critical role. Look for frames incorporating reinforced corners and robust mounting systems that securely anchor the bed to the wall.

Quality craftsmanship is evident in seamless edges, smooth finishes, and precise fittings that eliminate gaps and potential pinch points.

Additionally, some high-end Murphy bed frames come with adjustable bases that allow you to change the angle of the mattress, enhancing comfort for reading or watching TV in bed.

Integrated storage options like shelves or cabinets utilise the available space when the bed is folded up and add to the bed's stability and functionality.

 

3. Use Proper Bedding

Like any standard bed, the bedding you choose plays a crucial role in your comfort. The right pillows, sheets, and comforters add to your comfort and make it easy to store bedding when the bed is folded up.

Consider how easily bedding can be removed and stored, as many Murphy beds feature integrated storage solutions.

The material of your bedding is also paramount in providing comfort. For optimal results, opt for high-quality, breathable fabrics that suit your living space and climate:

• Cotton: With its breathability and softness, cotton sheets help regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Look for high thread counts for extra luxury and comfort.
• Bamboo: Known for its eco-friendly properties and soft texture, bamboo fabric is extremely breathable and has excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, making it ideal for hot sleepers.
• Linen: Highly durable and naturally breathable, linen is an excellent choice for warmer climates. It becomes softer with each wash and offers a unique, crisp feel that many find incredibly comfortable.
• Microfibre: For those in cooler climates, microfibre can be an excellent choice due to its warmth and softness. It's also hypoallergenic, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.

4. Ensure Correct Installation

Proper installation ensures that your Murphy beds are safe and comfortable. Whether you have a queen-, king-size, or single-super single Murphy bed, it must be correctly and securely installed. Here are some essential tips and considerations to ensure your Murphy bed installation goes smoothly:

Choose The Right Location

Before installation, carefully choose the location for your wall bed. Ensure the wall selected is structurally sound and free of internal wiring or plumbing that could be damaged. The area should also provide enough space for the bed to be fully lowered and for easy access and movement around the bed when it is in use.

Secure Mounting

A securely mounted frame is fundamental to the safety of your Murphy bed. The bed should be anchored firmly to wall studs, not just the drywall. This is crucial for supporting the weight of the bed and mattress, particularly when using larger sizes like king or queen beds. Use appropriate mounting hardware designed for your bed's specific weight and size, and ensure that all connections are tightened properly.

Utilise Safety Features And Mechanisms

Modern Murphy beds come equipped with various safety features and mechanisms to enhance user safety and ease of operation. These might include:

• Spring-loaded mechanisms: These help balance the bed's weight, making it easier and safer to lower and lift the bed. Properly installing these mechanisms is vital to prevent the bed from snapping up or falling unexpectedly.
• Locking mechanisms: Many Murphy beds feature locks that secure the bed upright when unused. Ensuring these are correctly installed and functional can prevent the bed from inadvertently being lowered.
• Safety straps or brackets: Safety straps or brackets can be installed to prevent the mattress from shifting when the bed is folded up. These keep the mattress securely in place, ensuring an even sleeping surface and reducing wear on the bed and mattress.

Professional Installation Recommended

Hire a professional to ensure your Murphy bed is installed correctly the first time. Aside from installing the bed securely and safely, a professional can also help address any potential issues with the chosen location or wall structure that might affect the bed's safety and function.

 

5. Regular Maintenance And Adjustments

Maintaining your Murphy bed is essential for long-term comfort and functionality. Regularly tighten the bolts and hinges as they tend to loosen over time. Ensure the folding mechanism operates smoothly to prevent unexpected disruptions to your sleep. Adjustments might be needed over time, especially if you start noticing discomfort or changes in the bed's stability.

 

6. Create An Ergonomic Sleeping Environment

The overall bedroom environment affects how comfortably you sleep at night. Arrange your furniture to maximise valuable floor space, ensuring enough extra space around the Murphy bed for easy access and airflow.

Good lighting and minimal noise can also enhance the sleep environment, turning your guest room or studio into a cosy haven.

 

Conclusion Comfortable Murphy Beds

Modern Murphy beds are designed to save space without sacrificing comfort. By choosing the right Murphy bed and ensuring it is well-maintained, you can enjoy functionality and comfort, making the most of your available space.

Whether for your guest room or a small apartment, Reroom's expertise in custom carpentry in Singapore ensures the perfect Murphy bed to transform your living space into a versatile and cosy area. Contact us today to learn more!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Comfortable Murphy Beds

Can A Murphy Bed Handle Daily Use, Or Is It Better Suited For Guest Use?

Many Murphy beds are designed for daily use with durable mechanisms and robust frames. Proper installation and regular maintenance are the keys to using a Murphy bed daily without issues. However, they are also excellent as guest beds due to their space-saving features when not in use.

Are Murphy Beds Safe For Children And Elderly Individuals?

Murphy beds are generally safe for all age groups when installed correctly and equipped with reliable safety mechanisms , such as locks to prevent unexpected falls. It's important to educate all users on the proper operation, especially children, to ensure safety.

What Should I Do If My Murphy Bed Starts Squeaking Or Becomes Difficult To Operate?

If your Murphy bed begins to squeak or is tough to operate, try tightening the bolts and screws. Lubricate springs, hinges, and other moving parts. If problems persist, consult the manufacturer for assistance with any mechanical issues.

How Does A Murphy Bed Compare To A Pull-Out Couch Regarding Comfort And Functionality?

A Murphy bed generally offers better sleep quality than a pull-out couch because it uses a real mattress and has a stable bed frame, making it more comfortable for regular use. Pull-out couches, while practical for occasional guests, typically have thinner mattresses and less support.

Murphy beds also save more space, as they can be completely folded into the wall, freeing up the floor area when not in use.

Do Murphy beds provide adequate support for different body types?

Yes, Murphy beds can adequately support different body types, especially when paired with the right mattress. Many modern Murphy beds feature sturdy frames and support systems that accommodate various weight distributions. Choosing a mattress that suits your body type, such as memory foam or hybrid can significantly enhance comfort.