What Is A Murphy Bed? 8 Must-Read Facts
In our modern world, where optimising space is a priority, the concept of space-saving furniture has gained significant traction. The Murphy bed is one standout piece in this category, known for its functional yet stylish appeal.
But thanks to its unconventional name, some people might ask, “What is a Murphy Bed?” This article delves deep into what a Murphy bed is, its historical roots, and essential considerations before purchasing one.
1. It Is A Bed That Can Be Folded
A Murphy bed, often called a cabinet bed or wall bed, is a hinged bed that can be folded vertically or horizontally against a wall or inside a specially designed cabinet. This unique feature allows homeowners to free up valuable floor space in a room when the bed is not in use.
The origin of the Murphy bed dates back to the early 20th century. It is named after its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy who needed a creative way to get more space in his tiny apartment. Over the years, Murphy beds have seen numerous design evolutions, making them more efficient and appealing.
2. You Need To Consider Several Factors Before Buying A Murphy Bed
As with any piece of furniture, there are a few things that you need to consider before making the purchase. You will need to check a few things if the Murphy bed is even the right choice to make, such as:
Space And Layout
While Murphy beds are great space savers, measuring your room accurately is essential. Decide whether a horizontal Murphy bed or a vertical Murphy bed would best fit your space.
Horizontal Murphy beds might be more suitable for rooms with a lower ceiling. In contrast, vertical Murphy beds are often ideal for narrower rooms.
Bed Size
Murphy beds come in various sizes, from the compact twin size to the spacious king size. Determine what size is most suitable for your needs.
Would a queen size bed be ample, or do you need the expanse of a king size? Always keep the room's dimensions in mind when making this decision.
Mattress Considerations
While some Murphy beds come with a mattress, others don't. It's crucial to check the thickness and weight compatibility. A too-thick or heavy mattress might interfere with the bed's folding mechanism.
Cabinet And Design
The Murphy bed's cabinet or enclosure plays a significant role in aesthetics. Ensure the design, colour, and finish complement your room's decor. Some modern Murphy beds also come with added shelving or storage options, which can be a bonus.
Usage Frequency
Consider how often you'll use the Murphy bed. If it will be an everyday bed, invest in a high-quality model that can withstand frequent folding and unfolding.
3. There Are Different Styles To Choose From
Thanks to modern designers, there are a few styles of Murphy beds to choose from. This adds to the versatility of the Murphy bed as it can work for multiple spaces.
Vertical Murphy Beds: Traditional and most common, vertical Murphy beds pull down from the wall lengthwise. They are perfect for rooms with a higher ceiling. When looking at king-size or queen mattresses, an upright orientation is often the choice for many. This ensures adequate space when teh Murphy bed is brought down, and clean when folded back up.
Horizontal Murphy Beds: As the name suggests, Horizontal Murphy beds extend horizontally from the wall. These are particularly suitable for rooms with limited height but wider wall space. They are a great fit for spaces where a vertical pull-down bed might obstruct windows or other fixtures.
Cabinet Beds: A more contemporary take on the Murphy bed concept, Murphy bed cabinets hide the mattress within a stylish cabinet. When not in use, the bed neatly folds away, and the cabinet can serve as a functional piece of furniture, adding aesthetic value to the room.
4. Murphy Beds Offer Many Functionalities
Murphy beds are designed with a focus on space optimisation. Here's how they give you a bang for your buck:
Space-Saving Design: The primary feature that distinguishes a Murphy bed is its ability to fold up against the wall or be tucked inside a custom cabinet. This unique design frees up significant room space, allowing homeowners to utilise it for other activities during the day.
Unique Mechanics: Murphy beds are equipped with specialised mechanisms that ensure they can be easily folded and unfolded. Whether used in a king-size or queen bed, these mechanics make it a space-saving solution, especially ideal for homes with limited square footage.
5. There Are Several Benefits To Having A Murphy Bed
Getting a Murphy bed has lots of benefits for your home. They not only give you a space for a good night's rest, they will also allow you to use that same space for other functions!
Maximisation of Room Space: The Murphy bed effectively maximises available room space. Whether folded as a wall feature or hidden within a cabinet, the bed ensures that every square foot is used effectively.
Versatility: One of the standout features of Murphy beds is their versatility. When folded, the space can transform into a home office, a play area, or workout zone. The possibilities are limited only by imagination.
Modern Designs: Murphy beds have evolved, and contemporary designs now cater to many home interiors. From sleek and minimalistic to ornate and classic, a Murphy bed design can seamlessly blend with any decor.
6. There Are Many Standard Murphy Bed Sizes To Choose From
There are a lot of Murphy beds sizes available on the market as they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Recognising the diverse needs of homeowners, these beds come in an assortment of sizes to cater to various room dimensions and user requirements.
Twin Size: Ideal for single users or spaces that serve multiple functions. A twin Murphy bed is compact and easily integrated into smaller rooms, ensuring the space is utilised efficiently.
Full Size: A full size bed is usually about 16 inches wider than the twin size. This makes it suitable for single adults who desire a bit more sprawling space or even for couples in tighter living spaces.
Queen Size: Among the most popular sizes, queen Murphy beds cater to couples or individuals prioritising comfort and space. When folded up, the bed clears up significant room space, and when in use, it provides ample mattress area for restful sleep.
7. A Murphy Bed Can Be Customised Endlessly
One of the standout features of Murphy beds is the vast realm of customisation they offer. These aren't merely foldable beds. tThey are statements of style and can be tailored to reflect personal aesthetics and room themes.
Materials and Finishes: Whether one prefers a polished wooden look, a sleek metal finish, or a blend of both, the choices are plentiful. The bed's frame and cabinet can be chosen to match or contrast with the room's existing decor.
Additional Features: Some Murphy beds come integrated with storage options like shelving or drawers. Choosing a design incorporating storage can be a game-changer for those who wish to further optimise their room space. You’re using one space for both sleeping and storage!
Mattress Considerations: While the bed's frame and style are crucial, one must not forget the importance of the mattress. Sometimes, Murphy beds ruin mattresses because they are stored vertically. The mattress can sometimes bunch up. That's why foam mattresses are preferred for a Murphy bed.
Reroom offers an easy way to customise your Murphy beds with the drag and drop design tool. The tool allows you to add modular cabinets whichever way you want, and incorporate it to your Murphy bed, as well as the final laminate colour. You can be your own designer, and maximise your space the way you want it!
8. Be Mindful Of Safety Considerations With Murphy Beds
A Murphy bed has endless benefits, but ensuring safety when using it is non-negotiable:
Proper Installation: A fundamental step is ensuring the Murphy bed is securely fastened to the wall. This precautionary measure ensures the bed remains stable, mitigating toppling or unintended movement risks. If you encounter problems with the installation, you must check with the manufacturer on how to troubleshoot.
Operational Safety: Adhering to user guidelines and familiarising oneself with the bed's operating mechanism is vital. Taking a moment to understand the bed's function can go a long way in preventing potential mishaps.
Regular Maintenance: A Murphy bed makes use of moving parts, and will need checking.
Regular maintenance will ensure that your bed will last longer. For some quick maintenance tips, try the following:
- Regular Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts of the bed mechanism every six months to ensure smooth operation.
- Check and Tighten Bolts: Periodically inspect and tighten any loose bolts or screws to ensure the bed’s stability and safety.
- Keep Mechanisms Clean: Dust and debris can accumulate on the bed's moving parts. Regularly clean these areas to prevent wear and tear.
- Properly Secure When Upright: Always ensure that the bed is securely locked in the upright position to prevent accidental lowering.
- Avoid Overloading: Adhere to the manufacturer’s weight limit recommendations to prevent damage to the bed and its mechanisms.
Conclusion On What Is A Murphy Bed
Murphy beds are the perfect blend of design innovation and floor space optimisation. Whether you're leaning towards a horizontal or vertical Murphy bed, the transformational power of this furniture piece remains undeniable. With considerations in size, mattress compatibility, and safety, homeowners can truly elevate their living spaces, making every inch count.
Engaging with specialists can offer clarity for those thinking of a home renovation or simply aiming to bring a fresh perspective to their spaces. Consult our team at Reroom, where the collection of amazing furniture shows expertise meeting passion, ensuring your home transformation vision is realised impeccably.
Schedule a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions About What Is A Murphy Bed
Is It Difficult To Fold And Unfold A Murphy Bed Daily?
No, modern Murphy beds are designed for ease of use, often equipped with counterbalanced mechanisms that make folding and unfolding smooth and relatively effortless.
Can I Install A Murphy Bed On Any Wall?
It's crucial to install the Murphy bed on a structurally sound wall. Consultation with a professional is recommended to ensure safety and optimal functionality.
Do Murphy Beds Come With Built-In Storage Options?
Yes, many Murphy bed designs incorporate storage solutions like shelves, drawers, or cabinets, maximising the utility of the space.
Is There A Weight Limit For Murphy Bed Mattresses?
Yes, each Murphy bed frame has a specific weight limit for the mattress, which should be adhered to for safety and optimal function. It's best to check with the manufacturer or retailer for specific weight guidelines.
How Long Does A Murphy Bed Last?
With proper care and maintenance, Murphy beds can last as long as traditional beds. The lifespan often depends on the quality and frequency of materials used.
