Generally, Murphy beds don’t pose much harm. Look for features such as locks and a well-built bed frame before splurging your hard-earned cash on a space-saving bed.
The Short Verdict: Are Murphy Beds Safe?
Yes, modern Murphy beds are safe and reliable for daily use. However, their safety depends entirely on proper installation. They must be properly anchored to wall studs. Most safety concerns, such as tipping or collapsing, stem from improper installation or the use of cheaper materials rather than from a flaw in the Murphy bed design itself.
Quick Safety Checklist:
- Secure anchoring: Must be bolted to wall studs.
- Locking mechanisms: Look for safety locks that prevent accidental closing or wobbling.
- Quality materials: Choose solid wood or furniture-grade plywood over particle board.
- Weight limits: Always stay within the manufacturer’s specified capacity.
- Routine maintenance: Periodically check for loose screws or hardware wear.
Modern Murphy beds, like those from Lori Beds, use top-notch materials and easy operation to keep you safe every night you sleep.
Let’s debunk myths about Murphy beds’ safety, address concerns, and explore what makes them secure in this guide.
Key Takeaways:
- Murphy beds are generally safe as long as they’re mounted well on the wall.
- Some safety concerns with using Murphy beds include sudden closing, snapping of mechanical parts, and injuries to children and pets.
- It’s rare for Murphy beds themselves to cause injuries if they have no defects.
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AT A GLANCE:
The Short Verdict: Are Murphy Beds Safe?
Quick Safety Checklist:
Are Murphy Beds Dangerous? Common Concerns Addressed
What Makes a Murphy Bed Safe? Key Safety Features to Look For
Murphy Beds' Safety for Kids, the Elderly, and Pets
Murphy Bed Safety Tips (Installation + Daily Use)
Why Lori Beds Are a Safe Murphy Bed Brand
Common Questions About Murphy Bed Safety
Lori Beds: Murphy Beds That Put Safety First
Are Murphy Beds Dangerous? Addressing Common Concerns
If, at one point in time, you typed “Are Murphy beds dangerous?” into any search engine, we get you. There have been stories about a Murphy bed mishap or a Murphy bed kill, igniting anxiety and fear of the pull-down beds being safe.
The truth is that Murphy bed-related injuries are rare. If there are injuries and deaths, it can be due to a defective Murphy bed, poor maintenance, the absence of safety features, or improper installation.
Let’s talk about the most common concerns about using Murphy wall beds:
Will The Bed Close Unexpectedly While Being Used?
No. You may worry that the Murphy bed might retract back into the wall while you’re sleeping. This fear may be due to older or poorly made models. Most Murphy beds today are made to stay in place.
Can Murphy Beds Tip or Collapse?
It’s valid to worry about the bed tipping over since it's attached to the wall. It can happen when Murphy beds aren’t securely installed. You’ll get a safe Murphy bed with professional installation.
Are Murphy Beds Safe for Kids/Pets?
Small children and pets may run near or around the Murphy bed like it’s their happy place. The good thing is that Murphy beds are designed for adult use and have clear guidelines for safe use. Your responsibility is to keep your kids and pets away from a partially or closed Murphy bed to prevent injuries.
Lori Beds can reduce the chance of freak accidents involving these wall beds and young family members with its carefully sourced materials and well-thought-out design.
Do Murphy beds damage walls in Rented Spaces?
Tenants are often afraid of damaging the walls in the small room they’re renting. However, a properly installed Lori Bed is designed to minimize structural impact while ensuring optimal safety.
Unlike older wall beds that might require floor drilling or the removal of baseboards, the Lori Bed mounts using a specialized rear plate secured in only three spots. This means the footprint on your studio apartment walls is minimal—typically just three small holes that are easily patched and painted when you move out.
What Makes a Murphy Bed Safe? Key Safety Features to Look For
William Lawrence Murphy invented the Murphy bed in the early 1900s as a solution to his one-room San Francisco apartment and his need to entertain guests without showing his bed. Murphy lifted the bed and hid it in the wall, paving the way for a practical and space-saving piece of furniture.
Fast-forward to today. Murphy beds are now added to small homes for more efficient living. Custom Murphy bed designs can be made to suit your needs, but they can still save floor space in guest bedrooms.
However, not all Murphy beds are made the same way. If you want to buy modern Murphy beds to make the most of your room’s square footage, safety should be your utmost priority. Look for these key features in a Murphy bed:
- Strong, Stable Frame Design
Your bed frame carries the most weight when you start using the bed. You should look for a Murphy bed made of high-quality materials, like solid wood, so it lasts longer.
If your bed is made of cheaper materials, it can be prone to weakening and splintering over time. It can also degrade under weight, pressure, and humidity, risking your health.
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Wall Mounting
If you want to avoid damaging your room's walls, make sure your Murphy bed has easy-to-follow installation instructions.
- Locking Systems and Open Position Stability
Get a Murphy bed with safety locks or locking legs to keep it in place when you lie on it. They prevent the bed from wobbling and becoming unstable, which can lead to injuries.
Save big. Sleep well.
Murphy Beds' Safety for Kids, the Elderly, and Pets
The short answer is yes. Murphy beds are safe for your kids, older family members, and your beloved pets. These are some safety precautions you need to put in place:
- For Children: Tell your kids not to climb on a closed Murphy bed when it’s in an upright position.
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For the Elderly: Lori Beds are accessible since they can be operated manually. If needed, help them out when they lower or retract the bed so they can get a restful night’s sleep.
- For Pets: Keep Murphy beds away from high-traffic areas. Lori Beds’ gentle open/close design may have no snap-back, and your pet could get injured if the bed falls on them.
Proper installation and usage can make Murphy beds ideal for a small studio apartment or room. They’re also safe, like your traditional bed.
Murphy Bed Safety Tips (Installation + Daily Use)
Follow these tips when you install a Murphy bed in your guest bedroom or near at-home work equipment:
1. Stick to Installation Instructions
Every Murphy bed model has its own instructions. With Lori Beds, you'll get a beginner-friendly and tool-light assembly guide. Follow the steps in the manual for safe usage.
2. Get Help
The Murphy bed is huge and heavy. Don’t install it alone—get the help of someone who knows proper alignment.
3. Inspect the Bed
Check the Murphy bed for any signs of wear and tear. See if the frames or wall mounts are secure, and tighten loose screws when you see them.
4. Avoid Overloading
A queen bed should support the weight of a standard mattress. Don’t put boxes, bedding, and heavy items on the bed to reduce strain and prevent possible collapse.
5. Educate the People You Live With
Teach everyone how to open and close the Murphy bed and the dangers that an improperly installed Murphy bed can bring. Tell the younger kids that the bed isn’t a playground.
Why Lori Beds Are a Safe Murphy Bed Brand
Many Murphy beds today may still have outdated mechanisms. Lori Beds is a game-changer by creating a safe, simple, and solid design.
These reasons make the Lori Bed safe to use:
- High Weight Capacity: The bed can support up to 1,800 lbs of distributed weight on the mattress platform, accommodating individuals or couples of various sizes.
- Premium Materials: Crafted from high-quality, cabinet-grade plywood core with a high-durability textured woodgrain face (HPL) and powder-coated steel, the Lori Bed is built for long-lasting reliability and strength.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Each Lori Bed is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that your bed is built to withstand daily use for many years to come.
Lori Beds are the safe and reliable choice over traditional Murphy beds for anyone who wants to save space and keep their peace of mind.
Common Questions About Murphy Bed Safety
Can a Murphy bed fall down or trap someone in it?
This can only happen when the bed isn’t installed properly. Lori Beds are well-balanced, so they stay secure and won’t trap anyone in a snap.
Do Murphy beds damage walls or floors?
They can, if not properly anchored.
Are Murphy beds safe for toddlers?
Yes, Murphy beds are safe for households with toddlers, provided the bed is kept in the upright position and securely locked when not in use. Children should never play on or around the bed frame, and adult supervision is required during opening and closing to prevent accidents.
Are Murphy beds safe in apartments/rentals?
Yes. Many renters worry about damaging walls, which is why Lori Beds offers models designed to be properly anchored with minimal impact. Because our design is focused on optimizing space, it’s a favorite for studio apartment dwellers. Our hardware is designed for straightforward installation and removal, ensuring you can save space without losing your move-out DIY credentials.
Do Murphy beds need to be bolted to studs?
Yes. To ensure optimal safety and prevent tipping, most wall beds, including the Lori Bed, must be securely bolted to wall studs. This provides the necessary peace of mind that the unit will remain stable during daily use. Our beginner-friendly assembly guide walks you through finding your studs and ensuring proper alignment for a rock-solid fit.
Are Murphy beds safe for everyday sleeping?
Yes! Lori Beds are built for everyday use without sacrificing the space you have at home.
Lori Beds: Murphy Beds That Put Safety First
If you are looking to optimize your living space, you’ve likely considered a Murphy bed. But a common question lingers: Are Murphy beds safe, or are they a hazard waiting to happen? While old movies often portrayed pull-down beds as slapstick traps, modern Murphy beds are engineered with advanced safety features that make them as secure as traditional beds. When properly installed and maintained, these wall beds offer incredible space-saving benefits without compromising your security.
Lori Beds exemplifies what modern Murphy beds should be: sturdy, stylish, and engineered for everyday life. Ready to reclaim your square footage with peace of mind? Choose a Murphy bed that blends form, function, and family-safe design.
Buy your bed today!
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