A Murphy bed in 1923. (Credit: Wurts Brothers/Museum of the City of New York)
Google the term "Murphy bed," and among the top suggested related searches that pop up is, "Are Murphy beds dangerous?" In short, yes. A Murphy bed could kill you in a freak accident. If not secured and used correctly, there have been incidents of Murphy bed-related injuries and deaths.
Key Takeaways:
- Buy from a reputable brand like Lori Beds
- Avoid models with overcomplicated spring mechanisms
- Make safety features non-negotiable
- Follow all instructions carefully
Skip the risks. Choose a Murphy bed that’s as safe as it is space-saving.
Can a Murphy Bed Kill You?
Now we know the answer to that question is yes. But it's not likely.
Truthfully, the cases are few and far between. In 1982, the woeful tale of an intoxicated man being suffocated inside a closed Murphy bed made headlines. Two women were entrapped and suffocated by an improperly installed Murphy bed in 2005. And more recently, in 2014, a Staten Island man's death was allegedly caused by a defective Murphy bed.
(Learn more about wall bed safety in this handy guide to installing a Murphy bed!)
But as The New York Times Magazine writer Jody Rosen so elegantly stated in a 2018 piece about these freak accidents, "It was hardly an epidemic. Statistically speaking, you were probably as likely to die by tripping over an ottoman or walking under a falling piano."
Still, as Rosen noted, "there were enough of these mishaps to seize the imagination, fixing in popular consciousness the image of a bed that could snap you up in its jaws as you slept."
The Origins of the Murphy Bed
Murphy beds have been used as comic props in movies and television shows almost since their invention. According to Smithsonian Mag, William Lawrence Murphy came up with the idea for the tuck-away bed around 1900 in San Francisco.
As the legend goes, a love interest prompted the invention of the wall bed. Murphy was taken by a young opera singer. However, it was considered deeply immodest to invite her to enter a gentleman's bedroom. The wall bed allowed Murphy to stow his bed in his closet, hence transforming his one-room apartment from a bedroom into a parlor where the young singer could enter. Murphy originally called his invention "The Disappearing Bed," but it ultimately became known by his moniker.
(The likelihood of a freak accident is very slim. Truthfully, there are many benefits to installing a Murphy bed, and we cover them here)
Safety isn’t optional. Pick a Murphy bed that protects.
Murphy Bed Safety Risks and How to Avoid Them
Murphy beds are generally safe. But like any large, functional piece of furniture, safety depends on proper installation, regular maintenance, and responsible use. While modern designs include safety features to prevent accidents, potential hazards can still occur if the bed is installed incorrectly or misused.
Here’s what you need to know:
Potential Hazards to Be Aware Of
While modern Murphy beds are not inherently dangerous, here are some scenarios where safety can become an issue:
- Improper Installation: If not mounted securely to wall studs or placed in an inadequate wall space, the bed could tip forward or collapse. Always ensure proper support and clearance.
- Malfunctioning Mechanisms: Faulty pistons or locks may fail, causing the bed to close unexpectedly and potentially impact the surrounding floor space.
- Misuse: Using the bed beyond its intended limits—like overloading it or using it roughly—can compromise its structure.
- Child Entrapment: Children have occasionally been injured by becoming trapped between the bed and wall or underneath during improper use.
Safety Features and Considerations
Weight Limits
Stick to the weight limits provided by the manufacturer for both the mattress and any additional load. Exceeding the limit can compromise both hardware and frame.
Proper Installation
This is the most important safety factor. For safety, always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions. A professional should ideally install your Murphy bed to ensure it is securely mounted to the wall. Improper installation can lead to detachment and a serious fall risk.
Routine Maintenance
It’s important to periodically inspect the bed’s bolts, hinges, and safety systems. If anything feels loose, worn, or off-balance, it should be addressed immediately.
Secure Locking Mechanisms
Most high-quality Murphy beds now have built-in locking systems to prevent them from collapsing unexpectedly. These should be inspected regularly to ensure they’re working as intended.
Childproofing
If you have young children, take extra steps to keep them from playing on or around the bed. Even if a bed is secure, curious kids might try to pull it down or climb behind it.
Does a Murphy need to be mounted to the wall? Find out here.
If you're unsure about the setup or safety of your Murphy bed, consult your manufacturer’s instructions or reach out to a professional installer.
Murphy Beds and Freak Accidents in Pop Culture
One of the first—and perhaps most famous—instances of a Murphy bed appearing in pop culture was Charlie Chaplin's "One A.M." The 1916 film depicts a five-minute-long struggle between Chaplin and the Murphy bed. It ends with both parties worse for the wear and Chaplin resigning himself to sleep in the bathtub. Throughout the decades, Murphy beds have similarly been used in the media to incite laughter, often by causing injury or frustration. This could explain why people often associate Murphy beds with some sort of freak accident.
Say goodbye to bulky furniture and safety worries. Find your perfect Murphy bed today.
Murphy Beds aren't the Most Likely Cause of a Freak Accident at Home
Like any household product or appliance misused, it can result in injury. But as Rosen pointed out, death by Murphy bed is extremely unlikely. Frayed cords, poor maintenance, and proximity to water all contribute to seemingly safe household appliances becoming dangerous.
Here are a few of the most common household hazards statistically more likely to cause a freak accident than a Murphy bed mishap.
Lint in dryers
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failing to remove lint from a dryer causes roughly 2,900 fires a year. Those fires result in 100 injuries and five deaths annually.
Extension cords
Extension cords spark more than 3,000 residential fires annually. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this results in an estimated 50 deaths a year.
Space heaters
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission attributes more than 25,000 residential fires annually to space heaters. These fires result in more than 300 deaths, according to the organization. Additionally, roughly 6,000 people are sent to the emergency room each year for burn injuries from contacting hot surfaces on a space heater.
Ceiling fans (a surprising cause of freak accidents!)
Who knew something as unassuming as a ceiling fan could be so dangerous? Nearly 20,000 people are injured from ceiling fans falling due to improper mounting annually. In 2020, Lowes recalled thousands of ceiling fans for the risk of blades flying off and causing injury.
Mandolins
Mandolins are used to cut produce into thin slices. But unfortunately, they often result in the user slicing their fingers.
According to Cooking Light, they are no more dangerous than a chef knife. However, a mandolin requires concentration with deliberate motions to avoid injuring yourself. The article states that most mandolins come with lots of attachments and safety guards, which are usually intimidating and cumbersome.
Treadmills
Using at-home workout equipment can be dangerous, especially if you're alone and using heavy weights. Treadmills are also hazardous. According to a Men's Journal article, "30 cases of treadmill-associated deaths in the U.S. have been reported in the ten years between 2003 and 2012, averaging out to about three deaths per year."
Candles
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are as many as 23 fire-related injuries and deaths attributed to candles every day. The most common causes are leaving candles unattended or the presence of combustible material being too close to the candle flame.
To answer the question, "Can a Murphy bed kill you?" The factual answer is yes. But it's highly unlikely and no more dangerous than any other household appliance or product. Statistically speaking, the average treadmill is far more dangerous (and requires far more effort to use) than a Murphy bed.
Are Murphy beds safe?
Yes, Murphy beds are safe when properly installed and maintained. These beds incorporate safety features such as counterbalance mechanisms, pistons, and secure locking systems to ensure stability and prevent accidental lowering. For optimal safety, always adhere to manufacturer instructions for installation, use, and weight limits. Regular inspections and routine maintenance will help keep your Murphy bed secure and functional.
Choosing the right Murphy bed size isn't just about space—it's also about safety and functionality. Our Murphy Bed Size Guide covers how dimensions affect fit and usage in compact rooms.
The research is clear: According to Go Downsize, "When used properly, Murphy beds are not dangerous. They will not tilt up against the wall when you are on top of the bed. When the frame is mounted properly on the wall, it will not fall down on you either."
Lori Beds is a great example of a Murphy bed that prioritizes safety without sacrificing design. Unlike other traditional models, Lori Beds uses a simple, sturdy design with double gas pistons and fewer mechanical parts—reducing the risk of malfunction. Installation is a two-person job, and once mounted correctly, the bed remains reliably in place.
Looking for a safer, smarter sleep solution? Buy your Murphy bed from Lori Beds and experience space-saving comfort built to last.
Did you learn a lot from "Are Murphy Beds Dangerous?" Here are three more posts to read next:
This post was first published in 2020. We updated it in 2025 just for you.
