How Does A Murphy Bed Work?

A Murphy bed works with a hinge and counterbalance system that lets it move vertically into a wall or cabinet. Springs or pistons manage the weight, while coil-free designs like Lori Beds are still easy to lift, lower, and secure.

A Murphy bed is a clever piece of furniture that allows rooms to serve multiple purposes. Many people recognize the wall bed for its unique fold-up lifting system that allows it to seamlessly become flush with a wall when it's not in use. Once the bed is folded up, you have valuable floor space to go about your day.

But how does a Murphy bed work? There are two systems to consider: The traditional metal spring or piston systems and the modern Lori Bed double chamber gas piston mechanism.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Murphy beds used heavy spring or piston systems that were effective but bulky, costly, and sometimes unsafe. Modern versions have improved the mechanism but still rely on similar hardware.
• The YouLift Bed eliminates the need for springs and pistons, making it simpler, cost-effective, and easier to operate with manual lifting. This design also eliminates one of the biggest cost drivers.
• Today’s Murphy beds come in many styles and orientations, with options for real-wood finishes and custom upgrades. They blend high function with high design for any space.

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AT A GLANCE
The Early Design
A Modern Design
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Murphy Bed
Murphy Bed Mechanisms Explained (Springs vs Pistons)
Why Lori Beds Are Different

The Early Design

William Lawrence Murphy used a metal spring method when he first came up with the idea for the fold-out bed around 1900 in San Francisco. Murphy created the wall bed to disguise his mattress within a closet in the confines of his small studio apartment.

Early designs used springs or pistons to lift and lower the frame. The metal mechanisms were primitive, clunky, and sometimes dangerous, but the system achieved the goal of allowing a mattress to fold up into a cutout space in the wall or cabinet with a hinge.

The majority of wall beds on the market today still rely on this often-costly metal spring system; however, the technology has improved over the century.

A Modern Design 

Unlike its counterparts on the market, the Lori Bed’s design allows for high quality at an economical price point without cumbersome metal springs or pistons. The inventor of the bed, Lori Moore, found that designing out the metal lifting mechanism eliminates one of the biggest costs.

Instead of using the force of springs or pistons, the YouLift Bed can be lifted and lowered by hand, utilizing the strength of both you and your lifting partner. And as a result of this new design, the company was able to pass those savings on to the customer. This makes modern Murphy beds different from their first versions.

Some things haven’t changed. Even back then, many Murphy beds didn’t require a box spring, and most still don’t. The mattress rests on a platform and is secured by elastic straps or a metal bar to prevent sagging when it's in the closed position. Not having to purchase a box spring is another cost-saving advantage of this hidden bed.

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Step-by-Step: How to Use a Murphy Bed

Using a Murphy bed is simple and safe once you understand how it works. Following these steps carefully ensures smooth operation and prevents damage to the bed or injury:

1. Unlock and Pull the Bed Down – Start by releasing the safety latch, handle, or locking mechanism that keeps the bed secured in its upright position.
2. Lower the Frame Gently – Slowly pull the bed down from the wall or cabinet. Traditional Murphy beds use springs or pistons to counterbalance the mattress weight, while mechanism-free designs like the YouLift Bed rely on manual lifting with a partner. Move steadily and avoid sudden drops to maintain control.
3. Lock in Place for Sleeping – Once the bed reaches the floor, make sure the support legs are fully extended and securely locked. Check that the bed sits flat and stable, providing a safe and comfortable sleeping surface.
4. Fold Up to Store – When you’re ready to free up space, tuck the bed back into its upright position. Lift evenly with the mechanism or manually, keeping control at all times. Ensure the latch or handle locks into place to secure the bed safely against the wall or cabinet.

Curious to see it in action? Check out this video to watch the Lori Bed glide effortlessly into place with a simple pull and lift—proof that space-saving can be both sleek and safe!

Murphy Bed Mechanisms Explained (Springs vs. Pistons)

There are two main types of traditional Murphy bed mechanisms:

• Spring Mechanisms: Use metal springs to counterbalance the bed’s weight. Springs are adjustable but can be bulky.
• Piston Mechanisms: Use gas pistons for smoother, quieter operation and longer lifespan, but involve hardware maintenance.

The Lori Beds’ Unique Design:

Lori Beds feature a smooth double-chamber gas-piston system for effortless lifting and controlled lowering, a rock-solid wall-mounting setup, and a built-in locking mechanism to keep everything safe and secure.

Installation:

Murphy beds can be wall-mounted or freestanding, depending on the design. Wall-mounted models attach securely to studs for stability, while freestanding options sit on cabinet bases and require minimal installation, making setup simple and flexible.

Why Lori Beds Are Different

Today, wall beds come in a variety of sizes and in both horizontal and vertical orientations. There are Murphy bunk beds and even models that double as pull-down sofas.

Clever home design lovers often take their Murphy beds to the next level, combining high-function and high-design by adding custom upgrades, such as LED lighting or chalkboard paint, to make the wall beds that much more a part of their personal aesthetic.

One of the greatest advantages of choosing a Lori Bed, especially for those with an eye for design, is the ability to customize its look. The company has pre-finished bed frame models that tie into any color scheme beautifully to create your own version of a perfect Murphy bed.

When you buy your own Murphy bed, you can give another look at its pre-made finish to make it a worthy addition to your guest room. Before you can install it, you need to have enough wall space, measure the floor space, and follow instructions from the Murphy bed manufacturers to secure the bed’s attachment.

The makers also offer unfinished Lori’s Murphy Beds, which are crafted from 100 percent cabinet-grade poplar plywood that can be painted or stained to the color that your heart desires. 

At a glance, fold-down Murphy beds can appear complicated to maneuver, but modern technology has made them simple and easy to use. What are your burning Murphy bed questions? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming blog article.

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