The Best Murphy Bed Buying Guide: Is This Space-Saver Right for Me?

Are you trying to decide if a Murphy bed is right for you? Or which one is the best to purchase for your space? Regardless of your reasons, our Ultimate Murphy Bed Buy Guide will tell you everything you need to know. 

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What is a Murphy Bed?

Murphy beds are the ultimate space-savers. They easily tuck up against the wall when not being used and are an excellent addition to maximizing the flow and function of a room. Whether you live in a cozy studio apartment or a house, a Murphy bed helps you reclaim floor space.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Murphy Bed

Take a look at these considerations as you search for the Murphy bed of your dreams:

• Size: Determine the bed size you want. You can buy a Queen Murphy bed or a Twin bed. You have two options: vertical wall beds and horizontal wall beds. You’ll take some space with a vertical wall bed, but it’s a space-saving solution when you store the bed in an upright position.
• Installation: Pick a Murphy wall bed with easy installation and all the necessary tools. You can secure your wall mount brackets and floor mount if needed.
• Quality: Look for a Murphy bed that’s made of high-quality materials like solid wood and wood veneer. Consider the Murphy bed frame if it’s high-quality, too. High-quality Murphy beds have various styles that complement your home aesthetic.
• Additional Storage: Some Murphy beds have drawers and shelves that you can use to store your bedding.
• Budget: Choose a bed that fits your budget but still offers high-quality construction.
  
• Warranty: Check the bed to see if it has warranties that cover any damage to the bed.
• Reviews: Check the reviews of the bed to get an idea of its quality and performance before buying it.

Murphy beds are ideal for use in small living spaces. Use it to add guest rooms to your home without creating one.

History of the Murphy Bed

The Murphy bed was created around 1900 in San Francisco by William Lawrence Murphy. Legend has it that a love interest prompted him to create a bed that could be stowed seamlessly, so he placed a full-size mattress on a metal frame that he could lift and lower when not in use. 

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Why Do They Call It a Murphy Bed?

The Murphy bed got its name from the person who created it, William Lawrence Murphy. However, he technically never named it a Murphy bed himself but instead referred to it as The Disappearing Bed. Today Murphy beds are also known as wall beds.

How a Murphy Bed Works

A Murphy bed mounts to the wall and can be lifted or lowered as needed. When a Murphy bed is not in use, it will resemble shelving or a piece of furniture to complement the room. 

There are two types of Murphy beds, Vertical and Horizontal. Your twin or queen Murphy bed will open vertically or horizontally, depending on which style you select.

Murphy Bed vs a Regular Bed 

While a regular bed takes up a significant amount of space and can’t be tucked away, a Murphy bed can easily be left open or closed when not in use. Plus, Murphy beds can be just as comfortable as regular beds since you can add a variety of mattress types to them.

Murphy Bed vs a Wall Bed

The term Murphy bed is often used interchangeably with wall bed. The truth is there is a subtle difference. A traditional Murphy bed is wall or floor-mounted and uses elaborate springs and metal frames to raise and lower the mattress. A traditional wall bed also uses a spring mechanism but includes cabinets on either side of the bed to make it appear built into the wall. More modern Murphy beds do not contain a spring mechanism and instead can be lifted or lowered by one or more people. 

Murphy Bed vs a Sofa Bed

The difference between a Murphy bed and a sofa bed is that a sofa bed is a bed tucked into a sofa and is movable. A Murphy bed is typically mounted to the wall and maximizes space within a room by stowing vertically when not in use.

Is a Murphy Bed Practical For Everyday Use?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Murphy beds is how great they are for daily use. As long as the bed is made from durable, high-quality materials such as real wood, you should expect to be able to use your bed as often as you need. 

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How to Use a Murphy Bed

You can put a Murphy bed in any room where you want to create functional space. Once you’ve installed your Murphy bed, you’ll instantly transform one room into two without compromising your vision for the space. 

Home Office

Home Gym

Studio Apartment

Guest Room for Friends, Family, or Grandchildren

How Can I Use a Murphy Bed For My Home Office?

Using a Murphy bed in a home office is very common. As remote work becomes increasingly popular, having a home office space is crucial. Many people have a guest room that is only used a handful of times yearly. With a Murphy bed, you can have your guest bed stored away when it's not in use, and with functional shelves for storage or decoration when it's closed up. This helps you create a beautiful home office space while still being able to quickly transform your small space to accommodate friends and family when needed.

Don't choose between a home office and a guest suite - have both with a bed that stows away in seconds.

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How Do I Know If a Murphy Bed Is Right for My Space?

A Murphy bed is right for your space if you feel like you need more space in your home. A spare guest room can double as a workout room for your morning fitness routine or even an office. For those who live in a studio apartment, the best Murphy bed gives you a comfortable place to sleep while doubling the size of your apartment during the day. 

Murphy Bed Design Features

Murphy beds are available in a variety of design styles. This includes queen horizontal, queen vertical, twin horizontal, and twin vertical. You can also choose from various finishes, including white, natural, and other wood finishes.

Should I Buy a Murphy Bed With or Without a Lifting Mechanism?

Murphy beds come in a range of designs, including options with and without a lifting mechanism, each suited to different needs and preferences.

Models with a lifting mechanism, such as the Lori Bed, offer assisted lifting that makes raising and lowering the bed smoother and more convenient, especially for everyday use or for those who prefer added support.

On the other hand, mechanism-free designs like the YouLift Bed rely on manual lifting. These beds are typically simpler, more affordable, and easier to assemble, though they may require one or two people to lift and lower comfortably.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, whether you value assisted ease of use or prefer a more straightforward, cost-effective design.

Can I Leave Bedding on a Murphy Bed When I Close It?

Yes, you can leave your sheets and comforter on your Murphy when closing it. Additionally, standard-size pillows for sleeping can also be left on your bed. If your pillows are extra large, they must be removed from the Murphy bed. We also recommend removing any throw pillows before closing them.

Weight Limit

Most Murphy beds have a weight limit and some are higher than others depending on the materials' quality. Many Murphy beds can hold up to 1,000 lbs of distributed weight on the mattress platform. 

For the highest weight limit and the best durable quality that won’t break easily, choose a Murphy bed made from real wood (rather than cheap plastic materials).

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Murphy Bed Pre-Purchase Checklist

Before purchasing and assembling a Murphy bed, make sure to take into consideration the following features:

Ceiling Height: Measure your ceiling height so that you know the appropriate height of a Murphy bed for your space.

Doorway Location(s): Take note of where the doorways are and how far the doors swing open. 

Non-standard 90-degree Angles/Corners: Also note of any angles or corners in the space that are not 90 degrees. 

Position of Windows: Most Murphy beds must be mounted to either the wall or the floor. Choosing a windowless wall is optimal for Murphy bed installation.

Electrical Outlets: Be aware of the location of outlets to ensure you still have access to plug-in power cords.

Wall Studs: Wall-mounted Murphy beds should generally be attached to wall studs. Mark the location of the studs to know where to mount your wall bed. If that’s not possible, wall anchors can also work.

Lighting Fixtures & Ceiling Fans: Take note of the ceiling fans and overhead light fixtures to ensure the Murphy bed has the necessary clearance to deploy without interference.

Baseboards & Molding: It’s okay to have baseboards and molding in a space where you’ll put your Murphy bed. In fact, some Murphy beds come with a built-in baseboard notch cutout that can accommodate most baseboards.

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Murphy Bed Sizing Options

Which Sizes Do Murphy Beds Come In?

Murphy beds come in a variety of sizes and styles to save space. The exact amount of space a Murphy bed will save in your room will depend on which bed you select and the size of the room. However, one of the biggest benefits of Murphy beds is their tremendous ability to free up space. 

Is a Vertical or Horizontal Murphy Better for My Space?

When deciding if a vertical or horizontal Murphy bed is better for your space, take note of the dimensions of each bed and the size of your room. If your room is very narrow and you choose a horizontal opening, your room might not be wide enough to accommodate the bed or result in a crowded feeling.

Additional Space Considerations

There are three main dimensions you will want to check before ordering a Murphy bed:

• Wall Space: Whether you are ordering a Horizontal or Vertical Murphy bed, you will want to be sure that you have at least the height and width of the bed in unobstructed wall space. Be sure that nothing like a window would interfere with these dimensions. We recommend having 1 to 2 inches of extra space around the bed to ensure that you are able to install it on your wall properly. 
• Space To Open/Close Your Murphy Bed: You’ll want to ensure that you have enough space to open and close your Murphy bed safely. 
• Side Space: Lastly, you will want to consider the amount of space on either side of the bed to ensure that there's enough room to move around the bed if it is open comfortably. This can fluctuate depending on how the space is used and how you prefer to function in the space. For example, if one side of the bed is up against a wall and there's a couple staying in the Murphy bed, that might work fine to climb in from only one side, while others might not prefer that.

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Mattresses for Murphy Beds

Can I Use a Mattress on My Murphy Bed?

Yes! You can use any mattress for your Murphy beds. There are a couple of guidelines to keep in mind:

 

1. Thickness: Your mattress must be a specific thickness to ensure it can close into the cabinet properly. This is around 12’’ thick for some Murphy beds, but you should always check with the manufacturer to confirm. 

1. Weight: Murphy beds always have a weight limit, with some being able to hold up to 80 lbs and others much less. 
2. Size: Consider the dimensions of your Murphy bed before purchasing the mattress, as you don’t want the mattress to extend over the edge of the bed. Some edge support on the mattress can also be helpful to prevent sagging or deformation of the mattress over time.

We also recommend our very own Lori Mattress, the first mattress designed from scratch to be comfortable and long-lasting when stored in a Murphy bed.

What Are the Best Mattresses for a Murphy Bed?

The best mattresses for a Murphy bed will depend on where you purchase your bed from. Some are 12” thick or less. 

Can you put a Mattress Topper on a Murphy Bed?

Yes, you can place a mattress topper on your Murphy bed if you don’t exceed the specified thickness. 

What Mattress Sizes Fit in a Murphy Bed? 

The exact mattress size that will fit a Murphy bed will depend on which bed you purchase. Some Murphy beds can hold a 60’’ x 80’’ mattress, while others can hold a 38’’ x 75’’ or less. 

Is the Mattress Platform Attached to the Cabinet When It’s Open?

Yes, the mattress platform should securely attach to your Murphy bed cabinet when the bed is open. 

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Murphy Bed Installation

How Do You Install a Murphy Bed?

The installation process for Murphy beds varies greatly. Regardless of where you purchase your bed, it should always come with specific, easy-to-understand instructions and support from customer service to answer any questions you might have during installation.

How Long Does It Take To Install a Murphy Bed?

Installing some Murphy beds can be tedious, while others can only take 1 to 2 hours. The more durable and simple the design, the easier it will be to install your bed. 

What Tools Do I Need to Install a Murphy Bed? 

The tools you need will depend on the bed design you choose. Lori Beds, like the YouLift Bed, are designed for simple installation with common tools such as a Phillips-head screwdriver, a rubber mallet or hammer, a wrench, a stud finder, and a power drill.

Beds with assisted lifting systems, like the Lori Bed, may include additional components, but come with clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you.

Can I DIY a Murphy Bed?

Making a custom Murphy bed from scratch requires significant work and tools, so we don’t recommend it. Unless you have previous experience in high-level woodworking, you’ll risk compromising both quality and safety. Some Murphy beds do allow for DIY assembly. 

Do You Need a Professional Installation for a Murphy Bed?

Most Lori Beds are designed for easy, DIY installation. Models like the YouLift Bed can typically be assembled by two adults using basic tools without the need for professional help.

For beds with assisted lifting systems like the Lori Bed, the process may involve a few additional steps, but detailed instructions are included to help you install it with confidence.

What Type of Wall Do I Need to Install a Murphy Bed? 

Murphy beds can typically be installed on most wall types, including drywall and walls with wood studs. However, if your wall is made with anything else, we recommend speaking with a contractor before installing the bed. 

Will a Murphy Bed Damage My Wall?

A Murphy bed will not damage your wall when installed properly. 

What Type of Flooring is Best for a Murphy Bed? 

If you have hardwood or tile floors, you may want to put something underneath your Murphy bed (such as a yoga mat)  to help prevent it from sliding around, which will help protect your floors. 

Can a Murphy Bed be Used on Carpet? 

Yes, a Murphy bed can be used on carpet. However, you should install your Murphy bed after installing the carpet, as it will mount to the wall. 

Is a Murphy Bed Safe? 

Yes, Murphy beds are safe when installed properly and when they are made from durable materials, such as wood. 

Can a Murphy Bed Be Moved After It’s Installed?

While a Murphy bed can be moved after it’s installed, we don’t typically recommend moving it once it’s been mounted to the wall. 

Cost: What is the Cost of a Murphy Bed?

The cost of a Murphy bed is going to depend on which Murphy bed you purchase, the design features, and the materials used. Most Murphy beds with a lift mechanism will be extremely expensive, costing upwards of $4,000. Murphy beds without a lift mechanism will typically cost up to $2,600. 

Delivery: How Is a Murphy Bed Delivered?

Some Murphy beds are shipped in four or six boxes, or with multiple people delivering the bed. Other Murphy beds ship the box directly to your front door in just two boxes, making it easy and convenient to receive your new bed. 

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