Murphy beds are wall-mounted beds that tuck flat against the wall when you don't need them. In Chicago, where studios and one-bedroom apartments are the norm, they've become one of the smartest furniture buys for small-space living.
Chicago apartments are small, and the rent is high. A queen bed eats roughly 35 square feet of floor space, and in River North, Lincoln Park, Streeterville, or the Loop, that footprint is costing you real money every month in rent you can't use for anything else. Whether you're a young professional in a cozy studio apartment or a growing family seeking to optimize a multi-functional home office, the need for versatile, space-saving furniture solutions is crucial.
Enter The Lori Bed—a revolutionary Murphy bed that solves your space woes. These modern custom wall beds, also known as convertible beds, elevate the aesthetic of your Chicago abode.
Lori Beds ships direct to every Chicago ZIP code via FedEx Ground. No showroom visit, no custom build lead times, no specialized installer required. Order online, receive the bed at your door, and put it together in an afternoon with a helper.
Here's what to know before you buy, plus the full installation walkthrough once the bed arrives.
Key Takeaways:
- Chicago rent per square foot makes a Murphy bed one of the fastest ROI space-saving solutions in the city.
- Chicago pull-down beds offer a practical solution for small apartments, guest bedrooms, and multifunctional living areas.
- Knowing the proper custom wall bed installation process ensures a successful transformation of your room.
Create a smarter, more flexible home setup with The Lori Beds.
At a Glance
Why a Murphy Bed Works in Chicago Apartments
Understanding The Lori Bed's Design
Step 1: Preparing for Installation
Step 2: Assembling The Lori Bed Platform
Step 3: Assembling the Wall Cabinet
Step 4: Integrating the Platform and Cabinet
Frequently Asked Questions
Parting Thoughts
Why a Murphy Bed Works in Chicago Apartments
Chicago's rental inventory leans toward small apartments. Studios in Streeterville, Lakeview, West Loop, and River North commonly run 400 to 600 square feet. A permanent queen bed plus the clearance to walk around it claims a fifth of that space and holds it 24 hours a day, even though you only sleep on it for 8.
A Murphy bed flips the math. When the bed is up, that wall is a shelving unit, and the floor is open. When you're ready to sleep, you pull it down. Same square footage, two uses.
This matters most in three Chicago scenarios:
- Studio dwellers who want a real living room during the day, not a bedroom with a couch squeezed in
- Remote workers who need a dedicated home office but only have one bedroom
- Hosts who want a guest room option without sacrificing a full room year-round
Buying from Lori Beds works differently from shopping for a Murphy bed at a local Chicago furniture store. The bed secures to wall studs or to drywall with the included toggle bolts. Both options are standard in Chicago apartment walls.
Understanding The Lori Bed's Design
The Lori Bed is a meticulously engineered marvel designed to redefine the Murphy bed experience. Unlike traditional hidden beds, The Lori Bed’s innovative design features a simple, detached platform paired with an integrated lifting mechanism that allows the bed to glide effortlessly up and down with ease.
Streamlined construction
At the heart of The Lori Bed's appeal is its streamlined construction, which eschews the bulky, cumbersome components often associated with traditional wall-mounted beds.
The Lori Bed is made with HPL. It boasts an unparalleled combination of strength and durability. It can easily support up to 2000 lbs without compromising its sleek aesthetic.
Integrated functionality
The Lori Bed's seamless integration of functionality sets it apart from other hideaway beds. When the bed is in the upright position, the modular shelving and storage add-ons provide ample space for storage and display, allowing the configuration to adapt to different needs and preferences.
Finish options
Lori Beds ships in a range of HPL finishes designed to blend seamlessly with modern Chicago apartments. Pick the finish that matches your space on the product page, and the bed arrives ready to install.
Upgrade your space with a solution that works day and night.
Murphy Bed Installation
These Murphy bed installation instructions are specifically written for Lori Beds models and are based on the official assembly process, hardware, and mounting system provided by Lori Beds. Steps, hardware requirements, and installation methods may differ from those of other Murphy bed brands. Always refer to your specific Lori Beds assembly guide and included hardware kit before beginning installation.
Step 1: Prepare for Assembly
Before assembling your Lori Bed, clear enough floor space to lay out all parts and protect the floor if needed. Lori Beds recommends unpacking and organizing all components before beginning assembly.
Gather the required tools
You’ll need the following tools to assemble and install the Lori Bed:
- Hand-held Phillips head screwdriver
- Power drill with Phillips drive bit and variable-speed settings
- Stud finder
- Standard bubble level
- Adjustable wrench (recommended for some models)
- Rubber mallet or hammer for part alignment and connector inserts
- Gloves (optional but helpful during assembly)
Lori Beds also recommends having a second person available when lifting or positioning larger sections of the bed.
Review the assembly guides and videos
Carefully review the printed instructions included with your Lori Bed and watch the official assembly videos before starting. Lori Beds provides model-specific assembly guides and tutorials for vertical and horizontal configurations.
Identify the installation location
Choose a flat wall area with enough clearance for the bed to fully open and close. Use a stud finder whenever possible to locate wall studs. Proper wall anchoring is required for safe operation. Lori Beds includes hardware for both wood stud and drywall installations.
Step 2: Assemble the Mattress Platform
The mattress platform forms the main folding section of the Lori Bed.
Lay out and organize the platform pieces
Arrange all wood panels and hardware according to the assembly guide. Pay attention to pilot hole locations and panel orientation to ensure proper alignment during assembly.
Connect the platform panels
Using the provided connector screws and inserts, assemble the mattress platform section by section. Tighten all fasteners securely as you progress. A rubber mallet may help seat inserts and align parts cleanly.
Install mattress supports and retention hardware
Attach the mattress support components, locking hardware, and mattress strap anchors as instructed. The retention straps help keep the mattress secure when the bed is stored upright.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabinet Frame
The cabinet frame houses the folded bed and provides the shelving structure visible when the bed is closed.
Build the cabinet structure
Assemble the cabinet side panels, top panel, and support pieces using the included connector hardware. Ensure all pieces are square and properly aligned before fully tightening screws.
Install shelves and headboard components
Attach the shelving sections, headboard panel, and any optional desk or shelf kit accessories included with your Lori Bed model. Verify all hardware is fully secured and correctly oriented.
Anchor the cabinet to the wall
Once assembled, position the cabinet against the wall and level it. Secure the cabinet using the provided mounting hardware:
- Use wood screws when mounting directly into studs
- Use the provided toggle bolts for approved drywall installations
Proper anchoring is essential for safe use and to prevent tipping.
Get the extra room you need without moving or renovating. Buy a Lori Bed now.
Step 4: Connect the Platform to the Cabinet
Align and attach the platform
With assistance from another person, carefully lift and position the mattress platform into the cabinet assembly. Align the hinge and locking components according to the assembly guide.
Install locks and mattress straps
Attach the locking mechanisms that hold the bed upright when closed. Secure and adjust the mattress retention straps so the mattress remains snugly in place during storage.
Perform final safety checks
Before use:
- Tighten all screws and connectors
- Confirm the cabinet is securely anchored to the wall
- Test the locking system
- Slowly raise and lower the bed to ensure smooth operation
Lori Beds recommends two able-bodied adults for safely lifting and lowering the bed.
For official assembly videos and downloadable instructions, visit Lori Beds Assembly Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lori Beds ship to Chicago?
Yes. Lori Beds ships to every Chicago ZIP code via FedEx Ground, from downtown and the Loop to North Side, West Side, and South Side neighborhoods. No showroom visit or local pickup required.
How long does Murphy bed delivery take in Chicago?
Most Chicago orders arrive within a few business days of shipment. You'll receive FedEx tracking as soon as the bed leaves the warehouse, so you can plan the install day.
Do I need a professional to install a Murphy bed in a Chicago apartment?
No. The Lori Bed is designed for DIY assembly. You need one helper, a Phillips screwdriver, a drill, a stud finder, and an adjustable wrench. Most Chicago installs finish in one afternoon. If your apartment has drywall-only walls with no accessible studs, use the included toggle bolts.
What size Murphy bed fits a Chicago studio apartment?
A twin or full-sized bed typically works best in Chicago studios under 500 square feet. A queen fits most one-bedroom apartments and larger studio layouts. Check the cabinet depth and floor clearance on the product page against your wall space before ordering.
Will the bed work in my Chicago rental?
In most cases, yes. Lori Beds anchors to wall studs or drywall, both standard in Chicago apartments. Check with your building about wall anchoring before ordering. The drywall toggle-bolt option leaves small holes that patch easily when you move out.
Parting Thoughts
A Murphy bed pays off fastest in cities where rent per square foot is highest. Chicago qualifies, which makes the Lori Bed a perfect solution for anyone who wants their floor space back during the day.
By following the step-by-step process for installing these space-saving beds, you can successfully install your new Murphy beds Chicago style and enjoy their added functionality and space-saving benefits.
Remember, if you encounter any challenges or have additional questions during the installation process, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.
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