Are you looking to maximize the space in your home? Do you want to transform your guest room or spare bedroom into a multi-functional space? If so, a space-saving Murphy bed might be the perfect solution for you.
The space-saving Murphy bed can seamlessly fold away into a wall or cabinet when not in use. These convertible beds offer a versatile and efficient alternative to traditional beds.
In this helpful guide, we'll explore the following:
- The concept of space-saving beds, focusing on Murphy beds
- The various aspects of this innovative solution
- How much space can you save with these wall-mounted beds
INDEX
The Basics of Murphy Beds
Exploring the Styles and Designs of Murphy Beds
How Much Space Can You Save with Murphy Beds?
The Space-Saving Power of Murphy Beds
Is a Murphy Bed Right for You?
Final Thoughts
The Basics of Murphy Beds
Murphy beds, also known as wall beds, fold-down beds, or pull-down beds, have been around for over a century. While the name "Murphy bed" is derived from the inventor William Lawrence Murphy, who patented the folding bed design in the early 20th century, foldaway wall beds had existed in various forms prior to that. Today, Murphy beds have evolved in terms of style, safety, and functionality.
Murphy folding beds are designed to fold away seamlessly into a wall or cabinet, creating additional living space when not in use. It typically consists of a bed frame and a specially designed mattress that can be stored vertically. The beds can be easily pulled down when needed and securely folded back up to free up floor space during the day.
Hideaway beds come in a variety of styles and designs, allowing homeowners to seamlessly incorporate them into their living spaces. They can be customized to suit your decor, from traditional to modern. They are also available in different sizes, including twin, full, queen, and even king. The materials used in Murphy bed construction can vary, with options ranging from solid wood for a stately look to metal frames for durability.
Exploring the Styles and Designs of Murphy Beds
Here are styles and designs available to seamlessly integrate the Murphy bed into your living space.
Bi-Fold Doors
A popular choice for Murphy beds is the bi-fold door design. This style features doors that resemble a cabinet or an entertainment center when the bed is folded away. It offers a sleek and stylish look that blends seamlessly with your furniture pieces.
Bookcase Slider
This style incorporates bookshelves that slide back to reveal the Murphy bed. Not only does it provide more space for books and decorative items, but it also adds a touch of elegance to the room.
Vertical Panel
For a more minimalist and contemporary look, the vertical panel design is a perfect choice. With this style, the bed folds straight down from its setup position, creating a clean and streamlined appearance.
Chesterfield Cabinet
If you prefer a combination of functionality and aesthetics, the Chesterfield cabinet design might be the one for you. This style resembles a cabinet/sofa combination, serving as both a bed and a seating area.
Cabinet Beds
Cabinet beds offer a similar space-saving solution. Instead of folding vertically, cabinet beds fold horizontally and resemble a buffet or console when closed. They provide a practical and stylish alternative for those who prefer a freestanding option.
How Much Space Can You Save with Murphy Beds?
The most significant advantage of a Murphy bed is its ability to save a substantial amount of floor space. While a traditional full bed mattress may occupy approximately 28 square feet of space, not including a headboard or footboard, a Murphy bed can free up much of that area.
In a room with small space or limited square footage, such as the average bedroom encompassing around 100 square feet, a Murphy bed can reclaim over a quarter of the open floor space. And if you have to plan for a few feet on either side of the bed to move around it, you can probably raise this number to 40 square feet or more. But the bigger point is you can turn a room from being mostly filled with a bed to being mostly free and available for something else.
By utilizing the vertical space on the wall, a Murphy bed allows homeowners to transform their rooms into multi-functional spaces. Whether it's converting a bedroom into an office area, a playroom, a storage area, or even a workout space, the versatility of a Murphy bed enables individuals to save space and make the most of their living spaces.
The Space-Saving Power of Murphy Beds
Whether you live in a small studio apartment or a spacious house, every square foot counts. Murphy beds can make a substantial difference in the functionality and versatility of a room.
Maximizing floor space
By folding up and storing the bed vertically or horizontally, depending on the design, Murphy beds free up a significant portion of your floor space.
For example, a queen-sized bed typically takes up around 28 square feet of space, excluding the headboard and footboard. With a Murphy bed, you can reclaim that space and utilize it for other purposes such as work, play, or exercise.
Multi-purpose rooms
Whether you use the bed in your own bedroom or as a guest bed, the option to fold it away when not in use gives you the freedom to repurpose the room as needed. It can become an office area, a playroom, a storage space, a workout area, or even a relaxing retreat. This level of flexibility is especially valuable in smaller homes or apartments where every room needs to serve multiple functions.
Comfort for guests and yourself
When hosting guests, it's essential to provide them with a comfortable and private space. While sofa beds and futons can be options, they often lack the comfort and privacy that a dedicated bed space can offer.
With a Murphy bed, you have the option to install it in a separate room, such as a guest bedroom, an upstairs game room, or a study/home office. This allows your guests to have their own space to rest and sleep, ensuring a more enjoyable and relaxing stay.
Moreover, if you want to create a multi-purpose bedroom for yourself, a Murphy bed can provide the necessary space for other activities, such as exercising or working from home.
Hiding away and customization
Unlike sofa beds or futons, Murphy beds can be completely hidden when not in use. With a well-designed cabinetry system or a bookcase/shelf, the bed seamlessly blends into the room's decor.
The cabinetry can be customized to match your existing furniture and finishes, allowing the Murphy bed to become an integrated part of the room rather than a standalone piece. This customization extends to the mattress as well. Hidden beds offer the option to choose a comfortable mattress that suits your sleep preferences, from memory foam to pillow-top and more.
Ease of use and safety
Modern Murphy beds are designed to be easy to use and safe. Innovative mechanisms allow for effortless opening and closing of the bed.
Safety is paramount. Ensure the bed is installed on a load-bearing wall, and consider the nuances of your home's structure. What’s most important is to use wall anchors that are designed for the specific wall type you have (drywall, brick, concrete, etc.).
Is a Murphy Bed Right for You?
While Murphy beds offer numerous benefits in terms of space-saving and flexibility, they may not be suitable for every situation. It's essential to consider a few factors before deciding if a Murphy bed is the right fit for your home.
Renting or short-term homeownership
If you're renting or leasing a home, installing a Murphy wall bed may not be feasible. Landlords typically have restrictions on making structural modifications to the property. Since Murphy beds often require professional installation and may involve adjustments to the walls, it's best to consult with your landlord before considering this option.
However, if you own your home or plan to stay in it for an extended period, a Murphy bed can be a valuable investment that adds both functionality and value to your space.
Installation
Installing a Murphy bed requires expertise and precision. While DIY options may be tempting, most Murphy beds require a professional to handle the installation.
But for our Lori beds, we provide a detailed tutorial on the assembly process. The key is to ensure that it is properly secured and aligned. Consider also factors such as wall composition, floor evenness, and weight-bearing capacity to ensure a safe and seamless installation.
With proper installation, you will enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning and durable Murphy bed.
Daily bed making
If you plan to use the Murphy bed as your main sleeping option, it's important to consider the daily task of making the bed. Unlike traditional beds, Murphy beds require you to fold and tuck in the sheets and blankets each day. While this can be done in a matter of minutes, it's a routine that you'll need to incorporate into your daily habits.
If you value a clean and tidy room and are willing to spend those extra minutes each day, the convenience and space-saving benefits of a Murphy bed cabinet may outweigh this minor inconvenience.
Final Thoughts
Murphy beds are a versatile and space-saving solution that can transform any room into a multi-functional space. With their ability to fold away and free up valuable floor space, they offer a practical and stylish option for maximizing the functionality of your home.
Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a spacious house, our Lori beds can provide you with the flexibility to create a room that suits your lifestyle. By considering the various styles, designs, and customization options, you can find the perfect Lori bed to seamlessly integrate into your living space.
So why wait? Explore your Murphy bed options and unlock the potential of your living space with our space-saving Lori bed today!
