The Difference Between a Lori Bed and a Traditional Murphy Bed 

Murphy beds are a great way to maximize the flow and function of any room. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine the right model for your home. At this point in your research, you’re probably wondering what is the difference between traditional Murphy beds and traditional wall beds? 

It's a great question because, while the terms are often used interchangeably, 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. On the other hand, a traditional wall bed also uses a spring mechanism and includes cabinets on either side of the bed, so the bed appears as a regular wall when in the upright position.

You might also be wondering what the differences are between a traditional Murphy bed and a modern Lori Murphy Bed. It turns out there are quite a few.

Lori Beds vs. Traditional Wall Beds

Here are the key differentiators between a clumsy traditional Murphy bed and an easy-to-install Lori Murphy Bed.

Simple lifting hardware

The most significant difference is in the design. Unlike the traditional Murphy bed, the Lori Murphy Bed has no mechanical aids for lifting and lowering the platform.

Why?

Because these metal spring mechanisms are cumbersome, expensive and aren’t needed for the bed to lift with ease. Instead of using the force of springs or pistons, the Lori Bed can be raised and lowered by hand using your and your lifting partner's strength. It is a clever yet simple system.  

Easy to install 

You don’t need to be a contractor or even a home improvement guru to install the Lori Murphy Bed successfully. Without the complicated spring mechanism, it's actually quite easy to install, thanks to the simple step-by-step plans provided by the company.

One person can install the bed in less than four hours. It could take less than two hours with a partner—that's less time than it takes to clean out and reorganize most closets! 

(Learn more about the assembly process for Lori beds)

Budget-friendly 

Getting rid of the old-school metal springs not only simplifies the design but also saves money. Lori Murphy Bed creators discovered that removing the unneeded lifting mechanism would save money. Instead, the Lori Murphy Bed can be easily lifted and lowered by hand. They passed those cost savings on to the customer. 

In fact, the company was built on the belief Murphy beds should not cost a fortune. 

(Learn more about what makes Lori Beds such a significant investment here)

Quality

The Lori Murphy Bed may be the best wall bed in the world. But that doesn't make it flimsy Ikea-type furniture!

All the beds are crafted from 100 percent natural wood, so you can be confident in its quality and durability. You can also feel good about the fact Lori Murphy Beds are made in the USA, unlike most of its counterparts on the market. 

Lori Beds are customizable 

One of the greatest advantages of choosing Lori Murphy Bed, especially for those with an eye for design, is the ability to customize its look. 

The company has pre-finished Lori Murphy Beds that tie into any color scheme in beautifully-finished real wood. And the makers also offer unfinished Lori Murphy Beds. They're crafted from 100 percent cabinet-grade baltic birch plywood that can be painted or stained to the color your heart desires. 

Plus, no matter if you’re in a 550-square-foot condo or a sprawling mansion, you don’t have to worry about fit. The company offers vertical and horizontal orientations that can fit in any space. For example, the vertical beds accommodate more traditional sleeping arrangements, while the horizontal beds are best suited for rooms with less square footage and lower ceilings. 

(Don't miss these design tips for making any room feel more spacious!)

The difference between a traditional Murphy bed and an old-school wall bed is marginal. The differences between a Murphy bed and Lori Murphy Bed are clear and significant, so you can rest easy in your choice.

Did you learn a lot about Lori Beds in this post? Here are three more to read next:

• The Practical Benefits of a Murphy Bed
• The Best Examples of Murphy Beds in Tiny Homes
• Move Over, IKEA: Here’s Why 100% Real Wood Murphy Beds Are The Future Of Furniture

This post was first published in 2020, but it was updated in 2022 just for you.