Create extra space in your bedroom or guest room with a Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed. It folds up when not in use, concealing the mattress within a stylish cabinet-like exterior. Gain floor space with a Murphy bed.
This guide will help you to pick the best murphy bed for you to choose that is right for your room. Learn about the available types, key factors to consider when buying, and where to find and purchase a wall bed.
What is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed is also called a wall bed. It is wall-mounted and also has folding mechanism. This helps to lift and lower the mattress as per your requirement. When it is not being used, it looks like a cabinet.
Points to consider before buying a murphy bed with desk
Murphy beds fold up and save space when not in use. They’re commonly found in guest rooms or home offices that serve as sleeping areas for visitors. However, even in your primary bedroom, a Murphy bed can help you make the most of your available square footage. In addition, tiny houses and studio apartments can benefit from Murphy beds. Set up your bed at night and fold it away during the day to free up more living space.
Before buying a Murphy Bed with desk, consider the following points:
Room Layout
Consider your room layout and measure the space before choosing a Murphy bed. Most Murphy beds fold vertically, so you need to determine the available floor-to-ceiling space. If you have low ceilings, horizontal-folding Murphy beds are an alternative.
For small spaces, take note of the fully extended length of the open Murphy bed. Ensure you have enough room to open and access the bed, including space at the bed’s end for folding it back up.
Material
Murphy beds come in different materials like solid wood, manufactured wood, particleboard, and metal. Solid wood is sturdy but heavy. Manufactured wood or particleboard is lighter but may have weight and durability limitations. Metal Murphy beds are durable and often come with wood cabinets or shelves.
Opening Mechanism
When shopping for a Murphy bed, the lifting mechanism is a crucial factor to consider. These beds typically come with one of the following lift systems: piston (hinge), spring, or manual.
Spring mechanisms were initially common for Murphy beds. You can adjust the spring’s resistance to make bed raising easier. Most modern spring systems have safety features to prevent abrupt retraction.
Piston-lifting systems use pressurized arms, making it easy to raise and lower the bed. Many piston-equipped beds include a locking mechanism for secure storage.
Manual opening mechanisms are the simplest but require you to lift or lower the bed manually, supporting the full weight of the mattress and frame. Some manufacturers recommend using two people for setup or storage due to this.
Features
Integrated features can enhance your Murphy bed setup. When shopping for one, consider storage options, which are especially useful for studio spaces. Built-in shelves or cabinets around the bed frame provide space for blankets, clothes, and essentials. Some Murphy beds include a versatile exterior design, with a built-in desk. Integrated LED lighting is another common feature, ideal for reading in bed.
Murphy Beds with Desk Styles
Wall Bed
While the terms Murphy bed and wall bed are often used interchangeably for mounted beds, “wall bed” can also describe a specific style of Murphy bed. Wall beds are typically integrated into a fixture that spans most, if not the entire, wall. When closed, they can resemble cabinets, shelving units, or bookcases.
This style of Murphy bed is ideal for those seeking a discreet appearance. The built-in fixture conceals the bed’s presence. However, wall beds that occupy most or all of a wall tend to be pricier and may require custom construction for a fully integrated look.
Cabinet Bed
A different Murphy bed style is the cabinet bed. These beds can be wall-mounted or freestanding, with the bed folding into a cabinet. Cabinet beds offer more versatility compared to larger wall-mounted Murphy beds. They are a great choice for renters or those with limited wall space. However, they may have a smaller size and fewer storage options compared to wall beds and may be less stable.
What is the cost of Murphy Bed?
Murphy bed costs vary, primarily based on size and materials. A queen-size Murphy bed in solid wood typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Opting for manufactured wood or particle board may lower the cost to around $1,000 to $1,800.
Price factors also include the opening mechanism, with piston-assisted systems being pricier, while manual mechanisms are the most affordable. Additionally, integrations like storage or lighting can add to the overall cost of a Murphy bed.
How to choose a Murphy Bed with Desk?
Murphy beds have made a comeback in popularity due to the emphasis on space efficiency, especially in the tiny house movement. This resurgence offers numerous options tailored to your needs and budget. When picking a Murphy bed, prioritize factors that enhance functionality, user-friendliness, and style in your space. Here are key considerations for choosing one.
Horizontal vs. Vertical
Begin by deciding whether you want a horizontal or vertical wall bed, which relates to the mattress’s orientation. Vertical wall beds, with the foot of the bed going up and down, are more typical. They occupy less wall space but require more room when fully extended. Horizontal wall beds are an alternative, particularly in shallower rooms, folding along their long edge instead of raising and lowering the foot of the bed.
Mattress size
Murphy beds come in standard mattress sizes, including twin, full, queen, and king, with twin and queen being the most common. When shopping for a Murphy bed, ensure your mattress depth matches the bed’s design; most can accommodate mattresses between 8 and 12 inches.
How often will you need to use the murphy bed?
Think about whether you need a Murphy bed for regular nightly use or just occasional guests. In an office used for purposes other than guest accommodations, a freestanding cabinet-style Murphy bed might be more suitable. However, if the Murphy bed will be used nightly in your bedroom or living area, you may have additional requirements for comfort, ease of use, or storage.
FAQ’s
The majority of Murphy beds need to be wall-mounted and may require attachment to a wall stud for extra stability. Nevertheless, certain types can be fastened to the floor.
While you don’t have to remove baseboards to install a Murphy bed, it’s important for the bed to be flush against the wall. To accommodate existing baseboards, most Murphy beds come with a baseboard notch. Some models even allow you to customize the notch size if your baseboard dimensions are unique.
For a Murphy bed, the ideal mattress choice is a sturdy, dense foam mattress. Memory foam and latex mattresses are commonly recommended. The solid foam in these mattresses is less likely to deform or develop lumps, even when stored upright for extended periods.
