Murphy Bed | A Beginners Guide

A few weeks ago, I was learning about Murphy and Wall beds. I faced difficulty in getting proper information about these two types of beds. So, I decided to research it and write a helpful post on Murphy and wall beds.

What is the difference between a Murphy and Wall bed? The wall bed uses a set of locking legs to fix the bed in an upright position. On the other hand, the Murphy bed contains a spring mechanism that holds the bed closed in its upright position.

The concept of using a gas piston in combination with a wall bed originated in the 1970s. During the process of raising and lowering the bed, these pistons help. Comparatively to the Murphy bed, the wall bed takes up less space.

Moreover, a set of springs are attached to the sides of the murphy bed. These springs provide help when you lift and lower the bed. The concept of using springs with the bed to lift and lower it came in the late 1800s. A short Murphy bed is a wall bed, but there is a minor difference in bed mechanism.

Murphy Bed

Murphy Bed

William Lawrence Murphy applied for his first patent around 1900, that’s why this bed is named a Murphy bed. William Lawrence Murphy (1876–1957) was an Irish New York immigrant and he wanted a creative way of making space in his small apartment. 

We recommend this Bestar Nebula Collection, Queen Murphy Bed:

Pros:

  • Murphy beds save space and take up less space as compared to a regular bed.
  • After closing, Murphy bed left useful space in your home, like the dining space or home office area. 
  • Murphy bed is comfortable like a regular bed.
  • Murphy beds convert in just a couple of seconds and are very easy to handle.
  • The Murphy bed can easily connect to the sofa.

Cons

  • Murphy bed are bulky, so sometimes it’s not easy to fold out and put away
  • The bed sheet gets messy and disorganized when folding the bed
  • As compared to the other types of bed, murphy bed are more expensive
  • It isn’t easy to install a murphy bed in a rented home or apartment 
  • Murphy bed ruin mattresses 
  • This bed is not suitable and adjust in every room

Are Murphy Bed And Wall Bed Being The Same? 

A Murphy bed is also a type of wall bed. But other wall beds are made with different mechanisms like a pressurized piston, and the Murphy bed is made with the spring mechanism.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For A Murphy Bed? 

Gel memory foam or memory foam mattress is best for a murphy bed. These mattresses fit perfectly on the murphy bed. A standard innerspring mattress up to 12 inches in total thickness is also suitable for a Murphy bed. This 12 inch size will allow you to close and open the bed with minimum effort. 

Why Are Murphy Beds So Expensive?

Due to the design’s complexity, Murphy beds are more expensive compared to normal beds. The murphy bed is a multifunction and space-saving bed.

What is the Cost of a Murphy Bed?

The murphy bed cost is between $1,000 and $3,000. If you want a more luxurious murphy bed for your home, it will cost $5,000 or more.

Can you put any mattress on a Murphy bed?

You can easily put any mattress on a Murphy bed, and you can use a regular mattress on your Murphy bed. 

How To Handle A Murphy Bed?

The handling of a murphy bed is effortless. One person can easily close and open the bed.

What Kind Of Material Is Used In Manufacturing Murphy Bed? 

Real wood or Melamine is typically used for manufacturing the murphy bed. Metal is the 2nd material that is used as support for rail and clips in the manufacturing of a murphy bed.

When And Why Were Murphy Beds So Popular?

After the 1900s, Murphy beds became more popular due to their exclusive design and space-saving feature. That’s why people like this bed more and buy this bed for their home.

In the past, most of people were living in small houses. They have a small space in their house. That was the main reason they selected a Murphy bed for their house. By installing a Murphy bed, they get more space.

Why Aren’t Murphy Beds That Popular Now?

Now, these Murphy beds are not as popular as they were in the past. The main reason is the high price. A Murphy bed is more expensive than a regular bed. And these beds are not suitable for every room.

Is a Murphy bed a good idea? 

Using a Murphy bed at home is a good idea. It saves space. The Murphy bed is comfortable like a normal bed. 

Using a Murphy bed, you get more space for other purposes—a Murphy bed is ideal for those who work from home and have short space in the room. You can easily convert your room into a working place and get more walking space.

Furthermore, a murphy bed or wall bed gives a modern, stylish, and unique look to your home. You can upgrade your room with this space-saving bed and eye-catching bed.

How to Select the Perfect Wood for Your New Murphy Wall Bed?

By focusing on the following points, and you can choose a perfect bed murphy wall bed for your home.

  1. Suppose you’re going to place your bed in a high-traffic area of the home. Then select the material which is more durable and long-lasting. Some materials are durable like cherry, alder, knotty alder, oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and mahogany. 
  2. Selecting the bed by matching it with your room furniture. If the bed is perfectly matched with your room interior and furniture, it can give a more eye-catching look.
  3. Consider the room’s size in mind because the wall bed comes in different sizes according to the room. So keep your room size in mind before selecting the bed for your room.

Conclusion

Murphy beds are still famous and these beds save space and give an outstanding look to your home. If you have a small room and you want to use your room for multipurpose, then a Murphy bed is a perfect choice for you. So, if you are going to buy a Murphy bed, select the bed with good material and perfect for your room size.