Murphy Bed Buying Guide: Expert Advice on What to Look For

Table of Contents

• Finding the Best Murphy Bed: Key Highlights
• Benefits of Murphy Beds
• Types of Murphy Beds
• Murphy Bed Materials, Construction, and Finishes
• Age Considerations for Wall Beds
• Sizing and Space Considerations
• Frequently Asked Questions

A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed or pull-down bed, offers an innovative solution for maximizing living space while providing a comfortable bed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing a Murphy bed, from the various designs available to key features and space-saving benefits.

Whether you're looking to transform a studio apartment into a multi-functional living area, create a dual-purpose home office and guest room, or simply add flexibility to your living space, our expert insights will help you navigate the world of Murphy beds. We'll cover important considerations such as size options, installation requirements, and additional features, like built-in storage or desks.

By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to choose the perfect Murphy bed that not only meets your practical needs but also complements your home's decor and enhances your overall living experience.

Finding the Best Murphy Bed: Key Highlights

A Murphy bed offers an innovative space-saving solution that transforms from a hidden wall unit into a comfortable sleeping area, making it perfect for multi-functional spaces.

• Murphy beds provide a regular-sized bed at night while freeing up valuable floor space during the day, making them ideal for small apartments or versatile living areas.
• The clever design makes them an excellent choice for home, offices, studio, apartments, or any room that needs to serve multiple purposes.
• Many Murphy bed models come with built-in storage options, such as shelving units or desks, maximizing functionality in compact spaces.
• Available in materials, such as wood and metal, Murphy beds can seamlessly blend with a wide range of interior design styles.
• Size options range from twin to full, queen, and king, so they can  accommodate different room dimensions and sleeping preferences.
• Murphy beds often feature customizable facades when closed, allowing them to double as attractive wall units during the day.
• They are suitable for all ages and living situations, from studio dwellers to families with frequent guests, offering both practicality and style.
• Many models include safety features, such as hydraulic lift systems, ensuring secure and effortless operation.

Benefits of Murphy Beds

A Murphy bed offers an innovative and space-efficient solution that transforms from a hidden wall unit into a comfortable sleeping area. These versatile pieces of furniture provide numerous advantages that cater to various living situations and design preferences.

Here are some key benefits of Murphy beds:

• Space-saving design: Frees up valuable floor space during the day, making them ideal for small bedrooms or apartments, studio living, or multi-purpose rooms
• Dual functionality: Serves as an attractive wall unit, couch, or storage system during the day and a comfortable bed at night
• Versatile style options: Available in a wide range of designs, from traditional to modern, to complement any interior decor theme
• Built-in storage: Many Murphy bed models come with integrated shelving, desks, or cabinets, maximizing storage and functionality
• Full-sized comfort: Available in a range of sizes, including Twin, Full, Queen, king-sized beds
• Guest-ready solution: Provides an instant bed for overnight guests without dedicating an entire room to a rarely-used guest bed
• Suitable for all ages: Great for children's rooms, home offices, or master bedrooms, catering to different needs and preferences throughout various life stages
• Easy operation: Modern Murphy beds feature easy-lift mechanisms, making them simple and safe to use
• Cost-effective: Eliminates the need for a separate guest room, allowing more efficient use of living space

Types of Murphy Beds

Murphy beds come in a range of styles and configurations to meet every needs and lifestyles. Here are the various sizes, styles, and features to consider when shopping for a wall bed:

Murphy Bed Sizes

Murphy beds come in various sizes to accommodate different room dimensions, sleeping needs, and personal preferences. Whether you're furnishing a studio apartment, a master suite, or a guest bedroom, there's a Murphy bed size to suit your requirements. Here are the standard sizes we offer at CozyBeds:

• Twin Murphy bed: Ideal for children's rooms, small apartments, or compact home offices. It offers a space-saving solution without compromising on sleeping comfort.
• Full / double size Murphy bed: Provides more sleeping space than a twin, making it perfect for single adults who like to stretch out or couples who have a small bedroom. It's also a great option for guest rooms or multi-purpose spaces.
• Queen size Murphy bed: Offers a spacious sleeping area for those who like more room in the bed but still want to save valuable floor space by putting the bed up during the day. 
• King size Murphy bed: Provides the winning combination of an extra large bed for those who want maximum sleeping space but who still want the option of having extra floor space during the day. 

At CozyBeds, we offer a wide selection of Murphy beds in various sizes, ensuring you'll find the perfect fit for your needs. Our expert team can help you determine the best size based on your specific requirements and room layout.

Murphy Beds by Feature

Contemporary Murphy beds offer a range of stylish and practical features that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of any room. These features not only save space but also help keep the room organized and multi-functional.

Here are some examples of the types of Murphy bed features you can find in CozyBeds' collection:

• Murphy bed with desk: Incorporates a built-in desk that can remain usable even when the bed is folded down, perfect for home offices or students' rooms where space is at a premium.
• Murphy bed with couch: Combines a comfortable sofa with a hidden bed, offering seating during the day and sleeping space at night without the need to rearrange furniture.
• Murphy bed with cabinet: Features additional cabinet space on the side of the bed frame, providing ample storage for clothing, linens, or other items while maintaining a clean, streamlined look.
• Murphy bed with bookshelves: Integrates bookshelves into the bed's facade, allowing the unit to function as a stylish bookcase when the bed is folded up, ideal for book lovers or those wanting to maximize vertical storage.
• Murphy bed with shelves: Includes built-in shelving units, typically on the sides of the bed frame, offering display space for decorative items or storage for everyday essentials even when the bed is in use.
• Murphy bed with storage: Incorporates additional storage solutions, such as side cabinets, shelves, or drawers, into the bed unit.

Murphy Bed Styles

In addition to various sizes and features, Murphy beds, or wall beds, come in a variety of stylish designs to suit different tastes, room aesthetics, and functional needs. From classic to contemporary, there's a Murphy bed style for everyone. Here are some popular Murphy bed designs that we offer at CozyBeds:

• Horizontal Murphy bed: Folds out from the long side of the unit, making it ideal for rooms with lower ceilings or those wanting to utilize wall space under windows. This style often appears as a sleek cabinet or credenza when closed.
• Vertical Murphy bed: This is the more standard style of Murphy bed. It folds down from the footer, or short end of the unit. This style maximizes vertical space and is perfect for rooms with higher ceilings, often resembling an elegant armoire or bookcase when closed.
• Mid-century Modern Murphy bed: Combines the space-saving functionality of a Murphy bed with the clean lines and retro-inspired aesthetics of Mid-century Modern design. 
• Wood Murphy bed: Crafted from high-quality wood, these beds offer a warm, natural aesthetic that can complement various decor styles.

Murphy Bed Materials, Construction, and Finishes

When selecting the ideal Murphy bed for your home, quality craftsmanship and durability are essential factors to consider. Here are some key attributes to look for:

Materials

Murphy beds are typically constructed from sturdy materials, such as wood or metal. Remember, the quality of construction and finishes in a Murphy bed is not just about aesthetics – it directly impacts the bed's functionality, safety, and longevity.

Durability and Craftsmanship

Durability is paramount when investing in a Murphy bed, especially considering its mechanical nature and frequent use. Look for solid construction with sturdy joints, robust support systems, and a reliable folding mechanism.

High-quality craftsmanship ensures your Murphy bed will provide long-lasting comfort and support while maintaining smooth operation. A well-built Murphy bed not only withstands regular use but also maintains its stability and functionality over time, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.

A quality manufacturer will offer a warranty on all of their beds. At CozyBeds, all of our beds come with a one-year warranty.

Finishes and Aesthetics

The finish on your Murphy bed serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. It not only enhances the visual appeal of the piece but also protects the underlying material, ensuring longevity. At CozyBeds, we use high-quality, durable finishes that resist scratches, scuffs, and wear.

These finishes are designed to maintain your Murphy bed's appearance for years, even with frequent folding and unfolding. 

Moreover, the finish plays an important role in how the bed blends with your room's decor whether it’s down or in its upright position when it can double as a cabinet, shelving unit, or decorative wall panel.

Age Considerations for Wall Beds

Murphy beds are a great option for both kids’ and adults’ bedrooms where you want to free up floor space during the day. In addition, the styles we build at CozyBeds are safe and easy to pull down and put away. So, they’re suitable for children aged 10 and up as well as for senior adults. Here are some recommendations for Murphy bed styles for kids and grownups:

Kids’ Murphy Beds

Murphy beds are an excellent choice for children's rooms, offering versatility and space-saving features that can adapt to your child's changing needs. Here are some Murphy bed that are great for kids:

• Horizontal Murphy bed: This style is perfect for rooms with lower ceilings or limited vertical wall space. The design folds out from the long side, making it easier for children to operate and often doubling as a fun "secret" bed that appeals to kids' imaginations.
• Twin Murphy bed: Ideal for small children's rooms, this size provides ample sleeping space while maximizing floor area for play during the day.
• Floor Murphy bed: This multi-functional option combines a comfortable sleeping area with a built-in study space.
• Murphy bed with cabinet: A Murphy bed with cabinets provides a convenient location next to the bed to store clothing, extra blankets and pillows, books, or other items, helping to keep the room clutter-free.

Murphy Beds for Adults

Wall beds are excellent space-saving solutions for adults as well, whether in studio apartments, home offices, guest rooms, or multi-functional living spaces. Here are some options to consider for grown-ups:

• Murphy bed with couch: An ideal choice for those who want to maintain a distinct living area during the day. This design incorporates a comfortable couch that remains in place when the bed is folded up, eliminating the need to move furniture. It's great for studio apartments or multi-purpose rooms.
• Queen-size Murphy bed: For those who prefer a spacious sleeping area, a king size Murphy bed offers luxurious comfort without permanently sacrificing floor space. It's an excellent option for master bedrooms in smaller homes or for creating a guest suite that can double as a home office or exercise room during the day.
• Murphy bed with built-in desk: A wall bed that includes a desk is a great option for adults as it is for kids. For those who work at home and live in a small space, this is an ideal setup.

Murphy Bed Safety Features

Selecting a well-made Murphy bed from a reputable manufacturer will ensure you get a stable bed that is easy and safe to pull down from the wall as well as put away. Here are some safety features to consider when shopping for a wall bed:

Safe and Easy Pull-down and Lift-up Features

When choosing a Murphy bed, make sure it’s safe and easy to operate. For example, at CozyBeds, we offer Murphy beds that have a hydraulic mechanism that keeps the bed up against the wall while making it easy to pull down from the wall when it’s needed. Then, once it’s down, it will lock itself in place. 

Proper Assembly and Installation

It's essential to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when assembling your Murphy bed. Ensure all components are securely connected and attached. Regularly inspect the bed and hardware to maintain its safety, especially if it's used by children or used on a daily basis.

A Murphy bed from a high-quality manufacturer like CozyBeds will adhere to all safety standards and, when assembled correctly, will provide a safe and comfortable piece of furniture for all users.

Safety Standards and Certifications for Murphy Beds

When purchasing a Murphy bed, it's important to verify that it meets rigorous safety standards. At CozyBeds, our products comply with a range of safety standards, and each bed comes with a corresponding laboratory certification report, which we can provide upon request. Here are the safety certifications our Murphy beds meet:

• CPSC - 16 CFR 1513/16 Compliant
• CPSC - 16 CFR 1213 Compliant
• CPSIA Compliant*
• Phthalates content standards

Murphy Bed Weight Limits

A well-made Murphy bed should be able to securely handle the weight of 1-2 large adults. Here are the weight capacity recommendations for the Murphy beds we make at CozyBeds:

• Twin: 200 - 400 lbs (90 - 181 kg)
• Full size: 250 - 450  lbs (113 - 204 kgs)
• Queen size: 400 - 600 lbs (181 - 272 kgs)

Sizing and Space Considerations

Murphy beds come in a range of sizes and configurations, so you can find the right one for almost any space. 

When considering a particular model, start by measuring your room. Use a tape measure to note the floor space as well as the ceiling height. This is key to finding a Murphy bed that will work well in your designated space.

Ceiling Height

Knowing your ceiling height is essential when selecting a vertical Murphy bed. You need about 90+ inches (2.28 meters) of space from the top of the unit when closed to the ceiling. The goal is to make it easy to pull down and put up the Murphy bed. (For rooms with low ceilings, a horizontal Murphy bed that folds sideways might be the best option.

Floor Space

Room size, or floor space, is another key consideration when choosing a Murphy bed. Remember to add extra room for cabinets, desks, or other side storage features. As well, be clear about the dimensions of the bed when fully folded out. Be sure to read the product details for the wall bed you’re considering to understand the exact footprint that the bed and its add-ons will have in the room.

Here’s a general guide for Murphy bed sizes based based on room dimensions: 

Keep in mind that these sizes are standard guidelines. Remember to always check the bed's exact dimensions in the product specifications for the specific model you’re lookin at. This way, you’ll ensure that you select the right size for your space.

If you have any questions at all about selecting the right Murphy bed for your home, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

Murphy beds offer a winning combination of space-saving design and multi-use room functionality. At CozyBeds, we’re here to help you find the perfect pull-up bed for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed?

Generally, the differences between a Murphy bed and a wall bed are the lifting mechanisms used to pull down and pull up the bed. Murphy beds use springs, or hydraulic lifts, while wall beds typically use pistons. However, people often use the two terms interchangeably.

Can I sleep on a Murphy bed every night?

Yes, you can sleep on a Murphy bed every night. Modern Murphy beds are designed to be as comfortable and durable as traditional beds.The key is having a well-made bed and good mattress.

Is a Murphy bed as comfortable as a regular bed? 

A Murphy bed can be just as comfortable as a regular bed, especially when equipped with a high-quality mattress. 

Are Murphy beds hard to pull down and put up? 

No. Modern Murphy beds are designed with easy-to-use mechanisms, often including hydraulic systems or counterbalancing, making them simple to lower and raise. Most adults and older children can operate them without difficulty.

How much does a murphy bed cost?

Murphy bed prices can range widely. However, they typically cost from $600 to $2,000, depending on size, features, and quality. What’s important to get the most value for your money is to buy from a reputable manufacturer who stands behind the quality of their bed with a warranty.

How much space do Murphy beds take up?

When folded up, Murphy beds typically protrude 12-16 inches (30.5 - 40.6 cm) from the wall. When lowered, they take up about the same amount of space as a regular bed of the same size.

What are the different types of Murphy beds? 

Common types of Murphy beds include vertical (folds down lengthwise from the footer) or horizontal (folds down sideways.) As well, they come in a range of sizes, generally from twin to king, and include different features, such as add-on storage units, desks, couches, and more.

Does a Murphy bed save space?

Yes. Murphy beds are excellent space-savers. They free up the floor space that a standard bed would take up during the day, effectively giving you an extra room's worth of space when the bed is folded up.

Where is the best place to buy a Murphy bed?

When shopping for a Murphy bed, you can look at local furniture stores, but you’ll find the most variety online. Be sure to go with a reputable manufacturer to ensure the Murphy bed meets strict safety standards and is built to last. For example, at CozyBeds, you can find a wide selection of safe, durable, and stylish Murphy beds to meet your needs and preferences.