Murphy beds might be the most genius space-saving solution of all time, and the sleeping arrangement is enjoying a resurgence. More and more people are downsizing their homes for economic, environmental, and lifestyle reasons. With so many types of murphy beds available, there’s one for every space.
If you’re thinking about getting a murphy bed, what are you waiting for? They are stylish and easy to use, and one of the best ways to create a multi-use room.
Keep reading to learn more about murphy beds and the different models available. The options are endless, so you’re sure to find one you love.
What Is a Murphy Bed?
If you’ve never seen a murphy bed, the concept is simple. Murphy beds hinge on one side so they can be stored against a wall or hidden away in a cabinet when not in use.
Thanks to torsion springs, it’s easy for one person to handle both setup and storage alone. Murphy beds do not have box springs, the mattress sits on a platform made of wooden slats. It is usually secured with straps to prevent slipping.
Murphy beds are more comfortable than sleep sofas, and they mix well with any style of decor. They work well in small houses, studio apartments, and dorm rooms. Some hotels have even started adding murphy beds to their designs.
Perhaps the most common use of murphy beds is in home offices. Homeowners love being able to use their office as an occasional guest room without sacrificing the space required for a bed.
Who Invented the Murphy Bed?
Murphy invented it, of course! William Lawrence Murphy, an Irish immigrant, received multiple patents for the murphy bed in the early 1900s.
Rumor has it he wanted to entertain ladies in his small studio apartment. But at the time, bringing the opposite sex into any room with a bed outside of marriage was taboo.
He solved the problem by engineering a bed that could be hidden when visitors stopped by. During the day, he could convert his bedroom into a formal parlor in a matter of seconds.
Murphy’s invention was simple but genius. Many companies have expanded on his idea in recent years.
Today, there are so many kinds of murphy beds. Here are a few you should know about before buying a murphy bed.
Bi-Fold Murphy Bed
One of the most popular murphy bed options, the bi-fold murphy bed gets its name from the folding cabinets doors that open to reveal it. The mattress itself does not actually fold.
Bi-fold murphy bed models are commonly surrounded by additional built-in cabinets. If you want a seamless look and plenty of extra storage, this is a great choice.
Murphy Bed With Desk
Murphy bed with desk units can transform even the tiniest room into a multi-use situation. When the bed is stowed, a large work surface folds down to accommodate your computer and supplies.
A clever system of hinges keeps the desk flat when the bed is released, so there’s never any need to move your equipment. It’s as simple as pulling the bed down to sleep comfortably, then flipping it up when you’re ready to get to work.
When the murphy bed is stored, it locks safely in place. You can relax knowing it won’t come crashing down on you during a Zoom call.
Library Murphy Bed
If you like to display your book collection proudly, a library murphy bed might be best for you. When it’s not in use, the mattress is hidden behind two sliding bookshelves.
The sturdy bookshelves are built to hold plenty of weight. You will appreciate the convenience of welcoming guests into your space without having to move a single book.
Horizontal Murphy Bed
Does your room have low ceilings? A horizontal murphy bed might be the solution you need. These models hinge on the long side of the bed, so they require less vertical wall space than more common designs.
Since they don’t reach the ceiling, some horizontal murphy beds come equipped with a shelf along the top edge. It can be a useful place to display photos, trophies, and other decorative items.
Murphy Bunk Beds
Imagine how much fun a normal murphy bed would be for a child, then double it! Murphy bunk beds are great for kids. They can accommodate siblings who share a room all the time or add an exciting element to sleepover parties.
There are many built-in and freestanding murphy bunk beds available on the market, so there’s bound to be one that will suit the configuration you have in mind. Some include child-sized shelves and desks.
Adults love murphy bunk beds too – they have been used in guest rooms, dorms, and hotels to accommodate grown-ups who prefer not to share the same mattress.
Pet Murphy Bed
Pampered pets can also benefit from murphy beds. Look for designs made to look like attractive drawer units that fold open to reveal a pup-sized platform. It’s also possible to build one yourself if you find a tutorial on the internet.
Your dog will love lounging on a memory foam mattress, and you will love being able to hide it when it’s not being used. It’s a win-win situation. There’s nothing worse than tripping over pet items in a small house.
Choose From These Types of Murphy Beds for Your Small Space
Now that you know more about the types of murphy beds available for sale, you can begin shopping for one that will add functionality and style to your home. Murphy beds come in every color and finish you can think of. If you have a unique idea, it can probably be custom made.
Once you have a murphy bed in your home, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t buy one sooner. The convenience is truly unbeatable.
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