Everyone can manage space in a small house or apartment in different ways. An office or other room may be combined with an extra bedroom by installing a Murphy Bed. These beds usually disappear behind a wall or cabinet when not in use.
If you’re not aware of the features and designs offered, choosing to buy and install a Murphy bed is uneasy. It’s important to make sure the bed you choose will fulfill the purpose of the space and be long-lasting.
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Buying Considerations for a Murphy Bed
What is a Murphy Bed?
William Lawrence Murphy invented the Murphy bed maybe about 1900 in San Francisco. He was inspired to design a bed that a romantic interest could fold up.
A Murphy bed may help you create additional space in your spare bedroom or visitor room. This innovative bed frame is often called a wall bed.
When not in use, you can fold up against the wall. This is a great feature to maximize a room’s functionality. The bed may resemble a cupboard or built-in storage while not in use.
With these space-saving beds, living in a house or a small studio apartment gives you valuable floor space.
Buying Considerations for a Murphy Bed
Murphy beds come in two varieties: vertical and horizontal. Your style will determine whether your bed opens horizontally or vertically.
Here are things to consider in selecting the ideal bed for your house:
Room Layout
Choosing a Murphy bed requires careful consideration of your room layout.
Before you begin your search, you should measure the space’s measurements. You must measure the amount of space you have available from the floor to the ceiling. If your ceilings are low, you can use horizontally folding Murphy beds.
If you want to use a Murphy bed to make a tiny room work, you should be aware of how long the bed can stretch while it is open. Make sure you have enough room to open the bed and get to it. Also, consider the space at the end for when you need to lift it back up.
Your Purpose
Some Murphy bed cabinets have uses for when the bed isn’t in use. It may be possible to see storage or a couch by folding the bed and shutting the cupboard.
They are useful improvements if the small space is used as an office. Some beds include these elements by having side shelves and the ability to convert from a bed into a sofa. Compared to a bed that is only hidden behind a cabinet, these beds offer greater functionality.
Style and Features
Built-in features are available to maximize the use of a Murphy bed setup. If you’re furnishing a studio space, storage may be one of the aspects to look for. You may store clothing, blankets, and other necessities by using the shelves or cupboards.
There are also two types of Murphy beds, including:
- Wall bed. Typically, wall beds are incorporated into fixtures that take up much of the wall, if not the whole space. When closed, a wall bed might resemble a bookshelf, a shelving unit, or a set of cupboards.
- Cabinet bed. Some of these beds are freestanding cabinets that the bed folds into. Others may be fastened to the wall.
Durability
Solid wood mattresses are the strongest. But they are usually much more costly and can distort.
Plywood could be more durable and long-lasting than medium-density fiberboard or particle board. This is also good for individuals looking for a less-priced choice.
Medium-density fiberboard and steel frame add strength to beds. But its weight might also make it more difficult to deal with.
Mechanism
Two lift types are often found on these beds: spring or piston (hinge). Alternatively, some Murphy beds have a manual opening mechanism requiring you to use your strength to raise and lower the bed.
Spring opening mechanisms were the first widely used lift for Murphy wall beds. Changing the spring’s resistance is possible to make raising the bed simpler. A simple way to raise and lower the best Murphy bed is with a piston-lifting mechanism.
The most basic opening mechanisms are manual. It doesn’t require springs or piston adjustments.
Delivery
It’s best to research the return policies and delivery charges if you are not buying the bed from a local vendor. Considering how hefty the shipment will be, in-home delivery is preferred over curbside delivery.
Ensure you know if you want to pay someone to install the bed or do it yourself. Examine the bed’s warranty and be aware of a short warranty.
Cost
Size and material choices are the primary factors determining a Murphy bed’s price. The opening mechanism is another aspect that affects product price.
Manual opening mechanisms are the most affordable and straightforward alternative for Murphy beds. In contrast, piston-assisted lifting systems come at a higher cost.
Additionally, the bed’s appearance will matter at a regular price. The Murphy bed’s price may increase with attachments like storage or lights.
Wrap-Up
A Murphy bed will give your small bedroom or guest room additional space. Often referred to as a wall bed, this distinctive bed frame folds up to hide the mattress. This also reveals a sturdy exterior that can occasionally be designed like a cabinet.
If you’re considering purchasing a Murphy bed, consider these aspects before scrolling through the online inventory. Choose from all of the high-quality types that Murphy Beds has to offer.