If you’re in space-saving mode, you’ve probably wondered whether a Murphy bed might be the right choice for your home.
This past year has seen real estate price increases and a growth in work from home prevalence. It’s no surprise that Murphy beds, designed to save space in your home while still providing a comfortable sleeping space, continue to increase in popularity. In fact, according to Google Trends, searches for Murphy beds doubled following the onset of COVID and the transition to remote work.
Does a Murphy bed sound like it might be a great solution to maximize space in your home? We’ve put together some frequently asked questions about Murphy beds to help you in your decision making.
General Questions about Murphy Beds
Are there different styles of Murphy beds to choose from?
Murphy beds come in a variety of styles. In addition to choosing the right size for your home/space, you can seamlessly incorporate your Murphy bed into your living space by choosing:
- Bi-fold doors that look like a cabinet or entertainment center
- Bookcases that slide back when it’s time to open your bed
- A panel that folds straight down from the bed’s setup
- A Chesterfield option that looks like a cabinet/sofa combination
Some people also consider cabinet beds as a space-saving bed option. They’re similar to Murphy beds but fold out horizontally instead of vertically and look more like a buffet or console than a cabinet.
Where should I put a Murphy bed in my home?
Because a Murphy bed folds up and is easily stored away, you can include one in almost any room of your house. Bedrooms, playrooms, game rooms and home offices are some of the most common locations.
However, you could also include a Murphy bed in other spots in your home. Some people have even put Murphy beds in closets – there are plenty of options and a designer can help you work out which ones are best for your home and space.
Are Murphy beds safe?
If you’ve watched old sitcoms, you may have seen comic incidences where Murphy beds fold up without warning. Rest assured – today’s Murphy beds are designed with high technical precision and are extremely safe.
In addition to buying a well-engineered Murphy bed, it’s also important to have your Murphy bed professionally installed. Your installer will ensure the bed is properly placed in your home and properly secured to maximize safety when using it.
What’s the difference in a Murphy bed and a sofa bed?
A Murphy bed folds into the wall while a sofa bed folds into your sofa. Murphy beds also use a full-sized mattress that doesn’t require folding for storage.
That means the mattress can be more comfortable and have a firmer structure than a sofa bed. Murphy bed mattresses from high-quality providers are also engineered for vertical storage to ensure both comfort and longevity.
It also means you won’t feel the bed’s underpinnings while you’re trying to sleep – anyone who’s ever slept on a sofa bed knows how uncomfortable that metal bar under the mattress can be!
Frequently Asked Questions about Murphy Beds and their Features
Are there options to include a Murphy bed in a home office?
Some really innovative and convenient Murphy bed setups are incorporated into a home office space.
With this design, you can include space for your desk, computer and office supplies, so you can work conveniently from home and in a comfortable open space. The Murphy bed is available when you need it for guest use – without taking up most of the floor space or making your desk area cramped.
What kind of mattress can I use on a Murphy bed?
Murphy beds use a specially designed mattress that doesn’t shift or develop lumps when stored vertically for long periods of time. While the mattress is unique to Murphy beds, it’s also not a one-size-fits all.
You have options, including choosing a Murphy bed mattress that’s firm or plush, or one that includes memory foam. The goal is to have a mattress that provides the most comfortable night’s sleep whether you use it for occasional guests or for your “everyday bed.”
Are Murphy beds comfortable?
Murphy beds ARE comfortable. When you compare a Murphy bed to its common counterparts – the futon and the sofa bed – Murphy beds come out far ahead in terms of comfort and convenience.
In addition, Murphy beds rank highly when compared to traditional beds. You have the option to choose a mattress that fits your preferences and can include a pillow top or other features that make it as comfortable (or even more comfortable, according to some satisfied customers!) than a traditional bed.
Is there a weight limit on a Murphy bed?
Weight limits for Murphy beds can vary depending on the size and style of the bed. The following guidelines can be generally used, and you can also check specifics once you’ve narrowed down your bed choices.
- Twin-size murphy bed weight limit: About 500 pounds
- Queen-size Murphy bed weight limit: Up to 1000 static pounds
How long does it take to set up a Murphy bed?
Murphy beds are designed to be easily raised and lowered. It can take less than two minutes to pull down a Murphy bed and get ready for a good night’s sleep – and the same goes for storing it away!
How much space does a Murphy bed save?
When a Murphy bed is stored away, you have a tremendous amount of additional floor space available in your room. While space will vary depending on the size and style of bed you choose, choosing a Murphy bed can give you the freedom to use open floor space for:
- Making room for your office chair to push back freely when you’re working in a small space
- Leaving an open area for yoga or a workout
- Giving children open floor space to play with toys
Questions about Murphy Bed Installation
Can I test out a Murphy bed?
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to see something in action before making a purchase, so you can really visualize your space. When you’re considering a Murphy bed, visit a showroom to see the bed in action. You should be able to test it out for comfort and to see how easily it folds away and stores.
In addition, when you visit a showroom, you have the opportunity to meet with designers who are experienced at including Murphy beds in interior design plans. They can help you assess your space and figure out which bed might be the right option to give you back the space you need in your home.
Do I need to install a Murphy bed on a wood floor?
You can install a Murphy bed on a variety of different floor types – wood, tile, carpet, etc. The levelness of the floor is more important than the floor type, and the wall’s composition (stud placement, weight-bearing, etc.) is also critical to a smooth installation.
Does a Murphy bed require professional installation?
Professional installation is highly recommended for Murphy beds. For a Murphy bed to be as safe and as secure as possible, a highly trained expert should be responsible for placing it in your home. They can evaluate the placement and setting, taking into account variations in the floor, the load capacity of the wall and more.
A professional installation can take up to 6 hours, and it’s time well-spent when you consider the high number of individual components to consider in the installation process.
Can I DIY My Murphy bed install?
To ensure the safety and longevity of a Murphy bed, you need to have a professional complete the install. Professionals evaluate your home’s floors, walls and more to ensure the bed is safely installed and level, so that you can use it safely for years to come. Most importantly, they ensure the bed uses the right springs at the right tension so that it folds away safely and stays in place when you put it away.
If you’re leaning toward a DIY option, a cabinet bed is probably a better choice than a Murphy bed. It’s freestanding, so you don’t have to worry about weight-bearing walls or structural concerns.
How much floor space do you need to install a Murphy bed?
Your bed’s length will likely fall within 6 to 7 feet. The clearance width will depend on the bed size you choose – about:
- 3 to 4 feet for a twin
- 5 to 6 feet for a full
- 6 to 7 feet for a queen
When you meet with a designer to discuss a potential Murphy bed installation, they’ll be able to help you find the best location for your Murphy bed and to ensure you are able to benefit from the extra space created by storing the bed when not in use. For example, many Murphy bed owners consider purchasing a home office unit that includes a Murphy bed, so they can accommodate both the bed and a workspace in the same area.
How much wall space do you need to install a Murphy bed?
The wall space needed to install a Murphy bed will depend on the size of the Murphy bed you’re considering installing. A king bed will obviously require more space than a twin bed.
A good rule of thumb is that you’ll need 1 to 3 feet of depth to accommodate the bed when it’s stored away (about the size of a large bookshelf, closet or cabinet).
What sizes do Murphy beds come in?
Murphy beds are available in a variety of sizes. You can choose between Queen, Full, and Twin sizes (the most common Murphy bed options). King Size Murphy beds are also available but may have fewer frame style options.
How well does a Murphy bed blend into the room?
Murphy beds are designed in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can ensure they fit in well with the rest of your home’s décor.
A Murphy bed can look like an entertainment armoire, a bookshelf or cabinetry, depending on your preferences and your home’s aesthetic.
As you make decisions on the best use of space for your home, a Murphy bed can be a great, versatile and convenient option. Whenever you’re ready to learn more and start your space-saving improvements, visit our showroom to ask more questions about Murphy beds and to talk with our designers.
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