If you’re in space-saving mode, you’ve probably wondered whether a Murphy bed might be the right choice for your house or condo.
With the growth in work-from-home office needs and individuals looking to downsize, 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 when the bed is stored away
- 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 they use a tri-fold mattress that folds horizontally instead of vertically creating a look more like a buffet or console than a cabinet.
Learn more about our Murphy bed and panel bed options.
Where should I put a Murphy bed in my home?
Because a Murphy bed folds up and is easily stored away, it can be placed 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 an experienced designer can help you decide 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 incredibly safe and designed with high technical precision.
In addition to buying a well-engineered Murphy bed, it’s also essential to have it professionally installed. Your installer will ensure the bed is appropriately placed in your home and adequately secured to maximize safety.
3 things to ask a Murphy bed company about their installation process
- Can you provide a detailed overview of the installation process for your Murphy beds?
- What are the specific space and structural requirements for installing a Murphy bed in different types of rooms?
- Do you offer professional installation services? If so, what is the typical timeline for completion and the associated costs?
What’s the difference between a Murphy bed and a sofa bed?
A Murphy bed folds into a cabinet,, while a sofa bed folds into a sofa. Murphy beds also use a conventional 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 comfort and longevity.
It also means you won’t feel the bed’s underpinnings while trying to sleep – anyone who’s ever slept on a sofa bed knows how uncomfortable that metal bar under the mattress can be!
4 Benefits of Murphy beds vs. sofa beds
- Space-saving efficiency: Murphy beds are designed to maximize space utilization, allowing the room to serve multiple functions without compromising comfort or style.
- Improved mattress quality: Murphy beds accommodate standard mattresses, which provide better support and comfort than the thinner mattresses commonly found in sofa beds.
- Seamless room aesthetics: When not in use, a Murphy bed seamlessly integrates into the room’s decor, offering a more polished and streamlined appearance than a sofa bed, which may appear bulkier and less elegant.
- Minimal depth requirement: A Murphy bed can be as little as 15″ deep, making it a perfect space-saving solution for rooms with limited space, while a typical sofa bed requires a depth of 36″, taking up more floor space and potentially limiting room functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Murphy Beds and their Features
Are there options to include a Murphy bed in a home office?
Some 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 cramping your desk area.
Can I sleep on a Murphy bed every night?
Contrary to common misconceptions, a well-crafted and thoughtfully engineered Murphy bed can offer a genuinely comfortable and restful night’s sleep, similar to that of a traditional bed.
When contemplating the practicality of embracing a Murphy bed as your primary sleeping solution, it’s essential to consider its transformative capabilities. By day, it effortlessly recedes into the background, liberating valuable floor space and enabling a seamless transition from bedroom to living area. This adaptability lends itself to an enhanced living experience, where functionality harmonizes with style.
Do Murphy beds need special mattresses?
Murphy beds use a specially designed mattress that doesn’t shift or develop lumps when stored vertically for long periods. While the mattress is unique to Murphy beds, it’s also not one-size-fits-all.
Choose a firm, plush, or memory foam Murphy bed mattress. 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.”
Factors to consider when choosing a mattress for your Murphy bed
- Thickness: Ensure that the mattress is compatible with the design and mechanics of the Murphy bed to allow for seamless folding and unfolding without compromising comfort.
- Size: Select a mattress size that fits the dimensions of your Murphy bed frame to prevent any misalignment or overhang when the bed is in its stored position.
- Comfort and Support: Choose a mattress that provides adequate support and comfort for quality sleep, considering personal preferences for firmness and material composition.
Are Murphy beds comfortable?
Murphy beds ARE comfortable. When you compare a Murphy bed to its standard 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 compared to traditional beds. You can choose a mattress that fits your preferences and include a pillow top or other features that make it as comfortable (or even more comfortable, according to some satisfied customers!) as a traditional bed.
Three reasons Murphy beds are more comfortable than futons and sofa beds
- Mattress Quality: Murphy beds typically accommodate standard mattresses, offering better support and comfort than the thinner mattresses in futons and sofa beds.
- Customized Mattress Selection: A Murphy bed allows you to choose a mattress tailored to your specific comfort preferences, which may not be possible with futons and sofa beds.
- No Bar or Frame Discomfort: Unlike futons and sofa beds, Murphy beds do not have bars or frames that can cause discomfort during sleep, providing a more seamless and comfortable sleeping surface.
These factors contribute to the overall comfort and quality of sleep experience that Murphy beds can offer over futons and sofa beds.
Is there a weight limit on a Murphy bed?
Weight limits for Murphy beds, sometimes called pull-down beds, can vary depending on the size and style of the bed. The following guidelines can be generally used, but 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 engineered for effortless operation, allowing users to raise or lower the bed swiftly. This quick and efficient process ensures that preparing the bed for use or stowing it away can be completed in under two minutes, emphasizing the convenience and practicality of Murphy bed functionality. A Murphy bed’s swift setup and storage exemplify its seamless integration into daily routines, offering a hassle-free solution for maximizing space and comfort in any living environment.
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 can meet with experienced designers to include Murphy beds in interior design plans. They can help you assess your space and determine which bed might be the right option to give you back the space you need in your home.
Four things to consider about Murphy bed functionality
- Space Optimization: Murphy beds are designed to maximize space utilization, making them ideal for small living spaces or multifunctional rooms.
- Mechanism Durability: Consider the quality and durability of the bed’s lifting and folding mechanisms to ensure smooth and reliable operation over time.
- Mattress Support: Ensure the bed frame provides adequate support for the mattress to maintain comfort and structural integrity.
- Customization Options: Explore customization features such as integrated lighting, storage units, or additional shelving to enhance the Murphy bed’s functionality in your specific living environment.
Do I need to install a Murphy bed on a wood floor?
You can install a Murphy bed on various floor types – wood, tile, carpet, etc. The floor level 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 secure as possible, a highly trained expert should be responsible for placing it in your home. They can evaluate the placement and setting, considering variations in the floor, the load capacity of the wall, and more.
The professional installation of a Murphy bed alone can take up to 6 hours, with the addition of side cabinets or home office furniture, some installations require multiple days for installation.. Considering the large number of individual components involved and the level of expertise required, this is a job best left to a professional installation crew..
Four reasons to have your Murphy bed professionally installed
- Expert Installation: Professional installation ensures the Murphy bed is securely and correctly installed, maximizing its functionality and safety.
- Customization Guidance: Professionals can provide insights on customization options and accessories tailored to your needs, enhancing the Murphy bed’s overall functionality.
- Structural Integrity: Professional installation minimizes the risk of structural issues or damage, ensuring the bed operates smoothly and remains secure over time.
- Warranty Compliance: Having your Murphy bed professionally installed may be a requirement to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty, offering added protection and peace of mind.
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 installation. Professionals evaluate your home’s floors, walls, and more to ensure the bed is safely installed and leveled so you can use it safely for years. Most importantly, they ensure the bed uses the correct springs at the proper tension so that it folds away safely and stays in place when you put it away.
If you’re leaning toward a DIY Murphy bed option, a cabinet bed is probably better 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 ensure you can 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 with a Murphy bed to 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 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 available in a various of styles and finishes, so you can ensure they complement the rest of your home’s décor.
Depending on your preferences and your home’s aesthetic, a Murphy bed can look like an entertainment armoire, a bookshelf, or cabinetry.
As you decide on the best use of space for your home, a Murphy bed can be a fantastic, versatile, and convenient option. Whenever you’re ready to learn more and start your space-saving improvements, visit our Austin or San Antonio showrooms to ask more questions about Murphy beds and to talk with our designers. Schedule a free consultation now.
