What is a Murphy Bed? Wall Bed FAQs
4 minute read, by Closet America, on Jan 14, 2025
With any space that needs a little extra room, a Murphy Bed is one of the best options. Inside a Murphy bed, the mattress is attached to the bed frame and often includes straps that hold the mattress in position when the unit is folded upright. This bed design has been used for over 100 years to save space and create a more usable area. This design is popular where floor space is limited, such as small homes, guest rooms, apartments, and college dormitories. A Murphy is also known as a wall bed, pull-down bed, fold-down bed, and hidden bed.
But how do they work, and are they right for you? In this comprehensive guide, we answer all your questions about Murphy beds, from their history and functionality to customization options and safety features.
What is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed is a type of bed that folds up into a wall or cabinet when not in use. This design allows you to maximize your floor space by converting bedrooms, guest rooms, or even living rooms into multi-use spaces. Murphy beds are also referred to as wall beds, pull-down beds, fold-down beds, and hidden beds.
Why is it Called a Murphy Bed?
The Murphy Bed was created in the early 1900s in San Francisco when William Lawrence Murphy fell in love with a local opera singer. The common customs at the time would not allow a lady to enter his bedroom, so he recreated his room into a convertible parlor. His invention allowed him to hide his bed when guests were over, transforming his one-room apartment from a bedroom into a parlor. In 1908, Murphy patented his design but never trademarked the name. In 1989 the design became publicly available, and in the 2010s the design regained its popularity.
How Does a Murphy Bed Work?
Murphy beds are attached to a cabinet or wall-mounted frame. They operate using a counterbalance system, typically involving springs or pistons, which allows the bed to be folded up and down with ease. Modern designs also include safety mechanisms like locking features and secure straps to hold the mattress in place when the bed is upright.
Are Murphy Beds Comfortable?
Yes, Murphy beds can be as comfortable as traditional beds. Most Murphy beds are compatible with standard mattresses, so you can choose the level of firmness and support that suits you best. It’s recommended to use a firmer mattress to avoid sagging or bunching, as the mattress will remain upright when not in use.
How to Build a Murphy Bed
For those without carpentry experience, hiring a professional or purchasing a pre-made Murphy bed is recommended. Building a Murphy bed requires careful planning and the right tools. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Choose a Design: Decide on the style, size, and orientation (vertical or horizontal) of the bed.
- Gather Materials: You’ll need wood or metal for the frame, a mattress, and a Murphy bed hardware kit.
- Construct the Frame: Build the bed frame and cabinet to fit your desired dimensions.
- Install the Mechanism: Attach the lift mechanism provided in the hardware kit.
- Secure to the Wall or Floor: Ensure the unit is securely anchored to prevent tipping.
How to Make a Murphy Bed Higher
If you’d like your Murphy bed to sit higher off the ground, you can:
- Install a Platform: Add a raised platform underneath the bed frame.
- Use Taller Legs: Some Murphy bed designs allow for adjustable legs or higher frames.
- Choose a Customized Design: Closet America offers customizable Murphy bed designs to suit your preferences, including height adjustments.
Are Murphy Beds Dangerous?
Modern Murphy beds are built with safety in mind. They feature locking mechanisms to prevent accidental folding and secure straps to hold the mattress in place. When installed properly and used as intended, Murphy beds are safe and reliable.
Who Invented the Murphy Bed?
William Lawrence Murphy invented the Murphy bed in the early 1900s. Inspired by his need to create more functional living space, Murphy patented his design in 1908.
Do Murphy Beds Have to Be Attached to the Wall?
While many Murphy beds are wall-mounted, there are also freestanding models available. Wall-mounted beds offer added stability, but freestanding units can be a great option for renters or those who want a non-permanent solution.
How Wide is a Murphy Bed?
The width of a Murphy bed depends on the mattress size:
- Twin: Approximately 39 inches wide
- Full: Approximately 54 inches wide
- Queen: Approximately 60 inches wide
Customized sizes are also available to fit unique spaces.
How Much is a Murphy Bed?
The cost of a Murphy bed varies depending on the size, materials, and customizations. On average:
- Basic Models: $2,000 to $4,000
- Custom Designs: $5,000 or more
Closet America offers fully customized Murphy beds to match your home’s décor and your specific needs. Contact us for a personalized quote.
What Are Closet America Murphy Bed Sizes?
Twin — This bed size is the best for small areas and will take up the least amount of wall and floor space. This smaller size is ideal for children to sleep on because they don’t need as much room to sleep comfortably. The twin-sized wall bed is also popular in small spaces at home, like an office that only requires room for one adult.
Full – This size is another great option for guest rooms and small to medium-sized spaces. This option will offer considerably more width than the twin and can comfortably fit one adult but can support two.
Queen — This size is one of the most common mattress sizes found in homes across the country. This size will offer enough room for two adults to sleep comfortably. A queen-sized bed is recommended for those who are planning to use this bed nightly.
If you are interested in adding a wall bed to your home contact the experts at Closet America. Our custom-designed wall beds are built to match your home’s décor. We offer a wide variety of finishes for your frame, including light, medium, and dark grains. Contact us today to find out what we can create for you.
