Maximizing Space and Style: The Enduring Appeal of the Murphy Bed

TOKYO —

The guest bedroom, a cherished amenity for those who delight in hosting, often presents a spatial dilemma. Dedicating an entire room to a bed that sees infrequent use can feel like an inefficient allocation of valuable square footage. Enter the Murphy bed, a time-honored solution that ingeniously reclaims living space. Originally introduced in the early 20th century as "The Disappearing Bed," this ingenious foldaway design now bears the name of its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy. More than a century after its inception, the Murphy bed continues to empower homeowners to transform home offices, playrooms, and other multi-functional areas into comfortable guest accommodations with remarkable ease.

The enduring practicality of the Murphy bed is undeniable, yet its appeal extends beyond mere utility. Contemporary designs offer a wealth of creative possibilities, from integrated storage and shelving to customizable surfaces for paint, trim, and bespoke cabinetry. Daniella Hoffer, an AD PRO Directory designer and owner of Daniella Hoffer Interiors, champions a custom approach. However, she notes that even commercially available Murphy beds can be significantly enhanced with thoughtful design touches. "Creating millwork on the wall or making it look like cabinetry – similar to how we approach pantry doors in the kitchen today – is a beautiful way to incorporate a Murphy bed into the space, and frankly, hide it," Hoffer explains. "Or even putting a piece of artwork that you can remove easily before pulling down the bed." This fusion of form and function allows the Murphy bed to become not just a hidden bed, but a seamless part of the room’s overall aesthetic.

The evolution of the Murphy bed reflects a broader trend in interior design towards space optimization and multi-functional furniture. As urban living spaces become smaller and the lines between work and home blur, the demand for furniture that can adapt to various needs has surged. The Murphy bed, with its ability to disappear into a wall, epitomizes this trend, offering a sophisticated solution for maximizing the utility of any room.

Our Top Picks: A Curated Selection of Space-Saving Solutions

When selecting a Murphy bed, several factors come into play, including ease of operation, aesthetic integration, storage capabilities, and overall durability. The following selections represent some of the best options available, catering to a range of budgets and design preferences.

Please note that prices reflect queen-size beds. However, most of the featured frames are available in additional sizes and finishes.

Best Overall Murphy Bed: Oakland Living Easy-Lift Full Murphy Bed

Boasting a sleek design and dual bookcase towers, the Oakland Living Easy-Lift Full Murphy Bed offers the sophisticated appearance of custom-built-ins when folded away. This model is adept at replacing primary bedroom furniture, thanks to its clean lines and ample integrated storage. While it does necessitate the removal of baseboards for installation, the robust wall-mounting hardware ensures exceptional stability and security, a crucial consideration for households with children or pets. The dual-piston lift mechanism facilitates effortless raising and lowering, making it accessible for all family members. A significant advantage of this model is its versatility, offering a choice between twin, full, queen, or even king-sized base dimensions, a rarity in the Murphy bed market. The approximate price for a queen-size unit is $2,039, with an additional option available on Amazon for around $1,677.

Best for Home Offices: The Lori Bed with Desk

Lori Beds stands out for its exceptional customization options, offering the most adaptable Murphy bed solutions available. Whether one prefers a vertical pull-down or a horizontal fold-out, a desk, shelving, or a manual lift system over an assisted mechanism, the company allows for a high degree of personalization. The desk upgrade is particularly noteworthy for those seeking an integrated work-from-home setup. It provides a generous 16-inch-deep desk surface that extends across the entire width of the bed, regardless of its orientation. With seven distinct finishes, homeowners can seamlessly match the bed to their existing decor. Lori Beds also addresses the common challenge of finding a compatible mattress by offering two proprietary options: their signature mattress or an organic version made with recycled coils and New Zealand wool. For manual lift systems, a lighter-weight mattress is available to prevent undue strain on the mechanism and the user. The craftsmanship is evident, utilizing cabinet-grade plywood for superior durability. The approximate price for The Lori Bed with Desk is $3,949.

Best Affordable: Mjkone Murphy Bed with Storage Shelf

For those seeking a budget-friendly yet functional solution, the Mjkone Murphy Bed with Storage Shelf offers an innovative approach to storage. While many Murphy beds feature side cabinetry, this model ingeniously utilizes the underside of the bed itself, transforming it into open shelving when folded. The light wood finish lends a warm, Scandi-inspired aesthetic, and the staggered compartments provide ample space for displaying books, plants, and decorative items. While users will need to clear the shelves before lowering the bed, this minor inconvenience is a small price to pay for the added storage capacity. Available in both vertical and horizontal configurations, both versions accommodate a queen-size mattress, allowing for flexibility in choosing the layout that best suits the available space. The approximate price for this model is $1,112, with a significantly lower option found on Amazon for approximately $580.

Most Ornate: Keiki Murphy Bed Cabinet

This piece, while closely related to Murphy beds, is more accurately described as a cabinet bed. It presents a distinct aesthetic, appearing more like a bohemian credenza or sideboard than a functional bed until it is unfolded. The woven cane accents on the "doors" contribute to its sophisticated facade. When unfurled, it reveals a queen-sized bed and also incorporates two storage drawers and convenient charging ports on either side. This design offers a unique blend of style and utility, allowing it to serve as a decorative piece of furniture when not in use. The approximate price for the Keiki Murphy Bed Cabinet is $700.

Best All-in-One: Ebern Designs Athena Murphy Bed Chest

The Ebern Designs Athena Murphy Bed Chest offers a refined aesthetic with its subtle arched detailing and a choice of finishes, including walnut and light toffee. This design allows it to blend seamlessly into a room, appearing as a traditional sideboard or credenza. A spacious bottom drawer is ideal for storing spare pillows and bedding, and the inclusion of a six-inch folding queen mattress eliminates the need for a separate purchase. While reviewers note the mattress is on the softer side, it may be particularly comfortable for side sleepers or those who prefer a plush sleeping surface. The integrated charging ports add a layer of modern convenience for guests. The approximate price for this model is $2,000, with a slightly reduced price of $1,840 also available.

Best Farmhouse: BEQAI Murphy Bed with Storage Cabinet

With its rustic wood finish, the BEQAI Murphy Bed with Storage Cabinet evokes the charm of farmhouse cabinetry, making it an ideal addition to a cozy guest room or a country-inspired home. A white finish is also available for those who prefer a lighter aesthetic. Unlike fixed shelving units, the adjustable shelves offer flexibility in arranging items to suit changing needs, providing the look of custom cabinetry without the expense. The approximate price for this model is $1,060, with a sale price of $750 available.

Best Vintage: Murphy Bed by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler

For those with an appreciation for mid-century design, the Murphy Bed by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler presents a unique opportunity. Designed by the renowned Danish furniture maker in the 1960s, this vintage piece features warm oak and distinctive caning on its front. This rare find, sold by Wyeth, offers a piece of design history. The approximate price is $9,500.

How We Chose the Best Murphy Beds

The selection of the best Murphy beds involved a multi-faceted approach, drawing upon the expertise of interior designers Ania Agárdy, Daniella Hoffer, and Sarah Storms. Their insights into shopping strategies and product recommendations formed a crucial foundation. This expert advice was then cross-referenced with an analysis of top-selling and highly-rated products currently available on the market, as well as feedback from numerous customer reviews. The evaluation prioritized both the functional aspects of the beds, such as ease of operation and stability, and their aesthetic integration into various interior design schemes. Particular attention was paid to unique features that enhance their utility and appeal to homeowners seeking space-saving solutions.

FAQs

What to Look for in a Murphy Bed

When selecting a Murphy bed, several key components warrant careful consideration, based on expert advice and consumer feedback. These include the lift mechanism (piston or spring-based, and its ease of use), the frame material (solid wood for durability versus engineered wood for cost-effectiveness), integrated storage options (shelving, drawers, or desk components), the aesthetic design and finish to match existing decor, and the overall stability and safety features, such as locking mechanisms. The ease of installation and any necessary modifications to the room are also important factors.

What’s the Best Type of Mattress for a Murphy Bed?

"There isn’t any reason to sacrifice quality sleep and wall beds can be just as comfortable as a traditional frame, as long as the platform and mattress are solid and supportive," states designer Sarah Storms. High-quality mattresses are generally suitable, with hybrid options often recommended by designers like Ania Agárdy for their balance of support and comfort. A critical factor is the mattress thickness; a thinner profile (10 inches or less) is often necessary to ensure it fits properly when the bed is folded. It is advisable to consult the Murphy bed manufacturer’s recommendations, as mattress compatibility can vary significantly between models.

Are Murphy Beds Really Worth It?

The safety of Murphy beds has been a subject of discussion, particularly in light of past recalls related to unexpected detachment. However, modern Murphy beds are typically engineered with safety features like locking legs to secure the bed in both its open and closed positions. For homeowners needing to maximize living space, experts generally agree that a well-chosen and properly installed Murphy bed is a worthwhile investment. Designer Ania Agárdy notes, "I think it all depends on your particular budget and lifestyle needs. If the room is small but fully furnished and you just need some extra walking space, then a wall bed frame would work perfectly." For a more integrated look, custom or semi-custom solutions from companies like California Closets can be considered.

How Do Wall Beds Compare to Murphy Beds?

Historically, wall beds were characterized by wooden frames and piston mechanisms, while Murphy beds often utilized metal frames and springs. Wall beds tend to be more budget-friendly and simpler to install due to fewer components. However, they may be less aesthetically versatile and harder to integrate into a room’s overall design compared to Murphy beds. Agárdy describes Murphy beds as "full systems where the bed folds vertically into a cabinet or closet, often with shelving or a desk attached."

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Murphy Bed?

The lifespan of a Murphy bed is largely dependent on its construction materials. Beds made from solid wood are generally expected to last 10 to 15 years or more. While particleboard options are more affordable, their durability is typically lower, with an expected lifespan of around five years.

Can I Sleep on a Murphy Bed Every Night?

Yes, Murphy beds, particularly well-constructed modern models, are designed for daily use. They are engineered for durability, safety, and comfort, making them a viable option for primary sleeping arrangements. As with any bed, the quality and type of mattress can significantly impact the sleeping experience.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Murphy Bed?

The optimal place to purchase a Murphy bed depends on budget and customization needs. For highly customizable, premium options with integrated mattress solutions, Lori Beds is a top recommendation. For more accessible and budget-friendly choices, Amazon offers a wide selection with convenient features like charging ports and prices often under $1,000. For high-end, stylish options, retailers like California Closets and Italian brand Clei provide quality and design-forward selections.