If you don’t have literally any space to allocate your bedroom, if you need an additional sleeping space for guests, there’s a brilliant solution you’ll love – a Murphy bed! This is a very comfortable bed, which takes up no space when not in use – you can create a guest sleeping or your own sleeping space anywhere, no spare rooms needed!
What Is A Murphy Bed
A Murphy bed is a piece that can be folded up to fit into a wall of built-in cabinetry and completely disappear when you don’t need it. They’re ideal for mixed-use spaces, like an office/bedroom, gym/guest bedroom, theater/guest bedroom, etcetera — and they’re great for occasional use sleeping areas. Such beds work well in small homes where living and sleeping spaces are conjoined and also add more flavor to your home raising the level of comfort.
Here's how a Murphy bed looks when not in use, just add shelves on each side to make the piece more functional.
A hidden Murphy bed looks sleek, doesn't clutter the space and you can have a whole room for yourself.
You can even place a Murphy bed in a playroom - it won't take any space before you decide to use it.
A horizontal version of Murphy bed is a cool idea, too, if you don't like a vertical version or it doesn't fit.
This is how you open a Murphy bed, the legs are hidden under a cover for a sleek look.
An opened Murphy bed with an additional storage unit by its side is a very functional item.
Advantages
Unlike futons and sofa beds, Murphy beds don’t use mattresses that fold, so you can avoid those pesky bars and painful lumps. In fact, you can use your own mattress. Also, you don’t have to take the sheets on and off every time you use the bed or put it away. Most of Murphy beds have a Velcro strap system and this keeps the bedding (and the mattress) in place when it is closed. And if you don’t like vertical Murphy beds, you can get a side tilt configuration that opens horizontally.
A vertical Murphy bed with a mattress attached with Velcros - you won't have to move it every time.
A stylish Murphy bed with wood clad inside and sleek storage units on all the sides.
A laconic guest bedroom with a view and a Murphy bed can be transformed into any other space when the bed is not in use.
A comfortable yet small guest sleeping space placed right in an awkward corner of the living room is a brilliant idea.
A cool Murphy bed hidden behind sliding barn doors is a great idea for a rustic space.
A contemporary sleeping space with a Murphy bed and potted greenery on the upper part of it.
Your master bedroom with a Murphy bed can be turned into a home office during the day.
A Nordic light-filled bedroom with a Murphy bed integrated into a storage unit.
A stylishly hidden Murphy bed with black doors and ring pulls is a gorgeous idea for a refined bedroom.
A traditional home office with a dark stained bookcase and a horizontally built-in Murphy bed right in it.
Tips
When designing for Murphy beds, you should allow enough area around the folded-down bed. Keep the room’s other furnishings lightweight and mobile to allow easy access to the Murphy bed.
Hardware is a key component of a Murphy bed and if it’s clunky and heavy and if the hinges get easily misaligned, the bed can become dangerous to raise and lower, so choose right hardware. You also need to provide interior lighting at the bed’s headboard so that you or your guests could read.
A Murphy bed and pull-out nightstands disappear into the reclaimed wood wall when not needed.
A library with a built-in Murphy bed - make your space more functional and squeeze maximum of it.
A minimalist living room with a built-in Murphy bed to turn the space into a bedroom when needed.
An industrial loft with a metal cube, which hides a Murphy bed, means no compromise on style and decor.
A welcoming space with a storage unit and a built-in Murphy bed plus a bassinet next to it.
A cozy studio apartment with a Murphy bed integrated right over the sofa.
A home office with a hidden Murphy bed behind the doors lets the space double as a bedroom and home office.
A Murphy bed integrated between the living room and the kitchen behind the bold blue doors.
An elegant home office with a built-in Murphy bed for guests or just to nap.