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Murphy beds, or wall beds, can maximize space and add versatility to a room. These space-saving beds fold up into a wall or cabinet, transforming bedrooms, guest rooms, home offices, and even small studio apartments into multifunctional spaces. Let’s look at seven awesome tips for getting the most out of your Murphy bed.

7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Murphy Bed

If you’re thinking about getting a Murphy bed or already own one, here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this space-saving marvel.

1. Choose the Right Murphy Bed Style for Your Space

Murphy beds come in various styles, from vertical to horizontal, and even bunk beds. Each type has advantages and is suitable for different room layouts.

1. Vertical Murphy Bed: Ideal for rooms with higher ceilings, these beds fold up and down along the vertical axis. This style usually takes up less wall space but requires adequate ceiling height.
2. Horizontal Murphy Bed: Better suited for rooms with low ceilings, such as basements or attics. These beds take up more wall space horizontally but don’t require as much headroom.
3. Bunk Murphy Bed: If you’re looking to accommodate more guests in a small space, bunk Murphy beds are a great choice. These are ideal for children’s rooms or vacation homes where space may be limited.

Choosing the right style ensures the bed fits comfortably within your room’s floor space.

2. Plan for Multifunctional Storage Solutions

The best Murphy beds from Lori Beds often come integrated with additional storage options, like desks and shelves. When selecting or customizing a Murphy bed, look for these features:

• Shelving units. Built-in shelves on either side of the bed offer storage for books, picture frames, or decorative pieces. This feature also doubles as a small library or display case.
• Desks. A Murphy bed desk allows the bed to function as a workspace when it’s not being used for sleep. A fold-down desk is especially valuable in home offices.
• Closet space. Some Murphy beds come with closet space around or above the bed, providing additional room for storing clothes and linens.

With storage space integrated into the traditional Murphy bed, you can reduce the need for extra furniture. This will give your room a more organized and open feel.

3. Use High-Quality Wall Anchors and Brackets

Since Murphy beds fold into the wall, safety is essential. To prevent accidents, ensure that the bed is securely anchored. Invest in high-quality wall anchors, bolts, and brackets, and make sure they’re properly installed.

• Professional installation. Beds without lifting mechanisms, like The Lori Bed, come with comprehensive DIY Murphy bed assembly instructions. But if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, hire a professional to install the bed.
• Weight limits and recommendations. Be mindful of the bed’s weight capacity, particularly if it includes additional shelving or desk units. Exceeding the weight limits can weaken the wall anchors over time.

With proper installation and maintenance, your Murphy bed will remain safe and functional for years.

4. Invest in a Comfortable, Lightweight Mattress

Murphy beds require specific mattresses that can fit into the wall unit without compromising comfort. But getting the most out of your Murphy bed means having a mattress that both fits well and is comfortable.

Reputable manufacturers offer mattresses along with the Murphy bed. This would be your best choice to ensure that the mattress fits perfectly with your bed. Otherwise, consider both weight and thickness when choosing a mattress.

• Memory foam mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are lightweight, flexible, and offer great support. They’re also easy to lift in and out of the Murphy bed frame.
• Thickness limitations. Murphy beds typically require mattresses between 8 to 12 inches thick. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the mattress fits snugly without damaging the wall unit.
• Comfort considerations. Since Murphy beds are often used as guest beds, choose a mattress that provides adequate support and comfort. This ensures you have a restful sleep experience.

Choosing the right mattress will make using your Murphy bed a pleasure without compromising on comfort or ease of use.

5. Incorporate Smart Lighting Options

Proper lighting can make your Murphy bed space feel welcoming and functional. Since these beds often fold into a wall, having integrated lighting can make a significant difference.

• LED strip lighting: LED lights installed around the frame of the Murphy bed can provide ambient lighting. They also add a modern, stylish touch to the space.
• Under-cabinet lighting: For Murphy beds with built-in shelving, under-cabinet lighting can illuminate the shelves and create a cozy atmosphere.
• Motion-activated lights: If the bed is mainly used as a guest bed, consider motion-activated lights that turn on automatically when the bed is pulled down. This feature is convenient for guests unfamiliar with the layout of the room.

These lighting options can make your Murphy bed space more inviting and functional, especially in rooms with limited natural light.

6. Make It a Multipurpose Room with Movable Furniture

A Murphy bed is designed to save space. Capitalize on this by using flexible furniture arrangements to maximize versatility.

• Folding chairs and tables. These pieces of furniture can be easily stowed away when not in use. This makes it easy to create a guest space when needed.
• Wheeled furniture. Select furniture on wheels, such as small desks, bookshelves, or side tables, that can be easily moved out of the way when the bed is folded down.
• Modular seating. Consider modular seating, like sectionals or floor cushions, that can be rearranged or stowed depending on your space needs. This is especially useful in rooms that double as a living area.

Movable furniture makes it easier to transition from one room use to another and maximizes your Murphy bed’s utility.

7. Add Personal Touches to Make the Space Welcoming

Adding personal touches can make your living space more inviting.

• Decorative throw pillows and blankets. Keep a set of stylish throw pillows and blankets that complement the room’s decor. These can make the wall bed feel homey and cozy when pulled down.
• Wall art. Since Murphy beds fold into the wall, you can use the surrounding wall space for art, mirrors, or photos. These items can give the room a personal and welcoming feel.
• Guest essentials. If the bed is in the guest room, consider setting up a small area with essentials like a reading lamp, an alarm clock, and a charging station. This small gesture can make your guest’s stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

By adding personal touches, you’ll create a room that feels welcoming and not just utilitarian.

Conclusion

Murphy beds are an excellent investment if you want to maximize the use of your space. By choosing the right style, investing in smart storage solutions, selecting the right mattress and bedding, and incorporating versatile furniture, you can transform any room into a flexible, multifunctional space. With regular maintenance and thoughtful design, your Murphy bed can be a stylish, comfortable, and practical addition to your home for years to come.