These Elevated Murphy Beds Add Style (and Space!) to Any Small Room
What is a Murphy bed, you ask? Unlike a daybed or a sofa bed, the purpose of a Murphy bed isn’t exactly revealed in the name. We’ll get to the nomenclature in a moment, but first, an explanation of the furniture in question: A Murphy bed is hinged to an interior wall so that, when it’s not in use, it can be tucked away, making the valuable floor space under it available. Some may even go so far as to say Murphy beds are one of the most versatile double-duty beds on offer.
In light of our recent “Small Spaces” edition that hit stands earlier this month, we chatted with two interior designers, Niche Interiors’s principal Jennifer Jones, and Hope Miriam Designs’s owner Hope Danyla, to get their expert takes on how, where, and when to employ Murphy beds. Ahead, learn all about the evolution of the Murphy bed, and see how today's designers are putting their own elevated spins on the old space-saving item—as soon as you see them, you'll understand why they're trending again!
Why is it called a Murphy bed?
As you might expect, the Murphy bed is named for its inventor, William L. Murphy. Around the turn of the 20th century, the San Francisco native designed a bed that, within seconds, could fold neatly into a closet, making an already small space feel that much bigger. He went on to found the Murphy Wall Bed Company and, according to The Smithsonian Institution, patented his product in 1911.
Where should I install a Murphy bed?
“Murphy beds are perfect for home offices, dens, or media rooms that may need to accommodate the occasional overnight guest,” Jones suggests. “A Murphy bed is space-saving magic. This one compact piece can free up an entire room in your home, providing a flexible space that can be used as more than just a bedroom.” So if you don’t have a full-fledged guest room but don’t want to ask out-of-towners to spend the night on your sofa, you may want to consider installing a Murphy bed.
How do I choose the right Murphy bed?
For starters, it’s always important to measure your space to ensure your new Murphy bed will fit. Second, and equally as important, is the type of Murphy bed you’re considering: custom or ready-made. Jones says, “A custom design provides the most flexibility, allowing every inch to be utilized and bespoke design details to be used. However, there are vendors that offer semi-custom options that also provide fantastic solutions at a lower price point.” If a custom design feels like too big of a commitment, keep scrolling to peep our ready-to-buy alternatives.
What are the upsides of a Murphy bed?
Danyla notes, “The biggest benefit of a Murphy bed is the convertibility. While there are other options, including trundle beds and sofa sleepers, a Murphy bed has the most versatility. When it’s not folded down as a bed, it can transform into a desk or a closet. Not many other types of furniture can do that.” So if you’re tight on space, you can’t go wrong with a Murphy bed because it will quite literally give you the most bang for your buck.
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