The average American spends around 36 years in bed throughout their lifetime.
This proves that we should invest in a great-quality bed so we get a good night’s sleep. One fantastic type are murphy beds which are soaring in popularity.
Perhaps you’re interested in one but you don’t know what to look out for. Sound familiar? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place.
What Is a Murphy Bed?
Before diving into how to choose the best full-size murphy bed for your home, it’s important to know what they are. Murphy beds, otherwise known as a wall bed, are ones that fold up so you enjoy more space.
Most homeowners choose murphy beds if they want to transform their living space into a guest room or for smaller bedrooms. You can choose between a vertical or horizontal murphy bed which you lower when needed and then lift back in a single movement.
Where Did Murphy Beds Get Their Name?
This style of bed is named after William Lawrence Murphy, an inventor who lived in San Fransico in 1900. He lived in a tiny apartment and wanted to invite over an opera singer he was besotted. But there was a slight problem.
During those times, it went against moral code for a single woman to be alone with a man in a room with a bed. Because of this, Murphy created a foldaway bed that he hid in the closet so his bedroom became a parlor.
The Benefits of Murphy Beds
Whether you want a single or twin murphy bed, there are many advantages to having one. Consider these when browsing for your perfect model. For instance:
Maximizes Your Space
A major benefit of choosing a queen size murphy bed is it maximizes your space. This is a life-saver for condo and apartment dwellers because you don’t have to sacrifice valuable room for your bed. Plus, it doesn’t take up much wall space either.
Easy to Use
Many homeowners choose murphy beds because they’re easy to use. Simply pull down the bed when you or your guest is ready to sleep and fold it back up in the morning. If you’re looking for an extensive selection of models then check Wilding Wallbeds to find the perfect bed for you.
Same Comfort Level as a Traditional Bed
You’ll be surprised how a full-size murphy bed has the same level of comfort as a conventional one. Murphy beds often come with a premium coil mattress so your guests can sleep in style. And it’s far more comfortable than a pull-out sofa bed, air mattress, or cot.
Things to Consider When Buying a Murphy Bed
Like with every big purchase, you must factor in the features you’re looking for and the reason why you’re buying it. When you know your desired style, size, and material then it’ll streamline the process. Take these into consideration, for instance:
Different Lift Mechanisms
The two main lift mechanisms are piston lift and spring mechanisms.
The former uses gas or air pressure so it’s easy to open and stow away. Piston lift mechanisms are great because they have a locking safety feature so the bed doesn’t suddenly open and hurt someone. And piston lift symptoms keep your bed shut regardless of its age.
Spring mechanisms make it easier to move a wall bed and handle heavy loads, great if you want a queen-sized murphy bed. You can also adjust its tension so it’s easier to stow and open your wall bed.
Floor or Wall Mounting
You can either mount the murphy bed into the floor or the wall.
Fixing the wall bed to the floor gives it extra stability but this is for the long-term as they’re near impossible to move. You can also choose a “false floor” murphy bed where it’s fixed to a piece of plywood which is then attached to the floor. This is great if you want a floor mount without compromising the floor’s appearance.
If you want a piston lift mechanisms then go with a wall mounting. This is a less permanent fixture and you can easily move them without leaving behind marks.
Vertical or Horizontal Murphy Beds
Another thing to consider is whether you want a vertical or horizontal murphy bed. The original model was a vertical one which is fantastic for smaller rooms with high ceilings but make sure you have enough space to accommodate the bed when it’s let down.
Horizontal Murphy beds are better for rooms with low ceilings and less floor space like an attic or basement. Before choosing either one, figure out how much space your wall bed can occupy so it aligns with the model and whether it aligns with your room’s decor.
Murphy Bed Sizes
Murphy beds aren’t confined to twin sizes. You can also choose a queen, king, and even bunk beds when you have limited floor space. And don’t worry about buying a new mattress, it’s possible to use your current one for the murphy bed as long as it’s the same size.
That’s Everything to Know About Murphy Beds
Hopefully, after reading this article, you can confidently find the perfect murphy bed for your home.
You must consider the type of mechanism to use, whether you want floor or wall mounting, and the size. It’s important to determine the size of your room and whether you want a vertical or horizontal model so you can find the best bed for you. Happy shopping!
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