What Is a Murphy Bed?

Have you heard of a “Murphy Bed” but have no idea what it is?  Read on…

Murphy beds fold down from the wall, making them ideal for small and multi-use spaces.  When closed, they look like a bookcase, cabinet or wood panels.  When folded down for use, a standard-size bed appears.  The bed can fold down from the wall in the standard – vertical – way, or along one side in the “horizontal” fashion.  Since a standard mattress can be used in a Murphy bed, they are more comfortable than fold-out sofa beds – no support bar running along your spine!  And, they can be stored fully made up with sheets and blankets- so, you don’t have to rush to make up your guest bed before your guest arrives.

Photo courtesy the Murphy Bed Company

Murphy beds were invented around the turn of the last century by (yes, you guessed it) Mr. Murphy.  🙂 William L. Murphy invented the bed as a way to compensate for a lack of space in his one-room apartment, and the rest is history.  They were popular for several decades, then as more folks purchased larger homes, their popularity declined.  Today, they are popular once again as more rooms do double-duty in today’s homes.

Murphy originally designed his beds to be hidden behind closet doors, but today’s versions often offer more of a “free-standing” look.  

There are many companies making Murphy beds today, including many local cabinetmakers (click on the photos in this article to visit the websites of two companies that make Murphy beds – they are even listed on Amazon!).  The fold-down mechanisms are available online and elsewhere for DIY projects .  Sometimes, side cabinets or shelves are added to enhance the function of the bed and to provide some storage when the bed is closed; often, you would hardly know there was a bed there unless someone told you!

A Horizontal Murphy Bed. Photo Courtesy The Bedder Way Company

Consider using a Murphy bed in places where space is at a premium and in room you typically use for another purpose.  Adding a Murphy bed to a home office, an open loft space, a studio apartment, a family room, or even a child’s bedroom brings a second purpose to the space and adds another sleeping space to the home.  They can also be extremely useful in cabins or vacation homes where extra sleeping space is often required for guests.