Although Murphy beds are excellent space savers, not all of them are created equal. We’ll point out a few aspects you should consider when looking for a Murphy Bed so you can make an informed purchase.
First, check below a few fundamental questions we already answered to simplify the buying process.
What Differentiates a Murphy Bed from a Wall Bed?
They are the same thing! William Lawrence Murphy created the Murphy Bed in the early 1900s. Therefore, Murphy bed is still a common term.
While some businesses refer to their goods as wall beds and others as murphy beds, they all share the same basic idea.
What exactly is a Murphy Bed?
Both terms (Murphy Bed and Wall Bed) refer to a hinged bed that stores vertically.
Now that we’ve clarified things, we’ll focus more on a traditional Murphy Bed design rather than a more advanced design that might include a desk, sofa, or rotating mechanism.
We’ll also explain some key differences you should check when comparing Murphy Wall Bed models.
System Type for Murphy Bed Lift
It will influence how you install the bed as well as how the bed feels when lifted and lowered.
Murphy beds typically have two different mechanisms: a traditional spring system and a hydraulic/strut system that employs pressured gas in a piston.
It is often more challenging and potentially dangerous to install a spring system. Spring attachment to a mechanism requires pulling back springs, so it might easily prick your fingers.
You can adjust these devices for mattress weights to help with counterbalancing.
While hydraulic systems are typically easier to lift and lower than mechanical systems, some mechanical systems can remain balanced if you fit them properly, especially if they have a strong spring system. Earlier designs typically contain strong springs.
A hydraulic/strut piston system is easier to install. It employs pressurized gas/struts, which may work as an analogy for how your car’s trunk is lifted open.
Once the bed frame is lifted, simply connect these struts to the side of the bed to finish the installation. Compared to the traditional spring-style method, this method is much simpler and reduces the possibility of harm from pulling on the springs.
Other than switching to different strength pistons, there’s no just one method to modify the strength to meet your mattress. It is a drawback of the design, although generally speaking if they come from a reliable manufacturer, they seem easier to lift and lower.
Ask the manufacturer if they offer to change pistons and what weight range they recommend for mattresses. These are frequently present in more contemporary designs.
So, is a spring Murphy Bed Mechanism superior to a piston/strut Murphy Bed Mechanism?
The piston/hydraulic method is better because it is generally simpler to raise and lower. Plus, it includes an easy installation.
We think the piston system is better for most homeowners.
Platform/Bed Frame for Murphy Bed:
What will be the foundation for your mattress? Remember Murphy Beds aren’t always the same.
Some Murphy Beds just rest on the face panel if they don’t have any additional support or room between the mattress and the face panel.
This technique works well with memory foam mattresses suitable for flat surfaces. There aren’t any bells and whistles, yet it has a short-built size.
If you prefer a compact design, a Hover Compact Wall Bed System is an excellent example of this kind of Murphy bed.
Another Murphy Bed design we can mention is raised slats. With this slightly more sophisticated construction, there will be ventilation between your mattress and the frame below. This can also improve comfort because it eliminates the need for a traditional box spring and gives the mattress some “spring.”
This design uses more material, so you should always examine the interior parameters of the mattress size.
We recommend using a slatted wood base, which is more comfortable and improves airflow.
Which Is Better: A Murphy Bed With An Open Back Panel Or One With A Closed Back Panel?
A closed-back panel will be a more durable construction that tightly joins the left, right, and top panels. Dust cannot enter the space between the wall bed and the wall.
Keep in mind the open-back panel won’t be sturdy if the left and right panels connect by a straightforward band. However, it leaves space where the closed back would be for hanging a picture.
Mattress Size & Murphy Bed Depth
The depth of the Murphy Bed is proportional to the size of the mattress it supports.
You will need an 18-inch-deep cabinet to accommodate a 13-inch mattress. But if you want to save room against the wall, you could have a 12-inch-deep cabinet, although this might only allow it to extend about 6 inches from the wall.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the bed when opened. A 6-inch or 10-inch mattress may not make a difference in the depth of the open bed (typically around 85 inches for a queen-size mattress). But once you have a 12- or 13-inch mattress, the way the mattress pivots in the system may allow it to expand wider into the space, increasing the depth of the opened bed (for example, 90 inches).
Quality Is Priority
Check with the manufacturer to see if the Murphy Bed can be disassembled and transferred. Always remember to buy a long-lasting and resistant Murphy Bed System.
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