What Is a Murphy Bed? Your Sleeping Solution for Small Spaces

If you wouldn’t exactly describe your living quarters as spacious, then you know how frustrating it is trying to fit all the furniture you need in the space you have. Enter: the Murphy bed. This retro space-saving solution transforms into the plush bed you crave at night and then magically disappears at the light of day.

What is a Murphy Bed?

Murphy beds—sometimes called wall beds or pull-down beds—are hinged at one end. The hinges paired with a locking mechanism allow the bed to fold back up into a wall, closet, or alcove when not in use. Whether you live in a cramped studio or you’re down a guest room and expecting visitors, Murphy beds are a comfy solution for semi-permanent sleeping arrangements in tight spaces.

Why Is It Called a Murphy Bed?

Opera singer William Lawrence Murphy applied for a patent on the very first Murphy bed in 1990 while living in a cramped studio. He designed the bed to close into his closet so he didn’t have to waste valuable square footage on a permanent bed.

Rumor has it that this bed was also his secret solution for skirting the boarding house rule that prohibited female visitors to stay overnight. Murphy built the pull-down bed in his parlor to woo women and hide the evidence should his landlord come knocking!

Are Murphy Beds Safe?

Murphy beds have benefited from significant upgrades within the lifting mechanism. Nowadays, most Murphy beds are sold and installed with hydraulic pistons, which make it easier to open and securely stow the wall bed by yourself. Just be mindful of the hinge when opening and stowing your Murphy bed to avoid pinching.

Murphy beds, while useful, can be dangerous if you install or operate them incorrectly. It may be worth hiring a professional carpenter in your area or a Murphy bed specialist to install your bed safely. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Murphy Bed

If you think a Murphy bed is for you, consider these two features before making a purchase.

1. The size of the bed. King, queen, twin or full, carefully measure the available space around the Murphy bed to ensure the bed can open and close properly.

2. The type of locking mechanism. Piston lifts have a locking feature that keeps your wall bed shut. The pressurized system makes opening and stowing your bed a breeze. Spring lifts allow you to adjust the tension (how easy it is to open or stow your bed). They are also easier to replace than pistons as they fade with use.

How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost?

Murphy beds cost between $800 and $1,500, depending on the size of the bed. Some Murphy beds can be as cheap as $455 while others cost as much as $8,200 depending on the quality of the materials and its features. However, you can look into building a DIY Murphy bed if you have advanced DIY skills.