A guest bedroom can be an asset for hosting, but dedicating an entire room to a bed that sees limited use may not be the most efficient use of space. Murphy beds offer a practical solution. Initially known as "The Disappearing Bed" in the early 20th century, the design took on the name of its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy. Over a century later, Murphy beds still transform home offices, playrooms, and other multifunctional areas into comfortable guest rooms.
The appeal of Murphy beds extends beyond functionality; there’s also room for creativity. Some models include built-in storage or shelving, while others can be customized with paint or cabinetry. Daniella Hoffer, a designer and owner of Daniella Hoffer Interiors, advocates for personalized designs but notes that even pre-purchased Murphy beds can be enhanced with careful details. She suggests integrating millwork or artwork that can be removed before lowering the bed to blend it seamlessly into the room.
Top Murphy Bed Selections
Among the best options available are:
**Best Overall Murphy Bed**: Oakland Living Easy-Lift Full Murphy Bed. This model features dual bookcase towers and has a 1,000-pound weight capacity. It can be customized with different mattress sizes.
**Best for Home Offices**: The Lori Bed With Desk. Offering multiple customization options, it includes a desk surface spanning the bed's width and is designed for both vertical and horizontal orientations.
**Best Affordable Option**: Mjkone Murphy Bed With Storage Shelf. It features open shelving on the bed’s underside and accommodates a queen-sized mattress in a budget-friendly design.
**Most Ornate Design**: Keiki Murphy Bed Cabinet. This cabinet bed doubles as an attractive sideboard with woven cane accents and includes storage drawers and charging ports.
**Best All-in-One**: Ebern Designs Athena Murphy Bed Chest. This model has a traditional sideboard appearance and includes a queen mattress and built-in charging ports.
**Best Farmhouse Style**: BEQAI Murphy Bed With Storage Cabinet. Its rustic wood finish is ideal for a cozy guest room, featuring adjustable shelves.
**Best Vintage Option**: Murphy Bed by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler. This is a unique vintage piece dating back to the 1960s, made of warm oak and featuring caning.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Murphy Bed
When shopping for a Murphy bed, consider functionality: assess how the room will be used and identify potential alternative uses. Style is crucial as well; ensure that the bed complements your existing decor.
Size is vital; while Murphy beds are designed to be space-efficient, those with added features such as desks may take up more space when both closed and open. Finally, installation must be considered—many models require proper wall-mounting, which can complicate the setup process.
FAQs About Murphy Beds
When selecting a mattress for a Murphy bed, it’s important to choose a thinner model (10 inches or less) to ensure it fits appropriately when the bed is folded. As for their value, experts indicate that modern Murphy beds are generally safe, featuring locking mechanisms to prevent accidents.
Whether considered for a small room needing extra space or for a multi-functional guest area, modern Murphy beds provide versatile solutions for various needs.
Blake Bakkila writes extensively on design and lifestyle, offering insights into various home furnishing options. Vy Yang serves as a contributing editor at Architectural Digest, specializing in stylish living, especially family-oriented design.
