Named after its inventor, William Murphy, Murphy bed
is also known as wallbed, or fold away bed. The idea behind designing
such a bed was to make provision for more space in the small room. You
can flip the bed at one of its horizontal edges, generally at the head,
and store it vertically inside a closet or cabinet. Murphy bed is an apt
choice, especially, when you are running short of space. The mattress is
generally attached to the bed frame, with a lock at each corner. Since
the main idea behind installing the bed is space limitations, Murphy
beds lies on wire mesh instead of box springs.
Another unique characteristic of Murphy bed is that they do not
headboards, footboards or bed rails. Though the bed is not commonly used
in the recent times, apartments with limited square footage and mobile
homes still flaunt Murphy beds. In the 20th century, Murphy beds were
revamped to include modular cabinetry with glass, mirrors, lighting, or
additional units for entertainment storage or computer centers. To know
more about the types of Murphy bed available and its advantages and
disadvantages, read through the following lines.
Types of Murphy Bed
The head end stored inside a large closet located in the wall of a
bedroom or living room, is one of the most common style of Murphy bed
found. In such a style, both the Murphy bed and the closet are concealed
behind a pair of closet doors. A variation in this particular type is
also found, wherein the bottom of the bed is a solid panel which when
fold up to looks like a wall. The other type of Murphy bed is mounted on
the swing arm, unlike the previous, where the head end was on casters. A
similar type of Murphy bed is the hideaway bed, which also folds up when
not in use. However, it is not concealed behind a wall or closet.
Instead, the hideaway bed has a dual purpose - it can be used as a shelf
or desk.
Advantages Of Murphy Bed
Space
The biggest advantage of Murphy bed is that can be easily folded down
from the wall during the daytime, when you don't need to use it. While
during the day, you can utilize the space for some other purpose, at
night you can convert the place into a bedroom.
Economic
Another greatest advantage of Murphy beds are that they are economic and
pocket friendly. This means that you can have a bed for night, without
compromising the free space of your room required for the day time, all
at a cheap and affordable price. At times, the Murphy beds prove to be
cheaper than the regular ones.
Disadvantages Of Murphy Bed
Comfort
You might just have to compromise on the comfort quotient when you get a
Murphy bed. The main reason for this is these beds use wire mesh instead
of box springs. In comparison to the regular beds, Murphy beds may not
be as comfortable or sturdy as.
No Scope For Decoration
Since Murphy beds do not have headboards, footboards, or bed rails, they
provide no scope for decoration. So, if you are an aesthetic lover,
Murphy bed may be a wrong option for you.
Tedious Task
Folding a big everyday can be a dauting task for some of you. Since you
are limited by space, you need to fold the bed every morning you get up.
This task may become tedious to some people over time, such as older
citizens or young girls. 1
