By: Abe Abbas
What exactly is a Murphy bed? And why would you need it? It may sound like a dated idea, what with all the modern choices for creating flexible sleep options, but the Murphy bed or wall bed is still going strong.
What is a Murphy Bed?Named after William Lawrence Murphy, who patented it in the late 1800s, this kind of bed can be folded vertically against a wall. Some newer versions also let you fold it horizontally, but the idea is the same. It folds up against a wall, leaving the space free for other activities when not in use.
The story goes, that William Lawrence Murphy designed this bed because he was living in a small apartment with just one room. He wanted to invite a certain young lady over, but was prevented from doing so because it was frowned upon to bring a member of the opposite sex into your bedroom. When he came up with the idea of folding the bed against the wall, it let him turn his space into a living room.
Other names for a Murphy bed are wall bed, pull down bed or fold-down bed.
There were earlier versions of this bed, but this version turned out to be the most space efficient one, and the easiest to operate.
Most often Murphy beds come with specially made, non-spring mattresses that stay put on the bed even when it is folded against the wall. You may need to have the mattress adjusted for sagging after a while, because hanging in a vertical position may cause the insides to shift.
Some newer Murphy beds let you use any mattress of your choice.
Types of Murphy BedsThere are many different types of Murphy beds available today, taking into account many different needs homeowners may have.
Vertical BedsThis is by far the most traditionally used system, with the bed being stored vertically, When lowered into position, the bed sits perpendicular to the wall. If you are buying this type of bed, make sure your walls are high enough, and also be aware that when fully opened, the bed usually occupies 6 inches or more in length to make allowance for the operating mechanism.
Horizontal BedsToday you also have the choice of buying horizontal wall beds. These work great in situations where you may have a low ceiling, such as in an attic. They are also a great choice for when there is less floor space as they don't take up too much room when folded out.
Wall Mounted BedsMost often when we think of Murphy beds we think of wall mounted beds. Be aware that different types of walls call for different types of installations to create stable beds. When you are out shopping for one, make sure to mention the type of wall you have. Wall mounted beds can be removed relatively easily, without damaging walls. Very often these beds are surrounded by cabinets and shelves for more functionality.
Floor Mounted Beds This is a more permanent solution than a wall mounted bed, because you will have to modify your floor to accommodate the bed. It does provide a very stable surface, but installation is more complicated.
Murphy Bunk Beds: You can also buy fold out bunk beds with both, or just one surface opening out only when needed.
Should You Buy a Murphy Bed?Consider a Murphy bed if you are short on space and need some flexible sleeping options. They make excellent sleeping surfaces for guests, and can be put in home offices, or other areas of the home to create an extra bed.
Murphy beds also work well in dorms, or studio apartments, basically anywhere you need flexible functionality from the available space, especially when that space is limited.
Article Source:
http://furniture.about.com/
Topic: Is a Murphy Bed Right for You? (Read 5141 times)
