Want to Buy a Murphy Bed? Why This Specialized Bed is a Hot Trend Again

Murphy Beds are a booming trend right now, according to CBS News and the Sunday Morning show. Having bought a Murphy bed myself, it is easy for me to understand why more people are getting in on the trend.

Once considered old-fashioned or simply used as a gag in old movies (with the bed closing when people sat on the mattress), the practicalities - and space saving benefits- of Murphy beds appeal to more than ever to those who want or need rooms with multiple uses.

Discount Murphy bed dealers are also doing a booming business, offering an inexpensive option for those on a budget. When there isn't money to add an extra room or move to a larger house, these special wall beds can help make the most of a room's space.

Murphy Beds - Why I Bought One

I had several reasons to opt for a Murphy bed. Our son was leaving for college and while I wanted a place for him to stay on visits home, I also wanted a guest room.

His old futon and Miami Dolphins themed wall border was no longer going to work for the sophisticated but simple look I sought. I also needed the space for an office and library when guests weren't around. That was a tall order for one room but a Murphy bed and bookcase combo solved the problem in a snap.

My reasoning was similar to the intent of William Lawrence Murphy, head of the Original Murphy Bed Company, started in 1900. By creating this special type of wall bed, a room could be used as a living room or office by day and bedroom by night.

These beds became very popular, used both by homeowners as well as hotel owners in the 1920s. Not surprisingly, the bed was especially desirable in New York, where residential and hotel room spaces were be limited - and where space continues to be at a premium today.

How to Learn Where to Buy a Murphy Bed

Although I wondered whether the mattress would be comfortable or the bed would work properly, my research, which included posting in online decorating forums, was reassuring. Since local Murphy bed dealers were limited at the time, I checked out online retailers. It was amazing how many online sources existed!

Although I did check out the Original Murphy Bed Company, found here and featured on CBS News, I finally settled on a company called More Space Place , easily found here . After checking out the various sizes and styles, I decided on the Jefferson Library Bed. As the name implies, this is a library Murphy bed. This particular style was not a discount bed but it turned out to be cost-effective and practical in the long run. To find a local or online retailer, simply do a search by putting the words Murphy bed dealers in the search form.

Ordering and Setting up a Murphy Bed

While my husband and I are intrepid and willing to tackle many home projects, the sheer number of pieces that came with the bed, from shelves to tiny nuts and bolts, gave us pause. Luckily, the Murphy bed dealer frequently contracted with local specialists in our area who had the experience to put our bed together. They did a great job, although it took the better part of a day to get the work completed. They assured us that we would have been able to handle the job, though.

At the end of the day, the room was transformed. Since we'd already stripped off the old wallpaper border in the space, repainted the walls and had the carpet cleaned, the room was ready. Suddenly, in place of a blank wall we had a stunning wall bed and bookcase combination. When closed, we had three large shelves, ready for books, photos or accent pieces. When opened, there was a queen-sized Murphy bed, complete with mattress and built-in reading lights.

An extra bonus? When I wanted to hide the bed, the shelves slid together so smoothly that none of the books or artwork fell or moved out of place. By adding a small desk on one wall as well as a chest of drawers on the wall facing the bed, I had a room with three uses, just as I'd hoped. With the bed closed, the room became an office and library. When opened, it turned into a guest room, complete with books and art for visitors to enjoy. Mission accomplished!

Sources:
Flipping for the Murphy Bed, CBS News, Sunday Morning Show, June 6, 2010, here
More Space Place, located here
Original Murphy Bed Company, here