Is a wall bed the right solution for your space?

It seems that everyone loves the allure of a bed that seems to practically disappear when not in use. “We’re thinking of a Murphy bed for the guest bedroom. What do you think?” is a question I hear very often from our interior design clients. 

There is no doubt that in some instances, it’s a brilliant space-saving choice. We always weigh in 3 important factors, and advise clients of the advantages and disadvantages before making the recommendation. And in some cases, there may indeed be better design solutions!

Mr. Murphy

Because the wall bed is such a quirky piece of furniture, let’s start with some fun facts:

Wall beds are also known as pull-down beds, fold-down beds, and of course, Murphy beds. William Lawrence Murphy (1876–1957) was one of the first to create pivot and counterbalanced bed designs, and his patents were filed around 1900.  

As the legend goes, Mr. Murphy wanted to court a lovely opera singer, and propriety at the time demanded that ladies only be entertained in a parlor, or a living room setting. His studio apartment would certainly not be considered appropriate, and he therefore devised a mechanism that allowed him to hide his bed, thus creating a very proper receiving room for entertaining. The couple married in 1900.

Murphy Door Bed Company, St Louis, 1915. Trade Literature Collection, Smithsonian Libraries

Consider functionality

We all know that the major advantage of a wall bed is the ability to flip it out the way when not in use. This is a great way to gain precious floor space, especially for condo dwellers or in a city home with a small footprint. It can create extra space for a home office, music or art studio, play area, or to practice your fitness or yoga regimen. For those living in an urban studio apartment, this can be the perfect solution for creating an on-demand sleeping space.

There are so many options to enhance the piece’s functionality when the bed is hidden: an integrated desk, a sofa, a dining table or extra storage cabinetry. Customizing the configuration helps minimize the clunky look of a stand-alone bed cabinet, and adds greatly to the overall cleverness of the design!

They can operate in several different ways:  sideways-mounted, vertical pull-down and folding models, even bunk beds! They can also be concealed in closets.

Today’s high-quality wall bed mechanisms are smooth and easy to tilt up or down. Some even rotate, slide or tilt to add an extra storage or display capacity. Their operation does require a bit of strength, though, so they should be considered with care for those who may not be able to use them safely.

Consider, though, that if the room will not be in frequent use, or is to be used mainly for guests, it could simply be furnished with a well-appointed permanent bed set-up. It may not be worth the complexity (and cost) of a more complicated wall bed.

The rotating LGM wall bed design by Resource Furniture

The look

There are great-looking wall beds, and then, there are terrible ones. The whole idea of a wall bed is to integrate it unobtrusively into the space. It should add to the design aesthetic, as it improves the functionality of the space. It should not look like a massive fake wood beast that overtakes the room. It is important to consider how such a large (and deep!) piece of cabinetry will affect the visuals and footprint of the room.

With quality wall bed cabinetry, there are usually several colours and finishes to choose from, so these selections should be considered as part of the overall room design. If upholstered seating is part of the unit, fabric selection offers an opportunity to inject colour and pattern. Though appropriate handles are necessary for function, choosing unobtrusive hardware can diminish the utilitarian aspect.  

With a bit more construction effort, a wall bed can be built into a wall alcove or closet, with statement doors to hide it. In this case, the doors (and their hardware) can become a beautiful design feature.

In all cases, the overall room design should include a pleasing balance of occasional furniture, soft goods (such as cushions and window treatments), artwork and accessories to counter-balance the starkness of the bed unit.  

image courtesy of Caitlin McCarthy Design

How much does a wall bed cost?

Yes, you get what you pay for. Quality is a key point in the wall bed discussion. Not only do you want a high-end look with finishes and hardware, but the quality of the mechanism should also very close to the top of the requirement list. The process of lowering the bed should be relatively easy and smooth, and not feel overly heavy. A large part of a wall bed’s ease of use is its proper installation. Many factors, such as a level floor, true and plumb walls, and solid home construction are all factors that need to be considered when properly installing such a large unit. By all means, choose a company that can assess your space and provide installation services.

Beyond the basic unit, there are many great options that can drive up the price of the configuration: additional cabinetry and shelving, desk surfaces, headboards, seating, integrated lighting, etc. The possibilities are truly endless to enhance the design and functionality.

It should also be noted that many wall beds require a specific thickness or size of mattress, which should be a consideration when reviewing overall costs.

Professor Calculus famously takes credit for his wall bed in the popular Tintin series…

Well-chosen, the addition of a wall bed can greatly enhance the value of a condo or home. It is often a welcome bonus for potential buyers.   

When the functionality, aesthetic and cost requirements are ideal, a wall bed is a great investment.  We love being able to recommend a high-quality solution that doubles a room’s potential and frees up space for your favourite activities.

If you could use extra help planning a multi-purpose room in your home, condo or small space, don’t hesitate to contact us to inquire about how we can assist you. We’re also available to chat about full-service renovation and design offerings for the rest of your home. Talk soon!