Life, Styled
When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
What Is A Murphy Bed?
This is the first question that needs to be answered. Dating back to 1911, the bed is named after its inventor, William L. Murphy, who was looking to maximize the space in his small studio apartment. By designing a bed that tucked neatly into the wall, Murphy was able to use the space as needed during the day and pull out the bed in the evening. Due to a rise in minimal living and small houses, Murphy beds are gaining in popularity once more.
Is A Murphy Bed Safe?
While we all get a laugh out of cartoons where the character finds themselves stuck between the wall and their mattress, safety is no laughing matter. Since it folds into the wall, some people have concerns about the safety of the Murphy bed, but there is no need to worry; proper installation means the bed will perform as it was designed. Also, when lying on the bed, your body weight ensures that it stays in place. Mounting it correctly to the wall also means that the bed will not fold down on top of you. Designed to fold away when not in use, a Murphy bed has several hinges, known as pinch points. When the bed is lowered, ensure that these hinges are locked in place before using the bed. Be sure to read and follow the assembly and installation directions, or you can hire professionals to have it done. Read more about safety here.
How Comfortable Is A Murphy Bed?
Comfort matters especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. One might tend to put the Murphy bed in the same group as a sleeper couch. The comfort level is ultimately determined by the type of mattress used. When looking to purchase a mattress, it is best to consider who will be using the bed and for how long. Children will not need as deep a mattress as older children. If it will be used as a guest bed on occasion, the quality of the mattress might be less since it is for one to two nights; however, if this is meant to become your permanent bed, you might want to invest in a good, supportive mattress.
Choosing A Murphy Bed
When preparing to select your Murphy bed, there are a few things that should be taken into consideration before making your final choice.
- Purpose: The goal of a Murphy bed is to sleep on it, but it is not intended to be used all day, so think about what other functions it can serve in the room, such as storage.
- Layout: The size of the room will determine the length of the bed and which wall best suits it. Decide whether a vertical or horizontal bed will work better.
- Durability: A Murphy bed is not something that you will want to change out every few years, so take the time to look around and get the one with the best reviews.
- Style: Choose a bed that matches the style and design of your home. Some beds allow you to choose different finishes and colors.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and read reviews from other clients before making your final selection. You should feel confident in your choice.
Benefits Of Having A Murphy Bed
While the most obvious is a convenient place to sleep when guests come over, there are several reasons why having a Murphy bed is beneficial.
- Storage: These beds can become bookshelves or storage areas when tucked inside the wall. Looking to store some extra books, games, or shoes? The answer can be found right inside the wall.
- Convenience: For those living in small homes, having the luxury of a bed that can be folded away makes it super easy, not to mention that there is no need to make the bed every day.
- More room: Tight quarters mean space that is used to the fullest potential, and that is what the Murphy bed provides. More floor space is available because it is neatly put inside the wall. It is also great for children when the rooms are small; it gives them a broader play area.
- Functional: When a space can serve more than one purpose, it is a great asset to the home. When the bed is not in use, the area can be used for other things, such as an office space or an entertainment area for guests.
- Custom: It’s not often you can customize a bed to your specifications and even include extras like shelving and storage.
A Murphy bed is more than just a place to put guests for the night. It can give a whole new meaning to your space and maximize it at the same time.
Greenbrook DesignThe world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.
Walker Woodworking Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.
The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.
Greenbrook Design While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?
These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.
Walker Woodworking You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.
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