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How Do Murphy Beds Work?
A Murphy bed is a bed that can be folded or swung into a closet or cabinet. Designed to save space, they’re popular in apartments, dorms, and smaller hotel rooms.
Murphy beds are hinged to an interior wall or cabinet, so when you’re not using your bed, you can flip it up (both the mattress and the bed frame) to store it vertically. They also incorporate a lifting mechanism—either a spring or piston—that helps you lift them and prevents them from falling down (or springing up when you’re on the bed).
When the bed is in its stowed position, it lies flat against the wall. Typically, Murphy beds are built into some sort of cabinet system, so they’re flush and blend in seamlessly, and you can’t even tell they’re there. When you’re not using the bed, you can take advantage of the open space.
How to Install a Murphy Bed
Installing a Murphy bed is fairly straightforward, but you do want to make sure it’s properly secured so it can support your mattress (and you when you’re sleeping on it).
We talked to Lanyon Heinemann, a licensed contractor and general manager at JMK Contractor, to get a step-by-step guide to properly installing a Murphy bed.
- Select the right location. The first step is to choose the best location for the Murphy bed. Ideally, you want a sturdy wall that is free from any obstructions.
- Mark the mounting points. Once you decide on the location, position the bed frame against the wall in the exact spot where you plan to mount it. Use a level to ensure the bed frame is perfectly straight before marking the points on the wall where the frame attaches to the studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs within the wall, as these provide the secure foundation needed to hold the weight of the bed—essential for safety and durability.
- Assemble the bed frame. Next, assemble the Murphy bed frame before mounting it to the wall. Most Murphy bed kits come with detailed instructions from the manufacturer. Usually, you connect the side panels, headboard, and bed base. Make sure all screws and bolts are tightly secured to ensure the frame is stable.
- Install the lifting mechanism. “The heart of any Murphy bed is the lifting mechanism, which allows the bed to fold up and down smoothly,” says Lanyon. Attach the springs or pistons to the bed frame according to the kit’s instructions. Be sure the mechanism is installed tightly and functions smoothly before moving on to the next step.
- Mount the frame to the wall. Start by drilling pilot holes into the studs at the marked points. Once the pilot holes are ready, align the bed frame and securely fasten it to the wall using the provided screws. Check the alignment with your level one more time to ensure the bed frame is straight and fully secured.
- Attach the bed to the frame. Secure the base to the frame using the hardware provided in the Murphy bed kit. After attaching it, test the bed’s movement to make sure it folds up and down smoothly without resistance.
- Install mattress support straps. Most Murphy beds come with mattress support straps to hold the mattress in place when the bed is folded into the wall. Attach these straps to the bed base according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Final testing and adjustments. After everything is assembled and mounted, test the Murphy bed several times. Lanyon recommends opening and closing it to make sure the lifting mechanism works properly and the bed locks securely when folded up. Make any final adjustments, such as tightening screws or adjusting the mechanism’s tension, to ensure smooth operation.
What You Should Look for in a Murphy Bed Mattress
While you don’t need a specialized mattress for a Murphy bed, there are some important things to consider when buying one.
Height
The right height depends on the design of your Murphy bed, but generally, you don’t want a mattress that’s more than 12 inches thick. Some Murphy beds do better with thinner mattresses or those that measure eight inches thick.
Overall Dimensions
In addition to the height, consider the length and width dimensions of the mattress. Like any other bed frame, you need to make sure the mattress you choose can fit on your Murphy bed. This is even more important for a Murphy bed setup since they usually sit flush with a wall or cabinet. There needs to be enough clearance around the perimeter so the Murphy bed can lie flat.
Weight
While Murphy beds have lifting mechanisms to help you move them, it’s still a good idea to think about the weight of the mattress you’re choosing. You don’t want one that’s too heavy, especially if you have limitations that prevent you from lifting heavy objects. A heavy mattress can also put more pressure on the Murphy bed, decreasing the life of the lifting mechanism and hinges. Check the guidelines of your Murphy bed and choose a mattress that falls within the recommended weight guidelines.
Materials
You can use all types of mattresses for a Murphy bed, but some may be better than others. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses have coil layers so they’re more structured, which can prevent them from buckling or bending when you lift them up to store them. Memory foam mattresses don’t stand vertically as well, and they compress more easily. This doesn’t mean you can’t use them with a Murphy bed, but they may not hold up as well as innerspring and hybrid options and need more frequent replacement. It may also take some time for memory foam mattresses to decompress if they’ve been stowed away for an extended period.
Warranty
Check the warranty of the mattress you’re considering. Some warranties may have fine print that voids coverage if you store a mattress vertically. Since the mattress on a Murphy bed sits in a vertical position for extended periods of time, make sure this positioning won’t damage the mattress and void your warranty.
FAQs
Do Murphy beds need a special mattress?
No, Murphy beds don’t need a special mattress. Most standard mattresses work as long as they’re no more than 12 inches thick.
How thick of a mattress do I need for a Murphy bed?
It depends on the specific Murphy bed, but most can accommodate a mattress that’s between 8 and 12 inches thick. Before buying a mattress, do some research on your Murphy bed and make sure the dimensions are right for it.
Can a Murphy bed be used every day?
Yes, Murphy beds can be used every day. They’re designed to maximize space, but they’re just as durable as regular beds and bed frames.
Can you put a regular mattress on an RV Murphy bed?
It depends on the size of your RV Murphy bed. If it’s standard size, you can use a regular mattress on it. However, if it’s a compact Murphy bed, you need a specialized RV mattress, which is narrower than standard mattresses.
