That wonderful old space-saver is back in style. The Murphy bed, or wallbed is a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside a closet or cabinet. Murphy beds are popular where floor space is limited, such as small homes, apartments and college dormitories. In recent years, Murphy bed units have been re-invented to include amenities such as lighting, storage cabinets and office components.
Remember the old silent movies where comedians used the old-style Murphy bed as a comic prop. Now the Murphy bed is being designed into upscale urban lofts, beach condominiums, and apartments.
The Murphy bed got its name from its inventor, William Murphy, a Stockton, Calif., stagecoach driver. He and his wife didn’t have enough room to entertain in their small San Francisco home, so he created a way to make his bed disappear when company was over. Murphy patented his invention in 1912, and the space-saver became instantly popular in apartment buildings nationwide. Architects would design buildings with closets large enough to fit the popular bed. After losing popularity after World War II (when Americans moved into large homes in the suburbs), the Murphy Bed saw a resurgence in the late 70s and early 80s when the oil embargo kicked in and Americans downsized. In recent years, the Murphy bed has evolved into a sophisticated system complete with cabinetry. Empty nesters put them in home offices or dens for visiting grandchildren, while landlords began retrofitting 1950s-era originals.
If you move, the beds can be disassembled and transported to another location. A well-made bed can last 50 to 60 years. Murphy beds now feature high-end cabinetry, providing storage and even desk areas as part of the package.
Murphy beds are now being offered as an upgrade in condominiums and apartments — giving the tenant a little more room during the day. The customization distinguishes the units from similar ones on the market. This is definitely the case in New York City, where the beds have long been in vogue and even the well-to-do often live in tiny, expensive rentals.
While Murphy beds are ideal for tiny apartments and condominiums, they’re not just for small spaces. Murphy beds are available in King and Queen sizes, as well as smaller full and twin sizes. They are now commonly installed in the Guest room of luxury homes, allowing the room to be used by guests at parties and summer barbeques, but still be used as a Den, Office, Exercise Room, or Sewing Room the rest of the time.
And today’s models are safe and easy to operate — even pre-teens can open and close a Murphy Bed.
Traditions Cabinetry offers custom-designed Murphy Bed systems from Showplace Cabinets . We have photos on our website…for more information, please visit our showroom.
