Are you renovating your apartment or house and are in search of a new bed? Have you been considering a Murphy and wall bed but don’t know which is the right choice? Don’t worry, we will clear all your doubts.
Here, we will teach you the difference between Murphy beds and wall beds in detail. We will also cover their history, construction, pros and cons, and lifting systems. Without waiting any further, let’s get started so you can choose the right bed according to your space and lifestyle.
What Are Murphy Beds And Wall Beds?
The wall bed and Murphy bed have the same purpose: to convert their space into a living space with folds against the wall and out of the way. They can, however, differ widely in their construction, operation, and looks.
Gradually, the distinction between Murphy beds and wall beds has disappeared over time. However, when you explore a bit deeper, there are some key differences still present, particularly in their functionality, materials, and history.
Origins of Murphy Beds
The Murphy bed is named after its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy, who created it in the late nineteenth century in San Francisco. Murphy was a young guy living in a small single room.
Old social norms at the time would not allow a woman to walk into the bedroom of a man, so Murphy has his thinking cap on and solved this little dilemma: a folding bed in his closet.
He invented a design that utilized metal framing and door hinges, which helped the bed remain hidden when not in use. This invention allowed Murphy to transform his bedroom into a parlor, enabling him to invite his date to enter without compromising his standing in good society.
Origins of Wall Beds
Wall beds lack a romantic history. Instead, they appeared later in the 20th century, when cabinet makers started to design beds that could be pulled up into beautifully designed and amazingly styled cabinets set on the wall.
These beds were designed to appear like part of the furniture by using wooden cabinets and piston lifting systems. It makes them both functional and appealing. That’s why these are also known as folding beds against the wall. You can further modify them by adding shelves, desks, and drawers.
What’s the Difference Between a Murphy Bed and a Wall Bed?
There are a lot of differences between Murphy beds and wall beds. You need to understand them to make the right choice. Let’s check these out.
Lifting Mechanism
Here is how the lifting mechanism of these beds works:
Murphy Beds: Utilize springs to provide help in raising and lowering it. Springs are durable and can support repeated use; however, they can wear out and may require maintenance or replacement.
Wall Beds: Incorporate gas-pistons (that find use in car trunks). They are more silent and effortless, and do not need as much pressure to operate as ordinary ones.
Frame Construction
Here is a look at the difference in frame construction:
Murphy Beds: They are usually made of metal to serve as a support for the mattress.
Wall Beds: Take wooden frames, which are sometimes constructed into cabinets or specially made furniture.
Installation Location
Let’s see where these beds are generally installed:
Murphy Beds: This type is named after the creator, who created the bed to fold into a closet, but is commonly cabinet-mounted nowadays.
Wall Beds: These are made of an L-shaped metal bed that is attached directly to the wall.
Style and Design
Here is the difference between Murphy and wall bed in terms of design:
Murphy beds: These may expose more metal components when open. Less customizable unless you choose a higher-end model.
Wall Beds: These beds often have built-in storage or other decorative fronts and look more like Furniture items
Weight and Assembly
Lastly, two significant differences: weight and assembly. You also need to consider these according to your location before making a decision.
Murphy Beds: Ship in smaller parts. Easier to move through tight hallways or upstairs. These take longer to assemble—usually 3–4 hours. However, these are easy to move during setup.
Wall Beds: Ship partially assembled. Heavier, with some components weighing over 100 lbs. These have faster assembly—1–2 hours—but may require lifting heavier components.
Alongside the bed, if you’re also planning a kitchen renovation, read this comparison of IKEA vs DIY vs custom kitchen cabinets to choose the right cabinets.
Murphy Bed vs. Wall Bed: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Murphy Bed | Wall Bed |
| Lifting Mechanism | Springs | Gas Pistons |
| Frame Material | Metal | Wood |
| Installation | Closet or wall | Wall-mounted cabinet |
| Style | Exposed metal parts | Hidden in a wooden cabinet |
| Assembly Time | 3–4 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Heaviest Component | ~30 lbs | 100+ lbs |
| Sizes Available | Twin to King | Twin to Queen |
| Projection (Queen) | 90″ | 84″ |
| Weight Capacity (example) | 2,500 lbs (Wilding) | 4,000 lbs (Wilding) |
| Best For | Tight spaces, larger beds | Design, storage, aesthetics |
So, Which One Is Better?
To determine the best choice for your space, consider several key factors. These include:
Consider the Room’s Purpose
The wall bed offers more storage space and incorporates desks or shelves into it. It makes your working area clean and organized. You can add bookshelves, lamps, and a pull-out desk for more functionality.
The bed folds and unfolds repeatedly without affecting the usability of your room, without causing inconvenience when a visitor comes.
In comparison, a Murphy bed can be easier to install, especially when you have limited space or moving pieces upstairs. Its compact packaging and module pieces make it handy for narrow entryways.
These are great when floor space needs to be reclaimed daily. They work well in living rooms or dens that double as sleeping quarters.
Think About Aesthetics
Wall beds, in case of appearance, can look like built-in furniture and may blend effortlessly with your interior. They can be completed in a manner that matches the surrounding cabinetry.
You can personalize the trim, handle, and finish. These beds improve the aesthetics of your area and conceal a bed in view.
Murphy beds have improved over the years, but may still have more visible hardware and a less “finished” look. Newer models do offer wooden face panels to improve appearance.
However, the visible metal frame when open may not appeal to everyone. They’re functional but may require strategic room styling to hide mechanical parts.
When choosing your bed’s finish, consider how lighting and room use will affect the surface. This cabinet sheen guide offers smart tips that apply just as well to beds and other built-in furniture.
Evaluate Your Physical Limitations
Wall beds with gas pistons are easier to open and close, making them ideal for elderly users or those who frequently use them. The gas piston system reduces the lifting effort to 20–30 lbs.
These beds operate smoothly and quietly, reducing strain. Ideal for those with limited strength or mobility who want convenience.
Spring Murphy beds require a bit more maintenance and work. The springs can become exhausted and require repair or replacement. They’re functional and strong but slightly more physically demanding. Not the best option for seniors unless assisted or upgraded with easy-lift kits.
Storage Needs
Wall beds can come with shelves, cabinets, and drawers, making them a more comprehensive piece of furniture. They usually have a dual purpose as a media center or home office.
Some models even integrate lighting, USB ports, or display shelving. Perfect for those looking to combine function, storage, and sleep in one piece.
Murphy beds generally focus more on the bed itself, not on storage. While some designs, such as the Murphy bed with desk and the Murphy bed with couch, do offer extra features, it’s not common.
Their main selling point is a foldaway sleep space, not organization. Choose it if your primary concern is compact sleeping space over multifunctional use.
Bed Size
Need a large bed? A King-size Murphy bed is your best bet. It offers the widest range of mattress sizes: twin to king. It makes them ideal for master bedrooms or larger guest suites.
Wall beds are typically limited to queen sizes due to cabinet design limitations. Larger beds become too bulky and heavy for piston mechanisms. A queen wall bed still provides ample sleeping space for couples. An excellent choice for smaller rooms or those with tighter floor plans.
Budget and Materials
Always check the quality of materials. Some cheaper versions of both Murphy and wall beds are made with particleboard, which won’t last long. Real wood options withstand pressure from lifting systems and daily use.
Inexpensive beds usually appear tempting when you first see them, but can fail soon after use. Quality hinges, pistons, and sturdy construction are worth the expenditure.
Pay attention to lifetime warranties since they indicate proven craftsmanship. Cutting corners on quality can be a costly affair, as it often requires repairs and replacements once the bed is purchased.
When budgeting for a bed and any professional help you may need with styling or layout. Here is how much interior designers cost so you can plan your total investment wisely.
Transportation and Setup
If you reside in a walk-up or have narrow halls, the lighter, module-like pieces of the Murphy bed could be simpler to carry up and put together. It can be assembled piece by piece, which can be convenient for individual DIY enthusiasts.
No need to maneuver large cabinet sections through doorways. Perfect for city apartments, basements, or older homes with tight stairs.
Wall beds, although heavier, may have quicker setup times once they are in place. They often ship partially pre-assembled, reducing build time. However, lifting the larger components may require the assistance of two people. If setup help is available, these beds can result in a faster overall installation.
Alongside these considerations, thinking about your health when choosing a mattress is also very important. Read this guide on how to choose the right mattress by Sleep Foundation for more information.
Murphy Bed vs. Wall Bed: Real-Life Use Cases
The following are the top 3 uses of these beds. You can use them in these ways or according to your needs. Let’s check these out:
College Student in a Studio Apartment
A college residence will be searching for something that allows them to keep everything in one place, saves space, is convenient, requires minimal setup, and is small and affordable in size.
In this case, a suitable solution exists, such as the Murphy bed. It will be foldable, freeing up floor space during the day and providing extra space for study, socializing, or relaxation.
Plus, a Murphy bed is available in a size that can be ordered and easily assembled without assistance. This is beneficial because students may not always have access to the help needed to move or assemble their beds.
Remote Worker with a Home Office
A wall bed is also for remote workers who use their home office every day but rarely host guests. Its built-in storage, shelving, a built-in desk, and other such features make it an ideal choice for a room with dual purposes.
The bed folds into a cabinet during the day, which does not look unnatural in the office decor style, leaving the room to feel office-like for virtual meetings or focused work.
The bed can be easily folded down in case there are guests, who will have a place to sleep, but the bedroom’s objective will not be compromised.
Family with Occasional Guests
Some families might not entertain guests frequently (just a few times a year), so their guest room may have turned into a hobby room, storage facility, or playroom.
A wall bed is a wise investment in this case. Its furnishings, which include a shelf and drawers, increase the fashion and functionality of the space. You can also have it in configurations like a wall bed and desk, a wall bed and sofa, customized to meet your special requirements.
Moreover, it gives a comfortable, existing sleeping area without the need to designate a single room for the bed. And when not in use, you can fold it back to make the room more spacious and use it for your usual needs.
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Conclusion
Murphy beds and wall beds are both amazing designs. These look beautiful and are practical as well. But which one is more suitable for you depends on your needs and personal choices.
In the event that you have a limited budget and a small space, a Murphy bed can be the ideal choice. It folds up neatly, providing more floor space during the day. However, if appearance matters and you need more features like shelves or a desk, a wall bed can be a good choice.
Whatever design you choose, ensure the bed is made from high-grade materials. It will make the bed more durable and ensure it lasts a long time.
