Tips for Purchasing a Murphy Bed

If you are looking to add sleeping space to your home but don't have room for a regular bed, you should consider purchasing a fold away bed that can be hidden when it is not in use. Originally invented by William P. Murphy in 1900 as a way to increase the living space in small apartment, these beds have been improved so that they are now extremely comfortable and easy to operate.

If you are thinking of buying a Murphy Bed, consider the following:

• Unlike other types of folding beds (e.g., sofa beds and futons) the mattress in a Murphy bed doesn't fold -- instead, the bed tilts up on end and into a specially designed cabinet. Consequently, look for brands that are manufactured from strong, heavy gauge steel or aluminum frames which are secured to a spring mechanism.
• Because lifting a bed can otherwise be very difficult, choose a model that includes a spring loaded counterbalanced mechanism that allows easy, one handed operation.
• The bed legs should be sturdy and able to hold a minimum of 1500 lbs. They should tuck under the bed cabinet so as to avoid toe stubbing.
• Murphy Beds will accommodate a standard innerspring mattress in twin, double, queen and king sizes. Although these beds can be sold with their own mattresses, you should look for models that allow you to supply your own mattress for greater choice and eventual replacement.
• The most convenient models will fold away completely equipped with sheets, blankets and pillows that can be strapped in place, so the bed does not need to be made up with each use.

Most Murphy Beds fold away into a cabinet that looks like an attractive piece of furniture. These cabinets come in a wide variety of styles and colors and can usually be incorporated into a wall storage system.