Murphy Bed Guide: Space-Saving Sleep Solutions for Canadians
Quick Answer: Murphy Beds
A Murphy bed (wall bed) folds up vertically into a wall cabinet, freeing floor space when not in use. Modern Murphy beds use spring or piston mechanisms that make operation smooth and safe. They use a standard mattress (typically memory foam or latex, 8-10 inches thick). Cost: $1500-5000 installed for quality models. Best for: studio apartments, home offices that double as guest rooms, and multipurpose rooms. They sleep just as well as a regular bed because they use a real mattress. The mattress straps in so bedding stays put when folded up. Quality matters: cheap Murphy beds can be dangerous. Buy from a reputable manufacturer.
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How Murphy Beds Work
A Murphy bed consists of a bed frame attached to a wall cabinet by a hinge mechanism at the head. When not in use, the bed folds up into the cabinet with the mattress secured by straps. Modern mechanisms use either gas pistons (smooth, quiet, low effort) or spring mechanisms (reliable, less expensive). The cabinet can include shelving, a desk surface that folds down when the bed is up, or simply blend into the wall as cabinetry.
Safety of Modern Murphy Beds
Modern Murphy beds from reputable manufacturers are safe. Counterbalance mechanisms (gas pistons or calibrated springs) prevent the bed from falling on its own. A quality Murphy bed requires deliberate effort to lower and raise. It will not collapse accidentally. However, cheap imported models or DIY builds without proper engineering can be dangerous. Look for: CSA certification (Canadian safety standard), metal frame construction, dual gas pistons or heavy-duty spring systems, and anti-tip wall mounting hardware. Always follow manufacturer installation instructions, including wall anchoring into studs.
Choosing a Mattress for a Murphy Bed
Murphy Bed Mattress Requirements
Thickness: 8-10 inches maximum. Thicker mattresses may not fit in the cabinet when folded. Check your specific Murphy bed specifications. Most accommodate up to 10 inches.
Weight: Lighter mattresses are easier on the mechanism. Memory foam and latex are lighter than innerspring and hybrid. The mechanism is calibrated for a specific weight range.
Type: Memory foam (best for Murphy beds: flexible, lightweight, no coils to feel when new). Latex (good: lightweight and comfortable). Hybrid (acceptable: ensure weight is within specifications). Innerspring (least recommended: heaviest, coils may shift when stored vertically).
Flexibility: The mattress bends when lowering and raising. Foam and latex handle this better than co
ils. All-foam mattresses are the most compatible.
Bedding: Use straps to secure sheets and blankets. When the bed folds up, the bedding stays put. Use fitted sheets that grip well and lightweight blankets that do not bunch.
Types and Configurations
- Vertical (standard): The head of the bed attaches to the wall. Folds up so the mattress faces the wall. Most common. Works with queen and full sizes. Requires ceiling height of at least 8 feet for queen
- Horizontal (side-fold): The side of the bed attaches to the wall. Folds sideways. Better for twin and full sizes. Works under lower ceilings and in narrower spaces
- Desk combo: A desk surface folds down when the bed is up. Popular for home offices doubling as guest rooms. The desk clears automatically when the bed is lowered (items on the desk are kept in place by a mechanism on premium models)
- Sofa combo: A sofa sits in front of the folded-up bed. When the bed lowers, the sofa slides underneath or folds into it. Maximizes living space in studio apartments
- Cabinet wall: Built-in cabinetry with shelving on both sides of the Murphy bed. Creates a full wall unit that looks like furniture, not a bed mechanism
Cost in Canada
Budget Guide
Basic kit (hardware only): $300-600. You build or supply the cabinet. Requires woodworking skills. Spring mechanism. Ready-to-assemble: $1000-2500. Kit includes cabinet panels and hardware. Assembly requi
red. Popular brands: Bestar, Night and Day Furniture. Professional install: $2000-5000. Custom or semi-custom cabinet. Professional installation. Includes quality gas piston mechanism. Brands: Resource Furniture, Clei (Italian, premium), local custom shops. Mattress (additional): $400-1000. A quality 10-inch memory foam mattress is ideal. This is your primary contact surface so do not cut corners on the mattress even if the Murphy bed mechanism is budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Murphy beds comfortable?
Yes, because they use a standard mattress. You are sleeping on the same mattress you would use on a regular bed frame. The frame and mechanism have no effect on comfort. Choose a quality mattress and a Murphy bed sleeps identically to a regular bed.
Can I use a regular mattress in a Murphy bed?
Mostly yes, with two checks: (1) thickness must fit your cabinet (usually 10 inches max), and (2) weight must be within the mechanism specification. All-foam mattresses under 10 inches work with virtually all Murphy bed systems. Check before using a heavy hybrid or innerspring.
How long do Murphy beds last?
Quality Murphy bed mechanisms last 20-30 years. The cabinet is furniture-grade and lasts similarly. Gas pistons may need replacement every 10-15 years ($50-150 for the pair). The mattress needs replacement on the normal schedule (7-10 years). Overall, a good Murphy bed is a long-term investment.
Do Murphy beds damage the wall?
Properly installed Murphy beds are secured to wall studs and distribute weight through the cabinet base to the floor. They should not damage the wall. Improper installation (not into studs, incorrect weight distribution) can pull away from the wall. Professional installation is worth the cost for safety and wall protection.
Sources
- Walker M. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner. 2017. ISBN: 978-1501144318.
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Krauchi K. The thermophysiological cascade leading to sleep initiation in relation to phase of entrainment. Sleep Med Rev. 2007;11(6):439-451. DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2007.07.001
- Haskell EH, Palca JW, Walker JM, Berger RJ, Heller HC. The effects of high and low ambient temperatures on human sleep stages. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1981;51(5):494-501.
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