If you're looking for a space-saving sleep solution that won't compromise on comfort, a murphy bed may be right for you. Known for their practical design, these pull-down beds are perfect for guest rooms or small spaces where you want to create as much space as you can. But what are murphy beds, and how can you tell if you need one?
The good news is that some of this year's best mattresses are compatible with murphy beds, so you can still enjoy the comfort and support of a high-quality mattress. However, there are a lot of things to consider before buying a murphy bed, including budget, room, and purpose.
Here, we'll take a look at what murphy beds are, who needs them, and where you can find the best mattresses for these fold-down beds. Plus, we've rounded up three of this month's best mattress sales for anyone who needs a mattress to fit their new murphy bed.
What is a Murphy bed?
Murphy beds are beds that, when not in use, can be folded up against the wall or inside a cabinet by adding hinges to one side of the bed. Most murphy beds are vertical (meaning they're hinged at the foot or head of the bed) to save room in spaces with higher ceilings, but horizontal murphy beds (hinged at the length of the bed) are great for those with narrower spaces and lower ceilings.
Murphy beds are often called fold-down beds, pull-down beds, or wall beds after the way they are folded up against the wall when not in use and pulled down when they are in use.
Are Murphy beds comfortable to sleep on?
If you're wondering whether murphy beds are just as comfortable as traditional beds, it all depends on what mattress you use. If you're using a cheap, low-quality mattress on a murphy beds, then you're in for a low-quality sleep. However, if you're using a high-quality mattress that's compatible with your murphy bed, you should shave enough comfort and support throughout the night.
They're also much comfier than other temporary sleep solutions, such as trifold mattresses, Japanese floor mattresses, and other types of floor mattress as they're less firm and suitable for everyday use. They're also more hygienic and fit for those with allergies as they're elevated off the floor. However, murphy beds may not be suitable for some with injuries, mobility issues, or physical disabilities as they need to be pull down every night and folded up every morning.
Can you use a regular mattress on a murphy bed?
Short answer? Yes. Murphy beds don't require a specialist mattress, but they do need to meets certain specifications. For example, the best memory foam mattresses work well with murphy beds as they retain their shape when stored away. On the other hands, the best hybrid mattresses or innerspring mattresses can be used, but they're not recommended as their coils can become distorted when in storage.
Also, while the best organic mattresses may seem like a perfect match due to their latex foam constructions, murphy beds aren't compatible with heavy mattresses. Latex foam is know for being quite dense and heavy, so using a latex mattress will cause some problems when lifting up or pulling down a murphy bed.
Aside from weight and material, the most important thing to consider when buying a murphy bed is height. You need something that is no more than 12" thick (but also no less than 10"). Anything taller than 12" will be too thick for a murphy bed, and it likely won't be able to be folded up against the wall properly.
Murphy beds vs wall beds: What's the difference?
All wall beds are murphy beds, but not all murphy beds are wall beds. In short, wall beds (also known as panel beds) are a subtype of vertical murphy beds. Under the bed, there is a panel with handles, so when the bed is folded up, all you can see is the panel. When it's time for bed, you simply pull at the handles, and the bed folds down in one piece.
A murphy bed that isn't a wall bed is a bi-fold murphy bed. These beds don't have a panel under the bed. Instead, when folded up against the wall, the bed is hidden behind two doors which resemble a closet, a cupboard, or even a bookcase.
How to tell if you need a murphy bed
1. You have limited space
Murphy beds were designed to be a space-saving solution, so you can have plenty of room outside of bedtime. They're perfect for small apartments or narrow rooms, as these beds can be stored away when not in use.
There are plenty of murphy bed designs, so you can choose the one that's right for your space. For example, if there isn't a lot of wall space thanks to a lot of windows, shelves, and doors, then a vertical murphy bed will be best.
Meanwhile, if the ceilings are quite low or your room is narrow, then a horizontal bed will be best. (However, couples should be aware that, on a horizontal murphy bed, the person nearest the wall may need to climb over the other if they need to get up in the middle of the night.)
2. You have the budget
Word of warning: murphy beds aren't cheap. While prices vary depending on quality, design, and size, murphy beds are still generally expensive. You also have to consider the cost of installation and the price of the mattress, too. Murphy beds can be a great investment when installed correctly and safely, but consider if the addition of a murphy bed is within your budget.
3. You want to make the most out of your spare room
If you have a spare room that's used as a guest room, the room can sometime seem a bit of a waste when not being used to accommodate visitors. With the help of a murphy bed design, you can fold up the guest bed and use the space for whatever you like until the guests arrive.
