A Murphy bed is a bed that folds up into another entity. In doing so, it becomes entirely anonymous, allowing the rest of the room to possess its typical aesthetic without the existence of a bed.
Murphy beds come in many different types, each of which offers different benefits and drawbacks. Curious as to the different Murphy bed plans? We’re going to discuss them in detail below.
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Wall Murphy Beds
Perhaps the most common types of Murphy beds are wall Murphy beds. What is a Murphy bed in this context? It’s a bed that folds up into one of the walls in its corresponding room.
When folded up, there is no trace of the bed. The wall appears like any other wall, though there is a slight rectangular gap around the area where the bed is folded in.
These types of Murphy beds are beneficial in cases where there isn’t much space. You can pull the bed down when you need to go to sleep, and then push it back up when you need to use the space for something else.
If you’re going to use a wall bed, you’re advised to have it installed when the house is being built. Otherwise, there will be a great deal of additional work required in order to get the bed to fit at a later date.
That said, it’s very possible to install a wall Murphy bed after the house has been erected. Just find a reputable installer in your area to complete the project for you.
Couch Murphy Beds
Sometimes referred to as combination beds, couch Murphy beds are couches that contain foldable beds inside of them. When folded in, these couches look just like other couches. The cushions cover the bed mechanism, rendering it essentially non-existent when not in use.
But when night falls and you need a little more room to spread out, you can remove the cushions, grab the bed mechanism’s handle and pull it out completely. This provides you with a fully functional bed, complete with a soft mattress.
These Murphy beds are most commonly used in living rooms. After all, there’s already a couch there. You might as well make the most of its space by providing it with Murphy bed capabilities.
Desk Murphy Beds
Maybe you have just one extra room in your house and want to use it for several purposes? For instance, maybe you want to create a hybrid office/guest room.
If so, a desk Murphy bed would benefit you greatly. These are beds that fold up into desks, allowing for ample space when not in use.
There are all sorts of desk Murphy beds out there, some of which are based on small, simple desks, and others of which are based on large, intricate desks. Regardless of your desk needs, you’re sure to find something that accommodates you.
Bookshelf Murphy Beds
Are you an avid reader? Do you like to maintain a bookshelf full of books in, say, your guest room? If so, you should know that you can save space by investing in a bookshelf Murphy bed.
These are essentially just bookshelves that contain a small opening section. This usually consists of horizontal doors which swing open and then allow the bed to fold out.
When the bed isn’t folded out, these are extremely discrete. In fact, they look just like any other bookshelves. So, if you’re going to put up bookshelves anyway, why not add a bed to the mix as well?
Standalone Shelf Murphy Beds
Just as there are bookshelf Murphy beds available out there, there are also standalone bookshelf Murphy beds available out there. These look more like dressers or entertainment centers and usually consist of a variety of cabinets and drawers.
You can find these in all sizes and with a variety of different features. So, regardless of your specific needs, you can be accommodated.
The bed typically folds out from the middle of the shelf, with the two sides of the shelf continuously providing storage capabilities. As such, it can be used as a bed and a shelf simultaneously.
Dresser Murphy Beds
Another type of Murphy bed design is the dresser Murphy bed. This is a Murphy bed that, when closed, looks like any other dresser. Its side components consist of several drawers and shelves, allowing for the storage of all types of clothing.
This type of Murphy bed works best in a small bedroom or in a guest room that is otherwise used for alternative purposes. It serves its clothes-storing purpose exceedingly well but can also provide a cozy sleeping space at a moment’s notice.
These are available in all types of designs, so, regardless of your specific needs, there should be something that accommodates you.
Storage Chest Murphy Beds
The last Murphy beds we’re going to discuss are storage chest Murphy beds. These look like, well, storage chests. Many of them even offer storage space for other items.
That said, they primarily consist of the beds contained within them. These fold in compactly, taking up limited space when not in use. As such, this type of Murphy bed can be jammed into a corner, allowing it to be stored discreetly.
If you wish, you could even move this type of Murphy bed into a closet. It slides along the ground fairly easily and is small enough so that it can squeeze into narrow spaces.
There Are All Sorts of Murphy Bed Plans
In truth, there are all sorts of Murphy bed plans out there. These comprise only a small selection of modern Murphy bed options. So, do your due diligence and find the best Murphy bed for your purposes!
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