Do you wish you had an extra guest room but don’t have the space? Installing a Murphy bed allows your home office or multipurpose room to smoothly transition into a comfortable sleeping area for overnight visitors. Keep reading to learn how this innovative, space-saving furniture solution can maximize room versatility.
Murphy beds are foldable beds that store vertically against the wall. With just a flip, pull or slide, the room instantly converts into a bedroom or back to its original layout and use. Because Murphy beds maximize square footage when not in use, they are perfect for small homes desiring an occasional extra bed.
Murphy Bed Benefits for Limited Space
For homeowners with space constraints, Murphy beds offer many advantages over permanent bedroom fixtures. Let’s overview how they work and key features that make Murphy beds so versatile.
What is a Murphy Bed?
Murphy beds are hinged beds connected to a cabinet or wall mount. The bed frame and mattress store out of sight and upright when closed. To open, the bed unit rotates down horizontally or folds vertically on integrated pistons or springs. Custom Murphy beds feature coordinated cabinets, shelves and desktop surfaces for a built-in look.
| Space Saving When Closed | Folds into minimal floorspace against the wall as a cabinet. |
| Easy Conversion | Smoothly changes room use with a flip, pull or slide. |
| Multipurpose Usage | Works as office, living room or bedroom based on need. |
This versatile furniture changes room function in seconds without clutter or hassle. Murphy beds maximize home versatility and available square footage compared to permanent bedroom fixtures.
Integrated Cabinets and Design Options
Custom Murphy beds allow you to select coordinated cabinets, open shelving, lighting, charging ports and storage. You can opt for a sleek contemporary style with floating shelves or traditional built-ins featuring crown moulding and closed cabinet faces. When shopping, consider:
- Mattress Size: From twin size to oversized options for two sleepers.
- Lift Type: Fold down, flip, pneumatic lift or sliding mechanics.
- Desk Integration: Models with built-in work surfaces available.
- Cabinetry: Customize cabinets to match existing furnishings.
This wide range of choice lets you tailor a Murphy bed to your functional needs and home aesthetics.
How to Convert an Office to Guest Room
Installing a Murphy bed enables a dedicated home office or spare room to double as guest sleeping quarters. This delivers excellent versatility within limited square footage. Let’s explore key considerations for integrating a Murphy bed office.
Multitasking Benefits
The main advantage of a Murphy bed office involves its innate adaptability to changing needs:
- Use as home office workspace during days.
- Guest bedroom when visitors stay over overnight.
- Extra square footage regained when bed closes up.
For maximum functionality, the office layout facilitates efficiency in both modes. When open, the Murphy bed and surrounding space accommodate sleeping quarters. Yet when closed back into the cabinet, the room reverts to a practical home office.
Integrated Desks and Seating Areas
To facilitate the dual-use environment, Murphy bed offices integrate desk space and seating areas conducive to work functions and hosting guests. There are two main options:
- A Murphy bed with attached desktop surface .
- A freestanding desk and chair underneath the bed’s footprint.
The coordinated desk inside custom cabinetry streamlines the room transition. But freestanding desks allow flexible placement as needed. In both arrangements, incorporating comfortable multipurpose furniture streamlines guest hosting duties.
Ambient Lighting and Storage
When designing a Murphy bed office, consider lighting needs suitable for an office yet dimmable to set a relaxing mood for overnight use. Incorporate plenty of shelves, drawers and closed storage to neatly tuck away office paraphernalia out of sight before guests arrive. Have bedding linens easily accessible from cabinets built into the Murphy bed unit.
Planning Your Murphy Bed Installation
To install a Murphy bed, first decide on placement and assess electrical planning. Then select your Murphy bed model and customize cabinetry if desired. DIY kits offer cost savings but built-in customization may warrant hiring a carpenter or contractor.
Measure Your Space and Placement
Assess potential wall space in your room. Most Murphy beds require only 7-12 inches clearance from the wall but measure your specific model’s requirements. If opting for a built-in Murphy bed with coordinated cabinets, ensure you have ample wall space to accommodate your overall design vision. Consider:
- Open and close clearance needs
- Electrical planning for lights
- Decorative trim or crown molding
Proper planning of dimensions and placement preserves function and showcases your Murphy bed system elegantly.
Purchase Murphy Bed and Cabinets
Next, select your Murphy bed model and size based on mattress preferences, lift type and weight capacity. Order any coordinated cabinetry or shelving units as part of a packaged bundle or separately:
- Murphy bed hardware kit for DIY install
- Prefabricated Murphy bed unit all-in-one
- Custom built-in Murphy bed with cabinetry
Consider lead times for customized Murphy bed elements to be fabricated. Your supplier can provide guidance on typical turnaround times.
Install Your Murphy Bed System
Murphy bed hardware kits cater to DIY enthusiasts with basic tools and carpentry skills. Review included instructions for proper mounting, chiefly securing to wall studs for stability and weight-bearing purposes. For built-in cabinetry or electrical work, consider hiring a professional installer. Prepare to incorporate your stylish new Murphy bed into the room’s form and function!
Design Inspiration for Murphy Bed Offices
Murphy bed workstations allow creativity and style tailoring to your personal taste. Whether your home leans traditional or modern, a few design tweaks can make this clever furnishing solution distinctive.
Contemporary and Modern Murphy Beds
Apply contemporary minimalism by:
- Floating wall shelves in lieu of bulky cabinets
- Neutral and muted color scheme
- Sleek track lighting for task spotlights
- Coordinating with slender-lined furnishings
Farmhouse and Cottage-Inspired Beds
Bring in pastoral charm through:
- White or distressed wood finishes
- Floral upholstered bedding
- Buttery paint colors coupled with wood tone accents
- Ruffled or checkered curtains
Transitional and Traditional Beds
Convey heritage appeal using:
- Ornately carved wood or leather upholstered headboards
- Built-in cabinetry with crown moldings
- Elegant fabrics like silk, velvet or brocade
- Oversized floor lamps and table lamps
Apply your signature style for a custom Murphy bed that feels purposeful and unique. With some creative planning, your Murphy bed office conveys both visual impact and functional versatility.
Murphy beds boost usable space within small or single-purpose rooms. By converting empty wall space into a practical guest sleeping area, you gain room multipurpose flexibility without remodeling costs. Your home office easily adapts to changing needs, from workspace to bedroom and back again, complete with integrated storage and desks.
Murphy beds prove an innovative furnishing solution for homeowners and condo dwellers with limited square footage. With smooth transition from office to guest-ready bedroom, this inventive system enhances room versatility and productivity. Simply flip down or fold up this smart bed unit to toggle between work and hospitality mode in seconds flat!
