Question to anyone who owns or has owned a Murphy bed?
Hi. I just moved into a studio apartment, and am thinking of getting a Murphy bed at some point this year in order to save space. Are there any especially well-made models you would recommend, and/or some especially bad ones I should steer clear of? Thanks in advance.
2010-02-05T05:49:32Z
Saaanen, they don't have to be built into the wall - they can be against the wall, contained in something resembling a shelf. As for what is or isn't a good idea, I reserve the right to make that distinction for myself, but thanks anyway. ;-)
?2010-02-05T08:32:43Z
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I can't recommend a well-made or not so well-made since I do not own or have I owned a Murphy Bed but I'm in the research phase myself and have found some interesting reading material. It boils down to the mechanism used and material (wood vs particle board/melamine).
You have choices in the color of wood you like, dark rich woods or light and other airy colors. From a design perspective (which I know), consider selecting a material that will complement your décor. For instance if the room is smaller, it may be a good idea to select a lighter finish, this can make your room appear larger. It is usually a good idea to ask the company for a sample swatch of the color you are interested in, this way you know for sure its what you want. But, this is what I've come up with so far... Maybe others will answer.
http://www.wallbedfactory.com/murphy-bed-buyers-guide http://ezinearticles.com/?Murphy-Bed-Plans---Choose-Carefully&id=3519921 http://www.handymanclub.com/Projects/Project.aspx?id=26824 http://www.californiaclosets.com/solutions/wall-beds/ Particleboard supposedly is one of the best substrates. Unlike solid wood, it is dimensionally stable and does not warp or crack. The surface is finished with wood veneer or melamine in solid or wood tones. I have not formed my opinion on this yet... http://www.murphybedcompany.com/ http://www.flyingbeds.com/ http://www.wallbed.com/ http://www.wallbedfactory.com/
I do have a murphy mattress. It is from the early 1920's and made by way of a enterprise named Brunswick. I have carted that heavy factor from california, to Texas and as much as Massachusetts. I have had it for approximately 30 years. It isn't the mattress that makes the alleviation, it's the matress. The cool factor approximately a murphy mattress is that they're first-rate for a visitor room, as they fold up into the wall and will also be taken down as wanted. Sadly, tho, I am promoting mine due to the fact I purchased a lovely historic colonial kind mattress, walnut and a walnut cloth wardrobe for my redecorated bed room. If I had a condominium with a guestroom, I might preserve it.
Murphy beds are built into the wall. Not really a good idea to invest that much money into an apartment. And the landlord might not allow one to be built.