How the retractable bed works: definition, structure and mechanism

Our Murphy bed guide has been designed to guide you from A to Z in your choice of furniture. In this section, we cover all the topics related to the operation of your Murphy bed , to help you see more clearly. The Murphy bed is a structure that allows you to hide the sleeping area during the day, using a manual or electric mechanism. Depending on the model chosen, other elements can be integrated, in addition to the bedding.

What is a Murphy bed?

What is a Murphy bed? This modular piece of furniture is a bed designed to be hidden away when not in use. The principle is very simple: you enjoy comfortable bedding at night , with a box spring and mattress, and during the day, your bed is completely hidden, whether on the ceiling or inside a large wardrobe attached to the wall. The aim of such a piece of furniture is to cleverly organize a room and not clutter it unnecessarily with items that you do not use at the same time.

A Murphy bed for children

The Murphy bed can be perfectly suited to a child (note: the ceiling-mounted Murphy bed is only suitable for children aged 6 and over). It's even an essential piece of furniture to install in a bedroom, to leave space available on the floor during the day. With its various storage, furniture, and design options, the Murphy bed for children is a key element of their daily life.

A Murphy bed for adults

In the adult version, the Murphy bed offers a double bed , for daily or occasional use. Whether in a bedroom, an office or a studio, the space saving is obvious and this modular piece of furniture can even integrate several pieces of furniture, in a single structure. You will no longer need to choose between a bed and a sofa or between a bed and a desk. As your activities progress, the Murphy bed adapts and transforms.

How does a Murphy bed work?

Another important question to learn more about this piece of furniture: How does a Murphy bed work? There are several models that have very specific operating features. You can make your choice based on how you intend to use your Murphy bed and the room it will be used in.

A horizontal or vertical system for the folding bed

In the case of the wall-mounted bed , this piece of furniture is a large wardrobe that hides bedding behind its front. The wall bed can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the space you have available. The operation is always the same: you just have to pull the handle that is integrated into the front to unfold your bed base and mattress. The vertical or horizontal opening has an impact on the position of your bed in relation to the wall. Your sleeping area can be parallel or perpendicular. The product's mechanism is based on a system of jacks and shock absorbers, for optimal safety.

High and low position for the ceiling bed

Another option for your Murphy bed: one that stores high up, on the ceiling. In this case, the operation is different but the goal remains the same. The bed (base + mattress) slides along rails fixed to the wall to move into the low and high positions. These Murphy beds are only suitable for rooms with high ceilings. To hide the rails, the ceiling bed can have a melamine wood structure against the wall, like a wardrobe. This is then an opportunity to add storage space, for example, or other furniture (sofa, desk, etc.).

The structure of the Murphy bed

The structure of the Murphy bed is divided into two parts. On the one hand, there are all the elements dedicated to sleeping : the bed base, the mattress, and the retractable legs of the bed. For the wall and drop-down beds, the mattress must be strapped to the base. On the other hand, the Murphy bed also includes the mechanism that allows the bed to be opened and closed or raised and lowered. The ceiling bed has integrated rails, while the wall bed has a system of jacks inside the cabinet structure.

The mechanism of the Murphy bed: 3 possible versions

The mechanism of the Murphy bed has 3 possible variations. These beds have a different appearance and the difference is also made in terms of price, the retractable system, the size of the furniture and the ease of use. We present to you the three main categories of Murphy bed .

The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed

A ceiling-mounted Murphy bed is a bed with a base and mattress that moves up and down on rails and, if necessary, on cables attached above. The top is adjustable and can descend to different levels, depending on the layout of your room. For example, if you plan to install a sofa area there, you can adjust your ceiling bed so that the bed sits right above it. This allows you to enjoy a space with multiple functions, without having to move everything at night.

The wall bed

The configuration of the wall bed is very different from that of the ceiling bed. Indeed, it is a large melamine wood cabinet in which the bed base and mattress are stored. The front is hinged and when closed, the furniture is discreet in your room. With this system, it is possible to choose a horizontal or vertical opening . These cabinets are also customizable, to benefit from a design adapted to your interior. Melamine wood is available in different coatings and colors and thus adapts to all styles of decoration.

The electric Murphy bed

Murphy beds are products that can also be motorized . The electric version is available for both ceiling beds and folding wall beds. The furniture is then equipped with a small motor that allows the bed to be deployed without having to lift a finger. In reality, you just need to press a switch or the button on a remote control to see your Murphy bed come into action. This is your guarantee of reducing all the effort.

The comfort of the Murphy bed

Is a Murphy bed comfortable? The answer is simple: yes, since it's a real bed. It's up to you to customize the comfort of your Murphy bed. This piece of furniture allows you to integrate a mattress of your choice , which will be placed on a real box spring. The only constraint, for the wall bed, is to select a model that is not too thick.

Foam, spring, or latex mattress: the mattress of your Murphy bed adapts to your habits, your sleeper profile, and your requirements in terms of quality and comfort. The Murphy bed makes your daily life easier while allowing you to save space in your home . Thanks to our complete guide, you will be able to choose, step by step, a piece of furniture that suits you perfectly.