The retractable bed mechanism: 3 possible variations

To fully understand how a Murphy bed works, you need to take a closer look at the different mechanisms available for your piece of furniture. Whether it's a ceiling-mounted Murphy bed, a wall bed , or an electric Murphy bed, this section of the guide will provide an in-depth look at each major category. The goal is to provide you with the technical keys to understanding the Murphy bed system and helping you make the best choice.

Overview of the Murphy Bed Mechanism

Regardless of its appearance or the mechanism it is equipped with, the Murphy bed always meets the same needs. Its primary objective is to optimize space . It allows you to free up all the floor space when you are not using your bed. Much more than just bedding, the Murphy bed also has the purpose of offering you several functionalities. Its structure can therefore be completed, as an option, by different storage furniture, by a sofa, by a desk or even by a table.

Everything you need to know about the ceiling-mounted Murphy bed

The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed allows you to store your bedding (box spring and mattress) in the ceiling during the day. Placed high up, it gives you the opportunity to enjoy your entire room. The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed , or suspended, is a very discreet version that will find its place in your living room, studio, office or bedroom. Most of the time, it is offered in a double version. Its mechanism is based on a system of rails fixed to the wall and pulleys. Some models include additional security , with a ceiling suspension mechanism, with cables.

Why choose a ceiling-mounted Murphy bed?

As with any Murphy bed, this choice must meet a need to save space . But why opt for a model that stores in the ceiling? It has several interesting advantages.

• Very discreet, the ceiling-mounted Murphy bed occupies space that is not used in your home: the height of your room.
• The wall mechanism has a very minimal footprint.
• The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed can be lowered without removing the furniture underneath.

One drawback, however: it is not suitable for children under 6 years old.

The different types of ceiling-mounted Murphy beds

The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed, in its most basic form, simply features rails on the wall to slide your bedding up and down. If you're looking for a more stylish model, you can conceal the rail system within a wooden structure, like a wardrobe. In this case, it's possible to add storage furniture (drawers, wardrobes, shelves, etc.) and even a desk or sofa.

Discover the wall bed or folding bed

We now present to you the wall bed, or bed cabinet, which is one of the flagship variations of the Murphy bed . Its principle: fix a large wooden frame to the wall with a front equipped with a metal handle and store the bedding in this structure when not in use. It is also called a folding bed . The construction of the furniture is made of melamine wood, the appearance of which can be personalized in order to obtain a tailor-made design. As with the ceiling bed, you will enjoy a real comfortable bed, with a wooden slatted base and a mattress. In the case of the wall bed, however, the thickness of the mattress must be adapted to the depth of the wardrobe.

Why choose a wall bed?

Among the various Murphy beds, the wall bed offers great ease of use and a high degree of customization (design, furniture, dimensions, etc.). By choosing this option, you can unfold your bed only when you need it and have comfortable bedding, with a real box spring and the mattress of your choice. There is no problem with minimum ceiling height, unlike with a ceiling Murphy bed.

The different types of wall beds

The range of Murphy beds in folding versions is very vast. First, for this product, you must choose between a horizontal or vertical wall bed. The opening system will determine the space requirement of your furniture and the position of your bed in relation to the wall (parallel or perpendicular). Second, the wall bed is available in several sizes. Single, double, queen size, king size, or even bunk bed: you will have many options depending on your needs.

Choosing an electric Murphy bed

The electric Murphy bed offers a significant advantage: this bed is equipped with a motor and is controlled by a remote control button or a switch. Whether it's a Murphy bed suspended from the ceiling or a bed that folds down against the wall, the system is fully motorized and eliminates the need for any effort to unfold your bedding.

Why choose an electric Murphy bed?

The electric Murphy bed comes at a price, but it offers great comfort in your daily life. This electric furniture is particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility or those suffering from chronic ailments. In this case, with the electric mechanism, your bed will be set up without you having to intervene. Its practicality will ease your daily life.

The different types of electric Murphy beds

We call this the electric Murphy bed, but in reality, this piece of furniture offers the same options and configuration possibilities as a manual bed. You can choose a motorized bed that folds against the wall or one that can be stored on the ceiling. You can then add various furniture and storage modules to your electric Murphy bed.

Comparison of different folding bed mechanisms

Among the different wall bed mechanisms , which piece of furniture is right for you? We help you compare categories and make the right product choice between the ceiling wall bed, the wall bed or the electric wall bed.

Assembly and installation for each wall bed mechanism

All three Murphy bed mechanisms present the same level of difficulty when it comes to assembling your furniture. Generally, you must install your Murphy bed against a load-bearing wall. The only type of bed with an installation constraint is the ceiling Murphy bed: the ceiling height must be sufficient.

The design of the furniture according to the chosen mechanism

Wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or electric Murphy bed : the design is fully customizable. The melamine wood structure can be presented in a multitude of colors and offers different coatings (oak wood effect, matte wood, glossy wood, etc.).

How each mechanism works

Each Murphy bed system has been designed to be practical and simple, but from one model to another, there are still some differences.

• The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed: it uses a counterweight system to put itself in a high or low position and slides in the rails.
• Wall bed: the jacks allow the bed to be unfolded and closed horizontally or vertically. The shock absorbers accompany the movement.
• The electric Murphy bed: it is operated using a remote control or a button and requires no human intervention.

You now have all the information you need to make the right choice for your Murphy bed mechanism.

When to change the mechanism of a Murphy bed?

The mechanism of the Murphy bed is known for its durability and resistance to repeated handling. However, poor assembly, loss of parts after a move, or the purchase of a very old second-hand folding bed may force you to find a new mechanism.

Another situation requiring replacement of your mechanism: the bed lowers too quickly and your jacks are not adjustable. This is normal wear and tear if your bed is old or a problem with a mattress that is too heavy if your bed cabinet is newer.
For To change the jack on your wall bed , you need to know the dimensions of your bed: single, double, queen, or even king size bed.

The second important criterion concerns the orientation of your Murphy bed . It is either vertical or horizontal. Regarding the mechanism of a horizontal Murphy bed, you do not need to know the size of your bed. However, do not forget to check the maximum weight supported by the chosen mechanism.

How to replace the mechanism of a wall bed?

Replacing the wall bed mechanism requires special attention and careful disassembly . This part being at the heart of the wardrobe bed, you must disassemble the main parts of your namely the doors, the feet, the mattress and the box spring. Follow the assembly instructions delivered with the new system then, once the latter is fixed to the wooden box of your wall bed, you just have to reassemble your folding bed in its entirety.
Please note, this change of mechanism on a recent Murphy bed involves cancellation of the warranty . If your furniture is still covered by the latter, do not hesitate to contact your seller.