Buying a brand-new piece of furniture is a home improvement. The process is fun and deceptively simple—you can just buy what you like, right? While that is undoubtedly true, there are tried-and-true bedroom design guidelines that apply to all furniture purchases to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment.
Any interior designer would advise that you should think through your furniture choices to avoid the pitfalls of purchasing pieces that don’t quite work or fall short of expectations. From the perfect sofa to a dresser, there are buying basics for every piece—Murphy beds included.
Murphy beds are known as space-savers for small homes and apartments. These fold-out beds have become popular in all-size living spaces in recent years. Homeowners and renters embrace the units because they create multifunctional spaces. For example, a guest room can double as a home gym when the Murphy bed is upright.
If you’re new to the wall bed market, this checklist will guide you through all the factors to consider before making your Murphy bed purchase.
Remember the saying “measure twice, cut once?” Measuring your space before buying is the number one headache-saving tip for any furniture purchase. Spend some time drawing up a plan to check proportions. Instead of measuring a few things and hoping for the best, grab a cup of coffee, a measuring tape, and map out a to-scale plan.
This is an excellent time to get clear on the room’s function.
For example, if you’re using the space as a guest bedroom that doubles as a home gym, being crystal clear on the measurements will help you determine if you should select a vertical or horizontal wall bed model to accommodate your fitness equipment comfortably.
The plan should include where your Murphy bed would be positioned in relation to other furniture items, as well as the room’s length and width or any unusual corners or angles. Also, take note of often-overlooked elements of the space, including the location of windows and electrical outlets; the way the door swings; and if there are baseboards or crown molding.
The height of the Murphy bed you’re considering is among the most crucial measurements to consider. If the bed is too high or low when it’s in the upright position, it can be a challenge to reach when lifting and lowering.
This may seem like a lot to keep in mind, but we’ll help you keep it streamlined. To be sure you considered everything before buying a Murphy bed, use this handy checklist to keep the process simple:
Right away, some important considerations include:
- Doorway Location(s)
- Direction of Swing Doors (Closets included)
- Untraditional Angles/Corners
- Ceiling Height
- Position of Windows (Most Murphy beds must be mounted to either the wall or the floor, so selecting a windowless wall is optimal)
- Electrical Outlets (Be aware of the location of outlets to ensure you still have access to plug-in power cords)
- Wall Studs (For wall-mounted Murphy beds, it’s important to mark the location of studs for proper installation)
- Lighting Fixtures/Ceiling Fans
- Floors/Baseboards/Molding
- Wall Material (Depending on if you have drywall or brick, you’ll need different wall anchors and tools to complete the installation)
Buying a Murphy bed is a great addition to any home. They are the perfect fit for a small space or a multi-functional room. Keep the buying process simple and streamlined with this handy checklist, and you’ll be lifting and lowering your way to a new space in no time.
