Murphy Bed Definition

William L. Murphy was frustrated that the bed took up most of the room in the small apartment he shared with his wife. He began to investigate an alternative which could be folded away for daily storage, and this led to the modern Murphy bed.

The Company

The Murphy Wall Bed Company followed on the heels of Murphy's patent for the product, obtained around the year 1900. They continue to operate from facilities located in Farmingdale, New York.

Function

A Murphy bed sleeps just like a normal bed, but when the bed is not in use, it stows away in a cabinet or closet. Simply lift the foot of the bed: the footboard (if any) folds in; the mattress tilts toward the ceiling to stand on end (but still within the bed frame); and then the doors to the cabinet can be closed, storing the bed out of sight.

Improvements

Improvements to the original design include a counter balance, which makes the bed easier to raise and lower. Other designs use the doorjamb as a pivot to help raise the bed and mattress for vertical storage.

Mattresses

Mattress supports are built into the bed and can anchor standard mattresses in a range of sizes. Murphy mattresses are also available, combining firm support and plush cushioning, and adapted specifically for the Murphy bed system.

Choices

Murphy bed systems can be purchased with a choice in bed frame, size and cabinetry. There are also styles available for fold-to-the-side storage, in addition to the traditional fold-up style.

Variations

Some models do not feature doors, instead providing a decorative panel on the underside of the bed which serves to hide the bed when folded up. Other models may not have rails, box springs, headboards or footboards.

References

• History of the Murphy Bed
• Murphy Wall Bed: Retractable Space Savers
• The History of Beds

Resources

• History of the Murphy Bed