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Forbes
22-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The 7 Best Murphy Beds To Make The Most Of Your Bedroom Space
No longer just a feature of antique homes, Murphy beds are becoming popular again for their clever, space-saving designs. The best Murphy beds not only tuck out of sight when not in use, they also work as functional storage cabinets, desks or other pieces of furniture when the bed isn't needed. Our top pick, the Bestar Pur Queen Murphy Bed, is an expert-recommended model that combines convenient storage with durable construction. The best Murphy beds flow seamlessly with the rest of your furniture. 'With the trend of spaces becoming more flexible to adapt to different living and family needs, the Murphy bed is seeing a return to popularity,' says Mark Nichols, founder of MNichols Design. 'When executed with high-quality construction and operation hardware along with comfortable bedding, they serve not only as a proper bed but also as a design statement that can add interest to a room.' Based on expert guidance and thorough research, these are the best Murphy beds to suit a variety of design and functional needs. Amazon Type: Engineered wood, steel | Mattress: Queen (8-12 inches thick) | Delivery: Free | Trial: 30 nights | Warranty: 10 years What we love: Keep in mind: This unassuming, stylish cabinet transforms into a queen-sized bed with an easy tug. Experts like Barbara strategic home design and organizing advisor at Real Estate Bees, recommend the Bestar brand—and this model in particular—for its reliable performance in real-world settings. Tanaka recommends this model because of its modern design and built-in efficiency, saying it's 'great for home office/guest room combos.' This spacious model is more than just a guest bed; it features six closed drawers, four fixed shelves and six adjustable shelves for ample storage you can take advantage of whether the bed is in use or not. The bed itself is made of a durable steel frame and flexible slats that are designed to absorb pressure and curve with the body. It can house a standard queen-size mattress and can hold up to 1,000 pounds of weight. Keep in mind that this is a substantial piece of furniture, so the brand requires mounting it to both the floor and wall for maximum stability. Also, at least two people are recommended for assembly. Wayfair Type: Solid and manufactured wood | Mattress: Full/double | Delivery: Free | Trial: 30 nights | Warranty: 30 days What we love: Keep in mind: If your home is short on space and you need a functional piece of furniture for infrequent guests, this fold-out Murphy bed ticks a lot of boxes. When the bed is stowed away, the white cabinet has a modern, minimalist look that doesn't take up much space and features a functional bottom drawer (great for pillows or linens). You can also take advantage of the open shelf for plants, frames and other decorations in between guest visits. When it's time to open the bed, just open the front panel and pull out the folded mattress that gets stored right in the cabinet. There's also a built-in outlet for easy guest access, plus bottom wheels for convenient rearranging as needed. Just keep in mind that the folded mattress doesn't come with the bed, so you'd have to purchase that separately. Also, the bed board capacity is 440 pounds—including the mattress—so it may not be suited to couples of all sizes. Amazon Type: Particle board, metal | Mattress: Queen (max height 12 inches) | Delivery: Free | Trial: 100 days | Warranty: Monthly paid protection plan (optional) What we love: Keep in mind: For a more simplistic option, this Murphy bed functions solely as a housing piece for the bed. There's no storage included, so it's best for anyone looking for a queen-sized Murphy bed that's easy to fit in an office or home gym without monopolizing too much space. The cabinet is made from durable wood that's available in three different colors, and the bed features a EuroSlat system (flexible, arched slats) that's designed to enhance comfort and support. There's also a dual-piston system that makes pulling the bed open and closed a breeze. There's no mattress included, but this bed can accommodate any queen mattress, sized between eight and 12 inches thick. It's also sturdy enough to hold up to 1,000 pounds, which is a plus for most guests and mattresses alike. Amazon Type: Engineered wood, steel, cotton | Mattress: Full (max height 10 inches) | Delivery: Free | Trial: 30 nights | Warranty: 10 years What we love: Keep in mind: There are sleeper sofas, then there's the Bestar Murphy Bed With Sofa: a single piece of furniture that combines lounging, storage and sleeping. When the bed is stowed away, this piece looks like a couch placed against a large cabinet, with ten adjustable shelves for convenient storage. The sofa is made with heavy-duty materials including a hardwood frame, sinuous springs and a cotton filling. The cabinets are made from recycled engineered wood, and the bed has a stable steel frame. Opening the cabinet to set up the bed is easy, thanks to sturdy metal handles and a dual-piston system that makes for a quick and smooth transition. There's also a separate hook included to easily reach the handles when it's time to open the bed. This mammoth piece of furniture weighs over 750 pounds, which means the assembly should not be done by a single person—or beginners. The brand recommends at least two people, including a professional or otherwise qualified person. Wayfair Type: Pine wood, metal | Mattress: Full or queen (max height 12 inches) | Delivery: Free | Trial: 30 days | Warranty: 1-year, optional 5-year protection plan offeredWhat we love: Keep in mind: Converting your home office into a guest room (when needed) is common and pretty efficient, especially if your guests come to visit during weekends or holidays when the workspace isn't needed. Streamlining this space even more means investing in a Murphy bed with a built-in desk, which means less bulky furniture and more open space. Although this piece appears to have three cabinets above the desk space, these are just design elements used to pull down the queen-sized bed. When the bed is opened, the desk stays in its current position, which means you don't have to remove any objects from it before setting it up. This Murphy bed is made from both solid and manufactured wood along with a metal bed frame. It's sturdy enough to hold up to 700 pounds, and its four hydraulic piston mechanisms means opening and closing is painless. Keep in mind, though, that the built-in desk has a depth of just 16 inches, which means it may not be big enough to house several screens or other tech equipment. Expand Furniture Type: Wood, metal and memory foam | Mattress: Queen (included) | Delivery: $499 | Trial: 7 days | Warranty: 5 years What we love: Keep in mind: For a Murphy bed that meshes effortlessly with the rest of your home design, the Compatto is one of a kind. This piece of furniture looks like a chic bookcase, equipped with six long and sturdy shelves to display your book collection or decorative elements like plants and picture frames. You don't need to clear off your decorations when it comes time to set up the bed; the shelf rotates, maintaining an upright position, and delivers the bed from the opposite site. The transition is seamless and requires no strenuous lifting. Although this piece is an investment, it comes with a memory foam queen mattress that's hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, with a removable lining for easy cleaning. The Compatto is also made in Italy from durable materials—including the mattress—and each piece is built to order. Keep in mind, though, that that makes for a longer delivery waiting period. The website estimates a 20-week turnaround from ordering to delivery (when you'll then have to assemble it on your own). Expand Furniture Type: Wood, metal | Mattress: Queen (under 10 inches) | Delivery: $199 | Trial: 7 days | Warranty: 5 years What we love: Keep in mind: Horizontal Murphy beds offer different space-saving attributes than their vertical counterparts, as they take up less vertical space on the wall and room space when they're opened. Tanaka recommends this horizontal Hover Bed as being 'perfect for rooms with limited ceiling height,' as it's only five and a half feet tall. This piece has a sleek modern design, with a white gloss exterior and built-in desk to take advantage of when the bed is closed. Similar to other Murphy beds with desks, you don't have to remove any objects from it when setting up the bed (so long as they're not too tall), since the desk stays in its horizontal configuration the entire time. The bed can accommodate queen-size mattresses up to 10 inches in thickness, but the brand recommends 8- or 9-inch mattresses if you'd like to close it with linens on. Once it's open, part of the bed remains tucked into the frame of the structure. Although this is part of the space-saving design, it may be uncomfortable for some, so it's worth taking note. The Forbes Vetted sleep team is committed to spending countless hours testing and researching the best sleep products on the market—from pillows to bed frames—so we can offer the best and most reliable recommendations. We performed in-depth research and consulted industry experts in order to develop a trusted list of the best Murphy beds. Before you start your search for a Murphy bed, consider how much space you're willing to give up—both when it's opened and closed. Depending on ceiling height and open floor space, some rooms are better suited to vertical Murphy beds, while others benefit from horizontal. Then, consider whether you prioritize options with included mattresses, as well as what other features you'd like—such as shelving, couches or desks. Size is the most important feature to consider when shopping for a Murphy bed. You should measure length, width and height—both when it's opened and closed—to consider how it will impact your existing space. Be sure to incorporate all aspects of the furniture, including desks or opening drawers, when measuring. Many Murphy beds are large, heavy and require multiple people for assembly. Be sure to read manufacturer instructions and plan accordingly. In addition, keep in mind that these pieces often need to be mounted into the wall or floor—or, in some cases, both. Make a plan for installation, including potentially hiring an expert, before making a purchase. Materials are a key feature of the best Murphy beds, especially when considering they are heavily reliant on regular opening and closing, which can come with wear and tear. 'The main downside to the Murphy bed is its past stigma as being uncomfortable or cheap,' Nichols points out, emphasizing that this isn't an inherent downside of the Murphy bed in general. 'It is the fault of poor construction, cheap hardware and substandard bedding.' He emphasizes the importance of beds that are made from high-quality materials like wood frames and durable hinges, which directly contribute to longevity. According to multiple experts, the best Murphy bed is the kind that's made from durable materials. Although this bed style gets a bad rap for being flimsy or uncomfortable, a high-quality Murphy bed should withstand the test of time when it has a heavy-duty frame, slats and hinges. It's also important to include a high-quality (and appropriately sized) mattress, even if it's used infrequently. Experts and consumers alike commonly recommend Bestar as an accessible and reliable brand that offers a wide variety of Murphy beds at a reasonable price point. But if you're looking for something more customized to suit your unique space, Nichols recommends California Closets for economical options, as well as Resource for a selection of luxury Murphy beds. More often than not, these two terms are used interchangeably to describe the same space-saving style. 'Technically, a wall bed is a piece of furniture mounted to the wall,' explains Tanaka. But, she adds, 'Since the late 1900s, Murphy beds have taken on that design too.' The main difference between the two styles comes from the mechanics. 'Murphy beds usually have a metal frame and work with springs, while wall beds tend to use wooden frames and piston systems,' Tanaka says. Nichols says not to focus too much on the terminology, especially since they're so often used interchangeably now. Instead, he says to focus on the bed itself. 'I would pay attention to the frame and platform support for the mattress, then the quality of the hardware that is used to operate the bed,' he says.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
An interiors editor reveals the best space-saving tricks to make small rooms feel bigger
I've spent most of my adult life saying 'if only we had more space,' and yet I still refuse to do the sensible thing and pack up my London flat to move back to Wales and buy a decent-sized house. The problem with smaller homes is that they can quickly look cluttered, as I have learnt from experience. All it takes is the kids spreading their toys everywhere, a few letters left unopened on the kitchen table and coats being flung over the back of the sofa and suddenly my living room is giving me heart palpitations, rather than serving it's correct purpose as a relaxing space. Luckily, working at You magazine means I am surrounded by experts who I can consult on all matters of life, and for this particular issue I've turned to Nicole Gray, interiors editor. She has some brilliant space-saving ideas that help rooms to look bigger and less cluttered, from clever fold-up furniture to the colours that make your home look larger. 1. Go multipurpose (but make it chic) Look for furniture that works harder in your space: a bench with hidden storage, a divan bed with built-in drawers, or a coffee table that lifts into a work surface. The Norden table/desk from IKEA is ideal, as the tabletop drops so you can adjust the size accordingly. It also features six built-in storage drawers. With its rattan canework and curved design, the Matheo wall desk from La Redoute is another great option for small spaces. La Redoute Mathéo wall desk £649.99 Shop 2. Ditch the bulky sofa These are a no-go in small spaces, as they make the room look a bit 'dollhouse-y.' Opt instead for a sleek two-seater or a modular setup that can be configured to suit your needs. The new IKEA store on Oxford Street has just opened its big blue doors, offering a wide selection of modular and compact sofa designs. As if you needed an excuse to visit… John Lewis Sweep large sofa £619 Shop IKEA ÄPPLARYD sofa £699 Shop 3. Fold it flat Long gone are the days of bulky storage boxes and zip bags. In their place? Collapsible laundry baskets and drying racks that disappear when not in use. We've got our eye on the HangOn folding drying rack from Brabantia — it even has a sock-drying section. Genius. John Lewis Joseph Joseph collapsible basket £30 Shop 4. Keep a tight colour palette Paint is often overlooked in spatial design, but light tones and a cohesive colour palette help make spaces feel more expansive and airy. We love the soft pink of Reverie or the beige-white of Nap Time from the new tonal Coat Paint collection. £30 Shop Coat Reverie light earthy pink paint £30 Shop 5. Make the most of every surface Hooks, racks, and bins on cupboard doors are hidden helpers that lighten the load (I've secretly been using the kids' hooks from H&M Home for ages). If you're looking for a chicer aesthetic, try the resin and gold multipurpose versions from Oliver Bonas. Oliver Bonas wall hooks £45 Shop Next Dibor wire storage rack £38 Shop 6. Build it in Built-ins or wall nooks can add storage without taking up extra floor space. In kitchens or entryways, even a slim floating shelf can make a big difference. The ultra-cute floating bedside table shelf from Matilda Goad will earn you serious style points. Dunelm corner ladder shelf £89 Shop
National Post
09-05-2025
- National Post
Transformer round table review: Canadian company makes space-saving beautiful
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content I'm no stranger to multifunctional furniture. I live in a modest townhouse in Squamish, B.C. — arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Canada. I'm extremely grateful for my home, but space isn't what I would call 'plentiful.' Our dining room is also our living room, toddler's playroom and gathering space. With our dining table eight feet from our couch, we need to get crafty when it comes to hosting friends and family. We went years hosting dinner parties with six people crammed around our four-person dining table, while other guests ate meals from their laps on our couch (still the comfiest couch ever). Article content I eventually tested an expandable console to table, which felt life-changing at the time. Ever since, I've been searching for an expandable table that matches my modern, earthy and neutral aesthetic. In steps the Marie Kondo x Transformer Table partnership. I finally found beautiful space-saving furniture that fits my space and extends to seat 10 people when I need it to. Article content Article content Table Article content Article content Article content Dimensions: 17.5'L x 20.5'W x 31.5'H Article content
