The Ultimate Guide to Wall Beds


7 minute read

Space-Saving Solutions for Modern Living

Feeling cramped in your living space? Wall beds could be the perfect solution. Whether you're living in a studio apartment or want to make the most out of your guest room, these beds are game-changers for space efficiency. 

This guide covers the history, benefits, and types of wall beds, tips for selecting the right one for you, and stylish design ideas to unlock the full potential of your home.

The Benefits of Wall Beds

Wall beds are a fantastic solution for maximizing space in any home, with one of the key benefits being their ability to transform an entire room. When not in use the bed folds neatly away, allowing you to turn a bedroom into a living room, office, or any other functional area. This versatility is particularly helpful in studios, condos, laneways, or homes with limited square footage. 

Another major advantage is their space-saving design. Traditional beds can dominate a room, but with a wall bed, you instantly free up valuable square footage, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're looking to accommodate guests or simply want to make the most of your living area, these beds provide a stylish and functional solution that enhances the overall flow of your home.

To further elevate your space, many wall beds come with storage options like shelving and cabinet. At Resource Furniture, our modular storage solutions complement our beds perfectly, offering a seamless way to declutter and keep your home organized. By pairing your wall bed with made-to-order storage, you can enjoy a streamlined, modern aesthetic that maximizes both space and style.


Tango Sofa Wall bed from Resource Furniture, with custom shelving and cabinet for storageTango Sofa offers queen size bed with integrated plush 3 seat sofa attached


Types of Wall Beds

The terms Murphy beds and wall beds are often used interchangably, but while they share similarities, each has its own distinct features and benefits. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your needs. 

The Murphy bed originated in the late1800s in San Fransisco when William Lawrence Murphy, living in a small studio, needed a way to court a woman without inviting her into a bedroom. His solution was a bed that folded into a closet, transforming his studio into a respectable parlour. This clever invention became the well-known Murphy bed, a spring-driven metal frame designed to be hidden in a closet, offering a budget-friendly solution for maximizing space in small homes. However, the lower price point often comes with trade-offs, as Murphy beds tend to lack the durability, aesthetics, and smoort operation found in more modern wall bed designs.

Wall beds, on the other had, emerged later in the 20th century offering a more contemporary take on space-saving. Unlike traditional Murphy beds that fold into a closet, wall beds are housed in a frame mounted to the wall and fold out when needed. This design eliminates the need for closet space and blends seamlessly with the room's decor. Over time, wall beds have been enhanced with features like gas-charged pistons, making lifting and lowering the bed much easier. Additionally, many now include integrated seating and desktops, transforming them into even more verstaile solutions for maximizing space.

Though wall beds are often associated with a vertical deisgn, there's also the option of horiztonal orientation which fold out sideways. These are particularly well-suited for rooms with limited vertical space and feature additional elements like built-in shelving or integrated desks. For example, our Circe Desk is seamlessly incorporates upper storage and a workspace, enhancing both functionality and style.

For those who prefer a more integrated look, consider a bed similar to Penelope  that blends into the wall when closed, integrating seamlessly into your space. You can also consider a bed that serves as a stylish bookshelf or entertainment center when closed providing both elegance and functionality without distracting from your room's overall design.


Wall beds from Resource Furniture are easy to operate - Tango wall bed being openedResource Furniture wall beds are easy to operate thanks to years of R&D by Clei in Italy


Choosing the Right Size and Style

When selecting the ideal bed for your space, consider bed size and style to ensure the best fit. Begin by assessing your space using our comprehensive measuring guide. For a more customized approach, you can contact us to enlist the expertise of our design professionals to take measurements and recommend optimal space-maximizing solutions. From there, you can select the ideal bed size — whether single, intermediate, or queen — and determine if you require additional features such as integrated seating or a table. We also encourage you to exploring our extensive collection of finishes, enabling you to select a style that seamlessly integrates with your exisitng decor. Whether your preference leans towards subtle hues or classic wood finishes, our options will help you acheive the perfect look.

Ease of use is another factor to think about. Traditional Murphy beds often present challenges such as cumbersome operation, creaky mechanisms, and noisy hinges. These beds often require considerable effort and practice to operate smoothly. In contrast, Resource Furniture's wall bed's are engineered for effortless operation. Our beds feature advanced mechanisms that allow them to be unlocked and opened with just a light touch, seamlessly transitioning from an upright position to a fully extended bed. 

For those seeking an even higher level of convenience, we offer motorized systems that open with the push of a single button. These systems are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility and incorporate innovative sensor technology to prevent from lowering if objects or pets are in its path. Prioritizing user-friendly designs is essential, especially if you intend to use the bed frequently — and all of our wall beds are crafted with ease of use in mind.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is crucial for ensuring that a wall bed functions smoothly and safely. We recommend hiring a professional installer; each of our showrooms has dedicated installers who are familiar with our wall beds, and we are happy to arrange this service for you. Choosing professional installation also ensures that the lifetime warranty on your bed's mechanism remains valid. For those who prefer to install the bed themselves, following the manufacturer's instructions is essentail. You can find detailed installation instructions for Resource Furniture wall beds here.

Once installed, periodic maintenance will help keep your wall bed in optimal condition. As part of Resource Furniture's comprehensive service promise, we are available to provide adjustments, maintenance, and even take-down and reinstallation services as needed. 

Aditionally, selecting the right mattress is important for your wall bed's functionality and comfort. For guidance on choosing the perfect mattress, please refer to our mattress guide.

Where to Buy a Wall Bed

When considering a space-saving bed, seeing the product in person is crucial. The build quality and ease of use can vary significantly between different brands and models. While many options are available online, these may not offer a true sense of the bed's functionality and craftsmanship.  Brick and mortar stores allow you experience the product upclose, but it's important to note that not all wall beds are created equal. Imitations and lower-quality versions are readily available, but they often fall short in terms of durability and performance.

Resource Furniture stands out as the premier destination for top-of-the-line wall beds. Our showrooms offer the opportunity to see and test our sophisticated designs firsthand, ensuring you experience the exceptional build quality and ease of use that set our products apart. With Resource Furniture, you invest in an Italian-built wall bed that promises a lifetime of comfort and functionality, backed by our commitment to excellence and superior client care.

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Conclusion

Wall beds are the perfect solution for maximizing space without sacrificing comfort. With so many styles, features, and customization options available, they can transform your living space into a more functional, flexible, and stylish environment. Whether you're looking to create more room in  small apartment or simply want to make the most of your home's layout, these beds are an ideal choice for combining efficiency with elegance.

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