Wall Bed Style Guide

Wall beds are so much more than a simple platform that folds down from the wall. Modern designs incorporate shelving, desks, tables, and seating, allowing the system to maximize both space and functionality. From varying sizes to a wide range of styles, wall beds can work in any home. Explore our different wall bed designs for inspiration in adding a Murphy bed to your space.

Choosing a size for your wall bed

Just like a regular bed, wall beds come in a variety of sizes to fit in your available space and to suit your needs. When choosing a size, consider who will use the bed and how often it will be used. Is it a bed for a small child, one adult, or a couple? Are you purchasing a bed for use every night or for occasional overnight visitors? How much space do you need to sleep comfortably?

Measuring your space is another important consideration when choosing the size of the bed. A Murphy bed is a space saver when it is folded up, but you need enough room for the bed to open and still allow space for walking around. Take measurements of the area where you plan to place the bed and note the dimensions of the open bed. That way you can get an accurate idea of how it will look and function in your space.

Wall beds typically come in the following sizes:

  • Single: A single wall bed is perfect for a child's bedroom with limited space. This size offers plenty of sleeping space for a young child without taking up a lot of floor space when it is open. Single wall beds also work well in a room with very limited space. For example, you might add it to a small home office to accommodate a single overnight guest.
  • Queen: When you want to sleep two adults comfortably, a queen wall bed is the best option to go for. This is an ideal solution for areas that could benefit from an another function and can accommodate a larger Murphy bed. For example, the living area in a studio apartment or a larger flex space.
  • Bunk beds: If floor space is limited and you need to accommodate multiple people, consider a bunk bed version of wall beds. This combines the functionality of bunk beds with the space-saving wall bed design. Ideal for a shared bedroom, Murphy bunk beds also work well when your child has a sleepover.

Wall beds also come with two different orientation options: hinging vertically (from the base) or horizontally (from the side). The setup of your room - how the bed looks and fits in your space when it is folded down - is the main factor in deciding which orientation is best for you.

Incorporating your wall bed

Wall beds can be seamlessly integrated or can create a focal point on the wall, depending on your preferred look. Many design options incorporate different functionalities such as seating or storage. When thinking about how to incorporate the bed into the room, think about how you want to use the space overall and which additional functions may benefit the space. Some options include:

  • Seamless integration into the wall: This option is ideal when you want the wall bed to blend into the wall without being noticed. The bed seems to disappear into the wall for minimal disruption to the exsisting design of the room.
  • Shelving or storage: Shelving or storage added to the wall bed capitalizes on the setup to maximize space. Some designs incorporate shelving around the wall bed to create a built-in effect when the bed is open.
  • Built-in sofa: In living rooms and other spaces where you would benefit from additional seating, a wall bed with an integrated couch is a smart choice. With these systems the bed typically comes down over the sofa when you open the bed.
  • Integrated desk or table: When you need extra sleeping space in a dining room or home office you can increase functionality by choosing a wall bed with a built-in desk or table. At night the bed opens down over the desk or table to function as a sleeping area.

Personalizing your wall bed

When looking for modern wall beds to suit your style, consider the wide range of personalization options available. You can customize your wall bed with features to fit your needs as well as colour and design elements to complement the rest of the room. Things to consider:

  • Exterior wall coverings: Choose a custom covering for the front of the bed to create a unique look when the bed is not in use. For instance, choose a wall covering printed with an image or a pattern, like our ConcreteWall coverings, to create an art-like effect.
  • Unique colours: Wall beds come in a variety of finishes allowing you to create a custom look. Resource Furniture offers a wide range of lacquer colours, melamines, and wood veneers to coordinate with your existing furniture and decor.
  • TV: When you're aiming for a multifunctional area, you'll want to incorporate several elements into your design. One way to do this is by adding a TV on the wall bed, seen on the LGM TV. This is particularly beneficial for a wall bed in a living room or family room.
  • Lighting: Incorporate lights inside the unit for reading in bed. This integrated lighting eliminates the need for separate lamps in the area and can also create a warm glow.
  • Nightstands: Opt for a wall bed with integrated nightstands or shelving to create a functional sleeping area. This option gives you a place to keep your alarm clock, phone, glasses and other essentials without adding extra pieces of furniture.

Deciding on a room for your wall bed

Wall beds can transform any room into a multifunctional area to maximize space, whether it be an office, dining room, or spare bedroom. If you're having a hard time imagining how a wall bed could work in different rooms, read on for room specific integration tips.

  • Home Office: Adding a wall bed to your office is an ideal way to get the most out of the space available. You likely only use the office space for work during the day, so it makes sense that it can function at night too. With a Murphy bed with desk you retain a dedicated workspace while adding a bed to create a sleeping area for yourself or guests.
  • Living Room: Instead of an uncomfortable sofa bed, integrate a wall bed into your living room. In a loft or studio apartment this creates space for sleeping that is easy to hide during the day. If you want to combine seating and sleeping quarters, opt for a wall bed with sofa to maximize the usability of your living space.
  • Dining Room: Your dining area may not seem like an obvious place for a bed, but modern wall bed designs make integration seamless, such as wall beds with dining tables. During the day the setup can seat up to four people for dining, working, or crafts, and come nighttime the system will open over the table and provide a space to sleep.
  • Childrens' Room: Give your kids more play space by installing a wall bed in their bedroom or playroom. During the day the bed folds up against the wall to open up floor space for playing and at night the bed folds down into its open position for a comfortable slumber. Wall bunk beds are an ideal option for kids' rooms as they allow space for sleepovers, too.

Other Blog Posts