If your home is short on space, a Wall Bed is a great way to maximize every available inch of square footage that you have. Also known as Murphy beds, wall beds can be neatly tucked away when they’re not in use to free up floor space for everyday life or entertaining. However, choosing a wall bed is usually more difficult than selecting a traditional bed because of space and measurement considerations. Below are some tips to help you through the process.
Measure Your Room
Measuring is important before you buy any piece of large furniture, but it’s even more essential when you’re purchasing a Murphy wall bed. The cabinetry that houses a Murphy bed can be quite large, and you’ll want to make sure the bed you select is a perfect fit for your space. Meticulously measure the length and height of you wall and the overall dimensions of the room. When your bed is pulled out from the wall, you should have at least 2 feet of open space on either side and at the bottom so you can maneuver easily through the room.
Watch Out for Obstructions
A wall bed will completely cover any design elements on a wall, so make sure you note the location of heating vents, wall-mounted light fixtures, electrical outlets and doors and windows. It may sound like common sense, but many people purchase a wall bed only to realize it blocks an essential light switch or heating duct. Of course, totally bare wall space is rare so you may have to cover some unnecessary outlets or phone jacks. Just make sure these are things you can give up access to.
Measure Other Furniture
If you’re integrating a Wall Bed into existing decor, make sure it coexists peacefully with your furniture and other design elements. For example, you should be able to fully open dresser or chest drawers and still have room to walk between them and the edges of your wall bed. To make everything work, you may have to do some rearranging. Measure out your furniture pieces and create a scale model of your living space with your Murphy bed included in it. Does everything flow well? Is there enough walking space between pieces?
A wall bed can be a helpful space-saver, but it’s important to find one that fits your space. For more information and a great selection of wall beds, visit Manhattan Cabinetry.
