When I first moved into my cozy urban apartment, one thing became apparent very quickly: space was limited. Between trying to fit a home office, a living area, and a bedroom into my place, I knew I needed a smarter solution. After a lot of research and consideration, I took the plunge and invested in a queen Murphy bed. I can genuinely say it’s one of the best decisions I made for my home. Here’s my journey with it from the initial setup to how it transformed my living space and daily life.
Why I Chose a Queen Murphy Bed
Initially, I was skeptical. I thought Murphy beds were relics of the past or just clever solutions for guest rooms. But as I dived into more research, I realized that modern Murphy beds are versatile, stylish, and incredibly space-efficient. Living in a smaller apartment, the idea of gaining back the square footage my bed occupied during the day was tempting. The queen size was perfect, too, providing the comfort I wanted without sacrificing the room’s functionality.
The Setup: Bringing My Queen Murphy Bed Home
The setup was surprisingly straightforward, though it took a little planning. I chose a model that would match the aesthetics of my apartment, opting for a sleek, modern style in a neutral gray. My bed came with a built-in desk, which turned out to be a game-changer. During the day, I could fold up the bed, and voila, I had a home office with ample desk space.
Mounting the bed to the wall required some help from a professional because, honestly, I didn’t want to risk messing it up. Once it was securely in place, I was ready to see how it would impact my daily routine.
First Impressions: Making the Most of My Space
After the bed was installed, the first thing I noticed was just how much space I had. Folding the bed up against the wall was smooth and effortless, thanks to the hydraulic lift system. My queen Murphy bed easily folded up in seconds, transforming my bedroom into an open, airy space during the day. The built-in desk gave me a dedicated workstation, something I didn’t have before. Now, my living room didn’t have to double as my office, and it was freeing.
The extra floor space was a game-changer. I could actually do a workout without feeling cramped, and I had room for guests to move around when they visited.
Comfort and Convenience
When it comes to comfort, I’m a bit of a mattress snob, so I had some reservations. But to my surprise, the queen Murphy bed offered the same level of comfort as a traditional bed. I didn’t have to settle for a flimsy mattress or compromise on a good night’s sleep. I chose a high-quality memory foam mattress that worked perfectly with the Murphy bed frame, and it provided excellent support and comfort.
Convenience was another standout feature. Operating the Murphy bed was a breeze; the hydraulic mechanism made it easy to pull down and put away. I didn’t need to wrestle with it or worry about complicated steps just a quick lift, and my bed was up. In the morning, folding it up gave me a sense of accomplishment, as though I was starting my day by creating a new space.
How It Changed My Daily Routine
With the queen Murphy bed, my routine shifted significantly. In the mornings, I folded up my bed, which created an open area where I could stretch, meditate, or even set up a small yoga space. I’d pull down the desk, and set up my laptop, and I had an instant workspace without feeling like I was compromising any part of my living area.
At night, the bed transformed my office back into a cozy bedroom. The transition was seamless, and I quickly adapted to the rhythm. Plus, I loved that my apartment didn’t feel like a bedroom 24/7. There was a clear distinction between day and night, work and rest.
The Unexpected Perks
A few unexpected benefits came with the Murphy bed. For one, it simplified my cleaning routine. With my bed folded away, vacuuming the room became a breeze since there was less clutter. It also gave my space a clean, minimalist look. Visitors often commented on how spacious my apartment felt, even though it’s relatively small. I was able to host friends comfortably because I had extra room, and when they’d leave, I could easily pull down the bed and have my full bedroom back.
Another unexpected perk was the storage. I chose a model with built-in shelves and cabinets, which allowed me to store bedding, books, and other essentials right beside the bed. It was like having a mini-closet within my bed frame, and it made organizing my apartment so much easier.
Long-Term Investment: Was It Worth It?
I’ll be honest Murphy beds, especially the queen-sized ones, aren’t cheap. But after living with mine for a year, I can confidently say it was worth every penny. It’s not just a bed; it’s a piece of multifunctional furniture that transformed my apartment. The quality of sleep, the space-saving benefits, and the style it added to my home made it a solid investment.
On top of that, I know the Murphy bed adds value to my property. Should I decide to move, I can either take the bed with me or leave it as a selling point for the next resident. Queen Murphy beds appeal to modern homeowners and renters alike, and they’ve become quite popular in urban areas where space is limited.
Tips for Choosing Your Own Queen Murphy Bed
If you’re considering a queen Murphy bed, here are a few tips based on my experience:
- Measure Your Space: Make sure you measure the area where you plan to install it, and check ceiling height if you’re opting for a vertical model. Clearance is important to ensure the bed doesn’t block doorways or windows when in use.
- Think About the Extras: Some Murphy beds come with built-in desks, shelves, or even lighting. Decide what’s most important for your space and choose a model with features that enhance functionality.
- Go for Quality: Since this is both a bed and a major piece of furniture, invest in quality materials. Look for solid wood or durable metal options and a reliable hydraulic mechanism.
- Try It Out First: If possible, test the bed in a showroom or read reviews carefully. The ease of folding and unfolding is crucial, especially if you’ll be using it daily.
- Pick a Comfortable Mattress: The mattress makes a big difference. Choose one that fits the bed’s frame specifications but offers the support and comfort you need. A memory foam or hybrid mattress is often a great choice.
Final Thoughts
My experience with a queen Murphy bed has been overwhelmingly positive. It gave me back control over my space, allowing me to create a multifunctional apartment that feels larger and more comfortable. If you’re in a small living space or want to transform a room into a versatile, multi-purpose area, a queen Murphy bed could be just what you need.
It’s more than just a bed; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. With the added space, the ease of transition from day to night, and the stylish, functional design, the queen Murphy bed has made my apartment feel like home without sacrificing space. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to maximize their living area and add a touch of innovation to their home.