FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

The Bed that Devoured Hollywood: Murphy Beds Have Been Stars for More than a Century

By Mike Litchfield
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Promotional literature kit for the original Murphy bed.

Anyone who doesn’t know about Murphy beds must have slept through the last century. William Murphy invented his first folding bed around 1900 because a standard bed took up most of the floor space in his one-bedroom San Francisco apartment, leaving no room to entertain. Murphy beds caught on immediately because they satisfied a pressing need and because, well, disappearing beds are funny. With the possible exception of Cleopatra’s couch, the Murphy bed became the most famous bed in history as filmmakers in Silent Era Hollywood endlessly exploited the gag of beds suddenly closing and devouring hapless sleepers.
Thanks to today’s tight economy, shrinking homes and multi-generational households, folding beds are serious business. Scores of companies make beds that fold into wall alcoves, hide in custom cabinets and even disappear into ceilings. Other outfits will sell you everything needed to build your own. In Fine Homebuilding # 216, architect Lynn Hopkins wrote an article on building a fold-down bed, so here we’ll offer a taste of what’s available on the Internet:

Internet offerings

• Complete plans, materials, hardware and lifting mechanisms to build a Murphy bed that converts into a drop-leaf desk during daylight hours. (www.rockler.com) Rockler is well-known to woodworkers, but beyond that, it’s difficult to distinguish between a plethora of providers and their names aren’t much help: www.murphybedhardware.com , www.murphybeds.com and so on. So here are a few tips.
First decide whether you want the bed to fold vertically–to have the foot of the bed lift into the wall–or horizontally, in which case the bed pivots along its long axis. (Horizontal beds are best in narrow rooms or those with low ceilings.) Second, try to ascertain the level of service the company offers. Most companies selling bed hardware send paper plans or PDFs; better ones offer clear videos with close-ups of installation or companion DVDs. And, of course, determine how long the folding mechanism is guaranteed.

There’s also a crush of companies selling pre-fabricated beds, though you’ll pay a premium to have them shipped:
• You can buy from the firm that started it all. The Murphy Bed™ Company (still run by a Murphy!) offers a wide range of models “raised and lowered effortlessly by a spring-loaded counter-balancing system.” (www.murphybedcompany.com)
• In-law owners with low ceilings and “green” sensibilities may want to look into a Mission Horizontal Murphy bed constructed entirely from FSC-certified woods. (www.wallbedfactory.com)
• Flying Beds manufacturers a wide line of vertical- and horizontal-opening beds set in custom cabinetry; it also acts as a distributor for high-end European makers such as SmartBeds of Italy and LiftBed, the German company whose beds hide in ceilings. The website (www.flyingbeds.com) also discusses the merits of different lifting mechanisms (gas piston, compression coils, sequential cold steel springs, electric motor driven beds) and offers a list of questions that will be helpful to comparison shoppers.

Surely, something to sleep on.

Create Your Own In-Law!

If you’re interested in small-living and second units, please check out my recent book, Outlaws and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House into Two Homes. The Library Journal named it one of the 10 Best Design Books for 2011. You can get an e-book version on Apple’s iTunes Store, or on the Taunton Press Store. You can also sample In-laws, Outlaws‘ lush color photos at www.cozydigz.com

If you will be renovating a home, there’s no better companion than Renovation 4th Edition, (November, 2012). Its 614 pages, 1,000 photos and 250 detailed illustrations cover home renovation from start to finish and  contains lifetimes of practical, field-tested techniques that professional builders shared with me over a 40-year period.

© Michael Litchfield 2012

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. frogranch | Dec 12, 2010 05:27pm | #1

    Lived in Long Beach, California in the 60's, small apartment....Yea, it had a murphy bed, lot more space for entertaining in a a two room apt.

  2. speck | Dec 13, 2010 08:29pm | #2

    My husband and I have lived in 350 sf "mother-in-law space" with a murphy bed for 7 years, and never tire of it. It makes a big bedroom at night, and a great room during the day without the bed down. Love it.

  3. MurphyBeds | Dec 22, 2010 08:19pm | #3

    We make custom Murphy Beds here in Oregon. We have put them in Laundry rooms in High Rise Condo's, Offices where people work late at night and stay over, sewing rooms, home offices,grand kids play rooms, basements. It's amazing how nice they are and how they let you use the room when you don't need the bed.

  4. MurphyBedsofFlorida | Dec 26, 2010 09:10pm | #4

    Nice article about the usefulness of Murphy Beds. The original patent by Mr. Murphy dates to 1916. The patent may seem old, but the idea is very valid today, almost a century later.

    Murphy Beds are a great way to get more "home from your house." We are a custom manufacturer of Murphy Beds in Florida. The folks here love them. Florida is a vacation destination for many of our northern friends and relatives. But, we don't want to dedicate our extra space in our homes to full-time guest bedrooms. We want to use those rooms for office space, exercise rooms, hobby rooms, home theaters, and more. The answer is simple: install a Murphy Bed. Within seconds the Murphy Bed opens with the bedding already on the mattress. Just add a pillow and your guests are ready for a comfortable night's sleep on a real mattress. Whether you buy your Murphy Bed from a manufacturer, or build it yourself, you are going to love how easy it is to make that guest room appear in seconds.

  5. MurphyBed_WallBeds | Jan 19, 2011 04:18pm | #5

    Michael,
    Great article on Murphy beds and thanks for the mention! The team here at Wall Bed Factory just wanted to say thank you personally.

    We couldn't agree with you more, people's homes are shrinking both out of necessity and people are trying to reduce their eco-footprints. A Murphy bed is fantastic way to add functionality to any space, whether big or small.

    Thank again!

    http://www.wallbedfactory.com

  6. MurphyBeds | Nov 22, 2011 10:27am | #6

    I can't wait to read the book. Murphy Beds make more space in any home, condo, cabin, there even built in some new RV's. All of our customers really love them. Of course we build them and think there big solution to anyone who needs more space.
    http://www.murphybedsoforegon

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Grout-Free Shower Panels

Engineered-stone shower panels are waterproof, but proper installation relies on tight seams and silicone sealing.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
  • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
  • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
  • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data