Skip to content
IKEA Murphy Beds: Your Complete Guide to Making the Perfect Choice

IKEA Murphy Beds: Your Complete Guide to Making the Perfect Choice

Imagine a world where convenience meets luxury, all while saving space in your home. IKEA, known for their innovative designs and space-saving solutions, offers just that with their Murphy bed options.

As families continue to grow and city real estate becomes even more valuable, the demand for practical yet chic furniture has risen. Welcome to the world of IKEA Murphy beds, where you can equip your living space with stylish, multipurpose, and unique furniture.

As of Currently, IKEA does not make a murphy bed. However, there are murphy beds made by other well known brands that are specialized in handcrafting the perfect murphy bed. 

Explore Murphy Cabinet Beds Here

IKEA Murphy Bed: Ultimate Guide for the Perfect Choice (Alternatives)

Functionality is key in a modern home, and IKEA's Murphy beds serve as a prime example for smart solutions that maximize usage while minimizing the overall disarray. One major benefit of an IKEA Murphy bed is its ability to effortlessly blend with your existing decor. By providing a variety of customizable styles and finishes, any homeowner can create a seamless and elegant look in their bedroom.

Whether you're looking for a minimalist design, a bed complete with built-in storage, or even an all-in-one unit featuring a closet, IKEA has got you covered. Their diverse selection allows you to find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences. So, as you embark on your journey of transforming your living space, turn to IKEA's Murphy beds for a luxurious and savvy sleep solution.

What is an Murphy Bed?

A Murphy bed, sometimes referred to as a wall bed or pull-down bed, is a space-saving furniture option that attaches to the wall using anchoring mechanisms. This type of bed is designed to fold up vertically when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space for other purposes. Although IKEA is known for its affordable, stylish, and versatile furniture options, they do not currently manufacture a Murphy bed due to the mechanics involved. However, there are ways to use IKEA products to create a custom Murphy bed that fits your needs and style.

IKEA Murphy beds are essentially DIY creations made by combining IKEA cabinets, shelves, or other furniture pieces with a purchased Murphy bed hardware kit. This allows you to design a unique, functional, and attractive Murphy bed that seamlessly integrates with your existing IKEA furniture. These beds are ideal for small living spaces, such as studio apartments, guest rooms, or tiny homes, where maximizing the usability of the area is crucial.

When creating an IKEA Murphy bed, it's essential to consider factors like the size and type of mattress you'll be using, as different mattresses require different support systems. For example, memory foam mattresses are recommended for Murphy beds as they can stand on end without bending or folding.

Popular IKEA pieces used for Murphy bed projects include:

  • PAX wardrobe systems
  • Besta storage cabinets
  • Kallax and Billy shelf units

By using these IKEA components and a quality Murphy bed hardware kit, you can design a functional, space-saving bed solution that complements your living space and style preferences.

Why Doesn't IKEA Sell Murphy Beds?

You may have noticed the conspicuous absence of Murphy beds in IKEA's extensive range of furniture offerings. The reason behind this omission lies in the complex mechanics and cost associated with Murphy beds. Unlike traditional beds, Murphy beds are not your run-of-the-mill pieces of furniture; they require heavy-duty construction and engineering precision to ensure safety and functionality. This level of craftsmanship often contradicts IKEA's core affordability model, which focuses on providing stylish furniture at budget-friendly prices.

Moreover, the materials needed for Murphy beds are of higher quality and durability than what IKEA typically offers. These beds must withstand the stresses of frequent folding and unfolding, necessitating sturdier components. The discrepancy between the construction requirements of Murphy beds and IKEA's offerings creates a gap that the Swedish retailer has yet to bridge.

Benefits of Murphy Beds

Space-Saving Solutions

Murphy beds, also known as wall beds or pull-down beds, provide an efficient way to utilize limited living spaces. By attaching to the wall with anchoring mechanisms, these beds can easily fold up when not in use, creating more floor space for other activities.

Professional organizer Holly Blakey highlights this key advantage, stating that "the two biggest benefits of a Murphy bed are the extra space it creates, and the ability to create an extra bedroom in a space that might not typically be able to house a bed."

Multi-Functional Design

Murphy beds offer versatile designs that seamlessly blend with other furniture pieces. A popular option is to combine a Murphy bed with a couch, creating a comfortable seating area during the day and a cozy sleeping space at night.

Some-inspired designs feature a daybed in front of the cabinet, which can serve as both a sofa and a bed. This functional design enables users to maximize the use of their space by incorporating multiple purposes into one furniture piece.

Affordability

One of the compelling reasons to choose an IKEA Murphy bed is its affordability. While traditional Murphy beds can be pricey, IKEA offers budget-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality or style. By utilizing readily available IKEA parts, you can even create your own DIY Murphy bed that suits your specific needs and tastes.

Stylish Aesthetics

IKEA is known for its sleek and modern designs that can easily complement a wide range of interior styles. Their Murphy bed options continue this trend, offering visually appealing and sophisticated solutions for compact living spaces. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, IKEA Murphy beds are highly customizable, allowing you to choose the color, material, and hardware to match your existing décor.

  • Elegant Next Bed Murphy Bed in a PAX wardrobe - A clever IKEA hack that incorporates Hettich W-Line folding door hardware and a memory foam mattress for a stylish and functional space-saving solution.
  • IKEA-inspired Murphy bed with couch - A combination of an IKEA daybed with a wall bed creates a seamless transition between lounging and sleeping spaces.

IKEA Murphy Bed Alternatives

Night and Day Furniture Cabinet Beds

Night and Day Furniture offers a range of cabinet beds that provide a viable alternative to IKEA Murphy beds. These cabinet beds are designed with style and functionality in mind. Some of the features include:

  • Space-saving design that folds away when not in use.
  • Constructed with solid hardwood for durability and long-lasting use.
  • A variety of finishes and styles to match any home decor.
  • Easy assembly with clear instructions, making it a suitable DIY project.
  • Intuitive folding mechanism for smooth transitions between bed and cabinet mode.

Available in various sizes and styles, Night and Day Furniture cabinet beds can easily fit into any room, offering both comfort and convenience.

Arason Cabinet Beds

Arason Cabinet Beds present another excellent alternative to traditional IKEA Murphy beds. Arason offers six different collections of functional beds, each one constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring they're built to last. Key features of Arason Cabinet Beds include:

  • Wide selection of finishes and sizes, allowing for customization.
  • Space-efficient design, perfect for small living spaces or guest rooms.
  • Sturdy construction, using premium materials for a quality finish.
  • Easy to use flip-top mechanism, for seamless transitions between bed and cabinet mode.

Some popular models within the Arason range are the Essex Ash and the Madrid White, proving that these cabinet beds are not only practical but stylish too.

Installation and Maintenance

Assembly Steps

Assembling an IKEA Murphy bed involves a series of simple steps to ensure a smooth and efficient installation.

  1. Begin by selecting the appropriate Murphy bed model and size, keeping in mind the room dimensions and user preferences.
  2. Prepare a suitable space in the room by clearing furniture and any obstacles.
  3. Refer to the product's assembly instructions, which can be found on the IKEA website by searching for the specific product and navigating to the "Assembly & other documents" section.
  4. Follow the step-by-step instructions, using the required tools and hardware for each step.
  5. Ensure that all parts are securely fastened and that the bed is properly anchored to the wall to enhance stability and safety.

Safety Precautions

It is important to prioritize safety throughout the installation and maintenance of an IKEA Murphy bed. Some key safety tips include:

  • Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations.
  • Ensure that the bed frame is securely fastened to the wall studs or dedicated anchoring system.
  • Do not attempt to move the bed without proper help and precautions to avoid injury or damage to the bed or room.
  • Use a suitable mattress as recommended by the manufacturer, avoiding overly thick, heavy or non-fitting options.
  • Regularly check for any signs of wear, loose hardware, or other indications that maintenance may be needed.

Ongoing Care

Maintaining an IKEA Murphy bed requires minimal effort and attention, ensuring long-term durability and functionality. Some essential care tips include:

  • Regularly inspect the bed frame, hardware, and anchoring system for signs of wear or damage, addressing any issues as needed.
  • Clean the surface and surrounding areas with a soft, damp cloth or gentle cleaning solution to remove dust and debris.
  • Lubricate any moving parts such as hinges, if necessary, with an appropriate product to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear.
  • Rotate and/or flip the mattress as required to promote even wear and maintain its support and comfort.

By following these recommended assembly, safety, and maintenance guidelines, owners of IKEA Murphy beds can enjoy a reliable, space-saving solution that combines both style and function.

Conclusion

In the end, although IKEA may not manufacture a specific Murphy bed model, there are certainly workarounds and alternatives available. The reason behind IKEA's decision can be attributed to the mechanics and potential liability involved with creating Murphy beds. However, this does not mean that those seeking an IKEA-style space-saving solution are out of options.

Night & Day Cabinet Beds, among other leading brands, provides an extensive selection of styles, finishes, and sizes to cater to your specific needs. With user-friendly setup, cozy sleeping solutions, and a commitment to quality, Night & Day Cabinet Beds emerges as a top-tier alternative that combines functionality with style.

In your quest to optimize your living space and embrace the convenience of a Murphy bed, remember that alternatives abound—each offering a unique blend of affordability, elegance, and practicality. So, bid farewell to the conventional and embrace the transformative possibilities that cabinet Murphy beds bring to your home.

Previous article What Could a Cabinet Bed Be Used For: Practical Tips
Next article What is the Most Expensive Cabinet Bed: Revealing the Luxury Choice

Continue Reading