? Are you trying to find out whether California Closets sells Murphy beds and how they could work in your home?
Do California Closets Sell Murphy Beds?
You may have seen California Closets for custom closets, storage systems, and built-ins and asked whether they also offer Murphy beds. The short answer is: it depends on your local franchise and what you want, and you should confirm availability with your nearest showroom.
What is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed, often called a wall bed or pull-down bed, is a bed that folds up into a cabinet or wall to free floor space when it is not in use. You can use a Murphy bed to convert a home office, studio, or guest room into a multi-purpose space without giving up sleeping comfort.
Common Murphy Bed Types
Murphy beds come in a few main styles and each style addresses different space and usage needs. Understanding the types will help you decide what you want before you contact a designer.
- Vertical Murphy bed: The mattress lifts up and folds vertically into a tall cabinet. This is often used when wall width is limited but ceiling height is sufficient.
- Horizontal Murphy bed: The mattress folds sideways into a short, wide cabinet and is useful when the wall width is greater than its height. This is often chosen for rooms with lower ceilings.
- Cabinet/concealed bed: The bed is enclosed in custom cabinetry that matches surrounding built-ins for a seamless look. You can integrate shelving, desks, or closets into the same unit to maximize functionality.
- Murphy bed with integrated furniture: Beds that fold down over desks, sofas, or storage modules give you combined utility in compact rooms. This is a popular choice for multifamily living and flexible guest spaces.
Murphy Bed Mechanisms
Mechanisms vary in how they balance, support, and store the mattress, and the mechanism you choose affects ease of use and longevity. Different mechanisms include piston-based systems, spring counterbalances, and motorized lifts, each with pros and cons regarding smoothness, maintenance, and cost.
About California Closets
California Closets is a franchised company known for custom storage solutions, including closets, home offices, pantries, and bespoke built-ins. You can expect a strong focus on design, materials, and a local showroom that tailors products to your space, budget, and style preferences.
How the Franchise Model Affects Offerings
Because California Closets operates through locally owned showrooms, product offerings and services can vary considerably by market. Your local franchise may partner with hardware suppliers or subcontractors to deliver products that are not shown on the national website.
Do California Closets Sell Murphy Beds?
In many markets, California Closets can design and install Murphy beds as part of a custom built-in solution, but availability depends on your local showroom and their portfolio. You should contact your nearest showroom to confirm whether they currently offer Murphy or wall-bed options and what hardware brands they use.
Why Availability Varies
Local franchises decide what products to promote and which manufacturing partners to use, so a service offered in one city might not be part of the lineup in another. Additionally, showrooms may prioritize built-ins that align with their workshop capabilities and installer expertise.
How Partnerships Affect the Product
Some California Closets showrooms partner with third-party Murphy bed hardware manufacturers or installers to provide wall beds, which means the cabinetry may be California Closets’ custom design while the lift mechanism is from an external brand. This hybrid approach often gives you the best of both worlds: tailored aesthetics and proven bed hardware.
How to Find Out If Your Local California Closets Offers Murphy Beds
You can follow a step-by-step approach to confirm whether a Murphy bed is an option and to get accurate quotes and timelines. Doing this will save you time and help you compare alternatives with better context.
Step 1: Visit or Contact Your Local Showroom
Call or email your local California Closets showroom and describe your project, including room dimensions, mattress size preference, and desired integrations like desks or shelving. Ask them whether they have experience with Murphy beds, what hardware brands they use, and whether they provide installation.
Step 2: Book a Design Consultation
Arrange an in-home or virtual consultation so a designer can take measurements, assess structural constraints, and propose layout options. A professional consultation helps you avoid surprises like insufficient wall studs, ceiling constraints, or HVAC conflicts.
Step 3: Ask About Hardware and Warranties
Request details about the lift mechanism, the brand of hardware, weight capacity, ease of operation, and warranty coverage for both hardware and cabinetry. Knowing whether the builder offers a warranty on the whole system versus just the cabinet or the hardware will influence your decision.
Step 4: Request Visuals and References
Ask for photos of previous Murphy bed projects and client references from the showroom or installer; this helps you evaluate finish quality and ergonomics. Seeing installed examples also gives you styling ideas and confidence in workmanship.
Customization Options When You Buy a Murphy Bed from California Closets
If your local showroom does offer Murphy beds, you can typically expect extensive customization in cabinetry, finishes, and integrated features. Custom options let you match the bed to the rest of your home and adapt the unit to functions beyond sleeping.
Finishes and Materials
You can usually choose from a range of laminates, paints, veneers, and wood species to match your existing millwork and decor. High-end finishes and specialty hardware increase cost but provide a more furniture-like appearance and greater durability.
Integrated Furniture and Storage
You can integrate desks, shelving, wardrobes, or media cabinets into the same wall unit for a seamless multi-function room. These integrations are often the most valuable advantage of using a custom provider like California Closets because you get coordinated design and consistent materials.
Lighting and Electrical
LED lighting, night lights, and built-in power outlets can make a Murphy bed system more functional and comfortable. These features require electrical planning at the design stage so wiring can be concealed and meets code.
Mattress Compatibility and Thickness
Your designer will advise what mattress thickness and weight are compatible with the chosen mechanism; thinner mattresses are commonly recommended for wall beds. If you prefer a thicker mattress, you will need to choose a mechanism and cabinet depth that accommodate it.
Motorized vs. Manual Mechanisms
Manual mechanisms are often more cost-effective and require less maintenance, while motorized systems provide effortless operation and can be a good fit for those with limited strength or mobility. Motorized systems add cost and sometimes require more space for electrical components.
Murphy Bed Mechanisms — How They Work and What to Choose
Choosing the right mechanism is key to safety, durability, and ease of use, and different mechanisms suit different needs and budgets. Understanding the differences helps you ask the right questions during your consultation.
Spring Counterbalance Systems
Spring counterbalance systems use springs to offset the weight of the bed and provide a smooth lift and lower motion. These systems are reliable and widely used, but they require adjustment over time and may need professional servicing.
Piston/Strut Systems
Gas piston systems use hydraulic-like struts to control motion and are known for smoother operation with less visible hardware. They are often quieter and need less adjustment, but replacement struts may be more costly.
Motorized Lifts
Motorized or electric lifts allow the bed to be raised and lowered at the touch of a button and are especially helpful if you will operate the bed frequently or have mobility concerns. These systems require a power source and may introduce higher installation complexity and cost.
Safety Features
Look for safety locks, automatic leveling, child-proof latches, and anti-collapse mechanisms that prevent sudden drops. These features protect users and reduce liability if the unit will be used in a multi-person home.
Typical Pricing and Cost Factors
Murphy bed pricing varies widely depending on design complexity, materials, mechanism, and installation difficulty, and costs can range from modest to premium. Below is a general breakdown to help you budget, but note that local labor rates and custom options will change the final price.
| Tier | Typical Cost Range (USD) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $1,000 – $3,000 | Standard wall bed hardware, basic cabinetry, single color laminate finish, standard installation |
| Mid-range | $3,000 – $8,000 | Higher-quality hardware, custom cabinetry finishes, integrated shelving/desk, moderate customization, professional installation |
| High-end | $8,000 – $20,000+ | Premium hardwood veneers, motorized lifts, complex integrations (desks, lighting, closet systems), top-tier hardware brands, designer finishes, specialized installation |
Cost Factors Explained
Material choice, finish, and the level of cabinetry detailing are major cost drivers because they determine fabrication time and raw material expenses. Mechanism type, mattress size, integrated features (desks, shelving, lighting), and local installation labor rates also significantly affect pricing.
What to Expect on Your Estimate
A professional estimate should itemize cabinetry, mechanism/hardware, installation, electrical work (if needed), and any subcontracted services. Also check for removal or disposal fees for an old bed, and ask if the estimate includes site prep, permit costs, or structural reinforcement if required.
Installation Process and Timeline
Installation typically starts with a site measurement, followed by fabrication, delivery, and on-site installation, and the full process can take several weeks from design approval to completion. Timelines vary by showroom capacity, seasonality, and the complexity of your custom job.
Typical Steps
- Initial consultation and measurement. A designer evaluates the space and constraints and recommends solutions.
- Design approval and pricing. You review drawings and approve finish selections and hardware.
- Fabrication. Cabinets are manufactured in a local shop or central facility, which can take one to several weeks.
- Delivery and installation. Installers assemble and secure the system, test the mechanism, and make final adjustments.
Structural Considerations
The installation requires anchoring to studs or blocking and may need to avoid obstructions like baseboard heaters or vents. If the wall is not suitable, installers may build a freestanding cabinet anchored to floor and wall framing, and you should confirm this in the site visit.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Murphy Bed from California Closets
When considering California Closets you get professional design support and integration with other storage systems, but you should weigh cost and availability. Knowing the trade-offs helps you decide whether a custom provider or a specialty Murphy bed manufacturer is the better fit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Custom cabinetry that matches your home’s aesthetics | Often higher cost than ready-made or kit-style wall beds |
| Design expertise and local showroom support | Offerings may vary by franchise; not every location sells Murphy beds |
| Integration with closets, offices, and shelving for a cohesive look | Lead times may be longer for fully custom solutions |
| Access to local installation teams and warranties | May rely on third-party hardware suppliers for mechanisms |
Alternatives to California Closets for Murphy Beds
If your local California Closets cannot provide a Murphy bed or if you prefer a different route, you have several alternatives ranging from specialty manufacturers to pre-made kits. Evaluating alternatives will help you get the right balance of price, design, and function.
Specialty Manufacturers and Retailers
Companies such as Resource Furniture, Wallbeds-N-More, and Murphy Bed Depot specialize in wall beds and often offer a wide range of mechanisms and integrated furniture solutions. These firms may provide proprietary mechanisms, industry-specific warranties, and installation expertise focused solely on Murphy beds.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Kits
If you are handy or on a strict budget, RTA kits allow you to purchase and assemble a Murphy bed yourself. These kits can save money, but installation quality and finish will vary and may not match custom cabinetry.
Local Cabinetmakers and Builders
A local cabinetmaker or general contractor can create a custom Murphy bed and coordinate hardware purchase and installation. You may get excellent customization and local support, but you should confirm the builder’s experience with wall beds for safety and durability.
Comparison Table
| Option | Best For | Typical Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Closets (local showroom) | High-end integration with other custom systems | $3,000 – $20,000+ | Design expertise, matching finishes, local installation | Variable availability, higher cost |
| Specialty Murphy Bed Manufacturers | Purpose-built solutions | $2,000 – $15,000+ | Wide mechanism choice, expert installation | May not match home finishes exactly |
| RTA Kits | DIY or tight budget | $500 – $2,500 | Lowest cost, quick delivery | DIY required, limited customization |
| Local Cabinetmaker | Highly customized furniture integration | $2,000 – $15,000+ | Local control and bespoke design | Depends on woodworker’s experience with mechanisms |
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Asking the right questions will help you avoid surprises and get a solution that fits your functional and aesthetic needs. Use this checklist during your showroom or contractor consultation.
Essential Questions
- Do you offer Murphy beds or wall beds as part of your product lineup? Ask this first to avoid wasted time.
- What hardware brand do you use and what is the warranty? Knowing the brand helps you research reliability and parts availability.
- What mattress thickness and size does the system support? This determines comfort and final cabinet depth.
- How is the bed anchored to the wall and what structural requirements exist? Proper anchoring is crucial for safety.
- What is the lead time from design approval to installation? Lead time affects planning, especially if you are remodeling multiple rooms.
- Are electrical or building permits required for motorized systems? Motorized systems can involve electrical work and may need permits in some areas.
- What is included in the installation price and are there additional fees? Clarify removal of old furniture, site prep, and disposal charges upfront.
- Can you show references or completed installations in homes like mine? Seeing similar projects gives you better expectations on final result.
Maintenance and Care for a Murphy Bed
A Murphy bed should be inspected periodically and cleaned like furniture to ensure safe, long-lasting use. Routine maintenance helps you catch issues early and prolongs the life of both mechanism and cabinetry.
Routine Inspection Checklist
Check fasteners and anchor points every six months for tightness, inspect the lift hardware for smooth operation and abnormal noise, and verify safety latches and locks. If you notice unusual movements, noises, or looseness, contact the installer for a professional inspection.
Cleaning and Mattress Care
Wipe cabinetry with a soft, damp cloth and mild cleaner to protect finishes; avoid abrasive chemicals that can damage veneers or laminates. Rotate and air the mattress according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use a mattress protector to extend mattress life.
When to Call a Professional
If the bed becomes difficult to lift or lower, if the mechanism binds or makes grinding noises, or if you see any structural compromise, stop using the bed and call the pros. Trying to repair a lift mechanism without the right parts and experience can be dangerous.
Use Cases and Room Ideas for Murphy Beds
Murphy beds shine in situations where space is at a premium or where rooms must serve double duty. Considering real-world use cases helps you visualize how the bed will perform in your home.
Guest Room / Home Office Combo
Use a Murphy bed that folds down over a desk or is flanked by shelving so your guest room can function as an office during the day. This approach delivers functionality and comfort without requiring a dedicated bedroom.
Studio Apartments and Small Living Spaces
In a studio, a Murphy bed maximizes floor space during the day, allowing for living, dining, or work areas that would otherwise be crowded. You can design the cabinet to match your kitchen or entertainment center for a cohesive look.
Children’s Playroom to Guest Room
A Murphy bed in a children’s playroom creates sleeping space for sleepovers without converting the entire room into a bedroom. Choose durable finishes and safety mechanisms that make operation simple for adults supervising kids.
Vacation Homes or Cabins
In a vacation home where you may need occasional extra sleeping space, a Murphy bed offers flexible guest capacity without sacrificing storage or layout. Lightweight and efficient designs are particularly useful in seasonal spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answering common questions will help you prepare for the conversation with a designer and clarify expectations before you move forward.
Will California Closets guarantee the hardware if they use a third-party mechanism?
You should ask the showroom whether they offer a single warranty for the entire system or separate warranties for cabinetry and hardware. Often, showrooms will provide a warranty for their workmanship and coordinate hardware warranties but be sure this is documented.
Can a Murphy bed fit into a load-bearing wall only?
A Murphy bed does not necessarily need a load-bearing wall, but it must be anchored to solid framing or blocking; installers will assess the wall and recommend reinforcement or a freestanding approach if needed. Proper anchoring is essential for safety, so trust the recommendation of experienced installers.
How thick of a mattress can I use?
Most wall beds accommodate mattress thicknesses between 6 and 12 inches depending on the cabinet depth and mechanism; some systems are designed for thicker mattresses but will require deeper cabinetry. Discuss mattress preferences early so the designer specifies the correct mechanism and cabinet dimensions.
Are Murphy beds safe for children?
Murphy beds can be safe for children when installed correctly and equipped with childproof locks and safety latches; supervision and instruction for safe operation are still important. Avoid letting young children operate the mechanism unsupervised and consider safety accessories where appropriate.
How long does installation usually take?
On-site installation typically takes several hours to a full day depending on complexity, with more elaborate integrated systems requiring additional time. The overall project timeline from design to completion can range from two weeks to several months, depending on fabrication schedules.
Can I add a Murphy bed to an existing closet system?
Yes, you can often integrate a Murphy bed into a custom closet or built-in system, but structural and design considerations will determine feasibility and cost. A design consultation will reveal how well the bed can be incorporated with your existing systems.
Is it worth getting a motorized Murphy bed?
Motorized systems add convenience and accessibility, especially if you plan to use the bed frequently or have mobility considerations. Motorization increases cost and requires reliable electrical installation, so weigh convenience against budget.
Final Recommendations
If you want a Murphy bed that blends seamlessly with other custom storage and you value cohesive design, contacting your local California Closets showroom is a logical first step. Make sure to confirm whether they offer Murphy beds locally, request references and hardware details, and compare estimates from specialty wall-bed providers to ensure you get the best solution for your needs and budget.
Action Steps for You
- Find your nearest California Closets showroom online and call to describe your project and request a consultation.
- Ask specifically about Murphy bed experience, hardware brands, lead times, and warranty coverage.
- Request multiple bids if possible: one from California Closets and one from a Murphy bed specialist to compare price, warranty, and finish options.
If you follow these steps, you will be well-equipped to decide whether California Closets is the right provider for your Murphy bed or whether another specialist better matches your needs.
