Are you curious about the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed? Well, wonder no more! In this video by Wilding Wallbeds, Caden will take you on a journey to explore the history and distinctions between these two types of space-saving beds. The original Murphy bed, developed in the late 1800s by William Lawrence Murphy, was designed to fold up into a closet using a metal frame and springs for leverage. Today, modern Murphy beds have evolved into a more stylish and furniture-like option, built into a wooden frame and still featuring a metal frame and springs. On the other hand, wall beds were designed in the late 20th century as a piece of furniture that mounts to the wall. They have a wooden framework, a wooden bed box, and are powered by pistons instead of springs. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Wilding Wallbeds for further information. So sit back, relax, and let Caden provide all the details you need to know about the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed. Enjoy!
Difference Between a Murphy Bed and a Wall Bed
Origin of Murphy Bed
The Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1800s. It was developed by a man named William Lawrence Murphy, who was searching for a space-saving solution for his small studio apartment in downtown San Francisco. He wanted to find a way to store his bed during the day and have more usable space in his apartment. Using some door hinges, Murphy created a frame that could fold up into the wall, hence the name “Murphy bed.”
Murphy Bed Design
The original Murphy bed design consisted of a metal frame that could fold up into a closet-like space. The bed was powered by springs, which made it easier to lift and held it in the upright position. The engineering and quality of Murphy beds have come a long way since then, but the basic idea of a frame that folds up remains the same.
Modern Murphy Beds
Today, modern Murphy beds are built into a wooden frame and are considered a piece of furniture rather than just a bed that can be shut up into a closet. These beds are designed to mount to the wall and have a metal frame similar to the original Murphy beds. They are still powered by springs, making it effortless to lift the bed up and down.
Wall Bed Design
Wall beds, on the other hand, were designed in the late 20th century as standalone pieces of furniture that mount to the wall. Unlike Murphy beds, wall beds were never intended to be stored in a closet. They typically consist of a wooden framework that supports the bed and a wooden bed box. Instead of using springs, wall beds are powered by pistons, which provide the lifting mechanism.
Murphy Bed Characteristics
One of the key characteristics of a Murphy bed is its metal bed frame. This frame allows the bed to fold up and be stored vertically. Additionally, Murphy beds use springs as the lifting mechanism, making it easy to lift and lower the bed.
Wall Bed Characteristics
In contrast, wall beds have a wooden bed box and wooden supports. The absence of a metal bed frame is one of the key differences between Murphy beds and wall beds. Instead of springs, wall beds utilize pistons to provide the lifting mechanism.
Differences in Frame Material
Murphy beds have a metal frame, which gives them durability and stability. On the other hand, wall beds have a wooden frame, providing a more traditional and elegant aesthetic.
Differences in Bed Support
Murphy beds rely on springs to support the bed and assist with the lifting mechanism. In contrast, wall beds have a wooden support frame that ensures stability and ease of lifting.
Differences in Lifting Mechanism
The lifting mechanism is another area where Murphy beds and wall beds differ. Murphy beds use springs to lift the bed into the upright position, while wall beds use pistons. This difference in lifting mechanism affects the ease of use and the overall functionality of the beds.
Clarifying the Terminology
Although the terms “Murphy bed” and “wall bed” are often used interchangeably today, there are distinct differences between the two. The original Murphy bed referred to a metal frame that folded up into a closet, while wall beds were standalone pieces of furniture that mounted to the wall. However, modern Murphy beds have adopted the design elements of wall beds, resulting in a blurring of the line between the two terms.
In conclusion, while both Murphy beds and wall beds serve the purpose of saving space, they differ in their design, characteristics, and lifting mechanisms. Murphy beds have a metal frame, use springs, and can fold up into a closet, while wall beds have a wooden frame, use pistons, and are standalone pieces of furniture. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right space-saving bed for your needs.
If you have any further inquiries about Murphy beds or wall beds, feel free to contact us at Wilding Wallbeds. Our knowledgeable team will be more than happy to assist you.
