The retractable bed mechanism: 3 possible variations

To discuss in detail how the Murphy bed works , you need to take a close look at the different mechanisms available for your piece of furniture. Ceiling -mounted retractable bed , wall-mounted bed or electric retractable bed: we present each major category in depth in this part of the guide. The objective is to provide you with the technical keys to fully understand the retractable bed system and to help you make the best choice.

General presentation of the retractable bed mechanism

No matter what appearance it takes or what mechanism it is equipped with, the Murphy bed always meets the same needs. Its first objective is to optimize space . It allows you to free up all the floor space when you are not using your bed. Much more than just bedding, the Murphy bed is also intended to offer you several functionalities. Its structure can therefore be supplemented, as an option, by different storage units, by a sofa, by a desk or even by a table.

Everything you need to know about the retractable ceiling bed

The ceiling retractable bed allows you to store your bedding (box spring and mattress) on the ceiling during the day. Placed high up, it gives you the opportunity to take advantage of your entire room. The retractable bed on the ceiling , or suspended, is a very discreet version which will find its place in your living room, your studio, your office or your bedroom. Most of the time, it is offered in a two-seater version. Its mechanism is based on a system of rails fixed to the wall and pulleys. Some models include additional security, with a ceiling suspension mechanism, with cables.

Why choose a wall-to-ceiling bed?

• Very discreet, the ceiling foldaway bed occupies a space that is not used in your home: the height of your room.
• The wall mechanism takes up very little space.
• The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed can be lowered without removing the furniture underneath.

One downside though: it is not suitable for children under 6 years old.

The different types of retractable ceiling bed

The ceiling-mounted Murphy bed, in its most basic form, simply has rails on the wall to slide your bedding up and down. If you want a more designer model, you can hide the rail system in a wooden structure, like a cabinet. In this case, it is possible to add storage furniture (drawers, cabinets, shelves, etc.) and even a desk or a sofa.

Discover the wall bed or folding bed

We now present to you the wall bed , or bed cabinet, which is one of the flagship variations of the retractable bed . Its principle: attach a large wooden frame to the wall with a front fitted with a metal handle and store the bedding in this structure when not in use. We also talk about a folding bed . The furniture is made of melamine wood, the appearance of which can be personalized to obtain a tailor-made design. As with the ceiling bed, you will benefit from a real comfortable bed, with a wooden slatted base and a mattress. In the case of the wall bed, however, the thickness of the mattress must be adapted to the depth of the wardrobe.

Why choose a wall bed?

Among the different wall beds, the wall bed offers great ease of use and a high degree of customization (design, furniture, dimensions, etc.). By making this choice, you will be able to unfold your bed only when you need it and have comfortable bedding, with a real box spring and the mattress of your choice. There is no problem with minimum ceiling height, unlike the ceiling-mounted Murphy bed.

The different types of wall bed

The offer of retractable beds in folding version is very vast. First, for this product, you must choose between a horizontal or vertical wall bed. The opening system will determine the size of your furniture and the position of your bed in relation to the wall (parallel or perpendicular). Then, the wall bed is available in several sizes. Single bed, double bed, Queen Size, King Size or even bunk bed: you will have many possibilities depending on your needs.

Choosing an electric wall bed

The electric retractable bed offers an important advantage: this bed is equipped with a motor and is controlled by the button of a remote control or by a switch. In the retractable bed version suspended from the ceiling or folding bed against the wall, the system is fully motorized and eliminates the slightest effort to deploy your bedding.

Why choose an electric retractable bed?

The electric retractable bed has a certain price but brings you great comfort on a daily basis. This electric furniture is particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility or who suffer from chronic ailments. In this case, with the electric mechanism, your bed will be put in place without you having to intervene. Its practical side relieves you in your daily life.

The different types of electric retractable bed

We speak of an electric retractable bed to refer to the mechanism of the bed but in reality, this piece of furniture offers the same options and configuration possibilities as a manual bed. You can choose a motorized bed that folds against the wall or that can be stored on the ceiling. Then, different pieces of furniture and storage modules can be added to your electric Murphy bed.

Comparison of different wall bed mechanisms

Assembly and installation for each Murphy bed mechanism

All three Murphy bed mechanisms present the same level of difficulty for assembling your furniture. You generally need to install your retractable furniture against a supporting wall. The only type of bed that has an installation constraint is the ceiling-mounted foldaway bed: the ceiling height must be sufficient.

The design of the furniture according to the chosen mechanism

Wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or electric retractable bed : the design is fully customizable. The melamine wood structure can be presented in a multitude of colors and offer different coverings (oak wood effect, matt wood, glossy wood, etc.).

How each mechanism works

• The ceiling retractable bed: it uses a counterweight system to move into the high or low position and slides in the rails.
• The wall bed: these are the cylinders which allow the horizontal or vertical bed to be unfolded and closed. The shock absorbers accompany the movement.
• The electric retractable bed: it is operated using a remote control or a button and requires no human intervention.

You now have all the cards in hand to make the right choice for your Murphy bed mechanism. What is a Murphy bed? How does a Murphy bed work? The structure of the Murphy bed Is a Murphy bed comfortable?

When to change the mechanism of a Murphy bed?

The mechanism of Murphy bed is known to last over time and withstand numerous handlings. But poor assembly, loss of parts after a move, or the purchase of a very old second-hand folding bed can force you to find a new mechanism.

Another situation requiring changing your mechanism: the bed descends too quickly and your cylinders are not adjustable. This is normal wear and tear if your bed is old or a problem with a mattress that is too heavy if your bed cabinet is more recent.
For change the actuator of your bed cabinet , you must know the dimensions of your bed: single, double or queen, or even king size bed.

The second important criterion concerns the orientation of your Murphy bed . It is either vertical or horizontal. Concerning the mechanism of a horizontal retractable bed, you do not need to know the size of your bed. However, do not forget to check the maximum weight supported by the chosen mechanism.

How to replace the mechanism of a wall bed?

Replacing the wall bed mechanism requires special attention and careful dismantling . This part being at the heart of the bed cabinet, you must dismantle the main parts of your bed, namely the doors, the feet, the mattress and the box spring. Follow the assembly instructions delivered with the new system then, once it is attached to the wooden box of your bed cabinet, all you have to do is reassemble your entire foldaway bed.
Please note, this change of mechanism on a recent Murphy bed involves cancellation of the warranty . If your furniture is still covered by the latter, do not hesitate to contact your seller.