Murphy Beds vs Wall Beds: What's the Difference?

Serving the Vancouver-Portland Metro Area

A Murphy bed is a clever space-saver, folding up into a wall cabinet or closet when you’re not using it. But are they really different from a wall bed? Murphy beds are also called wall beds and fold-away beds, and there’s no functional difference between these terms. 

William Lawrence Murphy’s 1911 patent changed small-space living, and his name is now forever tied to this innovative furniture design. The term “Murphy bed” is now used to mean fold-away beds, just like “Kleenex” is for facial tissue. 

These clever solutions have changed one-room apartments into multi-functional spaces for over a century. They create opportunities for better living, not just sleeping.

Transform your Portland OR home with smart space-saving solutions that adapt to your lifestyle. You can design a room that works as both an office and a guest space, and even maximize your small bedroom. 

So look for Murphy beds with local craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and smart designs for real mattresses. This means it offers comfort and lasting service. Plus, it will boost your home’s style and functionality for many years.

Portland Closet Company’s custom Murphy beds offer many possibilities. Choose from sleek, modern designs that blend into your wall or traditional styles featuring crown molding and raised panels. We’ll help you craft spaces that work just as hard as you do. 

Home Office – Guest Room Combinations

With remote work here to stay, dedicating an entire room solely to occasional guests no longer makes sense. A wall bed allows you to maintain your daily productivity without the guilt of an underutilized guest room.

Murphy fold-away beds turn rooms into dual-purpose spaces, easily switching from a workspace to a cozy guest bed. During the day, it serves as an office. At night, it transforms into a bedroom. 

When closed, your Murphy bed can have built-in shelves, a fold-down desk, or decorative panels. These features improve your workspace instead of taking away from it.

Cramped-Turned-Spacious Studio Apartments

In Portland’s tough rental market, studio apartments are the more affordable option. However, they often sacrifice livability. Murphy beds change a crowded room into a comfy retreat, letting you use your space freely instead of working around a fixed bed.

When your bed folds away, suddenly you have room for that dining table, yoga mat, or reading nook you’ve been dreaming about. And custom finishes that match your décor make sure your wall bed enhances your studio’s look instead of taking over.

Exercise Space When Guests Aren’t Around

That Peloton bike or weight bench doesn’t have to compete with a guest bed for floor space. Murphy beds let you keep your fitness routine all year. You can still host guests when they come to visit. In less than 30 seconds, your workout zone becomes a comfortable guest suite!

Custom cubbies for yoga blocks, resistance bands, and foam rollers keep your gear organized. They stay accessible, even when the bed is deployed. Some designs even incorporate pull-out equipment racks that work whether the bed is up or down.

Can I use any mattress with a Murphy style bed?

Most quality wall beds fit standard mattresses up to 10 inches thick. No modifications are needed.

You can pick from traditional innerspring, modern memory foam, or hybrid designs. If you love ultra-plush sleeping surfaces, Portland Closet Company’s extending leg option lets you use mattresses up to 12 inches thick.

Are custom wall beds worth the investment?

Absolutely! The true cost per use of a Murphy bed over its lifetime (usually 20+ years with little maintenance) shows its value.