Murphy beds, also known as wall beds or pull-down beds, are a great solution for small spaces. They fold up into a cabinet or wall, leaving your room free for other uses during the day. But can you leave bedding on a Murphy bed when it’s folded up, or do you have to remove it every time? This is an important consideration when deciding whether a Murphy bed will work for your lifestyle and space.
In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of leaving blankets and sheets on a Murphy bed when it’s folded up. We’ll look at how different bedding materials and thicknesses affect the fold-up mechanism and longevity of the bed. We’ll also consider whether it’s better to make the bed each time or leave it ready for sleep. By the end, you’ll know whether you can leave blankets on your Murphy bed or if you’re better off removing them when not in use.
The Mechanics of Folding Up a Murphy Bed
To understand whether bedding can stay on a folded Murphy bed, it’s important to look at how these beds operate. A Murphy bed folds up into a cabinet or against a wall, with the mattress flipping vertically to store away during the day.
This folding mechanism works via a spring-loaded or counterbalanced system. When you pull the bed down, the springs or counterweights provide lift assistance. When folded up, the mechanism keeps the bed in place vertically. The bed is designed for easy lowering and raising, even with the weight of a mattress.
If there is too much weight on the bed, it can interfere with smooth operation. Thick, heavy blankets and sheets may place more weight on the mechanism than it’s designed to handle. This could lead to problems lowering and raising the Murphy bed over time.
The Effect of Bedding Thickness on Folding
Standard Murphy beds are designed for mattresses 8 to 10 inches thick. The specific maximum thickness varies by model. Choosing a mattress within the recommended size ensures the fold-up mechanism can operate properly.
How does bedding layering affect the overall thickness? Here’s a breakdown:
– Mattress: 8-10 inches
– Fitted sheet: Negligible added thickness
– Flat sheet: Negligible added thickness
– Comforter: 4-6 inches
– Blanket: 3-5 inches
– Pillows: 4-8 inches when stacked
With a mattress, sheet set, and light blanket, you’re likely still within the size limits before operation is affected. But adding a thick comforter or multiple blankets and pillows may exceed thickness specifications.
This is especially true for beds folded up against a wall or into a shallow cabinet. There are size constraints on how much thickness can fold up into the space. Too many layers can prevent the bed from properly folding upright.
Bedding Weight and Impact on Lifting Mechanism
The thickness of bedding impacts whether the Murphy bed fits into the folded position. The weight of blankets and pillows also affects the lifting mechanism.
Most Murphy beds can handle a standard hybrid or innerspring mattress of around 50-70 lbs. But the combined weight of thick blankets and multiple pillows can add a noticeable heft.
Will a few extra pounds impact operation? Maybe not at first. But the lifting springs and counterweights are designed to offset just the mattress weight. Over time, consistently lifting a heavier stacked bed may cause premature wear and failure.
Thin summer bedding is unlikely to cause problems. But heavy winter bedding, like thick wool blankets and flannel sheets, adds weight that may interfere with smooth operation over years of use.
Leaving Bedding in Place When Folded Up
Based on the mechanics of Murphy bed systems, it’s clear that leaving bedding in place could impact the folding function. But you also need to consider:
– Storage space: Cabinets and walls may not accommodate the extra folded thickness of blankets and pillows.
– Wrinkling: Bedding can become wrinkled and creased when folded up in place. You may need to smooth it out each night.
– Dust and dirt: Bedding stored in the open can collect dust while the bed is folded up.
– Making the bed: Leaving sheets and blankets on may save time making the bed each night. But some people enjoy having a made bed ready when the Murphy bed is lowered.
– Mattress wear: The weight of stacked bedding pressing on one spot of the mattress over time may lead to uneven wear. Rotating the mattress minimizes this issue.
– Pets: Pets may climb onto folded bedding left in reach. Pet hair and dirt could transfer to sheets and blankets.
The convenience of leaving bedding ready for sleep needs to be weighed against potential disadvantages like wear, dirt, and creasing. Individual circumstances will determine whether it’s better to leave blankets on or remove them when folding up your Murphy bed.
Best Practices for Making a Murphy Bed
If you decide not to leave bedding on your Murphy bed full time, follow these tips when using and making the bed:
– Choose the right mattress thickness and weight so operation isn’t impacted.
– Use lightweight, breathable bedding that doesn’t add too much heft.
– Make sure pillows are firm and thin to minimize weight. Limit to 2 pillows.
– Allow all mechanisms to fully close and lock before letting go when folding up.
– Check for obstructions before lowering the bed. Make sure no people, pets or objects are in the way.
– Stand to the side when lowering and lifting to avoid injury if springs fail or bed drops.
– Pull the mattress down slowly and smoothly instead of letting it drop suddenly.
– Use a mattress pad to protect the mattress surface from repeated folding.
– Periodically inspect the lifting mechanism for signs of wear or needed repairs.
– Avoid placing excessive weight on or bouncing on the bed when folded down.
Following best practices for operating and maintaining your Murphy bed will ensure safe, smooth, long-term function whether blankets stay on or come off daily.
Guidelines for Bedding Left on Folded Murphy Beds
If you plan to leave bedding in place when folding up your Murphy bed, keep these guidelines in mind:
– Use only a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and light blanket. Omit pillows, comforters, and shams which add thickness.
– Choose thin, drapable blankets instead of heavy quilts or comforters.
– Make sure folded bedding thickness doesn’t impede operation or affect cabinet door clearance.
– Smooth out wrinkles and rearrange bedding if needed before folding the bed up.
– Use washable, durable bedding that can handle folding without excessive wear.
– Wash bedding weekly since it will collect dust when folded upright.
– Consider covers or bags to protect bedding from dirt and pet hair while stored.
– Check for signs of wear, tearing, or damage from folding bedding. Replace if needed.
– Weigh down bedding or use ties to keep it from slipping and shifting when stored vertically.
– Plan to replace lifting mechanisms after less time than recommended since weight daily may shorten lifespan.
Murphy Bed Design Advancements
Murphy bed manufacturers continue to develop new innovations that make the beds more convenient and easier to use. Some recent improvements that impact bedding use include:
– Stronger lifting mechanisms that accommodate more mattress weight and bedding layers
– Smoother closing and opening assisted by gas cylinders or springs
– Custom Murphy bed sizes to fit non-standard mattress dimensions
– Units designed specifically for thicker pillowtop mattresses
– Cabinets with integrated storage drawers to store bedding out of the way
– Side retainers, straps, and hooks to hold bedding in place on the mattress
– Hydraulic lift systems and bedding trays for easier bed making
– Remote controls, touchscreens, and automatic opening functions
– Custom cabinetry with better clearance for thicker folded mattresses
Advancements like these allow for more flexibility in bedding choices. With integrated bedding storage and mechanisms designed for heavier mattresses and bedding, you may be able to leave some blankets and pillows in place when folding up new models of Murphy beds.
Are Electric Murphy Beds Better for Leaving Bedding On?
Electric Murphy beds take convenience to the next level. Rather than manually pulling the bed down and flipping it up, pressing a button does all the work.
Electric models typically have stronger lift capacity and smoother operation. The powered mechanisms allow for effortless opening and closing even with heavier mattresses and bedding left in place.
Other benefits of electric Murphy beds:
– Integrated lighting often illuminates stored belongings.
– Backup batteries allow operation even during power failures.
– Sensors and auto-close features prevent accidental closure while occupied.
– Programmable remotes can return the bed to the upright position on a schedule.
– Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity enables bed control through an app.
For those with back pain or mobility issues, electric Murphy beds eliminate the need for bending and pulling. They also provide safe, reliable operation if bedding remains on the mattress when closed.
Keep in mind that electric models have a higher upfront cost. Prices range from $3,000 to over $15,000. Adding custom wood cabinetry and high-end finishes increases cost.
Tips for Making an Electric Murphy Bed with Bedding
Follow these tips for safely and easily making an electric Murphy bed that will have blankets and sheets staying on:
– Choose a high-quality electric model from a reputable manufacturer that can handle the weight and use.
– Select low-profile, lightweight bedding that adds minimal thickness when folded.
– Use only one lightweight blanket and limit pillows to preserve lift capacity.
– Allow time after opening or closing for mechanisms to fully secure in position before use.
– Program the bed to unfold shortly before bedtime and fold back up in the morning for convenience.
– Install cabinet lighting on the interior to easily see stored belongings.
– Check for any signs of struggle when opening or closing and have repairs done.
– Keep remotes and backup batteries in a dedicated spot so they can’t get lost.
– Place bedding inside a removable cover or bag for organization and protection.
– Make sure cabinet doors have proper clearance with bedding thickness.
Tucking bedding neatly inside a protective cover keeps your sheets neat, clean, and contained while stored. It takes just seconds to remove the cover and release the blankets and sheets when it’s time for bed.
Murphy Bed Mattress Options
To operate optimally, Murphy beds need the right mattress. Considerations for mattresses include:
– **Thickness:** Choose a mattress between 8-12 inches thick. Thinner can lack comfort, while thicker may not fold properly.
– **Weight:** Look for mattresses around 50-70 lbs to avoid straining lift mechanisms.
– **Material:** Foldable mattresses like latex or memory foam compact well. Innerspring mattresses fold easier if they have minimal padding.
– **Flexibility:** Beds that flex rather than stay rigid, like certain latex or air mattresses, stow away more easily.
– **Durability:** Mattresses that resist impressions and sway provide support despite folding. Reinforced edges also prevent sagging.
– **Size:** Standard twin, full, and queen sizes fold most easily. Custom cuts may be required for atypical mattress dimensions.
A high-quality foldable mattress made specifically for Murphy beds will provide many years of comfortable sleep and fold-up reliability.
Picking the Best Murphy Bed Bedding
What bedding should you use for a Murphy bed to avoid operational problems? Here are the top options:
Sheets
– Percale or poly-microfiber rather than heavy flannel
– Fitted sheets with deep pockets to stay tucked in when folded
– Flat sheets preferred over duvet covers which can shift around
– Elasticized edges keep sheets neatly in place
Blankets
– Thin blankets rather than heavy quilts
– Duvet or quilt alternative with batting instead of thick comforters
– Wool, cotton, microfiber, or bamboo rather than heavy fabrics
– Twin/full blankets instead of oversized queen or king
Pillows
– Choose just 1 or 2 thin, firm pillows
– Polyfill or microfiber pillows instead of heavy materials
– Standard size pillows that don’t overhang the mattress
– Pillows in pillowcases rather than shams which may fall off
In general, the thinner and more fitted the blankets and sheets, the better they’ll fold and store. Breathable, washable materials make bedding easy to maintain over time.
Tips for Attaching Bedding to Murphy Beds
One challenge with leaving bedding on a wall bed is keeping it securely in place when folded up. Here are some tips for attaching blankets and sheets:
– Use a mattress cover with elastic corners to fit around the mattress snugly.
– Choose fitted sheets with deep pockets and elastic edges.
– Install hook and loop tape strips on the mattress and sheets to hold them together.
– Use removable garters or built-in fabric loops to attach sheets to the bed frame.
– Secure blankets with ties, clips, or Velcro strips attached to the bed frame.
– Arrange multiple adhesive hook strips around the mattress to hold bedding tight.
– Add side straps or retainers to the Murphy bed frame to hold bedding against the mattress.
The most secure option is an integrated Murphy bed sheet holder system. These contain brackets, straps, and retainers built into the bed frame. Sheets attach directly with discreet elastic loops or adhesive strips. Integrated systems keep your bedding always tight and wrinkle-free for a clean look.
Conclusion
Murphy beds provide a convenient, space-saving solution. But whether you can leave bedding in place when folded upright depends on your specific model and bedding. Electric models and well- engineered mechanical beds often allow bedding to remain. But less expensive imported Murphy beds may lack the lift strength needed when blankets and pillows are left on.
The best practice is using thin, lightweight bedding secured discreetly in place. Limiting layers preserves the folding mechanism and keeps the folded profile slim. For convenience, electric models with built-in storage and bedding retainers make it simple to store sheets and blankets right on the bed. This saves effort making up the bed daily without impacting murphy bed function.
With the right bedding choices and Murphy bed setup, you can comfortably leave blankets in place. This allows you to enjoy the advantages of a dynamic murphy bed without the daily chore of removing and replacing all your bedding.
