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Murphy Beds
If you are looking to add sleeping space
to your home but don't have room for a regular
bed, you should consider purchasing a fold
away bed that can be hidden when it is not
in use. Originally invented by William P.
Murphy in 1900 as a way to increase the living
space in a small apartment, these beds have
been improved so that they are now extremely
comfortable and easy to operate.
If you are thinking of buying a Murphy bed,
consider the following:
- Unlike other types of folding beds (e.g.,
sofa beds and futons), the mattress in a
Murphy bed doesn't fold -- instead, the bed
tilts up on end and into a specially designed
cabinet. Consequently, look for brands that
are manufactured from strong, heavy gauge
steel frames which are riveted together.
- Because lifting a bed can otherwise be very
difficult, choose a model that includes a
weighted or spring loaded counterbalancing
mechanism that allows easy, one handed operation.
- The bed legs should fold automatically when
the bed is lifted in order to allow for ease
in opening and closing up the bed..
- Murphy beds will accommodate a standard innerspring
mattress in twin, double, queen
and king
sizes. Although these beds
can be sold with
their own mattresses, you should
look for
models that allow you to supply
your own
mattress for greater choice
and eventual
replacement.
- The most convenient models will fold away
completely equipped with sheets,
blankets
and pillows that can be strapped
in place,
so the bed does not need to
made up with
each use.
Most of Murphy beds fold away into a cabinet
that looks like an attractive piece of furniture.
These cabinets come in a wide variety of
styles and colors and can usually be incorporated
into a wall storage system. Alternatively,
you might want to consider a unit that fits
into an existing closet in order to get the
unit out of the room entirely. |
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