When considering home upgrades, it’s easy to think about flashy kitchen renovations or luxurious bathroom remodels, but what if there was a way to boost your home’s functionality without a huge construction project? Enter the Murphy bed. This innovative furniture piece has been gaining popularity, and for good reason. From its space-saving design to the potential increase in property value, investing in a Murphy bed could be one of the smartest home decisions you make. In this post, we’ll explore why a Murphy bed can be a fantastic investment, especially if it’s crafted from high-quality materials like real wood.
Durability and Longevity: A Murphy Bed Built to Last
First things first, when discussing the investment merit of a Murphy Bed, first we need to clear one thing up: there are hundreds or thousands of Murphy beds to choose from. Some are very inexpensive and really only designed to last a couple of years at best. On the other hand, a Wilding Wallbed will last a lifetime. To be totally clear, a cheap Murphy bed is not a worthwhile investment. Cheap Murphy beds are those that are built from particle board or other fake wood alternatives. These beds are usually about 75% of the price of a real wood Murphy bed, yet they will only last 2-5 years without needing significant repairs. High quality Murphy beds will last a lifetime and, while they are more of an up front investment, the cost of upkeep or replacement is $0, making them a much greater value.
Think of it this way: if you buy a high-quality Murphy bed and it lasts 20-30 years, the cost per year becomes minimal compared to continually buying lesser-quality furniture that needs replacement every five years. With the right care, a well-made Murphy bed can even outlast most other furniture in your home. Here’s one final thing to consider on this topic: the very first Wilding Wallbed ever built is still in use today. It has been in place for about 30 years with no issues.
Increasing the Value of Your Home
One of the biggest benefits of a Murphy bed is its potential to increase your home’s resale value. By transforming a single-use space into a multi-use one, you’re effectively increasing the functionality of your home without increasing its footprint. And when it comes to selling a property, buyers value flexibility.
For example, a small home office that can also serve as a guest room is much more appealing to potential buyers than just an office. The versatility of the space makes it more useful, as the room can accommodate more needs. Whether it’s turning a den into a spare bedroom, a home gym into an occasional guest space, or even a child’s playroom into a functional office and sleeping area, a Murphy bed creates opportunities for more people to comfortably sleep in the home.
This increase in sleeping capacity makes the home more appealing to families, especially those looking for properties where they can accommodate extended family members or guests. The value of being able to say, “This home sleeps six instead of four” can be significant, particularly in housing markets where every square foot counts.
Maximizing Space: A Multi-Use Room in One Piece of Furniture
In modern homes, space is at a premium. Many people today are looking to make the most of the square footage they have rather than investing in expensive home additions. This is where the Murphy bed truly shines. It transforms any room into a multi-use space, giving you the benefit of an extra room without the cost of actually adding more space to your home.
For instance, think about a home office. You may only use it during work hours, but it takes up valuable square footage that could serve other functions. By installing a Murphy bed, that office can also become a guest room when needed. During the day, the bed is tucked away, and you have your work area. But when guests come to visit, it quickly converts into a bedroom, providing both comfort and convenience.
This kind of flexibility is particularly valuable in smaller homes or apartments, where every square foot matters. A living room can double as a guest room, or a spare bedroom can still be a functional home gym. Essentially, a Murphy bed can transform a one-room space into two, helping you maximize your living area and make it more functional.
Modern Designs and Comfort
If you have an image of a clunky, uncomfortable fold-up bed in your mind, it’s time to think again. Today’s Murphy beds are not only stylish but also designed with comfort in mind. They come in a range of sizes, from twin to queen, and can be customized with high-quality mattresses that ensure a great night’s sleep. Many modern Murphy beds also include built-in storage options like shelving, cabinets, or even desks that fold away, adding even more value and convenience.
Gone are the days when Murphy beds were just a fold-out mattress in a cheap frame. With the right investment, you can get a bed that not only folds away easily but also looks beautiful when it’s stored. This makes it a seamless addition to your home décor, rather than an eyesore.
Moreover, some high-end Murphy beds are designed with piston or spring mechanisms that make them easy to fold up and down. These systems are built to last, so you’re not wrestling with the bed every time you need to use it. Many also feature soft-close mechanisms, ensuring that the bed moves silently into place.
The Financial Savings of Multi-Use Spaces
While increasing the home’s value and saving space are major points, there’s also the immediate financial benefit of avoiding the cost of additional rooms or square footage. The price per square foot of adding more space to your home can be incredibly high, depending on your location. A Murphy bed, on the other hand, gives you more functional space without the high price tag of home renovations.
Consider the cost of converting a garage or building an addition compared to the one-time cost of installing a Murphy bed. A garage conversion can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars, whereas a high-quality Murphy bed is typically a fraction of that cost. Plus, the bed doesn’t require permits, construction time, or major disruptions to your home.
In this sense, a Murphy bed is a small investment with the potential for a large return. You’re getting the equivalent of an extra room without the costs, and that’s a win for any homeowner.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment for the Long Term
Is a Murphy bed a good investment? Absolutely. When made from high-quality materials like real wood, it’s a piece of furniture that can last a lifetime. Beyond the durability factor, a Murphy bed offers several financial and functional benefits. It can increase your home’s value by maximizing sleeping space and making single-use rooms multifunctional. It also allows you to make the most of your existing square footage, avoiding costly home renovations or additions.
In today’s world, where space is precious and flexibility is key, a Murphy bed is an investment that pays off both immediately and in the long term. Whether you’re looking to improve the functionality of your home, increase its resale value, or simply get more out of your existing space, a Murphy bed is a solution that delivers on all fronts.