Murphy beds are a great way to save space in a bedroom.
They can also turn any room into a guest room.
Are Murphy beds dangerous?
Murphy beds are safe when used correctly. They won’t fold up against the wall while you’re on them. If the frame is properly mounted to the wall, it won’t fold down unexpectedly.
Like anything, if not installed or used correctly, it could be dangerous. Even a regular bed can be unsafe if not handled properly.
If you’re worried about the safety of your Murphy bed, don’t be scared! Here’s all you need to know about how safe Murphy beds are.
Why might Murphy beds be dangerous?
A Murphy bed is a type of bed that folds up into the wall when you don’t need it. This gives you more room on the floor when you are not sleeping.
Murphy beds are a smart choice not only for tiny houses but also for small apartments. They cost about the same as regular bed frames, which makes them a great option.
However, like most things, Murphy beds can be tricky if not used correctly.
In movies and TV shows, Murphy beds are often shown in funny scenes where people get trapped under them or get folded up into the wall.
But is this common?
Murphy beds became popular in the 1950s and are making a big comeback. This is because more people want to live in smaller homes, either to save money or to be more environmentally friendly. While Murphy beds are a good choice, some people still worry about their safety.
So, why might Murphy beds be seen as dangerous? It’s simple—they might not be used the right way.
What are the common dangers with Murphy beds?
Like many things, Murphy beds have some dangers, but you can avoid them easily. Murphy beds have special parts and lifts that you need to know about.
So, what are these dangers? And how can you stay safe from injury? Here’s what you need to know to use your Murphy bed safely:
Pinch points
The biggest danger with a Murphy bed is the pinch points. These are the hinges at the bends of the bed and the ones connecting the bed frame to the wall. The bed folds up against the wall using these hinges.
These hinges can bend and lock to keep the bed secure against the wall. But if you’re not careful, they can pinch your fingers. This can be very painful and even more dangerous if the hinge locks with your finger inside.
While most adults are careful not to get their fingers caught, children might not always remember to be careful.
How to avoid getting pinched
Small fingers and toes can get trapped in a Murphy bed, causing painful pinches or even cuts. So, how can you keep everyone safe? Make sure children are away from the bed when you’re lowering or folding it up.
To protect yourself, just pay attention to where your hands are when you use the Murphy bed. Remember, Murphy beds aren’t generally dangerous. Like anything with hinges, such as cabinets and doors, the main risk is from not using them carefully. Most accidents happen because of mistakes when using them.
The dangers of Murphy beds falling down
People often worry about a Murphy bed falling on them. This type of bed is designed to lift and lower, so there’s a small risk because of its weight.
Even though Murphy bed frames are lighter than traditional beds, it could still hurt if one falls on your head.
But, don’t worry—there are safety features to prevent this.
Murphy beds have improved a lot since they were first created. Now, they don’t just fall down suddenly. Thanks to special hinges and hydraulics, the bed lowers slowly and smoothly from the wall.
The real danger is in the speed, not the weight. Since the bed doesn’t drop quickly, it’s very unlikely you’ll get hurt.
Still, it’s a good idea to make sure the area is clear before you pull the bed down. The impact might be less severe on adults, but it’s harder on children. While it’s rare for the bed to fall, taking extra precautions is always smart to stay safe.
The dangers of Murphy beds detaching from the wall
Another worry people have with Murphy beds is that they might detach from the wall. This can happen if the bed’s joints and hinges are under too much strain. It’s important to remember the weight limit of the bed.
The weight limit depends on the size of the bed frame. Murphy beds range from twin size to queen size.
The larger the bed, the more weight it can handle. While the beds are fine for one person, having two people on them is different.
To keep the bed secure on the wall, choose the right size for your needs. If the bed is for you and your partner, pick the larger size. Also, make sure the bed is attached to a wall that can support its weight.
You need to attach the bed frame to a wall that has structural support, like a weight-bearing wall. Attaching it to a weak wall could be dangerous and might damage the wall.
You can use a stud finder to find the right spot on the wall. If you’re still unsure, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to install the bed.
Murphy bed myths
Murphy Beds have many myths about them. Like many things, there’s a lot of wrong information out there about these types of beds.
So, how do you know what’s true? Here are some of the most common myths about the safety of Murphy Beds:
1. Can you get trapped inside the bed?
Remember those old silent films where someone hides by folding themselves up into a wall bed? Unlike in the movies, it’s nearly impossible to get trapped inside a Murphy Bed.
This is because the bed uses advanced hydraulics. The bed won’t lift up if there’s too much weight on it, like the weight of a person.
Also, once the bed is up against the wall, there’s very little space between the bed and the wall. The bed is designed to fit snugly against the wall without any gaps.
In simple terms, there’s no room for you in the bed once it’s lifted. So, you can’t get trapped between the bed and the wall. This common fear is just a myth!
2. Does the bed fold up randomly?
You control when your Murphy Bed folds up.
When you are on the bed, it will be too heavy to lift up, so you won’t accidentally be folded into the bed.
If your Murphy Bed is installed correctly, there should be no worry about the bed folding up by itself. But how can you tell if your bed is installed right? One important thing to check is how the bed sits on the ground.
When the bed is down, the base of the bed legs should touch the floor. If there’s a gap, your frame might be too high. To prevent this, make sure to measure both the bed frame and the wall before installing.
The Murphy Bed frame comes with instructions on how high to install it.
While the bed won’t fold up on its own, if it’s not at the right height, it can strain the bed and the frame attached to the wall. To install the frame properly, measure everything carefully!
Conclusion
Even though there’s a lot to learn, a Murphy Bed is just a bed at the end of the day. Yes, it moves and works differently, but its purpose is the same: it’s a place to rest your head.
Treat it like any other bed.
Keep the bed free of loose bedding and make sure to engage the locks when it’s not in use. The more familiar you become with your Murphy Bed, the safer you’ll be. So, are Murphy Beds dangerous? No way!
The most important thing is to install the frame properly and follow the instructions carefully. This way, your safety isn’t left to chance. Good luck!