Dreamed of designing your new room through high tech 3D modeling software? Well now you can do it without any previous experience or technical training thanks to Google. Yet another fine product acquisition rebrand and marketing, Google offers a free downloadable package called Sketchup that allows you to design your home – among other things.
And don’t forget the Murphy Bed add-on – a free pre-drawn model of a pretty darn cool-looking setup.
The perfect murphy bed mechanism for do-it-yourselfers. Features a state-of-the-art piston lift system and now includes a step-by-step instructional DVD!
The trend in Murphy Beds is rising due to the need for:
Introducing the bunk bed Murphy Bed – should they call it the Olsen Bed?
How cool is that? Now you can fold up both kids…. I mean beds to make room for more toys 
Remember in Ghost Busters when a spell-casted Sigourney Weaver rises to the occassion while getting intimate with filmstar, Bill Murray? Well if that scene did it for you, the elevator bed by FlyingBeds.com might as well get the attention of your bedmate(s) as the remote-controlled electric motorized bed rises and falls from the ceiling. Wind machine, lightning, and spooky music sold separately.
Inova claims to be America’s leading Innovator of wallbed design – sure, it’s a big claim, but the beds may speak for themselves. Beneath the exquisite designs lies a company that does more than just sell beds. Inova offers solutions for both commercial and residential projects, so whether you are a homeowner looking to create innovative multi-use space, or a real estate developer looking for architectural innovation to give you an edge in competitive markets, they may have the product and the people for you.
Those European designers have done it again with an award-winning wall bed design that carefully integrates entertaining spaces with guest sleep space.
Other great designs to inspire upon:
Small Budgets for Small Spaces
Budget-minded yet crafty folks may want to look into the plans for the Moddi Bed – a wall bed you can build for under $275.
Do you want to get bold and build your own Murphy-style wall bed? Murphy offers genuine Murphy Bed hardware kits to give you the necessary tools to build one-of-a-kind integrated beds for you home. For the skilled carpenter or the mere weekend warrior, the kit can be purchased for under $500, and gives the most flexibility in finishes, configurations, and applications.
Another great option is piston-based mechanism, and an instructional DVD that helps to guide you through a step-by-step plan. The mechanism is slightly different than the genuine Murphy Bed hardware, and is also patented for its unique design.
Yay! Thanksgiving went well, the turkey wasn’t overcooked, the cranberry sauce kept its canned-like appearance and the wine selection blended perfectly. But if we could do it again, your in-laws need more than your stained futon that hit its prime back in grad school. It’s time to do your homework and find a better solution for sleeping additional guests in your home office.
Having personally shopped for several wallbeds for my condos and houses, I’ve gone through many options, configurations, and have set various goals for each sleeping investment.
A wallbed can provide multi-functional space in your home, and still remain tasteful. Wallbeds come in various flavors and finishes.
Finishes and Construction
Lower-end beds are constructed of particle board and use a veneer surface layer to mimic the effect of solid wood. Higher-end beds are made from solid wood, and are hand-finished with stain and a gloss or matte clear coat poly.
Configurations
Beds can use mechanisms that fold the bed out length-wise or width-wise. A bed that folds out width-wise if a bigger space saver, however the drawbacks are that the guests may end up in an awkward position or in the case of 2 guests, one of them will be trapped against a wall.
Beds can be integrated within a wall cabinet, a closet, a hutch/chest, and even a desk. They can be accompanied by shelving, drawers and lighting. Some options include a slide out night stand, and lower drawer storage. When not being used for sleep, they can double as desks, chalkboards, whiteboards, bulletin boards, or simply vanish until the next Thanksgiving.
The traditional way Murphy Beds were installed back in the day was to take a closet and convert it to a foldout bed, but these days you can add at bed to any wall.
Bed sizes can range from single and dual twins to queen and even king. Mattresses can be ordered to fit basic sizes, pillowtops, and memory foam.
Feet for Your Bed
When your bed folds out, there are a few ways that the bed frame will rest on the floor. One way is a metal bracket that swings out from behind the bed, and the second is a foot that swings out from the front of the panel that you see when the bed is folded up.
Ordering
You can order a wallbed in various ways:
Installation
Most of the wallbeds you will find are free-standing, and will only require a few lag bolts or screws that secure the bed to your wall so it doesn’t tip over when opening the bed, or fall over during earthquakes (for residents in those respective areas.)
Some beds integrate into custom cabinetry, such as a California Closets installation, so the procedure will be customized.
And some beds don’t require any mounting to walls.
Minor Things to Consider
Portability – I once have a room redone with wrap-around custom cabinets to maximize storage, which included a wallbed. When I moved, I realized the bed wasn’t going to be portable, and I could not easily use it in my new house. If I were to rip it out, it would’ve left a gaping void in the area where it was installed. In the next home, I had one installed with only 3 screws so I could move it to the next home.
That about wraps it up, so you should be well in over your head with things to think about
Debating on what to do with your extra bedroom? Should it be an office or a guestroom? Modern furniture utilize the latest cleverness in design to allow you to accomodate both your necessary digital life, along with hosting a guest. Small apartments and studio can greatly benefit from this innovative design, marketed by a companies as the Hidden Bed.
I checked one out at WallBeds ‘n’ More in Danville, CA, and was surprised impressed how the cords and things don’t need to be unplugged at all. You can leave everything running, even drinks and things are protected and undisturbed.
Desk Beds can save space and offer multi-use.