Daybed vs. Murphy Bed: Which Space-Saving Solution Suits You?

Discover what sets a daybed and Murphy bed miles apart and how they can save space in your home.

Do you need a space-saving solution, but you’re torn between a daybed and a Murphy bed? These sleeping accommodations are good at maximizing space in your small apartment or guest room, but it can be confusing if you don’t know the difference between the two. You might end up buying the wrong bed, wasting your money along the way.

Daybeds and Murphy beds serve different needs and purposes. A daybed is a sleeping space and a seating area that can double as a lounge. A Murphy bed, on the other hand, is a foldable bed that disappears into the wall or a cabinet when not in use. Understanding the differences between these two sleeping options is the key to making a sound decision.

This guide provides all the answers you need, including the pros and cons of the two beds and which best suits your lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing between a daybed vs. Murphy bed depends on several factors, such as lifestyle and budget.

• Daybeds don’t need installation, and they can also function as a seating area with their simple design.

• A Murphy bed offers a more versatile approach to beds with its foldable design and support for various mattress sizes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is a Daybed?
What Is a Murphy Bed?
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Questions People Ask About Daybeds vs. Murphy Beds

What Is a Daybed?

A daybed is a piece of furniture that can be used as both seating and an extra bed. It looks like a sofa bed, designed with a bed frame, and often accommodates a twin-size mattress.

Why Get a Daybed

• A Bed and a Sofa: The daybed can be used as a sofa bed during the day and a guest bed or sleeper sofa at night.

• No Installation Needed: Daybeds don’t need to be mounted on any wall in your home. You can put the daybed anywhere you want.

• Great for Lounging: A daybed is a comfortable nook for watching TV, relaxing, or reading your favorite book.

• Cost-Effective: Daybeds are generally cheaper than wall beds, so you can buy them conveniently. They’re also practical if you’re hosting occasional guests in your home.

• Storage Options: Other daybeds have daybeds or trundle beds underneath to expand furniture and provide sleeping accommodations.

What Daybeds Can’t Give

• Floor Space: Daybeds occupy the same area every single day. Even if you move it elsewhere in your home, it still occupies the same amount of space.

• Maximum Comfort: Daybeds might not be suitable for comfortable, regular sleep since they’re small.

• Limited Design Options: A daybed combines a bed frame and a normal couch, which may not suit your home’s aesthetics.

How to Care for Your Daybed

1. Clean Regularly

Dust the metal or wooden frames and deep clean them with a mild cleaner and microfiber cloth. Vacuum all the fabric surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris.

If you see a small stain, spot-clean it with water and detergent. You should rotate the mattress every quarter to prevent uneven wear and tear. Keep the mattress clean with a mattress protector.

2. Check the Bed’s Parts

Inspect the bed for some loose parts to prevent the bed from wobbling when you use it. Tighten the screws and bolts regularly for your peace of mind. 

Take time to see if the bed’s support bars are worn and torn. If there are any signs of breakage, especially if the damage is severe, it’s best to buy a new bed.

3. Protect Against Damage

Lift the daybed when moving it across the floor and use furniture pads on its legs to prevent scratches. Keep the bed out of sunlight to keep its color from fading.

4. Refresh the Bedding

Wash your sheets, covers, and pillowcases regularly. Air out your cushions and mattress to prevent mold and bad odors from building up.

5. Handle the Bed with Care

Make sure the trundle of your daybed slides smoothly if it has one. Make sure the track is clean as well. Don’t strain the bed by overloading it with unnecessary stuff.

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What Is a Murphy Bed?

A Murphy bed, also called a cabinet bed or a wall bed, folds vertically into a cabinet, built-in frame, or a wall during your waking hours. This bed frees up a good amount of floor space, which makes it a perfect fit for studio apartments, home offices, and multi-functional rooms.

Since Murphy beds fold away whenever you don’t use them, you can use the extra space for your chores and daily activities.

Murphy Bed Pros

• More Mattress Options: A Murphy bed can support a full-size, queen, or king-sized mattress to give you better comfort when sleeping.

• Professional Installation: If you’re unsure how to mount the bed, you can call for professional installers to do it for you.

• Custom-Built: Some Murphy beds have shelving, a fold-out desk, or built-in storage for better functionality.

Murphy Bed Cons

• Not for Renters: If you’re just renting your place, you may not fully benefit from buying a Murphy bed. It needs to be installed, and you have to dismantle it or let it remain there once you leave.

• More Expensive: A Murphy bed usually costs more since it has a folding mechanism and a customized bed frame.

• No Seating: Murphy beds are usually bedroom fixtures that can be pulled up and down. Sometimes they can also be turned into sofas to provide a seating area.

Murphy Bed Care Tips

Caring for your Murphy bed is roughly the same as the day bed. Follow these tips to keep it in top condition and make sure you can use it for a long time:

1. Clean and Dust the Bed

• Remove dust and grime on the bed frame with a damp rag.

• Vacuum the mattress to free it from dust mites, and allergens.

• Use appropriate cleaners to clean the bed’s wooden and metal parts. To prevent mold growth, don’t let moisture linger too long, especially on the wooden parts.

2. Inspect and Tighten Hardware

Screws and bolts loosen with the bed’s repeated use. Check the bed’s hardware to ensure it’s still stable. Tighten loose connections using a screwdriver or a wrench. Apply a silicone-based lubricant on the moving parts so they can function properly.

3. Open and Close the Bed Properly

When using the bed, lower it gently instead of letting it drop. When you want to close the bed, make sure it fits back to its original position. Check if the bed is neatly arranged so the fabric won’t get caught in the hinges.

Putting the bed in the proper position won’t interfere with the closing mechanism, making the bed last longer.

4. Rotate and Maintain the Mattress

Rotate the mattress every quarter or half of the year to distribute the wear evenly. Put a mattress protector over it to prevent stains and dust from accumulating.

You should also vacuum the mattress regularly and check for lumps or sagging to determine if it needs to be replaced.

5. Avoid Overloading the Bed

Murphy beds can only support a specific weight. Excessing this limit can strain the bed frame and the lifting mechanism.

Check the manufacturer’s weight recommendation before you buy a mattress or put items on the bed. Don’t put heavy objects on top of the closed Murphy bed—you’ll strain the bed.

6. Keep the Mechanisms Functional

The lifting mechanism can indicate if your Murphy bed is still functioning well. To avoid any injury or unexpected expenses, you should:

• Pay attention to unusual noises when opening or closing the bed.

• Lubricate all pistons and springs.

• Replace worn-out parts to prevent more damage.

• Check the hardware when you notice stiffness or creaking.

• Inspect the mounting and frame connection if you feel the bed is unsafe to use.

• Contact the manufacturer for repairs if you see a broken or worn-out part in the bed.

7. Protect the Bed from Damage

Don’t slam the bed shut when you close it to prevent the hinges and locks from malfunctioning. Make sure the bed’s surrounding area is clear from obstructions. Lastly, use sheets and bedding that snugly fit with the mattress to prevent it from shifting and bunching every time you use it.

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The ultimate choice of buying a daybed or a Murphy bed depends on your comfort, lifestyle, and space. If you want sleeping and seating options in one, a daybed is best for your bedroom. If you want to utilize the available space in your home while sleeping comfortably, getting a Murphy bed is the way to go. 

Both can fit in small spaces, but consider your budget, daily use, and available space before getting the bed you want. If a Murphy bed is on top of your mind, explore our durable and sleek designs here!

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FAQs About Daybeds vs. Murphy Beds

Is a daybed or a Murphy bed better for a home office/guest room combo?

A Murphy bed is much better if you have a home office and a guest room combo. When you fold it up, it makes your space clutter-free. Some of these beds have built-in storage where you can store your essentials and maximize space at the same time.

Which bed is more comfortable for daily sleeping?

A Murphy bed is more comfortable to sleep on every day since it supports a standard mattress. A daybed is just like a regular bed but smaller.

Are daybeds comfortable for adults?

Daybeds are comfortable for lounging for a short period of time but not for long-term sleeping. If you’re the kind of person who needs more space when sleeping, a Murphy bed would better suit your needs.

Do Murphy beds need professional installation?

Some Murphy beds can be installed by yourself, especially if they have pre-assembled parts or freestanding designs. However, to ensure your safety, you’ll need a professional installer if you decide to get a wall-mounted Murphy bed.

Which one is more durable?

Murphy beds are typically more durable because they have standard bed frames and mattresses. They experience less wear and tear since you fold them up by day. Daybeds can wear out more quickly because they can’t be folded in any way.