Imagine the freedom of cutting ties from an overbearing mortgage payment while enjoying the added benefits of having more free time. This is the appeal of the growing tiny house movement. Perennial home design inspiration go-to's like HGTV and its sister channel, the DIY Network, have given viewers peeks inside masterfully designed tiny homes that are every bit as chic as their McMansion counterparts.
More than an aesthetic, tiny house living is a philosophy. So, what are tiny houses? What is the tiny house movement? Why do people choose tiny homes, and what does tiny living mean? As the pros at The Tiny Life blog explain, it is a social movement.
“People are choosing to downsize their space, simplify, and live with less. People are embracing the tiny life philosophy and the freedom accompanying the tiny house lifestyle. The tiny house movement is about more than simply living in a small space (although a small house is certainly part of it).”
Tiny homes are all about optimization—the concept of making a lot out of a little. According to The Tiny Life, the typical American house is around 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical small or tiny house ranges between 100 and 400 square feet. Tiny homes are all about creating a simple, more efficient living space.
Since William Lawrence Murphy came up with the idea for the fold-out wall bed around 1900 in San Francisco, his eponymously named invention has become synonymous with space-saving. Murphy bed technology has improved vastly since its invention over a century ago. They are stylish and take the concept of multifunctional rooms to new heights.
This is why so many people living the tiny house lifestyle opt for installing Murphy beds. Like the homes themselves, the wall beds exemplify innovative design. These tiny homeowners undoubtedly have an eye for creativity and have dreamt up some of the most clever and design-forward ways to install wall beds. Here are some of the best examples of Murphy beds in Tiny Homes.
Small Space Murphy Bed Ideas
Small spaces, like studio apartments, have limited square footage. A Murphy bed can save space and create an instant guest room for your visitors. Unlike a traditional bed, a Murphy bed can be folded up against a wall when not in use, allowing you to use the floor space as a dining space.
If you need ideas on creating a functional space with your Murphy bed, here are some excellent ideas:
- Vertical Murphy bed: Use your wall’s vertical space to fold the bed upright on the wall. Your sleeping space can be a twin or queen size bed.
- Side Murphy Bed: These beds are positioned horizontally on the wall.
- Murphy Bed with Sofa: These units are perfect for creating a comfortable space to work and lounge in home offices and apartments. It could also work as a guest bed without the bed frame.
- Murphy Storage Bed: Look for Murphy cabinet beds with built-in shelving so you can have storage space for some of your stuff.
Find a Murphy bed that meets your specifications and budget and folds easily on the wall when unused.
Cornerstone Tiny Home
When it comes to maximizing a floor plan, the folks at Cornerstone Tiny Home have it covered. This model features a downstairs bedroom, complete with a Murphy bed, which folds up to leave space for a table. The size of the bathroom is a shocker considering the dimensions. The experts at GoDownSize went inside for a tour in this YouTube video.
Seabrook Tiny House
(Credit: Handcrafted Movement)
This 28-foot Seabrook Tiny House on Wheels by Handcrafted Movement featured on Tiny House Talk, has a Murphy bed that pulls serious double duty. The downstairs Murphy bed folds up unveiling a fold-out dining table, talk about clever space-saving!
5th Wheel Tiny House
This 10-minute Tiny Home Tour video will blow your mind. These homeowners are all about making well-defined luxury a sticking point throughout their small space. The home features a queen-size Murphy bed that, when folded up, doubles as a built-in TV unit with closet storage flanking on either side.
Van Conversion
Tiny House Giant Journey is a wealth of tiny home design-inspo. Founded by tiny home builder, Jenna aka “Tiny House Girl” in 2013, the blog and website showcase the very best in tiny home architecture and decor. In this video tour, Jenna takes viewers inside a stunningly redone van that features a masterfully concealed — and incredibly comfy looking — Murphy bed set up.
Australian Tiny House
Another gem featured on Tiny House Talk, is this show-stopping model on wheels. Proving that the tiny house movement is universal, this 21-foot unit is located in Australia. Dubbed “The Beach Shack” model, this tiny home features a fold-up Murphy bed and even has a built-in outdoor space that travels with the movable home.
Berkeley Tiny House
Quaint and cozy, this 200-square-foot tiny home boasts two-bedrooms and one-bath. Featured on Living In A Tiny House, the homeowners made the most of the space by using a Murphy bed.
The Highland Home
(Credit: Incredible Tiny Homes)
The Highland Home by Incredible Tiny Home is a rustic-chic oasis. Featuring a thatch roof system, cedar shakes and board and batten, it has all the intricate architectural elements you’d see in a home triple its size. The unit comes equipped with a queen-size Murphy bed, plus a loft area that can be used as a second bedroom or for storage.
Murphy beds are an amazing solution for making a lot out of a little. That goes for masterfully designed tiny homes like these examples, and for traditional homes. Whether you live in a 500-square-foot tiny home or a 5,000-square-foot mansion, Murphy beds are an eye-catching feature that makes any space multifunctional.
Related: How-To Create The Perfect Guest Room For Your Overnight Visitors
