Murphy bed alternative, some good ideas as a substitute

Saving space and utilizing it to get more from less is the need of the hour. However, compromises cannot be made on a few things, such as beds. You need a place to sleep, which should be highly comfortable and relaxing. Yet, with the increasing density of the population and shrinking living spaces, one has to look for alternatives. Murphy beds are great when it comes to exercising compactness and space-saving (also check 10 amazing mattresses for murphy bed).

Let us scan through some of the finest substitutes for murphy beds and review why they are good.

The Need for an Alternative to a Murphy Bed

Murphy beds are most commonly hinged to a wall or other surface. While Murphy beds can be a convenient space-saving solution for small living locations, they can be quite expensive.

Additionally, murphy beds can be challenging to move and install. Sometimes people encounter limitations when they own Murphy bed. You will have limited options if you want to change it for a different sleeping experience.

Bed Alternatives to Save Space in Your Small Rooms

You can get as imaginative as you want regarding space saving. But one of the most practical ways is to use a bed alternative as beds take up a permanent place. Some great bed alternatives include futons (also check the most comfy futon mattresses), daybeds, trundle beds, and bunk beds. These beds take up less space than traditional beds and can be just as comfortable.

Storage beds come with drawers or cabinets that can easily accommodate toys, clothes, bed linen, or anything extra. This way, your mess remains stored, and the room organizes without wasting valuable space.

The murphy beds, too, have been an elegant and productive way of saving space. They look majestic and handy when folded and unfolded into an excellent bed.

However, many other bed types are great alternatives. They are:

Air Mattress

Air mattresses have served many purposes for quite some time. Besides, they are great while camping or floating mattresses in pools. However, using one as a Murphy Bed alternative is not unusual but more convenient. Air mattresses are of PVC, making them lightweight and durable (check 8 amazing air mattresses for everyday use).

The only issue that may concern you is if you own pets. Cats and dogs like to scratch various items. One deep scratch on an air mattress can be damaging for the air mattress. So, it is better to keep them away from pets and sharp objects and have a cover over them.

They are easy to clean because of the washable PVC material. PVC is resistant to mold and mildew; hence they are a safe choice. Overall the advantage of an air mattress over a regular bed is that you can easily store and transport them.

Futon Mat

A futon mat has been signifying the Japanese tradition from the beginning. You can tuck them and restore them with ease, making them a great alternative. Because they do not require a steady foundation, you can use the Futon mat as a complete bed. Its firmness can be altered by modifying the type and amount of filling. They are easy to maintain as you can hang them out to expose them to light and air when not in use.

The cover material is usually durable fabric with patterns and designs to beautify it. They are great mattresses with a firm base, which must lay flat on the floor. This can be a little concerning for those who have knee issues. Getting up from the futon mat might be painful and inconvenient. Other than that, a futon mat adds comfort and style to a room.

Loft Bed

A loft bed occupies the vertical space of your room rather than the width. It is a classic example of being both space-saving and multifunctional. The construction is eye-catching and great for most activities (check the top rated loft beds for adults).

This bed type is perfect for a kid’s room as they can have a study area beneath the bed itself. You can utilize the space any way you want, so it is appropriate for the guests too. You can place more than one loft bed in the same room because they take up the space in height. But with loft beds, you only need to be careful with kids around. A little supervision or only allowing grown kids to have the loft bed is much better.

Sofa Cum Bed

A sofa cum bed is an innovative piece of furniture that serves a dual purpose. By day, it functions as a comfortable sofa bed for seating; you can convert it into a bed at night (also check 5 amazing mattresses for sofa bed). It adjusts well and is perfect for tiny homes or apartments. They are great alternatives to Murphy beds when space is at a premium. It is ideal for overnight guests and can be just the sofa or the bed. But overall, it provides comfort for both sitting and sleeping.

Sofa cum beds don’t last very long if they are consistently used as beds. However, frequent use can make them easily sag as the same cushion is used for sitting and sleeping. This sofa is a short-term solution but a definite alternative.

Making an excellent addition to your humble home without disrupting the decor. They can be in both classic and modern styles. Some sofa cum beds even come with storage compartments or drawers. They are perfect for storing extra bedding or pillows or anything you like. No matter which element you want to use, there is a sofa cum bed out there that is perfect for you (also check the most comfy sleeper sofas).

Trundle Bed

A trundle bed is another excellent way of having two beds occupying one space (also check 8 great mattresses for trundle bed). The basic version describes a two-in-one bed as one bed stays below the other, and you can access it easily. They are a great way of managing various sleeping spaces for children or teenagers who need a single bed.

There are many sizes and types of trundle beds available on the market, so it is crucial to research and decide according to your requirements. Measure the available space, as trundle beds can be large. You want to consider the style of the bed and make sure it will match the rest of your furniture. With wide different varieties available, there has to be a size and design that will blend well with your furniture.

Thai Massage Mat

Thai massage mats are placed on floors and serve as great portable mattresses. However, Thai massage mats are usually firm, comfortable materials such as foam or latex. They are often covered with a cloth or towel. They have contours on them, which makes them highly relaxing. Since they are massage mats, they are remarkably relieving, so using one as a bed may work fine. Usually, the purpose of Thai massage mats is to support the body during the massage. However, they are ideal for sleeping when you are on the mover or considering saving space.

They may not have layers and layers of various fillings but whatever they contain is comfortable enough. But they will pose a concern for arthritis or joint pain. Sitting on the floor and trying to get up from it won’t be very pleasant. Use Thai massage mats if you need a temporary solution for a bed alternative.

Hammock Bed

A hammock bed is suspended from any two points, usually parallel and some distant apart. The points could be two posts, two trees, the ceiling, or a frame for the hammock to hang in between. They turn out to be great for relaxing in the backyard, but with durable frames, they can be easily placed indoors. A portable hammock is usually of nylon or cotton with much sturdiness.

Moreover, you can hook them onto the frames and unhook them when not in use. The structures, too, can be easily disassembled to store away. Hammock beds have a credible weight tolerance and thus become a considerable alternative to regular beds.

There is no solid support to reverse the pressure, which can have alarming consequences in the long run. It can hurt your spine, or you may have a constant backache. They have a weight limit because the hammock stand may not suit obese individuals. Though they might not pose as a permanent solution or replacement, they are a good substitute.

Hanging Bed

Hanging beds are a great way to add luxury and fun simultaneously. They are available in various styles, from traditional to modern, so you can find one that won’t mess with your room’s look. Hanging beds are great if you’re looking for a unique bedding option. Though they may be classified as decorative beds, they give you the ease of portability. They are a little on the inexpensive side of a traditional bed. You don’t need a sturdy base or foundation for it.

However, they need to be set up with much care and be able to bear the weight of the bed, plus people sleeping on it. If it hangs too high, you need extra space to set up a ladder. However, you can always utilize the area under the hanging bed when space is limited, especially in small rooms. But overall, they look decent and classy if built to endure.

Sleeping Recliner

A recliner is a piece of furniture for relaxation and convenience. It is typically used as a chair, but you can also use it as a bed. It does not lay completely flat like an actual mattress or bed but executes the job. Amazingly, people find it more comfortable than sleeping in bed.

It is a relief and supporting chair when not reclined. However, they need a little extra space when the backrest is lowered behind, and the footrest is raised. The best part is that they are available in a variety of materials.

You can purchase them in various fabrics and colors or designs or even plain leather or rexine. Some are even more decent than others, with built-in sound systems and USB charging ports. Some are so advanced that you get a whole massager station set up in the recliner. The base material is wood and metal, making it a robust and vital piece of furniture.

One benefit is that when you doze on a mattress or bed, you often curl and twist in your sleep, making digestion difficult. However, sleeping in a reclined chair means that your body is resting in a position that aids digestion.

Day Bed

A day bed is a versatile piece of furniture to sit and sleep on. These beds are typically smaller than a standard bed, making them ideal for smaller bedrooms or guest rooms. They can be an excellent option for kids’ rooms since you can use them as a sofa during the day and a bed at night (also check the best selling mattresses for daybed).

Day beds typically have a mattress the same size as a twin bed, and some come with an option of an extra pull-out mattress. This makes them similar to a trundle or a sofa cum bed, but it is just another variety. Exclusively the day bed is broad enough to be comfortable and spacious for sitting and sleeping. The size is suitable for kids and adults and brilliant for space saving.

Key Takeaways into Alternatives to Murphy Beds

Understanding the Need for Murphy Bed Alternatives

The need for space-saving solutions, especially in bedding, is highlighted by the popularity of Murphy beds. However, they can be expensive and challenging to move or install. Thus, exploring alternatives that are not only cost-effective but also convenient and easy to manage is essential.

Exploring Various Bed Alternatives

A myriad of bed alternatives exists to cater to different needs and preferences. Futons, daybeds, trundle beds, bunk beds, and storage beds are some of the practical alternatives that offer the dual benefit of comfort and space-saving. Each alternative serves a unique purpose, like storage beds providing extra storage space, or trundle beds offering additional sleeping space.

Air Mattresses and Futon Mats: The Portable Choices

Air mattresses and futon mats emerge as convenient and portable alternatives to Murphy beds. While air mattresses are known for their lightweight and durable PVC construction, futon mats reflect the simplicity and compactness of traditional Japanese bedding, making them easy to store and maintain.

Loft Beds and Sofa Cum Beds: Utilizing Vertical Space

Loft beds and sofa cum beds are innovative solutions that utilize vertical space efficiently. Loft beds provide a multifunctional space beneath the bed, suitable for study or storage, while sofa cum beds transition seamlessly from a seating area to a sleeping space, ideal for small apartments or guest rooms.

Trundle Beds and Thai Massage Mats: The Compact Solutions

Trundle beds and Thai massage mats offer compact solutions for space-constrained rooms. Trundle beds provide an extra bed tucked underneath, and Thai massage mats, although firm, can serve as portable mattresses that are easy to store away.

Hammock Beds and Hanging Beds: The Suspended Alternatives

Hammock beds and hanging beds bring in a fun and luxurious aspect to bedding alternatives. They can be easily set up indoors or outdoors, providing a unique sleeping experience. However, the setup needs to be robust to ensure safety and durability.

Sleeping Recliners and Day Beds: The Dual-Purpose Alternatives

Sleeping recliners and day beds serve dual purposes, offering seating solutions by day and comfortable sleeping options by night. They come in various designs and materials to match the decor and space requirements.

Conclusion

Murphy beds are not all lost but have exceeded the luxurious side. They had started as a space-saving setup but have revamped their purpose. There are tons of more alternatives that have taken over. With increasing population and inflation, living space is scarce. This pushes people to look for other options, even if it is for sleeping.

Luckily some of them are much better Murphy bed alternatives than others. They provide the comfort of a bed and the convenience of a handy space.