!#8# Murphy Bed Desk - What Is It and How Do You Use It?

I first saw a Murphy bed desk while traveling in Europe.

Some friends that I have in Poland invited me to their home, and I saw the desk but didn't even realize there was a bed behind it!

A Murphy Bed Desk Makes Double Use of Available Space

The primary use for a Murphy bed desk is to use the available space for both a desk and a bed.

In Europe, space is particularly limited. Apartments can be quite small, and making full use of the available space is why Ikea has become so popular. Ikea offers items that are space-efficient as well as practical.

My friends in Poland, for example, live in a one-room flat. There is a small kitchen cooking area, the bathroom, and a living area that doubles as study, bedroom, dining area and parlor. Since space is limited, everything in the apartment must serve a useful purpose.

Hence the need for a bed and desk combination.

What Does a Murphy Bed Desk Look Like?

The desk looks like a typical study area attached to a large cabinet/bookcase. The cabinet houses the queen-sized bed. When it's time for sleep, the desk pivots down from the cabinet and the cabinet wall comes down, revealing the mattress.

Best of all, with many Murphy bed desks, you don't have to remove all the items on the desk - the desk simply rotates down out of the way under the bed so that everything on the desk stays in place.

It's ingenious! When the bed is folded up into the cabinet, no one would ever know that it's there.

The hidden bed and desk idea is great for avoiding that awkward "I'm entertaining in my bedroom" atmosphere.

Does a Murphy Bed Desk Require a Carpenter to Install?

No, not at all. If you or a friend is handy with simple tools, then you can install your hidden bed/desk unit.

Typically the bed mounts to the floor and the cabinet to the wall, so if you can drill a few holes and follow simple directions, you'll be able to install your bed and cabinet yourself.

What Does a Murphy Bed Desk Cost?

You can buy the complete bed and desk combination for as little as 00 and as much as 00 or even more.

It depends upon what you want for your bed and desk unit.

For example, if you're fairly handy and want to make your own cabinet and desk, then the folding wall bed hardware runs about 0. The hardware is just the equipment to mount the mattress and have it fold up against the wall.

If you'd like to find a bed and desk combination that is ready to install against your wall, then of course, prices will be more. I've been able to find several very nice-looking units for a little more than 00, ready to install and add your own mattress.

Of course, if you want a cabinet that is custom-made or complex, then you can expect to pay more.

You can find a Murphy bed desk in any size, from twin to full, queen or king, and they can fold out from the wall either vertically or horizontally, as you choose.