Why a Murphy Bed is a Cost-Effective Choice in New Orleans

Rob Dunn • Apr 27, 2020

As a result of the ever-increasing house prices, people are turning to smaller, more affordable homes to help them manage their costs. Not too long ago, New Orleans was ranked as the 17th most expensive city to live in the United States, with the average rent price for a two-bedroom unit at $1,600. When you consider the minimum wage is $7.25, it’s no wonder there is a rising trend in clever bedroom storage hacks, such as getting a murphy bed installed.

But how much does a Murphy bed cost? On average, a Murphy bed will cost around $3,000. For this price, you can expect a double-sized bed made from hardwood, complete with shelves and a piston mechanical system. However, costs vary depending on the size of the bed, the materials, and whether you pay for installation or do it yourself.

However, there are a few things that you should first consider before you go ahead and purchase your first Murphy bed. In this article, we will discuss how you can lower the cost of installing a Murphy bed to suit your particular budget, as well as some handy hints and tips that could save you some extra cash on your purchase. Let’s get into it.

How much does a Murphy Bed Cost?

First of all, for those of you who are unfamiliar with what a Murphy bed actually is, let me quickly explain.

A Murphy bed, or a wall-bed, is a bed that is hinged on its edges, usually with a spring or piston mechanical system, allowing it to be folded vertically up against the wall. Remember the scene from Who Framed Roger Rabbit where Bob Hoskins pulled a bed down from his filing cabinets? Yep, that was a Murphy bed.

Purchasing a Murphy bed is very similar to buying a regular bed. The same considerations of size, and material need to be taken into account, which will, of course, affect the cost.

Size

The size of your Murphy bed will depend on its purpose and the area it will occupy. Smaller beds will obviously be cheaper, so if you want to save some money, opt for a double rather than a king or queen.

Materials

There are lots of options when it comes to choosing the material of your murphy bed. Which one you opt for will come down to a balancing act between your budget, and the overall appearance of the bed, and the complexity of the design.

Woods such as particleboard or Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) are cheaper and therefore, reduce the overall costs. The cabinets can be made out of these materials to hide the metal bed frame and make it more aesthetically pleasing. If you are on a tight budget, these may be a good option, but bear in mind they are not as durable as the more expensive alternatives.

The stress placed on the wood may result in breakages in a shorter period of time, which would mean spending more money to get the bed replaced. If you have the option to invest in better quality wood, you will save yourself money in the long run. As the old saying goes, “you buy cheap, you buy twice.”

Hardwoods and plywood encased in veneer are much more durable. Therefore, they are longer-lasting. Most people will also agree that they have a nicer finish and look more elegant, which is a win-win.

If you have the option to invest in better quality wood, you may find that you can save yourself money in the long term.

Installation

While it is possible to install a Murphy bed yourself, it can be hazardous if the bed is not installed correctly. Unless you are certain of your DIY skills, it is recommended to get the bed installed by a professional to ensure it is done properly and is safe to use.

Manufacturers often recommend professional installation to make sure that the bed is leveled and secured properly, which will help to avoid sagging and breakages over time. Many retailers will provide the installation as part of the cost, or at least give you the option to purchase it.

If purchasing a DIY kit, a handyman should be able to help you install the bed for around $100-$200 depending on its complexity and their experience.

Mattress Choice

A regular mattress can be used on a Murphy bed, as the mattress does not need to be folded. Most of the beds will come with a mattress included but they aren’t always the best quality. Don’t be afraid to try them out at the store.

Good quality mattresses are less likely to sag over time while being held in the upright position. They also tend to be much more comfortable. Just like regular beds, the mattress on a Murphy bed needs replacing once every 8-10 years.

Additional Extras

The great thing about Murphy beds is that they are extremely customizable. You can get all kinds of neat things added to the bed, to make the area multifunctional and fit for other purposes. Use this as an extra storage space, a makeshift office, or an area for some nice decorations. Here are the costs of some of the most common extras:

Shelves: To increase storage space, many people choose to get shelves fitted on either side of the bed. They may also enhance the appearance of the cabinets. The cost and installation of shelving is usually around $500, but can be much cheaper if you are able to construct them yourself.

Sofas: Pull out sofas underneath the bed are a great option when a bedroom needs to double up as a living room. Some manufacturers now include this as an option and are likely to increase the cost by around $750 -$900.

How Does a Murphy Bed Save You Money?

The average wall-bed will last around 15 years. This figure, however, is dependent on a few factors:

Firstly, the quality of the bed. Better quality beds are likely to be more durable and therefore last longer.
Correct installation. Beds that are installed correctly and re-tensioned when necessary will last longer than beds that are not.
How frequently the bed is being used and folded away. Wall-beds that are used only for occasional family visits will last much longer than those that are used and folded away every day.

Things to Consider

Murphy beds take up much less space than other space-saving alternatives, such as sofa beds or bunk beds.
The fact that a Murphy bed uses a proper mattress makes it much more comfortable than the sofa bed alternative.
For rooms without the appropriate ceiling height, wall-beds can also be installed horizontally.
If you are planning on moving house, a Murphy bed may be harder to relocate due to it being built into the wall.
Some Murphy beds don’t need to be attached to the wall. Free-standing Murphy bed desks are an alternative option where the desk legs provide a counter-balance. However, these take up more space.
When installed correctly, a wall-bed should be able to hold between 1500-2000 pounds. Please check the manual for your particular bed.

Final Word

Murphy beds are a great way to make the most out of limited space in your apartment, allowing you to use the same area for multiple functions. Plus, when they are done right they can look pretty awesome in just about any household. Who wouldn’t love a secret hidden bed?

We hope by now you have gotten all the information you need on Murphy beds, as well as a few handy hints and tips on how to save yourself some extra cash.

Thanks for reading!

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