A Murphy bed is a design tool and a space-saving solution. Adding one to your home office or guest room makes the space feel bigger. But don’t settle for just installing the bed in your space—style the area around it to customize your home.
Let this guide teach you the techniques for turning a simple wall bed into an inviting focal point in your room.
The Role of Modern Murphy Beds
A modern Murphy bed goes beyond the usual. Many models have built-in desks, fold-down desk options, side cabinets, or open shelving. Others have bookcases and even sofas, turning a single, small area into a multifunctional room.
Modern Murphy beds help you:
- Make the most out of your room’s square footage
- Get rid of wasted space
- Seamlessly blend sleeping and storage space
The right bed frames and built-ins help elevate style and functionality, whether you’re using the Murphy bed for guest rooms or master bedrooms.
Murphy Bed Styling Tips
1. Select the Right Style and Finish
Your Murphy bed should look like it belongs in your home. The finish, hardware, and materials of your bed can influence how the space feels for you and others.
Consider these:
- Wood paneling for texture and warmth
- Paint your walls with neutral or light tones for an airy feel
- Paint high-contrast colors on an accent wall to catch interest
You can match your custom bed frame or built-in with your existing furniture for a more cohesive interior design.
2. Maximize Functionality with Built-Ins
Adding built-ins around the Murphy bed area helps you make the most of every inch of space. Choose a bed with side cabinets and open shelves to merge storage with style. These features allow you to save space while keeping your essentials within reach.
You may want to consider these built-ins:
- A side table that folds away
- Fold-down desks for an instant home office
- Closet space for pillows, bedding, and seasonal sheets
3. Decorate to Create a Spacious Feel
The right decor makes your Murphy bed feel like it’s always meant to be in your home. You should:
- Use decorative items sparingly to avoid clutter.
- Choose light, breathable bedding to make the room feel spacious.
- Layer textures with throws, pillows, and a comfortable mattress topper.
- Decorate the walls with art or shelves.
Balance style and function so the bed looks inviting, whether folded up or pulled down.
4. Create a Multipurpose Room
Murphy beds are adaptable to any setup. They can be made into rooms with many functions while using enough floor space.
Try these ideas:
- Guest rooms with a built-in desk for remote work
- A living space with a hidden sofa for extra seating
- Double wall beds to give visitors sleeping space and maximize space when folded up
5. Use Color and Lighting to Enhance the Space
Lighting and color dramatically transform your space. Light shades are a good way to make the room seem larger. Match the bed frame’s color with your furniture to create a visual interest.
For lighting, use wall sconces for reading and improving your room’s ambiance. LED strips under the shelves give a soft glow when you turn the main lights off.
6. Be Practical
Your stylish Murphy bed still needs to be easy to use. Look for features like high-quality bed frames and hinges for smooth folding and durable finishes that won’t easily wear with time and daily use.
Buy a comfortable and supportive mattress to sleep well every night. You can also add lightweight chairs for extra room flexibility whenever you need, just to sit down and think.
7. Personalize with Decorative Touches
Personality makes your Murphy bed area feel special, not just to you but also to your guests. It reflects who you are. Adding decorative flair to your room makes it even more welcoming.
Try these ideas:
- Family photos or framed artwork above the bed for guests to look at.
- A patterned rug to divide the area between the living and the sleeping space.
- A few potted plants for a fresh and natural feel.
- Accent pillows with bold patterns to give your room a custom look.
8. Keep It Clutter-Free
Decorating around the Murphy bed doesn’t have to be messy. In fact, the bed shines the most when the area around it looks clean. This is how you can reduce wasted space and avoid clutter:
- Use storage baskets to store small items, such as accessories and office supplies you don’t use often.
- Store your beddings and pillows in the under-bed frame compartments for a cleaner look in your room.
- Limit the decorative items you want to show in your room. Display only the best ones in your shelves near the Murphy bed.
A clutter-free Murphy bed area creates a spacious, relaxing atmosphere you’d never want to leave.
Final Words
Styling around your Murphy bed blends interior design and practicality. Considering the finishes, decor, and setup helps you create a customized look that improves the room’s feel while using every inch of space.
The right design choices make your house comfortable while saving space and positioning your wall bed as the centerpiece of your home.