Hey there! I’m working on something today that a lot of homeowners struggle with but rarely talk about – Murphy wall beds.
You know those cool beds that fold up into the wall? Yeah, those things can be amazing space savers but man can they be finicky sometimes.
After setting up probably hundreds of these in clients’ homes over the years, I’ve seen pretty much every issue you can imagine.
The thing about Murphy beds is they’re basically a mechanical marvel hiding in your wall. According to furniture industry data, about 65% of Murphy bed owners will experience at least one operational issue within the first three years.
That’s a pretty big number! But don’t worry – most problems have super simple fixes that won’t require calling in a professional.
How to Fix Common Issues with Murphy Wall Beds?
Alright, so Murphy beds typically have a few parts that can cause trouble. You’ve got the springs or pistons that help with lifting, the frame itself, the locking mechanism, and all the hardware that keeps everything together. Most issues happen because of regular wear and tear, improper installation, or just the bed needing some maintenance love.
Murphy Bed Won’t Stay in an Upright Position
Over time, Murphy wall beds either don’t stay up or need too much force to close. This may be due to improper installation or incorrect spring tension.
To fix this issue, you need to:
- Check the spring tension, as springs can loosen and may not keep the wall bed upright. Adjust them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Balance the mattress weight by getting a mattress that doesn’t exceed the recommended weight requirements for the Murphy bed. Thick mattresses make it difficult to close the bed properly.
- To keep the bed functioning correctly, replace worn-out parts, such as the springs and pistons, if your bed has them.
Unstable or Wobbly Murphy Bed
A wobbly Murphy bed isn’t just annoying – it can actually be dangerous. Nobody wants their bed detaching from the wall in the middle of the night! Trust me, that makes for an awkward call to your insurance company.
First step is figuring out where that wobble is coming from. Get down on your hands and knees and look at how the bed connects to the wall. About 80% of the time, the issue is that the bed cabinet has come loose from the wall studs.
You need to locate the mounting screws and make sure they’re all tight and secure. If the screws seem tight but it’s still wobbly, you might need to add additional mounting points. One thing I always tell my clients – Murphy beds should always be attached to studs, never just drywall anchors. Drywall can’t handle that kind of weight and motion.
While you’re down there checking, look at the floor too. If your bed has floor supports, they might have shifted. These need to be properly aligned and securely fastened to provide stability.
The Murphy Bed Mechanism Is Stiff or Squeaky
Nothing wakes up houseguests like the sound of metal screeching at midnight when they try to put the bed away! This is usually just a maintenance issue.
Grab yourself some lubricant – WD-40 works ok in a pinch, but I really prefer a silicone-based or white lithium grease for this job. They last longer and won’t attract as much dust. Apply it to all the moving parts of the mechanism – the pivot points, hinges, and metal-on-metal contact areas.
I had this old Victorian in Boston where we installed a Murphy bed in what used to be a formal dining room. The homeowner called me about six months later complaining about squeaking. I showed up with my trusty can of silicone spray, and we had that thing moving smooth as butter in about five minutes.
For stiffness, sometimes it’s just that the bed hasn’t been opened and closed enough. These mechanisms actually work better with regular use. If you’ve got a guest room Murphy bed that only gets used twice a year at the holidays, try to make a habit of opening and closing it monthly to keep everything moving freely.
The Bed Platform Is Improperly Aligned
This problem usually shows up as the bed not sitting flush against the cabinet when closed, or maybe one side sits higher than the other. It looks sloppy and can cause wear on your mechanism over time.
The fix here is pretty straightforward but takes a bit of patience. You need to adjust the leg levelers on the bed frame. Almost all Murphy beds have these adjustable feet that let you fine-tune how the bed sits.
When the bed is in the down position, get down and look at how the legs contact the floor. Are they all making solid contact? If not, adjust them until they do. Then check how the bed aligns when closed. You might need to go back and forth a few times to get it just right.
I was working with a family in Atlanta who had this beautiful custom Murphy bed, but every time they closed it, there was this ugly 2-inch gap on one side. Turns out the previous owners had carpeted the room and then removed the carpet, but never readjusted the legs for the height difference. Five minutes with an Allen wrench fixed the whole thing!
Safety Features Are Not Working Properly
This is one area where you don’t want to mess around. Murphy beds have safety mechanisms for a reason – these things are basically giant heavy rectangles that move up and down.
Most Murphy beds have locking mechanisms that prevent the bed from accidentally closing or opening. If these aren’t working, it’s usually because something is bent, broken, or just needs adjustment.
Check the locking pins or latches to make sure they’re engaging properly. Sometimes they just need cleaning or lubricating. If they’re damaged, contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. This isn’t something to jury-rig with duct tape and hope for the best. About 200 people a year end up in emergency rooms from furniture accidents, and you don’t want to be one of them!
The Bed Won’t Fully Close or Open
This is usually a clearance issue. Something’s in the way, folks! First check the obvious – is the mattress properly positioned? Is there anything caught in the mechanism?
If you’ve ruled out the obvious, check if your mattress has gotten thicker. This happens way more often than you’d think! Maybe you added a mattress topper, or replaced the original mattress with a thicker one. Most Murphy beds are designed for specific mattress thicknesses – usually 10-12 inches maximum.
I had a client call me in a panic because her brand-new Murphy bed wouldn’t close. She had just upgraded to one of those fancy memory foam mattresses that was 14 inches thick. The bed was designed for a 10-inch mattress max. We ended up having to exchange the mattress for a slimmer model.
The Mattress Feels Uneven or Slides
Nobody wants to feel like they’re sleeping on a hill or have their mattress sliding around when they turn over. This is usually a simple fix.
First, check if your bed platform has enough support. Some Murphy bed designs don’t provide the same level of support as a regular bed. You might need to add a piece of plywood under the mattress to create a more solid, even surface.
For sliding mattresses, most Murphy beds have a retention system – usually a strap or bar at the foot of the bed. Make sure this is properly secured. If your bed doesn’t have one, you can add non-slip matting between the platform and mattress. Works like a charm!
The Bed Frame Is Damaged or Worn Out
Over time, parts of the frame might get damaged or worn out, especially if the bed gets heavy use. The good news is that most parts can be replaced without buying a whole new unit.
Inspect the frame carefully for any cracks, breaks, or bent pieces. Hardware stores carry replacement hinges and brackets if those are the issue. For wooden components, a good carpenter can usually fabricate replacements that match your existing bed.
And hey, sometimes this is actually an opportunity for an upgrade! I worked with this couple who had damaged their 20-year-old Murphy bed, and instead of just replacing the broken parts, we took the opportunity to refinish the whole cabinet and update the style. Turned a problem into a mini-renovation!
Conclusion
Murphy beds are such clever space-savers, but like any mechanical furniture, they need occasional TLC to keep working their magic. Most of the fixes I’ve talked about today are pretty simple DIY jobs that just require a bit of patience and maybe a trip to the hardware store.
Remember, regular maintenance goes a long way. Just like you change your car’s oil, give your Murphy bed a little check-up every few months. Tighten hardware, lubricate moving parts, and check for any early signs of wear. This can prevent most of these common issues from happening in the first place.
And if you’re really stuck, don’t be afraid to call in a pro. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little money to make sure these systems are working safely and correctly. Your sleep and safety are worth it!
