In urban living environments where space comes at a premium, the quest for furniture that maximizes storage capacity without sacrificing style and floor space has become increasingly important. Small spaces present the challenge of maintaining a comfortable sleeping area while still having usable space during waking hours.
Fortunately, we have innovative, space-saving bed solutions: the classic Murphy bed and the more comprehensive pier wall bed system. Both offer the ability to reclaim some of your floor space, but they differ significantly in design, functionality, and storage capacity. This guide will help you understand the key differences between these two popular options and determine which might be right for your needs.
What is a Murphy Bed?
The Murphy bed (also known as a wall bed, pull-down bed, or fold-down bed) was invented by William Lawrence Murphy around 1900. The original design was simple yet revolutionary—a bed that could be folded up vertically into a cabinet or wall when not in use.
Traditional Murphy beds consist of a mattress platform that pivots on one end, allowing it to be stored vertically against a wall or inside a closet. The mechanism typically includes springs or pistons that assist with the lifting and lowering, making it manageable for most adults to operate.
Benefits of Murphy Beds:
- Free up floor space when the bed is stowed away
- Relatively simple design
- Can be installed in various rooms
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited or no built-in storage (especially in the wall space taken by the raised bed)
- May require wall mounting for stability
- Often look like standalone pieces rather than integrated furniture
- Fewer customization options
What is a Pier Wall Bed?
A pier wall bed integrates a significant amount of storage space in the typically unused wall space above and around your bed. Rather than a bed that folds away, a pier wall bed is part of a complete wall unit that typically includes cabinets, shelves, wardrobes, or other storage components on either side of the bed (the "piers").
These systems are designed to maximize floor space and overall room functionality.
Key Features of Pier Wall Beds:
- Integrated storage components above and beside the bed
- No need for additional nightstands
- Perfect for a room with limited or no closet space
- Customizable configurations to suit specific needs
- Cohesive furniture look that blends with room decor
- Multifunctional use of wall space
Key Differences: Head-to-Head Comparison
Storage Capacity
Murphy Bed: Traditional Murphy beds focus primarily on the bed itself with minimal or no built-in storage. Some modern versions might include small shelves or cabinets, but storage is not the central feature.
Pier Wall Bed: Storage is a fundamental component of pier wall bed systems. The side piers can include wardrobes, drawers, shelves, and specialized storage areas for clothing, books, or media. The headboard can be mirrored, offering the illusion of extra space. The pier wall bridge above the headboard can contain extra cabinets for even more storage. It may include side tables built into the unit, eliminating the need for nightstands. This integrated approach means you're not just saving floor space—you're gaining substantial storage that might otherwise require additional furniture pieces.
Space Efficiency
Murphy Bed: While Murphy beds excel at freeing up floor space when not in use, they don't necessarily maximize the use of wall space. They solve one problem (the bed taking up floor space) without addressing other storage needs.
Pier Wall Bed: These systems make efficient use of both vertical and horizontal space. They eliminate the need for separate dressers, wardrobes, or bookshelves—effectively reducing the overall furniture footprint in your room.
Aesthetic Integration
Murphy Bed: Standard Murphy beds, while functional, can sometimes appear as obvious fold-away beds rather than integrated parts of your decor.
Pier Wall Bed: These systems are designed to look like cohesive, built-in furniture. With customizable finishes, hardware, and configurations, pier wall beds can be tailored to match any interior design style.
Installation Requirements
Murphy Bed: Traditional Murphy beds need to be securely anchored to wall studs to prevent tipping. Installation can range from relatively simple for basic models to more complex for units with additional features.
Pier Wall Bed: Pier wall beds don't require wall anchoring. It's still recommended to let experts like Contempo Space take care of the setup.
Durability and Longevity
Murphy Bed: Traditional Murphy beds rely on mechanical components like springs, pistons, and hinges to raise and lower a substantial weight. Over time, these moving parts can experience wear and may require maintenance or replacement. The frequency of use directly impacts how quickly these mechanisms might deteriorate.
Pier Wall Bed: The pier wall beds at Contempo Space are engineered differently, prioritizing durability and longevity. Built to order with precision craftsmanship, these systems minimize potential failure points. The solid construction and quality materials contribute to a product that, with proper care, can be a long-term investment in your home. Rather than focusing on complex mechanisms, these systems prioritize structural integrity and timeless functionality.
Who Should Choose a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed might be the right choice if:
- Your floor space is too small to utilize without the bed being raised
- You have limited wall space available for a larger unit
- You already have separate storage solutions and just need a space-saving bed
- You're looking for a temporary or occasional sleeping solution
Murphy beds work well in guest rooms, studio apartments, or small bedrooms where floor space is needed for other activities. Just remember your storage requirements, as you can easily wind up using that floor space on additional furniture that a pier wall might have eliminated any need for.
Who Should Choose a Pier Wall Bed?
A pier wall bed system would be ideal if:
- You want to maximize both sleeping space and storage in one comprehensive solution
- You're looking for a long-term investment in quality furniture
- Aesthetic integration with your decor is important
- You have specific storage needs that would benefit from customization
- You want a solution that looks like intentional built-in furniture rather than a concealed bed
Pier wall beds shine in primary bedrooms, multi-purpose spaces, home offices that double as guest rooms, and situations where storage is at a premium. They're particularly valuable in urban apartments and condos where every inch counts.
Customization Options
One of the most significant advantages of choosing a custom pier wall bed system is the level of personalization available. With our customizable pieces, you can select:
- Materials and Finishes: We offer matte, wood grain, glossy, mirrored, and colored glass options. The combinations possible are endless
- Configuration: Determining the size and layout of shelves, cabinets, and drawers
- Hardware: Selecting handles, pulls, and other details that match your style
- Lighting: Integrated lighting options to highlight displays or provide functional illumination
- Size Customization: Ensuring the perfect fit for your specific space and mattress requirements
BUTTON: Browse our Available Finishes and Handles
Modularity: The Contempo Space Advantage
A standout feature of Contempo Space's pier wall bed systems is their exceptional modularity—offering flexibility that standard Murphy beds simply can't match. This modular design creates nearly endless possibilities for customizing your space:
- More Vertical Storage Solutions: Pier wall units can be extended with storage toppers above the bridge, adding substantial vertical storage without increasing the footprint.
- Seamless Integration with Our Alta Wardrobe Collection: Contempo Space's pier wall beds are designed to work perfectly with pieces from our Alta wardrobe collection. You can place additional wardrobes or storage units alongside your pier wall bed to create a cohesive wall of storage that looks like a single, custom-built unit.
- Mix-and-Match Components: Choose different storage configurations for each pier—perhaps drawers on one side and shelving on the other—to create a personalized solution that addresses your specific needs.
- Adaptable Over Time: As your needs change, your furniture can evolve too. Additional components can be added later to expand your storage capacity without replacing the entire unit.
- Custom Corner Solutions: Create L-shaped configurations that maximize awkward corner spaces with specialized corner units that maintain the cohesive look.
This modular approach means your pier wall bed isn't just a single piece of furniture—it's the foundation of a comprehensive storage system that can grow and adapt with your needs. Whether you're furnishing a compact studio apartment or a spacious master bedroom, the modularity of Contempo Space's designs ensures a perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.
Combine a Pier Wall Headboard with a Storage Topper or an Alta Wardrobe:
Making Your Decision: Questions to Consider
When deciding between a Murphy bed and a pier wall bed, ask yourself:
- What's your primary goal? Simple space-saving or comprehensive room functionality?
- What's your budget? Murphy beds typically cost less initially, but pier wall systems might save money long-term by replacing multiple furniture pieces. They will also last much longer.
- How much storage do you need? If storage is a significant concern, pier wall beds offer substantial advantages.
- How important is aesthetics? Pier wall beds generally offer more seamless integration with your decor.
- Is this a long-term solution? Pier wall beds represent a more substantial investment but provide long-lasting value.
- How often will the bed be used? For daily use, the quality and ease of operation become more important factors. Raising and lowering a bed every day can become a tedious chore.
Conclusion
Murphy beds and pier wall beds are both smart solutions for maximizing space in your home. Murphy beds are great for basic space-saving needs, but you may require more furniture for storage. Pier wall beds, with their integrated storage and customization options, provide a more comprehensive solution that addresses multiple furniture needs in one cohesive unit.
For those seeking a complete room transformation that maximizes both sleeping space and storage while maintaining a stylish appearance, a custom pier wall bed system represents the superior choice.
Consider your specific needs, space constraints, and long-term goals when making your choice—and remember that investing in quality, made-to-order furniture designed specifically for your space often provides the greatest satisfaction and value over time.
