If you do it right, decorating a room with a Murphy bed can take a space-saving piece of furniture and use it as the centerpiece to transform a room into a stylish, multi-functional sanctuary. By choosing the right decor, you can enhance both the appearance and functionality of any room featuring a Murphy bed.
Here at Wallbeds “n” More in Austin, Texas, we offer a wide variety of Murphy bed styles, including wall beds with desks, cabinet wall beds, and other designs that are adaptable and multi-functional. And, once you’ve chosen your furniture centerpiece, our expert designers can help you decorate your room flawlessly with these five key tips:
Tip #1: Choose the Right Accent Furniture
When working with a Murphy bed, the key to a cohesive room design is selecting versatile, compact furniture that complements the bed’s structure and style. Start with lightweight, mobile pieces like ottomans, side tables, or accent chairs that can easily be rearranged to make space for the wall bed when it’s pulled down. A small sofa or loveseat positioned opposite or adjacent to the wall bed can create a special, cozy seating area when the bed is folded up.
For those who choose a wall bed with desk, consider pairing it with a matching desk chair that can double as a reading chair when the bed is in use. For a bonus space-saving secret, keep an eye out for multi-functional furniture with hidden storage options to keep clutter out of sight and maintain a streamlined, sophisticated look.
Tip #2: Add a Statement Rug for Warmth and Style
A well-chosen rug can anchor your room design and add a burst of color or texture to tie everything in space together. When selecting a rug, consider one that’s easy to move, or place it just under the front of the bed so it doesn’t interfere when the bed folds up and down. This will allow you to retain the visual appeal of the rug without it getting in the way of the bed’s functionality.
Choosing a neutral-colored rug is perfect if you want something that goes beautifully with various Murphy bed styles. This is especially true if your bed features natural wood or solid colors. Alternatively, a bold-patterned rug can add a touch of personality and contrast if you’re aiming for a more vibrant or energetic look. By choosing a minimalist design or a statement piece you will add a touch of your personality to the room, and either way, the rug will create a warm, inviting atmosphere around your Murphy bed.
Tip #3: Incorporate Natural Elements with Plants and Textures
Bringing a touch of the outdoors inside is a way to instantly invigorate any room and make it feel both more relaxing and inviting. Plants not only add color and life to your space, but studies have shown they can also improve air quality and boost mood. Place a few small plants on shelves, hang them from the ceiling or set them in a window ledge if you have one. You can also opt for a taller plant in a stylish planter to add both some height and visual interest to the room.
If you’re looking to bring more of the outdoors in, choose nature-inspired textures with materials like wicker, bamboo, raffia, and wood. A Murphy bed with a wooden cabinet finish can look especially elegant when paired with these natural elements, and you can easily create a very earthy, peaceful space. Consider a soft natural-colored blanket or jute rug to add even more texture to create a cozy, nature-inspired vibe.
Tip #4: Use Mirrors and Artwork to Enhance Your Space
There will be plenty of wall space to get creative with decor once your Murphy bed is folded up. Wall art is an excellent way to showcase your individual style and bring in color or patterns that complement your Murphy bed decor. Try hanging a gallery wall of framed artwork above the bed or on the surrounding walls, or choose a special wooden sign or printed photograph from Smallwoods Home to add a special, personalized touch.
Mirrors can be another fantastic addition to any Murphy bed room, since they reflect light and create an illusion of even more space. Every interior designer knows a strategically placed mirror can make your room feel brighter and larger. This is particularly useful in smaller rooms or studio apartments. Try hanging a large mirror opposite a window to maximize natural light, or display one above a desk wall bed to bring more light and dimension to your workspace.
Tip #5: Layer Your Lighting for Warm Ambiance
Just think of your favorite charming restaurant or coffee shop and you’ll recognize that a well-lit room feels more inviting. With this in mind, make sure to layer your lighting sources not only for optimal functionality, but for warm ambiance as well.
We recommend starting with a central ceiling light for general illumination, and then add more focused lighting like a desk lamp, wall sconce, or even reading light mounted above or next to the Murphy bed. If you have a cabinet wall bed with built-in lighting options, this can provide soft, ambient lighting itself when the bed is folded down. This is a perfect way to create an extra cozy atmosphere.
A stylish floor lamp or whimsical fairy lights strung around the bed area can add warmth and charm without taking up much extra space, or you can even opt for dimmable lights to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day or activity. Use brighter light for reading and soft calming light for unwinding.
Create Your Dream Space with Furniture from Wallbeds “n” More
Decorating around a Murphy bed truly opens up a world of fun and creative possibilities. Be sure to remember our tips… choose flexible accent furniture, incorporate natural textures, and thoughtfully layering elements like rugs and lighting, to transform your space into a beautifully functional area. It doesn’t matter if you need a home office that doubles as a guest room or a compact yet stylish guest room in your apartment, at Wallbeds “n” More in Austin, Texas, we offer a variety of Murphy beds with options that can be personalized to fit any style and taste.
For more ideas on how to decorate around a Murphy bed, or to browse our collection of Murphy bed styles, visit Wallbeds “n” More in Austin today. You can make an appointment by calling (408) 761-4732. Let us help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional with one of our quality wall beds designed to maximize the true potential of your room.