A good bed is essential for a good night's sleep. With the increasing demand for multi-functional furniture, beds that can be folded away or transformed into a different piece of furniture have gained popularity. Two such innovative beds are the Murphy bed and the Thuma bed.

But what exactly are these beds, and how do they differ? Murphy and Thuma's beds are two reliable and modern cozy bedding options to cater to the needs and trends of the modern lifestyle.

Murphy beds take the limelight due to elegant space-saving features, while Thuma beds are captivating due to their durable and sustainable craftsmanship. In this article, we will compare these two beds based on different factors to help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Let's get started.

Below is the table summarizing the key differences between Murphy beds and Thuma beds:

Aspect	Murphy Bed	Thuma Bed
Design	Concealing, foldable design for space-saving	Modern, minimalistic with a sleek structure
Installation	Complex setup requires sturdy wall support	Easy assembly, portable and relocatable
Space Optimization	Folds away, frees floor space during the day	Low-profile platform, doesn't fold, open look
Storage Facility	Integrated storage options	Under-bed open space, no integrated storage
Decorative Style	Discreet, accommodates various decor styles	Enhances the overall aesthetic appeal
Construction Material	Durable wood, metal frame, wood veneer	Sustainable rubberwood, steel hardware, eco-friendly finishes
Bedding Cost	Expensive due to design and customization	Mid to high range, emphasis on sustainability
Usage Preference	Ideal for small spaces, multifunctional needs	Focus on simplicity, sustainability, style

 

What is a Murphy Bed?

A Murphy bed, wall bed, or pull-down bed can be stored vertically or horizontally against a wall or inside a closet or cabinet. It is attached to the wall at the head end and uses a counterbalanced mechanism, which makes it easy to lift or lower. The bed's design allows it to be folded away during the day, thus freeing up floor space that can be utilized for other purposes.

The Murphy bed has been a popular choice in small homes or apartments where space is at a premium. It is named after its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy, who devised this idea in the late 19th century to maximize room space. While the style and materials may have evolved, the basic concept of the Murphy bed remains the same: an efficient, space-saving solution that doesn't compromise comfort.

What is a Thuma Bed?

On the other hand, a Thuma bed stands out with its emphasis on mindful design and sustainability. Known for its platform bed, Thuma combines modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese joinery. The bed frame, thoughtfully designed, is easy to assemble and disassemble without any tools due to its interlocking system. This unique design ensures durability and reduces the noise typically associated with bed frames.

Crafted from repurposed rubberwood, Thuma beds promote eco-conscious living. The bed frame's clean lines and subtle texture offer a minimalist yet warm appeal, fitting seamlessly into various decors. Besides that, each bed has a cushion-coated slat system that provides excellent mattress support and breathability, eliminating the need for a box spring. The Thuma bed, therefore, offers a blend of style, comfort, and sustainability.

Murphy Bed Vs. Thuma Bed: Key Differences

With the advancement of style, space storage, and design trends, furniture is also evolving in unique styles. Let's dive deep into these two beds' intricate designs and advantages to help you pick the right one.

1. Design

The first thing that comes to mind while buying a bed is its design. Everyone wants an aesthetic-looking bed in his home to make it a stylish statement of living. Being a classic space-saving bed, the Murphy bed comes in a concealing design. This bed can be folded into the cabinet or wall when not in use. This seamless design's key benefit is maximizing space and keeping room aesthetic.

On the other hand, the Thuma bed is a modern bed designed with a minimal structure. Its simplicity and sleekness make it a structure for sleeping and living and an outstanding stylish statement. Having a Thuma bed in your room will improve the overall contemporary vibe. A Murphy bed can be the right choice to save space.

2. Installation

Another feature you must consider while picking up a bed is its ease of mobility and installation. As far as it's concerned Murphy bed has an intricate setup. It needs time and effort to mount the bed on a wall or integrate it into a cupboard compartment. Moreover, there is a need for a sturdy wall to support the folding mechanism of the Murphy bed.

In contrast, Thuma beds have an easy design to assemble and install. Due to only a few components, you can swiftly set up this bed. Moreover, relocating a Thuma bed from one room to another is convenient. The Thuma bed is a good option to assemble and disassemble a bed.

3. Space Optimization

What kind of bed you want to install depends on the space you have in your room. Murphy bed claims to save your space due to its folding feature. If you live in a small flat or want to make the room multi-functional, a Murphy bed suits you. You can fold it in the daytime to use floor space for other purposes.

While Thuma bed is not a folding bed. But it doesn't mean you need a spacious luxury room to install this bed. It's also a bed having a low-profile platform to optimize space. The only difference is you can't use the floor space under the bed even if it's not in use. Thuma beds give your room an open, uncluttered, contemporary, airy, and aesthetic look.

4. Storage Facility

The storage facility is the feature that takes Murphy's bed to a visible edge. Some Murphy beds come with integrated cupboards, compartments, cabinets, and shelves. These integrated cabinets are perfect for storing valuable things in a minimal space. This bed solves your two problems: space optimization and storage shelves.

Conversely, no such facility is available in Thuma beds. These beds are not designed for storage purposes. That's why it doesn't come with any integrated compartment. However, it has an open under-bed space like traditional storage boxes. This space is ample to store blankets, quilts, and other accessories in this bin-like storage.

5. Decorative Style

The seamless design of Murphy beds makes them intricate and discreet. It accommodates various decorative styles without using any visible space of room. You can make your room more impactful by using its storage compartments for decor.

While Thuma bed is unbeatable in this regard. Its finishing choice and contemporary design make it a furniture buy and an element to enhance the overall aesthetic impression of the room. This bed type is good to go if you want a curative, enthralling, and cohesive look in your bedroom.

6. Construction Material

Having an appropriate idea of the construction material, frames, and joiners will help you make the right decision for your bedding. Murphy beds are made of durable wood like maple, oak, and pine. These woods make the bed durable and sturdy, making the folding capable of bearing weight.

Moreover, its folding bracket has a high-quality metal frame. The panels and facades of this bed come in wood veneer to give an attractive finish and keep it lightweight. Such beds come with integrated mattress support of plywood or wood slats. However, the overall aesthetic look of this bed is due to paint finishing or lamination.

On the other hand, the Thuma bed is crafted primarily from sustainable, eco-friendly rubber wood. Its steel hardware and sturdy joinery tongue and grooves make the connections of the bed frame secure and durable. Another peculiarity of this bed is it's free from toxins and has non-toxic water-based adhesives. Moreover, these beds come with the finishing of low volatile organic compounds to improve indoor air quality by meeting environmental health standards.

7. Bedding Cost

As far as the cost is concerned, it depends on various factors such as the bed sheet size chosen, the brand, model, features, and materials used for the bed. However, if we compare the Murphy bed with the Thuma bed, the former is an expensive option. Murphy beds are beautifully designed, foldable, and customizable, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

On the other hand, Thuma beds are available in the market from mid to high hundred dollars. Some Thuma beds are expensive, but their premium position depends on the high sustainability,  eco-friendly material, and modern design.

Murphy Bed Vs. Thuma Bed: Which is Better?

Deciding between a Murphy bed and a Thuma bed largely depends on your needs, preferences, and living conditions. If you're pressed for space or seeking a multifunctional solution, a Murphy bed is an excellent choice due to its foldable design and integrated storage.

It is particularly ideal for small apartments or multi-purpose spaces. However, Murphy beds are more expensive and require a more complex installation. However, Thuma beds prioritize simplicity, sustainability, and style. They're easier to assemble, making them a good choice for those who prefer a fuss-free setup or frequently move.

The sleek design and eco-friendly materials lend a contemporary aesthetic to your room, enhancing its overall appeal. However, they lack the integrated storage features of Murphy beds and aren't designed for space optimization to the same extent. Before you buy, you need to define your needs and pick out the bed that really suits you.

Conclusion

Murphy and Thuma's beds offer unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize space optimization, storage, style, or construction materials, there is a bed option that can meet your requirements. It's essential to weigh each type's pros and cons carefully before deciding.

The choice between a Murphy bed and a Thuma bed comes down to what works best for your lifestyle and living space. Whichever option you choose, both beds offer a convenient and comfortable sleeping experience.  So assess your needs, consider all the above factors, and make an informed decision that suits your specific requirements.

Sheets also play an important role for a person who desires a cozy and peaceful resting environment. Where to choose sheets that match the tone of the room and are soft and easy to sleep on? 

Related reading: How to buy bedding