A wall bed can transform a home office, guest room, apartment, or other multifunctional space by providing a comfortable sleeping area without permanently taking up valuable floor space. But if you are considering one for your home, you may have an important question before you buy: Are wall beds permanent?
The answer depends on the type of wall bed you choose. While traditional Murphy beds often require attachment to wall studs, modern designs can offer much more flexibility. Inovabed offers both free-standing models and options that require wall attachment, making it important to understand the installation requirements of your specific bed before getting started.
Are Wall Beds Considered Permanent Fixtures?
Wall beds and Murphy beds are 2 names for essentially the same type of space-saving furniture. Traditionally, Murphy beds were attached directly to a wall to provide stability as the bed moved between its open and closed positions. Inovabed uses the term "wall bed" to reflect how these designs have evolved to include features such as integrated sofas, tables, and free-standing construction.
Because designs vary, a Murphy bed is not automatically a permanent fixture. Some models must be secured to a wall, while others can stand independently once properly assembled.
This distinction can make a major difference if you rent your home, expect to move in the future, or simply do not want to make significant alterations to a room.
For example, Inovabed's Wall Bed with Sofa and Wall Bed with Table are fully free-standing once correctly assembled. They do not require mounting to either the wall or floor. An anti-tip strap is included as an additional safety measure.
Other models have different requirements. Inovabed Wall Beds with Cabinets need to be secured to the wall for stability, while the standard Inovabed Wall Bed must also be attached to the wall.
Before purchasing a Murphy bed, always check the installation requirements of the specific model you are considering rather than assuming every design works the same way.
Why Do Some Murphy Beds Need to Be Attached to the Wall?
Traditional Murphy beds depend on secure wall attachment for stability and safe operation. The bed moves outward and downward when opened and returns to an upright position when stored, so the surrounding structure needs to remain stable throughout that movement.
For wall-mounted models, the attachment points help keep the bed secure during regular use. Inovabed's standard Wall Bed, for example, must be attached to the wall. Hardware for mounting it to standard wood wall studs is included with the bed. Homes with different wall or stud types may require different hardware or installation considerations, which should be determined by reviewing the assembly instructions.
Proper installation is especially important with this type of furniture. Inovabed recommends carefully following manufacturer instructions and locating appropriate wall studs when installing wall-mounted Murphy beds.
If you are planning to place a wall-mounted model in a room, it is also important to think about what is behind and around the bed. Check the location of electrical outlets and consider your room's dimensions, wall condition, ceiling height, and overall layout before beginning assembly.
Taking these steps before installation can help you choose a location that works for both the wall bed and the way you want to use the room.
Free-Standing Wall Beds Offer More Flexibility
Modern Murphy bed designs have created alternatives to traditional wall mounting. Inovabed's free-standing models are a good example.
Once properly assembled, the Wall Bed with Sofa and Wall Bed with Table do not need to be mounted to the floor or wall. Their designs allow the units to stand independently, while an included anti-tip strap provides an additional safety measure.
That flexibility can be useful for several types of homeowners and living situations.
Renters, for example, may prefer furniture that does not require permanent wall mounting. A free-standing model can also appeal to homeowners who expect to rearrange a room or move to another home in the future.
Free-standing designs can also make it easier to rethink how a room functions. A Wall Bed with Table can allow a room to transition between a workspace and sleeping area. A Wall Bed with Sofa can provide everyday seating while keeping a queen-size sleeping area tucked away until it is needed.
The result is a piece of furniture that supports multiple uses within the same footprint.
Keep in mind that "free-standing" does not mean installation instructions can be ignored. The bed still needs to be correctly assembled, and Inovabed includes an anti-tip strap with these models as an additional safety measure. Always follow the instructions provided for the exact product you purchase.
Can You Take a Murphy Bed With You When You Move?
Whether you can relocate a Murphy bed depends partly on its design and how it was installed. A wall-mounted bed may feel permanent because it is secured to the home's structure, but that does not necessarily mean it can never be removed.
In fact, Inovabed provides customer support from purchase and assembly through disassembly when it is time to move.
A free-standing model may provide additional flexibility because it is not mounted to the wall or floor in the first place. However, a Murphy bed is still a substantial piece of furniture. Moving one requires proper disassembly, organization of its components, transportation, and correct reassembly in the new location.
If you plan to relocate your Murphy bed, refer to the assembly manual for your model and contact Inovabed if you have questions. The company provides separate assembly manuals for its Table Bed, Sofa Wall Bed, Extended Sofa Wall Bed, standard Wall Bed, and other products.
You will also need to confirm that the new room provides enough space for your particular model. Measure the wall, ceiling height, floor area, and clearance needed to open the bed before deciding where to reassemble it.
What to Consider Before Wall Bed Installation
Whether you select a free-standing or wall-mounted model, planning ahead can make installation easier.
Start by measuring the room carefully. Think about both the closed and open positions of the bed. A Murphy bed saves floor space while stored, but it still needs adequate clearance when lowered for sleeping.
You should also look for nearby outlets, doors, windows, existing furniture, and other features that could affect placement. Inovabed recommends checking the room conditions and determining the bed's location before beginning installation.
Next, identify the mounting requirements for your specific model. If it requires wall attachment, make sure your wall construction is appropriate and follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing the unit. If you have a free-standing model, follow all assembly and anti-tip safety instructions.
Finally, plan enough time and help for assembly. Inovabed estimates that assembly generally takes 4 to 8 hours and recommends having 2 people available for most steps. Assembly manuals and videos are available through the company's support resources.
If you would rather have someone else handle the process, professional installation may also be available. Inovabed is building a network of dealers and professional installers and currently provides installer recommendations in select areas.
Choose a Murphy Bed That Fits Your Home and Your Future Plans
A Murphy bed can feel like a built-in part of a room, but not every wall bed is a permanent installation. The right choice depends on the model, your home, and how much flexibility you want.
If you want a Murphy bed that does not require floor or wall mounting, Inovabed's Sofa and Table models provide free-standing options once properly assembled. If you choose a standard Wall Bed or a Wall Bed with Cabinets, plan for the required wall attachment and follow the model-specific installation instructions.
Thinking about these details before you buy can help you choose a Murphy bed that fits both your room today and your plans for the future. Whether you are transforming a home office, creating a flexible guest room, or trying to make better use of limited square footage, understanding how Murphy bed installation is an important part of planning your space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Beds
Do all Murphy beds have to be attached to the wall?
No. Inovabed's Wall Bed with Sofa and Wall Bed with Table are fully free-standing once properly assembled and do not require floor or wall mounting. Inovabed Wall Beds with Cabinets and the standard Wall Bed require wall attachment.
Are wall beds and Murphy beds the same thing?
Yes. Inovabed explains that the terms refer to the same basic type of space-saving bed. "Murphy bed" is the traditional term, while Inovabed uses "wall bed" to describe the modern evolution of the design.
Can renters use a Murphy bed?
A free-standing wall bed may be a practical option for renters because certain designs do not require permanent mounting to the wall or floor. Renters should still follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and check their lease or property rules before installing any furniture that requires attachment.
Can I move an Inovabed to another home?
Inovabed provides support resources that extend through disassembly when it is time to move. Because a Murphy bed is a large piece of furniture, it should be carefully disassembled, transported, and correctly reassembled according to the instructions for the specific model.
How long does wall bed assembly take?
Inovabed estimates approximately 4 to 8 hours for assembly and recommends having 2 people for most steps. Model-specific assembly manuals and videos are available through the company's support page.
At Inovabed, we design and manufacture modern Murphy beds and space-saving furniture that help our customers create flexible, functional living spaces. From free-standing Sofa and Table wall beds to other space-saving configurations, we provide options for a range of rooms and lifestyles. We are located in Upstate New York and proudly certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business. Contact us today to learn more.Â