Murphy beds, the fold-up beds that tuck neatly into a closet or wall cavity, have gotten a bad rap from pop culture for being death traps waiting to crush the unsuspecting sleeper. Scenes of people getting trapped under suddenly collapsing Murphy beds or being slammed forcefully against the wall by the rapidly folding bed make for comedic cartoon moments and horror movie jump scares. However, while creative fictional depictions position Murphy beds as hazardous space-savers, the reality is they are generally quite safe when designed and installed properly.
Early Design Flaws Rooted the Killer Myth
The conception of Murphy beds as killers can likely be traced back to common early 20th-century models that relied solely on chains or ropes to hold up the bed frame and mattress. If these weaker supports were faulty, suddenly giving way, it could lead to injury. However, the mid-20th century brought spring-assisted models that avoid this issue by using counterbalanced springs or pistons to gently raise and lower the bed in a slow, controlled manner. With proper hydraulic supports, there is little risk of the bed slamming shut unpredictably. Modern great pull down beds from reputable manufacturers also typically have safety catches and mechanisms like flanges that prevent sudden accidental closure.
Depictions in Pop Culture
The danger of Murphy beds has been played for laughs in several television shows and movies over the decades. One of the earliest is a 1945 Marx Brothers movie in which Harpo Marx battles a temperamental Murphy bed that keeps violently snapping shut while he tries to sleep in it. Later pop culture depictions include a 1956 I Love Lucy episode where Lucy ricochets between the walls when she gets trapped in a folding Murphy bed.
In 1989’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Cousin Eddie gets pinned to the wall and injured when Clark Griswold’s attic Murphy bed slams shut with him still in it. In a 1997 episode of Friends, Chandler gets awkwardly stuck while testing out a Murphy bed, afraid to call out for help while partially undressed. In the 2000 comedy Miss Congeniality, Sandra Bullock’s character ends up launching a friend across the room when a Murphy bed unexpectedly folds back into the wall.
From surprise slapstick injuries played for humor to tense situations played as drama, the unpredictable dangers of fold-out Murphy beds have provided pop culture with plenty of comedic fodder over the years about the perils of these space-saving beds. Given the reputation they have gained from depictions in movies and television, it’s no wonder many people are wary of opening them up.
Injuries and Deaths Prove Rare in Reality
Statistics show Murphy bed deaths and injuries are extremely rare, contrary to exaggerated pop culture portrayals. A recent report studying national injury and fatality figures over 24 years turned up zero Murphy-related deaths and less than 40 minor to severe injuries. The vast majority of those injuries were caused by user error and carelessness, not malfunction or design flaws. However, there was one recall of Murphy beds sold a few years ago after 62 people were injured when using it.
Comparatively, other everyday household objects like televisions, chairs, and beds cause thousands more accidents every year in the US. Proper safety precautions greatly minimize any risks. As long as reasonable care is exercised, following manufacturer guidelines and avoiding improper use after drinking alcohol, for instance, Murphy beds pose very little risk. Their fearsome Hollywood reputation is overblown.
Modern Murphy Beds Rest Easy
While the dramatic pseudo-deaths and cartoonish wall-bashing of Murphy bed misuse will likely continue for comedic effect on the big and small screen, audiences should know it reflects essentially no reality with modern Murphy beds. Their innovative space-saving designs can be safely appreciated, relying on clever engineering rather than chains and rope.
Be sure to follow any guidance on proper use and maintenance. With good quality components and sensible care taken, Murphy beds make a great multifunctional addition to many contemporary small spaces. Just don’t try replicating any over-the-top TV moments, and your Murphy bed experience will likely be restful rather than restless.
