Replies

1. 
   SgianDubh | Feb 15, 2004 08:32pm | #1

   Häfele make very good mechanisms for both the applications you describe. For both a side lifting and end lifting bed their catalogue numbers start at around 271.99.122 for an 88 lb. bed. You'll also need things like mattress retaining straps, safety stops to prevent the cabinet tipping, and, depending on your design, angular feet to support the extended end or side of the bed. If you follow the dimensions supplied by Häfele precisely your beds should work just fine.

   Of the fold out beds I've made using a Häfele mechanism, I've only used their Queen size kit, cat. no., 271.92.130. My costs for the Häfele mattress, straps, safety stops, etc., were close to $1,400 or so each time excluding tax as my purchase was a sale for resale. Above that I still had to buy all the materials for the cabinet, and in one case the built in lighting, so not surprisingly the final charge to the customer including installation for one particular example was close to US$12,000. Slainte.

   View Image View Image View Image

   Website

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Feb 15, 2004 08:42pm | #2

   I've used a parts kit from Lee Valley. (www.leevalley.com) It has gas struts to help lift the bed, pivot mechanisms, latches, and other hardware. It also has specs on where to put the strut pickup points on the cabinet and on the mattress platform, which turns out to be invaluable. The kit is about $200. It works well.

1. 
   SgianDubh | Feb 15, 2004 10:36pm | #3

   Your way is probably the way to go, Jamie. When I made the beds I supplied images of earlier I bought the top of the line Häfele mechanism which comes with the lift mechanism but also has a whole metal frame and inbuilt laminated pre-stressed beech slats to support the mattress. On top of that I used their mattress, straps, etc.. Quite an expensive package, but in my case one of my clients wasn't really too concerned about cost-- they just wanted it right, whatever the cost, if you see what I mean, ha, ha. There's not enough clients like that around really! Slainte.Website

3. 
   CharlieP | Feb 16, 2004 04:01pm | #4

   Murphy beds that fold into a cabinet/wall seem nice until you sleep on one.  I hate them!  So despite the kind suggestions from others about how to do it, I suggest you consider whether to do it. 

   The "door" which hides the bed must be larger than the mattress.  Of course.  So what?  As you walk around a normal bed, your toes go slightly under the bed - like the toe kick in ordinary cabinets.  But this door sticks out beyond the mattress, and mashes toes as you walk around. 

   Since the head of the bed is slightly within the cabinet, there is no good place for a night stand for eye glasses or clock or reading light. 

   The bedroom must be in perfect order.  The bed made early so that it can be folded up.  And the room cleared so the bed can be opened.  In a kid's room?  I bet the beds stay open all the time!

   There is no place to lounge.  The hotel rooms that I have had that used a Murphy bed had to also have a sofa.  (The hotels were trying to allow sleeping in a meeting room, so wanted the bed to disappear, but didn't gain space because of the need for other furniture.

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
   http://www.plesums.com/wood

1. 
   SgianDubh | Feb 16, 2004 11:28pm | #5

   "Since the head of the bed is slightly within the cabinet, there is no good place for a night stand for eye glasses or clock or reading light."

   Well, that's only true Charlie if you don't design those sorts of conveniences in to the piece, or if you don't have the financial wherewithal or willingness to pay for them. Why do you think I charged so much for one of the beds I installed, which was about seven years ago? I charge even more per hour now.

   It was an all singing and all dancing affair with halogen lighting, a light switch, a dimmer, and nooks either side for glasses, magazines, and space for a plug in electric clock, etc.. It included a kill switch to knock off the lights at the moment the foot end of the bed was raised ~300 mm off the ground to prevent the chance of accidental fire should the lights be left on in error.

   Regarding your other points concerning the inconvenience of the front panel sticking out when the bed's  folded down, and the necessary disciplined approach to tidying up each morning and making space to fold down at night, I have to agree that fold down beds are a complete pain in the pants for regular use, but okay for occasional weekend visitors.

   I wouldn't make one for a childs bedroom unless a customer insisted on paying me for one after I'd advised against it-- but on the other hand I wouldn't have to live with the consequences of their decision either, ha, ha--- ha, ha, ha, ha. Slainte.Website