Argomenti trattati
Moving into a smaller apartment can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to decorating and making the most of every inch. My partner and I recently took the plunge, and while the excitement was palpable, we quickly faced some significant challenges in creating a functional living space. In this article, I want to take you on our journey as we transformed a small guest bedroom and home office into a multipurpose haven with the help of a clever Murphy bed.
The Challenge of Small Space Living
When we first walked into our new apartment, the size hit us like a ton of bricks. It was about half the space we were used to, and it soon became clear that fitting our essential belongings into this new layout would require some serious strategizing. The biggest hurdle? A room meant to serve both as a guest bedroom and a home office. This small, oddly-shaped area barely had enough room for a queen bed, let alone my partner’s desk and chair. How could we make it work?
Initially, we toyed with the idea of using a sofa bed, thinking it could double as a second bed for guests. But then, we realized we didn’t really need an extra sitting area. This led us to ponder: how could we create an additional sleeping arrangement without compromising our workspace?
In my search for answers, I reached out to Catherine DiPersico, the Assistant Market Editor at a popular design publication. During our chat, she suggested a Murphy bed. It was an idea I’d considered before but hadn’t fully explored. A bed that folds up to save space? It seemed like the perfect solution to our dilemma.
Research and Discovery
Once I dove into the world of Murphy beds, I stumbled upon Murphy bed chests—stylish pieces that cleverly hide a bed within a chic chest. This option promised not only to keep our room looking great but also to provide a cozy sleeping arrangement for guests. I was immediately drawn to the Viv + Rae Kindig Murphy Bed Chest in a stunning espresso finish. After some thought, we decided to make the purchase, eager to see how it would fit into our cozy space.
To our delight, the Murphy bed chest arrived just two days later. But let me tell you, getting it into our fifth-floor walk-up without an elevator was no easy feat! Each box was packed with solid wood components, meaning we needed at least two people to haul them up the stairs. Our initial excitement soon turned into a workout as we navigated the heavy boxes into our apartment.
Once we finally got the pieces inside, it was time to assemble the bed. My partner took charge, unboxing the vacuum-sealed mattress and rolling it out. The assembly instructions were fairly clear, which made the process smoother than we expected. However, we did run into a few hiccups, including some unmarked screws that added to the confusion and warped wood that made fitting pieces together a real challenge.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Despite the assembly hurdles, we managed to complete the Murphy bed chest within just a few hours. The end result? A beautiful addition to our apartment that serves as both a guest bed and a decorative chest for our favorite items. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the mattress, although it was slightly smaller than a traditional queen size. I’m already considering a mattress topper for that extra bit of support.
Looking back, the Murphy bed chest has turned out to be a fantastic investment for our small living space. It transformed an awkward room into a functional area, allowing us to maximize our limited square footage without sacrificing style. If you’re navigating the challenges of small space living, I wholeheartedly recommend considering innovative furniture solutions like Murphy beds. They can really enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
As we continue to settle into our new home, I’m excited to share more tips and insights on optimizing small spaces and creating a cozy living environment. Stay tuned!