Can a Murphy Bed Kill You?

Murphy beds are known for their distinct foldable style, but there are some rumors about Murphy beds that always seem to linger. Since Murphy beds can unfold, it is common for them to fall open and move fairly quickly in movies–sometimes hurting the characters on-screen. In this article, we are going to take a look at the actual risk of owning a Murphy bed. 

Murphy Beds Are Dangerous: Fact or Fiction?

Every invention has its fair share of rumors, and Murphy beds are known to be a point of interest. Let’s find out if a Murphy bed, also commonly known as a wall bed, is really as dangerous as some people think. 

Is it Possible for a Murphy Bed to Kill You?

You might have imagined a Murphy bed falling open and whacking you clear on the head, but how likely is that in reality? A well-designed Murphy bed that is being used properly is absolutely not likely to kill you. In fact, it would take quite a bit to go wrong in order to make that happen at all.


One of the main reasons that these rumors exist is actually not because of Murphy beds falling open, but rather a Murphy bed falling over completely or someone getting trapped inside it. In some very surprising accidents, Murphy beds have caused injuries and even death. However, this is not the standard–and well-maintained, modern Murphy beds should not have this problem. With today’s technology, this is a much smaller concern.

Are Murphy Beds Dangerous?

A Murphy bed is dangerous in the same way that any piece of furniture is dangerous–it all comes down to how you use it. If you are jumping on your bed or swinging on it, there is always the chance that something might go wrong. The same can be said for most things in your home, which is why it is important to always learn about your belongings before you use them–even Murphy beds! 

How to Stay Safe While Using a Murphy Bed

Though a Murphy bed can be a risk, this is really only true when you don’t use it properly. Murphy beds should not come with any risk when you use them how they are meant to be used. Be sure to build them correctly and only use them the way they are supposed to be used. 


Whether you are worried about yourself or worried about your children, the best way to stay safe with a Murphy bed is to read through and follow the provided instructions. A Murphy bed should tell you how to put it together (if applicable), how to use it safely, and any words of warning that you would need to consider.

The Takeaway

If you have been on the fence about investing in a wall bed because of the rumors around them, just know that Murphy beds are perfectly safe to use. Your Murphy bed with couch seating does not want to harm you–it just wants to give you a good place to rest. To find high-quality and low-risk Murphy beds, explore our collections at Murphy Bed NYC today!