Short-term rental owners always look for ways to stand out. Adding a Murphy bed gives guests more flexible space. It also helps your property compete with hotels in Bartlesville OK and similar markets.
Murphy beds fold flat against the wall when guests don’t need them. This turns a sleeping area into a living space during the day. That flexibility appeals strongly to modern travelers.
Installing one correctly takes planning and the right materials. This guide walks you through every major step. Follow these tips to add real value to your rental property.
Why Murphy Beds Help Your Rental Compete with Hotels in Bartlesville OK
Travelers who avoid hotels in Bartlesville OK often want more room to spread out. A Murphy bed gives them a functional living area without sacrificing a sleeping space. That dual purpose makes your listing more attractive.
Families and work travelers especially appreciate flexible floor plans. A studio with a Murphy bed feels twice as large during waking hours. Guests notice that difference and mention it in reviews.
Strong reviews help your property rank higher on booking platforms. Higher rankings bring more visibility and more bookings. A Murphy bed is a small investment with a strong long-term return.
Start by measuring your available wall space carefully. You need at least 60 inches of width for a queen-size unit. Ceiling height must reach at least 84 inches to accommodate a standard frame.
Choose a load-bearing wall whenever possible. Murphy beds attach directly to wall studs. Hitting studs gives the unit the structural support it needs to operate safely every day.
Mark every stud location with painter’s tape before you begin. Use a reliable stud finder and double-check each mark. Accurate stud mapping prevents costly mistakes during installation.
Select a Murphy bed kit that matches your space and budget. Many kits come with detailed instructions and pre-drilled hardware. Cabinet-style kits look polished and work well in rental settings.
Buy a kit that includes a piston or spring lift mechanism. These mechanisms make the bed easy to raise and lower. Guests should never struggle with the bed during their stay.
Pair your Murphy bed with a mattress between 8 and 11 inches thick. Thicker mattresses interfere with the folding mechanism. Always check the manufacturer’s mattress depth recommendation before you buy.
If you want guests to experience something beyond hotels in Bartlesville OK, focus on comfort. A quality mattress inside a Murphy frame still delivers a great night of sleep. Don’t cut corners on the sleeping surface.
Guests who find comfortable beds return for future stays. They also recommend your property to friends and colleagues. Word-of-mouth referrals cost you nothing and build your occupancy rate steadily.
Travelers researching the best alternative to hotels in Bartlesville OK often want unique, well-designed spaces. A Murphy bed signals that you thought carefully about your guests’ experience. That kind of thoughtfulness builds loyalty fast.
Begin installation by assembling the cabinet frame on the floor. Follow the kit instructions step by step without skipping ahead. Rushing through assembly creates alignment problems later.
Lift the assembled frame against the wall with a helper. Never attempt to lift a full cabinet frame alone. The weight creates a real risk of injury and wall damage.
Drive lag screws through the frame and into each wall stud. Use the correct screw length specified in your kit manual. Under-length screws don’t grip studs securely enough for daily use.
Check the frame for level before tightening all screws fully. An unlevel frame causes the bed to swing unevenly. Take your time at this stage to get the alignment right.
Attach the mattress support panel and install the lift mechanism next. Tension in the spring or piston system determines how easily the bed moves. Adjust the tension according to your mattress weight.
Test the bed by raising and lowering it at least ten times. Listen for grinding or resistance during each cycle. Address any stiffness before guests arrive at your property.
Add bedding that stays neatly tucked when the bed folds up. Use fitted sheets with deep pockets and elastic all around. Tuck comforters and pillows into the built-in storage if your kit includes it.
Consider adding LED lighting inside the cabinet frame. Soft lighting makes the space feel more welcoming at night. It also helps guests find the bed mechanism without fumbling in the dark.
Place clear, laminated instructions near the bed in your rental. Explain how to lower and raise the bed in three simple steps. Guests who feel confident using your furniture enjoy their stay more.
Property owners near hotels in Bartlesville OK know that differentiation drives bookings. A well-installed Murphy bed sets your listing apart immediately. Guests who stay once tend to come back because the space works so well for them.
Budget between $800 and $2,500 for a complete Murphy bed installation. The final cost depends on the kit quality and whether you hire help. DIY installation saves money but requires careful attention to every detail.
Hire a licensed handyman if you feel unsure about wall anchoring. Improper installation creates liability risks for rental hosts. A professional can complete the job in a single day.
Murphy beds also increase your property’s perceived value. Future buyers or investors see the added functionality as a selling point. That makes your rental a stronger long-term asset.
Many travelers now search specifically for rentals that offer hotel-like flexibility. They want the amenities of hotels in Bartlesville OK with the comfort of a private home. A Murphy bed helps you deliver exactly that combination.
Short-term rental success comes from solving guest problems creatively. Space is one of the most common pain points travelers mention. A Murphy bed solves that problem elegantly and affordably.
Take the time to install your Murphy bed correctly from the start. Guests who experience a well-designed space leave better reviews. Better reviews attract more guests and grow your rental income steadily over time.
