Tips On Proper "Feng Shui" With a Murphy Bed

By Gerry Buchan | May 26, 2017

Got a small space? A studio apartment? A tiny house?

Due to the recent minimalist movement, “fixed-up” small and otherwise useless spaces in sheds, trailers, and old cabins have been trending on social media and other television programs as a way be conservative and environmentally friendly. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice based on spatial organization and how it can alter and affect the overall energy of a room. It is a school of thought frequently used when designing the structure of buildings and houses.

A Tiny Home can sound inconvenient and uncomfortable at first, but on the contrary, the re-purpose of a small space is usually geared towards coziness and functionality. Typically, it is a lifestyle favored by those who love to travel (but not necessarily rough it) or perhaps just opt for cheaper living.

Here are some tips from experts on small space solutions:

1. Maximize Walkways

Regardless of how much furniture you have, it is good to arrange them in such a way so that they are not only facing each other in some fashion, but also leave plenty of room to walk around the perimeter of the furniture. If this is not possible, it may be time to downsize some chairs or couches! If anything is protruding from the living space it can make the room feel all the more smaller. (image via HGTV)

2. Re-purpose the Murphy Bed When not in Use

With this, many have gotten creative. Some great designs include two bookshelves sliding across the front when it is closed. With Cabinet Systems, it is typically designed within a closet, but some have opted to placing a couch underneath that is backless. This gives the appearance of a full couch when the Murphy bed is put away; and with added cushions up against it you can’t even distinguish the hidden bed. (image via IKEA Hackers)

3. Lighting

Believe it or not, depending on where lights are placed in a room can make it feel a certain size. The feeling of natural light and large windows can make a room seem larger due to incorporating so much of the great outdoors. However, if a space lacks windows or even any natural light at all, try experimenting by putting lamps on different sides of the room and changing them around until you feel it achieves the desired lighting. Also, the type of bulbs used comes into play. White, harsh fluorescent lights can make a room feel prison-like and one overhead light in the middle of the room often is not enough to balance it out. Try implementing soft yellow lights, or even a string of lights in certain places if desired. (image via Elissa Crowe)

4. De-Clutter

Most of us love our tabletop accessories. But too much of this can lead to a space just seeming to be cluttered and plainly disorganized. Even items you think you might truly need or “look necessary” right out in the open can actually take away from the open space. Be thoughtful with decorations and remember that the smaller the space, the less and less you truly need. When in doubt, downsize or rotate them out from time to time. (image via Sarah Dorio Photography)

5. Add a Mirror
Having a full-length mirror or even a few simple wall mirrors can appear to multiply a space at first glance. This typically works best if it is tilted up slightly; which geometrically can create a wider looking space. (image via ApartmentTherapy.com)

Ultimately, Murphy beds are the perfect investment for anybody – college students, families with smaller spaces, and even the elderly looking to downsize. The truth is that smaller spaces don’t have to feel claustrophobic, and can be the best option when designed correctly! Whether you want it for yourself or to use when you have guests over, call us and ask us about where a Murphy bed would go best in your home.