Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike have a need for functional living space that is attractive and economical. As housing becomes more expensive, and more people choose to telecommute, choices have to be made to use the space available in an efficient, flexible manner. One solution for this problem is a Murphy bed library.

The Murphy bed library unit is an elegant piece of furniture that allows multiple uses of a room. An apartment dweller can sleep, exercise, entertain, and work in the same small space, while her books, entertainment system, computer, and bed share the same wall.

With the bed in its closed position, the unit looks like an entertainment center or library shelving. These units can be made of any modern material used for fine furniture, and can be found in any furniture style, from traditional to avant garde. The unit is a piece of quality furniture, while the bed and mechanism are strong and long-lasting. The Murphy bed library is an investment that puts a premium on comfort and elegant efficiency.

When the bed is needed, units differ. Some units have sliding shelf units that move on tracks to expose the bed, which then drops down. Others have cabinet doors that open to expose the bed. Some clever designers have hidden the drop-down bed behind a fake wall decorated with a permanently-attached, framed painting. The wall drops with the bed, becoming part of the support for the mattress.

The Murphy bed library unit is also useful for homeowners who need to turn that spare bedroom into a study or work space most of the time, and a guest area some of the time. The room is furnished as an office, but the guest bed is always available for that unexpected guest.

A third use for this furniture is as a wall-unit in an actual executive office. Bookshelves and cabinets are available for attractive display and storage, but the bed is available if the tired executive is working late and can't make it home.