At Wilding Wallbeds, we believe that the foundation of every great Murphy bed starts with an exceptional mechanism. Whether you’re furnishing a guest room, maximizing space in a studio apartment, or crafting a custom project of your own, our wall bed mechanisms are designed to deliver the perfect blend of ease, durability, and performance.
In this post, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the three high-quality mechanisms that power our Murphy beds: the Spring Lift, the Piston Lift, and the Murphy Desk Bed Mechanism. Each is designed with specific uses and advantages in mind, so you can find the one that fits your space and lifestyle.
1. The Spring Lift Mechanism
Used in: Studio Series Murphy Beds, Sofa Murphy Beds
Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King
DIY Kit Options: S-200 and S-250
Our Spring Lift Mechanism is the most time-tested and versatile of the bunch. It relies on a system of heavy-duty springs that counterbalance the weight of the bed face and mattress, allowing for smooth, virtually effortless opening and closing.
This mechanism is featured in our Studio Series Murphy beds as well as our Sofa Murphy beds, both of which are popular for their blend of functionality and comfort. The Spring Lift system is a workhorse—it’s strong enough to support up to 2,000 pounds, ensuring your bed feels stable and secure, whether you’re using it nightly or only when guests come to visit.
Another major advantage of the Spring Lift is its customizable feel. By adding or removing springs (up to a safe threshold), you can fine-tune the tension to suit the weight of your specific mattress. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for those who are concerned about the lift weight
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, we also offer this mechanism in two convenient kit options: the S-200 and the S-250 (Murphy Bed and Studio Desk). These kits are perfect for those looking to create a custom Murphy bed while enjoying the same high-quality performance we use in our finished products.
2. The Piston Lift Mechanism
Used in: HomeFront Series Wall Beds
Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen
DIY Kit Option: P-100
Sleek, quiet, and precise, the Piston Lift Mechanism is featured in all of our HomeFront Series Wall beds. Instead of springs, this system uses pneumatic pistons—much like those found in modern vehicles or office chairs—to create a smooth and controlled lifting motion.
The piston system does an outstanding job of offsetting the weight of both the mattress and the bed frame. Once installed, the bed can be lowered and raised with minimal effort, making it ideal for everyday use. And because there are no exposed springs or metal frames, many homeowners find the piston system to have a slightly more finished look. The HomeFront series beds are designed to hold up to 4000 lbs, so durability is a sure thing.
The Piston Lift mechanism is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of mattress sizes, and the added flexibility of Twin XL and Full XL sizes makes it an excellent option for growing families or taller sleepers.
For DIYers and professional woodworkers alike, the P-100 Mechanism Kit gives you all the components you need to incorporate this system into your own Murphy bed build. Like all of our mechanisms, it comes with our industry-leading lifetime warranty for added peace of mind, and comprehensive instructions full of tips from the experts.
3. The Murphy Desk Bed Mechanism
Used in: Murphy Desk Beds
Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen
DIY Kit Option: D-200
For those who need a bed and a workspace in the same room—but don’t have the space for both—the Murphy Desk Bed Mechanism is the perfect solution. It’s a brilliant two-in-one system that allows a full desk setup and a comfortable bed to share the same footprint, without compromise.
This mechanism uses a combination of pistons and a unique swing-arm system that keeps your desktop level, even as the bed face is lowered or raised. That means you can leave your computer, papers, books, or anything up to 17” tall right on the desk and still pull the bed down without moving a thing. The transformation is smooth, fast, and surprisingly fun to watch.
We offer this mechanism in Twin, Full, and Queen sizes, making it perfect for home offices, dorm rooms, or any multi-functional space where flexibility is key.
If you’re a builder or designer looking to create a custom Murphy desk bed, the D-200 Mechanism Kit gives you all the necessary components to bring your vision to life.
Built to Last: Lifetime Warranty on All Mechanisms
At Wilding Wallbeds, we stand behind every product we offer, and our mechanisms are no exception. Every single one of our lift systems comes with a lifetime warranty. That’s how confident we are in their strength, durability, and reliability.
Whether you’re purchasing a complete bed or building your own using one of our kits, you can rest easy knowing your investment is protected for the long haul.
Which Mechanism Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
| Mechanism | Used in | Sizes | Counterbalance | DIY Kit |
| Spring Lift | Studio Series, Sofa Murphy Beds | T, F, Q, K | Springs | S-200, S-250 |
| Piston Lift | Homefront Series | T, F, Q | Pistons | P-100 |
| Murphy Desk Bed | Murphy Desk Beds | T, F, Q | Pistons | D-200 |
Wrap-Up
The right mechanism can transform your Murphy bed from a clever idea into an everyday convenience. Whether you’re choosing a bed built by our team of craftsmen or planning your own build, Wilding Wallbeds offers professional-grade components that are simple to use, incredibly strong, and built to last a lifetime.
Still have questions? Our team is happy to help you choose the best mechanism for your space and needs. Give us a call, visit one of our showrooms, or explore our beds online to get started today.