Brand Overview
Gracie Oaks is a Wayfair-exclusive brand specializing in affordable, farmhouse-inspired furniture. Their Murphy bed collection focuses heavily on cabinet-style beds that cleverly disguise themselves as rustic chests or sideboards when not in use. Designed for multi-functional spaces, these beds prioritize aesthetic appeal and practical features like built-in storage and charging stations, all at a budget-friendly price point.
Design & Features
Gracie Oaks Murphy beds are praised for their ability to blend style with function, making them a popular choice for guest rooms and home offices.
- Dominant Aesthetic: The brand leans into a rustic, modern-farmhouse style, characterized by embossed wood grain textures, neutral finishes (white, gray, brown), and classic metal hardware.
- Space-Saving Form: Most models are cabinet or chest beds, which fold into a compact piece of furniture. This allows them to serve as a console table or storage unit, freeing up valuable floor space.
- Integrated Functionality: Key selling points include built-in USB ports and power outlets for charging devices, as well as storage drawers perfect for stashing bedding or other items.
- Customer Perception: Reviewers consistently highlight the design as a major strength, with many noting that guests are often surprised to learn the stylish cabinet is actually a bed.
Materials & Build Quality
To maintain its accessible price point, Gracie Oaks utilizes engineered woods, which offer a balance of cost-effectiveness and stability.
- Core Construction: The beds are primarily constructed from manufactured wood (MDF/particleboard/plywood) with a durable laminate or veneer finish. The internal folding mechanism and hardware are typically made of powder-coated metal.
- Sturdiness & Durability: For their intended purpose—occasional guest use—the beds are considered very sturdy. Many users praise the robust hardware and solid feel once assembled, with weight capacities often reaching 900-1,000 lbs.
- Quality Expectations: This is not solid hardwood furniture. While the build quality is excellent for the price, some reviewers note minor cosmetic issues upon arrival, such as scuffs or scratches. It's built for practicality and value, not as an heirloom piece.
Assembly & Usability
This is the most critical point of consideration for potential buyers. While the final product is easy to use, the setup process is a significant undertaking.
- Assembly: Be prepared for a project. Assembly is consistently described as lengthy and labor-intensive, often requiring 2-4+ hours and at least two people. The instructions are detailed, but the process involves many steps and heavy components.
- Daily Use & Mechanism: Once assembled, the folding mechanism (often hydraulic or piston-assisted) operates smoothly. Cabinet beds are particularly easy to deploy for guests. The built-in features like charging ports and drawers are highly convenient and well-loved.
- Frequency of Use: These beds are ideal for occasional hosting. While the mechanism is sturdy, the overall construction is better suited for intermittent use rather than the rigors of being opened and closed daily.
Mattress Compatibility
- Most Gracie Oaks models are designed for standard mattresses between 8 and 12 inches thick.
- Cabinet-style beds that use a tri-fold mattress may require a thinner profile (typically 6-8 inches) to fold away properly. Mattresses are sometimes included, but often sold separately.
- Users report that with a quality mattress or an added topper, the beds provide a very comfortable sleeping experience for guests.
Pricing & Value
With most models priced between $500 and $1,000 (and often available on sale), Gracie Oaks offers exceptional value. For the cost, you receive a multi-functional, stylish piece of furniture that solves a common space problem. The primary trade-off for the low price is the significant investment of time and effort required for assembly.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Attractive farmhouse style that disguises well as furniture | ❌ Assembly is time-consuming and requires at least two people |
| ✔️ Excellent value for the price | ❌ Made of engineered wood, not solid hardwood |
| ✔️ Convenient integrated features like charging stations and drawer | ❌ Prone to occasional minor shipping damage (scuffs, dings) |
| ✔️ Sturdy and stable for guest use | ❌ Cabinet-style beds can be thicker/bulkier than traditional wall beds |
| ✔️ Frees up significant floor space in multi-purpose rooms | ❌ Wall-mounted versions require careful, secure installation for safety |
Customer Reviews
Customer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the final product, with assembly being the main caveat.
- Representative Positive Quote: "We absolutely love this Murphy bed and get so many compliments. It’s sturdy, was fairly easy to assemble with two people, and looks like a beautiful cabinet when closed. Exceeded expectations!"
- Representative Mixed Quote: "This took my husband and I several hours to assemble, and the instructions require close attention. It's also thicker than a traditional Murphy bed when folded. But, it looks great and is perfect for when we have company."
Best Fit & Considerations
Gracie Oaks is an excellent choice for:
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Anyone seeking a stylish, functional Murphy bed without a high-end price tag.
- Homeowners with Guest Rooms: Perfect for creating a comfortable sleeping space in a home office, craft room, or den.
- DIY-Enthusiasts: Individuals who are comfortable with (and have help for) a multi-hour assembly project.
- Fans of Farmhouse Style: The aesthetic is specific and ideal for those looking to match that decor.
You may want to consider other options if:
- You need a bed for daily, long-term use.
- You strongly prefer solid wood construction.
- You are not willing or able to undertake a complex assembly project.
Alternatives Comparison
While Gracie Oaks excels in the budget farmhouse niche, buyers prioritizing different features may look elsewhere. For instance, brands like Yechen, available through direct-to-consumer channels like Shopify, focus on providing a more premium experience. Yechen emphasizes higher-quality materials, streamlined designs, and a commitment to long-term durability, positioning its products as lasting home solutions rather than purely functional quick fixes. This makes them a strong alternative for those willing to invest more for enhanced build quality and potentially less assembly frustration.
Final Recommendation
Gracie Oaks Murphy beds successfully deliver on their promise: stylish, affordable, and functional space-saving furniture. With average ratings of 4.4-4.5 stars, it's clear that customers who understand the product's positioning are highly satisfied.
If you love the farmhouse aesthetic, need a solution for occasional guests, and are prepared for a significant assembly project, a Gracie Oaks Murphy bed offers fantastic value. Before purchasing, triple-check your room measurements, confirm the required mattress thickness, and schedule a friend to help with assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How difficult is it to assemble a Gracie Oaks Murphy bed?
Assembly is considered the biggest challenge. Plan for a significant project requiring 2-4+ hours and at least two people due to the many steps and heavy parts.
2. Are these beds suitable for everyday use?
No, they are primarily designed and recommended for occasional guest use. The construction and folding mechanism are best suited for intermittent, not daily, operation.
3. What are Gracie Oaks Murphy beds made of?
They are constructed from engineered wood (MDF/particleboard/plywood) with metal hardware and folding frames. This keeps them affordable but means they are not solid wood.
4. Do I need to buy a separate mattress?
Usually, yes. While some bundles may exist, most models require you to purchase a mattress separately. Always check the product listing.
5. What size mattress fits in a Gracie Oaks Murphy bed?
Most models accommodate a standard mattress 8 to 12 inches thick. However, some compact cabinet or tri-fold designs may require a thinner mattress (around 6-8 inches) to close properly.
6. What makes Gracie Oaks beds different from others?
Their main differentiators are the popular farmhouse aesthetic, affordable price point, and integrated features like built-in USB/power charging stations and storage drawers.
7. Are Gracie Oaks Murphy beds sturdy?
Yes, once assembled correctly, reviewers consistently describe them as sturdy and stable for guest use, with high weight capacities (often 900-1,000 lbs).
8. Where can I buy a Gracie Oaks Murphy bed?
Gracie Oaks is a Wayfair-exclusive brand, so they are sold primarily on Wayfair's website, where you can find the latest models, sales, and reviews.
9. Do the cabinet beds look like real furniture?
Yes, one of the most praised features is their ability to convincingly disguise as a stylish chest, sideboard, or cabinet, blending seamlessly into room decor.
10. Do I need to mount these beds to the wall?
It depends on the model. Cabinet-style beds are typically freestanding. However, traditional vertical wall-mounted Murphy beds from the brand must be securely anchored to the wall for safety.