From the Expert's Desk
As someone who lives and breathes space-saving furniture, I've seen countless Murphy bed designs come and go. The Lori Bed (also known as Lori Wall Beds) is one of the most talked-about brands online, praised for its unique, simple design. My goal here isn't to sell you anything—it's to give you an objective, insider's look at the Lori Beds, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your home. We'll cover the good, the bad, and what you should consider before you buy.
What is the Lori Beds? A Quick Overview
Lori Beds carved out a niche in the market with a clever, back-to-basics approach. Unlike most Murphy beds that use complex and costly piston or spring lift mechanisms, the original Lori Bed operates on a simple, manual rocking system. It's constructed from 100% real wood (cabinet-grade plywood), which appeals to customers looking to avoid particleboard. With high ratings and a strong online presence, they are a significant player in the direct-to-consumer wall bed market.
They have since introduced an assisted-lift model, but their brand identity is still strongly tied to their original, minimalist concept.
Pros
There's a reason Lori Beds has over 20,000 happy customers. Their product excels in several key areas.
- Excellent Quality Materials: In an industry filled with pressboard, Lori's commitment to using 100% real wood is a major advantage. It feels solid, looks great, and offers peace of mind with a lifetime warranty.
- Highly Versatile and Space-Saving: This is the core promise of any Murphy bed, and Lori delivers. It effectively transforms a room, with users praising its ability to create dual-purpose office/guest rooms or playrooms.
- Great Value and Affordability: By ditching a complex lift system on their base models, Lori keeps the starting price relatively low (often around $1,000 after discounts). This makes it more accessible than many custom or high-end options.
- Customizable and Stylish: The unfinished wood option is a dream for DIYers who want to paint or stain their bed to perfectly match their room's decor. Its minimalist design fits well in modern homes.
Cons
No product is perfect. As an industry insider, these are the common pain points I see customers experience with the Lori Bed system.
- Challenging Assembly: This is a frequent complaint. With heavy boxes (60-120 lbs) and instructions that some users describe as confusing, assembly can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours and typically requires two people. Anchoring it correctly to wall studs is crucial for safety and can be intimidating.
- Heavy Manual Lifting (on Basic Models): The genius of the manual system is also its biggest drawback. A queen mattress is heavy. Lifting it without assistance can be a strain, especially for daily use. This model is best for occasional guest use unless you are confident in your ability to handle the weight.
- Upgrades Increase Cost Significantly: While the base price is attractive, adding the assisted-lift mechanism to solve the lifting issue increases the cost, pushing it into the same price bracket as other brands that include a piston system as standard.
- Potential for Wear: The manual operation can lead to jerky movements if not handled carefully. Some users have noted that the contact with the floor can cause dings and scuffs over time without proper protection.
How Does It Compare to Piston-Lift Systems?
The manual lift vs. piston lift is the core difference between Lori Beds and many modern alternatives. This is where my perspective as a designer and seller comes in. We've seen a clear market shift towards integrated lift systems for a reason.
While Lori's manual system is innovative and cost-effective, the industry has largely moved towards gas piston mechanisms because they solve the biggest user complaint: lifting effort. Brands now focus on providing a complete, easy-to-use system right out of the box.
For example, beds around a robust, European-made gas piston system. It makes lifting and lowering the bed nearly effortless and controlled, which is a huge factor for safety and daily convenience. This has become the modern standard.
At a Glance: Lori Beds vs. A Modern Piston System
| Feature | Lori Beds (Standard Model) | Piston System Beds |
|---|---|---|
| Lift Mechanism | Manual (user's strength) or paid upgrade for assisted lift. | Integrated gas piston system (effortless & safe). Standard on all models. |
| Ease of Use | Requires significant effort; best for occasional use. | Smooth, one-handed operation suitable for daily use. |
| Assembly | Known to be challenging and time-consuming. | Designed for simpler assembly with clearer guides and fewer complex steps. |
| Core Material | 100% Real Wood Plywood (Excellent). | High-density, cabinet-grade MDF/Particleboard (Durable and warp-resistant). |
| Best For | DIY enthusiasts who prioritize real wood and plan for infrequent use. | Those seeking a complete, modern system with maximum ease-of-use and safety. |
Final Verdict: Is the Lori Beds Right For You?
The Lori Bed is a fantastic product for a specific type of customer: the budget-conscious DIYer who values real wood and only needs the bed for occasional guests. Its simplicity is its strength and its weakness.
However, if you plan to use your Murphy bed frequently, or if the thought of a difficult assembly and heavy lifting gives you pause, you should strongly consider a modern alternative with an integrated piston-lift mechanism.
These systems are designed from the ground up for convenience and safety, providing a much smoother user experience. While the upfront cost might be slightly higher than a basic Lori Beds, you get a complete, easy-to-use system without the need for expensive add-ons.
If you believe a modern, effortless piston system is a better fit for your needs, I invite you to explore our collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lori Beds
- 1. How much does a Lori Beds cost?
- The base models often start around $1,000 after discounts, but this is for the manual, unfinished version. The price increases significantly when you add the assisted-lift mechanism, finishes, or accessories, putting it in a similar price range to competitors who include piston lifts as standard.
2. Is the Lori Beds hard to assemble?
Yes, this is one of the most common complaints. Expect assembly to take 4-10 hours and require two people. The parts are heavy, and the process of safely anchoring the unit to wall studs can be challenging for those without DIY experience.
3. Is the standard Lori Beds easy to lift?
The standard manual model is not easy to lift for most people, especially with a queen mattress. It requires significant physical effort. For this reason, it is best suited for occasional guest use rather than daily operation.
4. Is a Lori Beds good for everyday use?
Only if you upgrade to the assisted-lift model. The manual version can be strenuous for daily lifting and lowering. For daily use, a Murphy bed with an integrated gas piston system, like those from Yechen Beds, is a much more convenient and ergonomic choice.
5. What are Lori Beds made of?
They are made from 100% cabinet-grade plywood, which is a high-quality material. This is a major selling point compared to cheaper beds made from particleboard.
6. Does the bed have to be attached to the wall?
Yes, absolutely. For safety, all Murphy beds, including Lori Beds, must be securely anchored to wall studs to prevent the heavy cabinet from tipping over and causing serious injury.
7. Do I need to buy a specific mattress?
No, you can use most standard mattresses, but it must be 12 inches thick or less to fit properly inside the cabinet when closed. The weight of the mattress will also affect the lifting effort on the manual model.
8. What is the difference between the manual and assisted-lift models?
The manual model relies entirely on your own strength to lift the bed by rocking it on its rounded base. The assisted-lift model adds a spring or piston mechanism to help carry the weight, making it much easier to open and close.
9. Can I paint or stain the Lori Bed?
Yes. Lori Beds offers an unfinished version that is specifically designed for customers who want to paint or stain it themselves to perfectly match their room's decor.
10. What are the best alternatives to a Lori Beds?
If you're looking for a bed that's easier to assemble and effortless to lift every day, your best alternative is a modern Murphy bed with a built-in gas piston system. Brands like Yechen Beds design their products around this feature, offering a complete, user-friendly solution right out of the box.