The promise of a Murphy bed is transformative: reclaim precious square footage by folding a comfortable bed away into a stylish cabinet. Oakland Living enters this competitive market with a focus on affordability and function. But does it deliver on its promise? We’ve synthesized technical specifications and extensive customer feedback to create this in-depth, objective review to help you decide if it’s the right space-saving solution for your home.
Overall Ratings & Summary
Oakland Living's Murphy beds generally appeal to the budget-conscious consumer looking for a functional wall bed without the premium price tag of custom-built units. Feedback is consistent across platforms, painting a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.
| Rating Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | 4.0 / 5.0 - Good value for the price, assuming successful assembly. |
| Ease of Assembly | 2.5 / 5.0 - The most significant pain point; complex and time-consuming. |
| Functionality & Mechanism | 4.5 / 5.0 - The piston lift system is consistently praised for being smooth and easy to operate. |
| Material Quality | 3.5 / 5.0 - Meets expectations for its price point (particleboard/MDF), but not a premium product. |
| Final Appearance | 4.2 / 5.0 - Owners are generally pleased with the look once assembly is complete. |
Pros & Cons: What Owners Are Saying
Across hundreds of reviews, several key themes emerge. Here’s a condensed look at the most frequently cited feedback.
Pros
- Excellent space-saving functionality
- Smooth and easy-to-use piston mechanism
- Significant cost savings over custom units
- Looks stylish and modern once assembled
- Accommodates a standard mattress (up to 10-12 inches)
Cons
- Assembly is extremely difficult and time-consuming
- Instructions can be unclear and frustrating
- Prone to shipping damage (chips, scratches)
- Requires two skilled people for safe installation
- Made of particleboard, requiring careful handling
Deep Dive: The Customer Experience
Understanding what it’s like to own an Oakland Living Murphy Bed means focusing on two distinct phases: the challenging build and the rewarding final product.
Assembly & Installation: The Biggest Hurdle
Almost every piece of customer feedback revolves around assembly. This is not a simple DIY project. Reviewers consistently report that the process takes between 7 to 10 hours with two people. The instructions are often cited as being confusing, with diagrams that are hard to decipher. It is critical to note that the unit is extremely heavy and must be securely anchored to wall studs for safe operation. This is not optional.
"Be prepared for a full day of work. The instructions felt like a puzzle, but we got there. My advice: lay out all your parts and hardware before you start. It saved us a lot of time. And you absolutely need a second person." - Paraphrased from a Home Depot review
Actionable Advice: If you are not patient or experienced with complex flat-pack furniture, consider hiring a professional installer. The cost will add to the overall price but may save you significant time and frustration.
Functionality and Everyday Use
Once the bed is built, owner satisfaction rises dramatically. The dual-piston mechanism is the product's standout feature. Users describe it as smooth, well-balanced, and easy enough for one person to lift and lower the bed without straining. This reliable functionality makes it an excellent solution for a dual-purpose room, such as a home office that doubles as a guest room.
"I was worried it would be heavy to pull down, but it's surprisingly easy. It feels very secure. We use it in our craft room, and it's been a game-changer for when the grandkids visit." - Paraphrased from a Wayfair review
Who Is This Murphy Bed For?
- The Patient DIYer: If you have experience building complex furniture and have a helper, you can achieve a fantastic result for a fraction of the cost of other options.
- The Value-Conscious Homeowner: For those looking to maximize a small room on a budget, this product provides the core function of a Murphy bed at an accessible price point.
- Occasional Hosts: It’s perfect for converting a home office, gym, or playroom into a comfortable guest room on demand without sacrificing daily utility.
Who Should Avoid It?
- Anyone Expecting Premium Materials: This is a particleboard and laminate product. If you are looking for solid wood and high-end finishes, you will need to look at a much higher price point.
- Those Unwilling to Tackle a Difficult Build: If the thought of a 10-hour, two-person assembly project sounds daunting, you should either budget for professional installation or consider a different product.
Market Alternatives: Oakland Living vs. Bestar
The most direct competitor to Oakland Living in this category is Bestar. Both brands target a similar market with particleboard construction and user-friendly piston mechanisms.
- Similarities: Both brands suffer from similar complaints about difficult assembly and potential for shipping damage. They offer comparable functionality and price points.
- Differences: Bestar often offers a wider range of integrated storage options, such as attached shelving units or desk combinations. Customer service reports vary, but Bestar has a slightly longer track record in the North American market for ready-to-assemble furniture. Your choice between the two may simply come down to which available style or configuration best fits your room.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
The Oakland Living Murphy Bed is a solid product that succeeds at its primary goal: providing a functional, attractive, and affordable space-saving bed. Its smooth mechanism and final appearance receive high marks from owners who make it past the final hurdle.
However, that hurdle is significant. The challenging and lengthy assembly process cannot be overstated. We can only recommend this product to buyers who fall into one of two categories:
- Confident DIYers who are prepared for a complex, two-person project and understand they are working with engineered wood.
- Buyers who are willing to factor the cost of professional assembly into their budget.
If you fit into one of those groups, the Oakland Living Murphy Bed represents excellent value and can genuinely transform a multi-purpose room in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How difficult is the assembly for an Oakland Living Murphy Bed?
The assembly is considered very difficult and is the most common complaint. It typically requires two experienced people and can take 7-10 hours to complete due to complex steps and sometimes unclear instructions.
2. Can one person assemble this bed?
No, it is strongly recommended that two people perform the assembly. The components are very heavy and large, and safely maneuvering and securing them requires a second person.
3. What is the bed made of? Is it solid wood?
The bed is constructed from particleboard and MDF with a laminate finish, not solid wood. This is standard for Murphy beds in its affordable price range.
4. Is the Oakland Living Murphy Bed safe once assembled?
Yes, it is safe when assembled correctly. The most critical safety step is to ensure the unit is securely anchored to the wall studs. Failure to do so can create a serious tipping hazard.
5. How easy is it to lift and lower the bed?
It is very easy. The dual-piston lift mechanism is a standout feature praised by users for being smooth, well-balanced, and requiring minimal effort to operate.
6. What kind of mattress can I use with it?
It is designed to accommodate a standard mattress up to 10 or 12 inches thick, depending on the model. It's important not to use a mattress that is too thick or heavy for the piston system.
7. Should I hire a professional to assemble it?
If you are not an experienced and patient DIYer, hiring a professional is a highly recommended option. It will add to the cost but can save you significant time and ensure the bed is assembled safely.
8. What's the main difference between Oakland Living and Bestar Murphy beds?
They are very similar in price, materials, and assembly difficulty. The main difference is that Bestar often offers more configurations with integrated storage units, like side shelving or desks.
9. Is this Murphy bed a good value for the price?
Yes, it is considered a good value. It provides the core functionality of a Murphy bed at a much lower cost than custom or high-end models, provided you can overcome the assembly challenge.
10. What should I do if parts arrive damaged?
Shipping damage like chips or scratches is a common issue with heavy, flat-pack furniture. You should inspect all pieces upon arrival and contact the retailer's customer service immediately to request replacement parts.