As someone who constantly explores the world of smart, functional design, I’m always on the lookout for brands that truly innovate in the space-saving furniture market. One name that stands at the pinnacle of this category is Resource Furniture, the exclusive North American distributor for the renowned Italian brand Clei. Their transforming systems aren't just beds; they're sophisticated engineering marvels designed for modern, urban living.
But with a premium price tag comes high expectations. Are their famous sofa-wall beds and integrated desk systems worth the investment? I've dug through over 100 customer reviews, forum discussions, and product specifications to give you an honest, independent look at the complete Resource Furniture experience.
Brand & Product Overview: More Than Just a Murphy Bed
First, it’s important to understand that Resource Furniture doesn't sell your standard Murphy bed. They offer complete, multifunctional systems handcrafted in Italy by Clei. Think of a queen-sized bed that seamlessly folds over a full-sized sofa, a desk that stays level as the bed pivots down, or even a set of bunk beds that vanishes into the wall.
Their product line includes:
- Orientations: Both vertical and horizontal models.
- Sizes: From twin all the way up to king.
- Integrated Features: Options for sofas, desks, dining tables, bookcases, and bunk beds.
- Pricing: Expect entry-level systems to start around $3,000-$5,000, with comprehensive setups featuring sofas or large storage units climbing to $10,000 and beyond.
The core promise is a demonstration of pure craftsmanship, transforming a single room into a multi-use space without compromise.
Ratings & Reviews: A Summary of Customer Sentiment
Across platforms like Houzz and Yelp, Resource Furniture earns high marks, typically averaging between 4.5 and 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers on these design-focused sites often rave about the transformative impact on their homes. Broader review aggregators show a slightly more mixed but still positive score of around 3.9/5 stars, reflecting a combination of five-star praise and a few complaints about service or costs.
The key themes I found in the feedback were overwhelmingly positive regarding the product itself:
- Innovative Functionality: Users love how a single piece of furniture can serve as a living room sofa, a home office, and a comfortable bedroom.
- Seamless Operation: The patented, balanced mechanisms are consistently praised for their smooth and effortless movement.
- Long-Term Durability: Many reviewers mention living with their Clei beds for over seven years without any issues.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek, modern design is a major selling point, elevating a room's decor.
The primary point of hesitation for prospective buyers is, unsurprisingly, the significant financial investment.
Key Benefits: The Pros of Choosing Resource Furniture
Based on my analysis, here are the standout advantages that customers consistently celebrate:
- Exceptional Italian Craftsmanship & Durability: These are not particleboard pieces. Made by Clei with high-quality lacquers and finishes, the beds are built to last. With warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years and weight capacities up to 1,000 lbs, the structural integrity is undeniable.
- Ingenious Space-Saving and Versatility: This is their superpower. One customer on a forum noted, "I’m still shocked our wall bed has allowed us to stay in our apartment for 7 more years!" Whether it’s integrating a sofa or a set of bunk beds, these systems genuinely allow people to live larger in smaller footprints.
- Effortless, One-Person Operation: Thanks to the patented and perfectly balanced lifting mechanisms, you don’t need to be strong to operate the bed. It’s a smooth, controlled motion that makes daily transformation a breeze.
- Sleek, Modern Aesthetics: Unlike bulky, traditional wall beds, Clei systems are designed to look beautiful whether open or closed. The clean lines and customizable finishes integrate seamlessly into a modern home.
- Professional White-Glove Service: Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff and professional installation teams. A New York customer praised their representative, Ted, for being "fantastic at helping us visualize, plan, and design the best solution."
Considerations: The Cons to Be Aware Of
To provide a balanced view, here are the potential drawbacks mentioned by users:
- The Significant Upfront Cost: This is the biggest hurdle. With full systems often costing $8,000-$12,000 plus a $500-$1,000 installation fee, it's a major home investment. The requirement for full payment upfront can also be a deterrent for some.
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Professional Installation is Almost Mandatory:
Due to the weight, precision, and complexity of the systems, DIY installation[^1] is strongly discouraged. This adds to the overall cost and requires you to coordinate with installers. One user living outside a service area noted, "I'm living in Houston now and had to find contractors in Houston[^2] to install the system."
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Potential for Minor Quality or Wear Issues:
While rare, a few reviews mention issues over time, such as cushions on sofa models[^3] showing wear or visible hardware on more basic units. One negative review stated, "The quality of the cushions are poor," highlighting a potential weak point in the otherwise durable system.
Voice of the Customer: Real User Experiences
Nothing tells the story better than the customers themselves:
We got a wall bed with sofa and we love it! The level of service is fantastic! All the way from Ted, who was fantastic at helping us visualize, plan, and design the best solution. – Positive Review
The staff at Resource Furniture are excellent! Each of them is very knowledgeable about the products and committed to providing a great service experience. – Positive Review
Purchased a Murphy bed sofa combo. Looks great and works great. I'm living in Houston now and had to find contractors in Houston to install the system. – Mixed Review
Buying Recommendations & Tips
If you're seriously considering a Resource Furniture system, here is my advice:
- Visit a Showroom if Possible: Users universally recommend this. If you are near Los Angeles or another city with a showroom, go see the products in person. It’s the best way to appreciate the engineering and visualize how it will work in your space.
- Inquire About Quick-Ship Models: If you're on a tighter timeline, ask about their in-stock inventory. Popular models like the Kali or Penelope are often available for quicker delivery.
- Budget for Professional Installation: Don't try to save money by doing it yourself. The white-glove installation ensures the system is safe, perfectly calibrated, and functions as designed.
Conclusion
Resource Furniture offers one of the most elegant and effective **space-saving furniture** solutions on the market. The **Italian craftsmanship** from Clei is evident in the design, durability, and flawless operation. It’s a product for the discerning buyer who values long-term quality and seamless functionality, and is willing to make a significant financial investment to achieve it.
While the price is high and professional installation is a must, the ability to fundamentally transform a small space without compromising on style or comfort is a powerful proposition.
Relate
[^1]: Understanding the risks of DIY installation can save you time and money, ensuring a professional setup →
[^2]: Finding the right contractors is crucial for a successful installation; explore this link for trusted resources →
[^3]: Explore this link to understand common problems and solutions related to sofa cushions, ensuring you make an informed purchase →