Maximizing Space in Your Narrow-Lot Home
Neighborhoods are Evolving
Rather than renovating small mid-century Edmonton homes in established, sought-after neighborhood, they are being revitalized and replaced by narrow-lot homes, or skinny houses. This is exactly what homeowner Jennifer did. She built a duplex on the original McCauley homes property, living in one side and renting out the other.
Jennifer has spent 17 years working as a crane operator, which means a lot of time away from home. When she is home though, she wants to make the most of her limited space in the two-bedroom duplex. The second bedroom in her upstairs unit was a sticking point. Jennifer needed a comfortable space for visiting friends and family, but a permanent bed meant sacrificing a room she could only use a fraction of the time.
Her solution? A custom Murphy bed from Wallbeds-etc. And it changed everything.
What Makes a Wallbed the Right Choice for a Multifunctional Room?
A traditional bed makes one promise: sleep. Once it's in a room, the room belongs to it. A custom Wallbed bed flips that dynamic entirely, folding up against the wall when not in use and freeing up the floor for whatever you need—a home office, an exercise area, a craft station.
For Jennifer, that flexibility was the whole point. "I love having the option of being able to utilize that room for other things," she explains. "I don't have kids, but I want a space for my friends and family when they come to stay."
Her custom Wallbeds unit paired with a custom drop-down desk, open shelving on both sides, and integrated accent lighting—all designed to make the room feel polished and purposeful, whether the bed is up or down.
How Does a Custom Wallbed Compare to the Competition?
Jennifer did her research before committing. She looked at options from IKEA and Costco, which tend to be more affordable upfront. But the trade-off was clear: hundreds of pieces, self-installation, and no design support.
"I didn't want to install it," she says simply. A custom solution from Wallbeds-etc includes free in-home measurements, a design consultation, finish selection, and professional installation—all without the added frustration.
On pricing, Jennifer found Wallbeds-etc competitive. "I found their price a lot better than most," she notes. When you factor in the quality of materials, local manufacturing, and the time saved, the value adds up quickly.
What Does the Wallbeds-etc Design Process Actually Look Like?
Wallbeds-etc is an Edmonton-based company specializing in custom, affordable space-saving solutions—from Murphy beds and cabinetry to custom closets and garage storage. Every piece is manufactured locally in Edmonton, Even the mattresses are local; including the Araam mattresses, handcrafted and scientifically designed to provide the best possible sleep, a feature that ensures guests feel truly rested.
For Jennifer, the Customer Process was collaborative and pressure-free. The team came out, measured the room, and worked with her to design something that fit her lifestyle, not just the square footage. Wallbeds-etc worked with her schedule without issue.
How Did the Wallbed Transform the Space?
The before-and-after is striking, not just visually, but functionally. Before the installation, the room felt static and underused. Now, it serves multiple purposes throughout the day and transforms into a welcoming guest suite when needed.
"The first thing you notice when you walk in is that it just belongs there," Jennifer says. "It's clean, it's tidy it's not cluttered."
That sense of intentionality is hard to achieve with a standard bed. The custom cabinetry, shelving, and lighting all contribute to a room that looks designed, not assembled.
Is a Wallbed Worth It for a Narrow Lot or Smaller Home?
If you're working with limited square footage, Jennifer's upstairs unit sits at just under 1,500 square feet and every room needs to pull double duty. A Wallbed makes that possible without compromising on guest comfort or aesthetics.
It's a smart, long-term investment, especially for homeowners who work away from home, live in walkable urban neighborhoods, or simply want more from their space.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Are you struggling with a room that needs to do more? Whether it's a guest room that doubles as a home office, a basement that serves as a gym and media room, or a studio apartment that needs to feel more spacious, a custom Wallbed can unlock your home's hidden potential.
If you're ready to explore what a custom-designed Wallbed can do for your home, contact the team at Wallbeds-etc today. Let our experts help you design a space-saving solution that’s perfect for your lifestyle.
Wallbeds-etc offer so much to choose from, fold down single, double or queen size beds, a space that converts to a study area, with desk or workstation. Side towers and overhead storage for keeping things organized to a wardrobe for your clothes.
You pick the materials and finish to match your home décor, then lighting, plugins, and USBC ports that bring it to life.
Have a question about Walbeds-etc or Murphy bed, contact Wallbeds-etc today at 780-468-7088 or visit their showroom to find how to turn your spare room or empty space into best usable space possible. Wallbeds-etc is the space solution experts in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Don’t just take our word for it, check out customer reviews, then visit our online showroom to get started.