The irony of using an iPad to access 19th and early 20th century literature is not lost on me, but I’m really enjoying reading original source material from the Arts and Crafts and bungalow movement. Deep in the pages of Bungalow Magazine I found an ad for the Murphy bed’s forgotten competitor, the Sorlien ceiling bed.
The Sorlien company’s contraption hides the bed in the ceiling rafters. As you can see in Sorlien’s 1913 patent, you lower the bed via a crank in the wall. Weights, also hidden in the wall, counterbalance the bed. Folding legs on the bottom of the bed deploy like landing gear on a UFO so that you’re not swinging from a chain all night (although that sounds kinda fun).
Sorlien’s invention never caught on and the company diversified into tent trailers. But it appears that the tiny house folks have revived the ceiling bed idea.
Sears Modern Home blog has more information on the Sorlien bed.
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Samue made in Japan. Samue, loose-fitting cotton kimono-style top and trouser sets, are top-quality traditional Japanese casual and leisure wear. This model is made in the city of Kurume, renowned for its high-quality fabrics and clothes. Unlike cheaper brands that are made overseas and post-dyed, this samue is woven from the best hand-dyed cotton. The pants have pockets on both sides, an elasticated waist, with ties around the waist and ankles. The top has a pocket on the left side.
Samue have been worn as work clothes by artists, potters, priests and sculptors for centuries. These days they are very popular as comfortable everyday wear.
I’m so glad that you put up more information about the Sorlien ceiling bed. I do echo the musings of the Sears Modern Home blogger about the potential for wildlife in the attic, though. It would be great to see a surviving Sorlien ceiling bed descend from a ceiling.
My house is small, and I have investigated loft beds, but my knees wouldn’t be able to take the constant climbing…nor would my Chihuahua.
I never thought about that problem! Bedtime with rats!