Fold-away beds are a convenient solution for those who don't have the space for a permanent bed. However, they are known by several synonyms, including murphy beds, wall beds, hide-a-beds, and sleeper sofas. Murphy beds are named after William L. Murphy, who patented them in 1916, and they are the original fold-away bed. Wall beds are a general term for any bed that folds into a wall. Hide-a-beds are sofas that can be converted into a bed. Sleeper sofas are sofas designed with a fold-out bed inside. All of these terms refer to a bed that can be easily and compactly stored when not in use.