By Jasmine Harding | Updated Mar 31, 2022 1:43 PM

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Having an additional mattress is great for sleepovers and unexpected visits, but there’s just one problem: space! When you’re limited on space, a Murphy bed is the perfect compact solution. Also known as a wall bed, a fold-down bed, or a pull-down bed, these full-size beds tuck away into a wall, a closet, or a cabinet when not in use.

The best Murphy beds easily convert a living room or a home office into a guest bedroom while being safe, sturdy, and comfortable. Keep reading for the features to look for in the best Murphy bed and explore some of the top picks on the market.

Murphy beds come in traditional wall-mounted units or freestanding folding designs. A high-quality Murphy bed is compact, comfortable, and easy to use. Consider the size, orientation, frame material, and safety features when selecting the right bed for your space. Other features, including additional storage space and a foldable mattress, can sweeten the deal.

Full- and queen-size beds are a common and popular option because they can provide enough space for two guests. Twin and twin XL beds are also easy to find; these beds can only accommodate one guest but take up much less space. King-size Murphy beds are less common due to their large size and the weight of the mattress.

The ideal size depends on the available space and the bed’s intended use. Make sure to consider both the stored and expanded size of the Murphy bed to ensure there’s enough wall and floor space to fit your selection.

Traditional pull-down Murphy beds attach to the wall; the mattress sits on a wall-mounted frame that pivots vertically for storage. These wall beds usually tuck into a wall recess, a closet, or a shelving unit that hides the bed frame inside.

A wall-mounted standard Murphy bed gives the user the option to choose the mattress, a plus for picky sleepers. Installation is more complicated with these bed types—the bed will need to be drilled and mounted to the wall.

Folding or chest cabinet Murphy beds store in a compact, freestanding cabinet that resembles a storage chest. Since these frames don’t attach to the wall, they’re much easier to set up—there’s no drilling required. This freestanding Murphy bed type usually features a bed frame that folds or slides into the cabinet for storage.

These beds often include a custom-fit, multipiece mattress inside the chest. This offers less flexibility to select or replace the mattress. These foldable mattresses also tend to be thinner than regular mattresses. A mattress topper, however, could make a world of difference.

Murphy beds come in vertical and horizontal orientations. Most Murphy beds come in a vertical layout and mount with the head section of the bed closest to the wall. Horizontal Murphy beds mount with the long side of the bed closest to the wall. Some Murphy beds can be installed in either orientation, offering flexibility for those who need it. When choosing orientation, consider the room’s shape and size, the ceiling height, and the clearance space.

Vertical Murphy beds take up around 6 to 8 feet of wall height when in storage mode. For this reason, they’re well suited for rooms with average to high ceilings. When measuring for a vertical bed, consider ceiling fixtures like lights and fans to make sure the bed has enough clearance when changing from storage to bed mode. When in bed mode, vertical designs project farther from the wall and take up more perpendicular floor space.

Horizontal Murphy beds fit into shorter cabinets, making these beds ideal for rooms with low ceilings. Since their shorter side folds down, they don’t project as far into the floor space when in bed mode. A horizontal Murphy bed is a great choice for narrow or cramped room layouts.

Murphy beds are made from a range of durable materials, including metal, solid wood, plywood, particleboard, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard).

True to their space-saving design, some Murphy beds include storage features to make them more convenient to use. The most common option is storage space along one or both sides of a wall-mounted bed. These come in the form of shelves, cabinets, and closets, and are useful for storing bulky bedding or guest items.

These storage features take up more wall space but give the bed a more seamless look. Some wall-mounted beds even fold up to reveal desks or couches for use during the day.

Foldable cabinet Murphy beds tend to be more compact than wall-mounted beds. These designs don’t usually accommodate extra storage—their compact size has just enough storage space to fit the folding bed frame and the mattress. Sometimes these models will allow for some bedding inside the cabinet as well.

Instead of a lumpy sleeper sofa mattress or a thin futon, most wall-mounted Murphy beds fit a regular mattress up to 12 inches thick. It’s best to use a regular mattress in pull-down beds instead of a foldable mattress or a futon. Foldable mattresses tend to collapse when the bed is in storage mode.

Freestanding cabinet Murphy beds often include a foldable mattress. These custom mattresses are designed to fold in just the right way to store in the cabinet or chest. Most foldable mattress options are made of foam. They tend to have a thinner design, and some users may feel the separate sections of the mattress.

A high-quality and properly installed Murphy bed is safe for the whole family. Murphy beds include a number of safety features to make sure the bed stays in place. Most designs have a counterbalance system that also allows them to fold up and down easily. Modern Murphy beds have piston-lifts or torsion-springs for smooth and safe operation.

The piston or hinge system helps to hold the bed in place, preventing it from opening or closing on its own. As an extra measure of security, some wall-mounted Murphy beds have straps or locks to secure the bed in place in storage mode.

Give overnight guests some restful shut-eye with a comfortable Murphy bed. The following list of recommendations includes some of the best Murphy beds on the market. These units are comfortable, durable, and easy to use, temporarily converting any room into a cozy bedroom.

With two roomy storage shelves, the Red Barrel Studio Crossfell Murphy Bed makes the most of its wall-mounted design. This Murphy bed features two tall bookshelves flanking the Shaker-inspired Murphy bed, adding useful storage as well as an extra place to sleep. Each bookshelf features two fixed and three adjustable shelves to maximize storage space.

Onto the star of the show: the bed itself. This Murphy bed is easy to set up with the tug of a handle. A dual-piston system makes it safe and simple to open and close the bed. Once folded down, the Euro slat mattress system offers excellent support and comfort. Plus, with a built-in headboard, this Murphy bed looks and feels like a traditional bed.

Get the Red Barrel Studio Murphy bed at Wayfair.

Murphy beds can be a pricey investment, but their smart space-saving design is well worth it for many. This affordable Murphy bed from Bestar features a pared-down design—no extra bells and whistles means a more comparatively budget-friendly price.

Although simple, this Murphy bed doesn’t lack in style. When folded up, it features a wood finish with a Shaker-inspired trim and sleek metal handles. Since it doesn’t have additional shelving, it’s a great choice for a room with limited wall space.

A dual-piston system makes it easy to open and close the bed. When folded down, guests can take advantage of the slatted mattress support system for a restful night’s sleep.

Get the Bestar Murphy bed on Amazon and at Walmart.

Murphy beds tend to look unassuming, disguising themselves as cabinets or storage chests during the day. Made from solid hardwood with a rich cherry finish, this wooden cabinet bed from Night & Day is compact, durable, and stylish.

In storage mode, the bed measures only 27 by 64 by 37 inches. The faux handles and panels make it look like a handsome storage chest. Inside, there’s space to fit the included foldable mattress, bed sheets, and pillows. Locking hinges keep everything in place.

In bed mode, the chest transforms into a queen-size bed with a short wooden headboard and sturdy feet. The bed includes a 6-inch trifold gel memory foam mattress, bringing comfort to this compact bed design.

Get the Night & Day Furniture Murphy bed on Amazon and at Walmart.

Since they are lower in height, horizontal Murphy beds are the best choice for rooms with low ceilings. With the Lori Wall Bed, shoppers can choose their orientation. The horizontal full or queen option measures only 64 inches high, so it’s ideal for those tight on space.

Made of 100-percent solid wood, the Lori bed is a solid and attractive option. Although made from wood, the bed is affordable, saving costs by opting for a manual lifting system instead of a piston lifting mechanism. On the downside, it takes two people to open and close the bed.

Instead of a slatted system, this bed features a supportive platform base for uniform support so the mattress won’t sag. When folded up, the bottom of the bed turns into decorative storage shelving so you can keep knickknacks or photos on display when the bed isn’t in use.

Get the Lori Murphy bed at Lori Wall Beds.

With the Breda InLine Murphy Bed, any living space can transform into a spare bed. Ideal for studio apartments, living rooms, and spare rooms, this Murphy bed functions as both a bed and a sofa.

When folded up, the Murphy bed looks like a cupboard tucked behind a comfortable couch. To fold down, just remove the couch cushions, and the couch base functions as part of the bed support.

The base of the bed is made of durable participle board, but to suit different decor styles, Breda sells this Murphy bed in a wide range of melamine or laminate finishes, from a simple high-gloss white to realistic wood finishes. The bed is also available in several sizes, from twin to king.

Get the Breda Murphy bed at Breda Beds.

DIY enthusiasts can create their own pull-down bed with a Murphy bed kit. Designed by Create-A-Bed, this kit includes the necessary hardware to install a vertical, wall-mounted Murphy bed, leaving the bed frame and storage cabinet design up to the installer.

To make the process more accessible, an included step-by-step DVD and illustrated instruction booklet breaks down the building process. This kit is for a full-size bed, but twin- and queen-size options are also available.

This kit includes the necessary mounting hardware, two pistons, and two bed frame legs, all of which are made from sturdy black steel. The bed frame, cabinet, and mattress are not included. Users can build their own bed frame or hire a woodworking company to create a custom bed—perfect for those who are looking for an affordable, one-of-a-kind Murphy bed design.

Get the Create-A-Bed Murphy bed on Amazon.

A set of wheels gives this cabinet Murphy bed from Foundstone even more versatility. In storage mode, the Murphy bed folds into an elegant wooden cabinet with a caramel finish. The cabinet features a plywood core with acacia solids and veneers, blending an affordable build with a classic wood look.

Measuring 48 by 17 by 25 inches, this slim cabinet sits on a set of wheels, enabling it to store or set up in any room. The bed arrives completely assembled and ready to use, with a folding queen mattress included. The queen-size mattress system features an upholstered base pad with a cool gel memory foam topper for a comfortable sleep.

Get the Foundstone Murphy bed at Wayfair.

A Murphy bed is a smart choice for small children’s rooms. During the day, this twin-size cabinet Murphy bed from Red Barrel Studio tucks away and leaves plenty of room for play. Since it’s a cabinet bed, it’s a safe choice to have around children (there are no wall-mounted parts to watch out for). Older children can also open or close the bed on their own by using the slide-out mechanism.

When tucked away, this bed looks like a small chest of drawers. The solid wood build is both beautiful and sturdy to hold up to wear and tear. A folding mattress is included, which stores in the chest when the bed is closed.

Get the Red Barrel Studio Murphy bed at Wayfair.

The Red Barrel Studio Murphy bed is an attractive choice for most homes; the wall-mounted bed features a beautiful design, a safe and easy-to-use opening mechanism, and built-in storage shelving. Those looking for a simpler and more affordable option should consider the Bestar Murphy bed, a no-frills model that provides a comfortable place to sleep, without the pricey extras.

A new Murphy bed can be a costly purchase, and if you’re opting for a wall-mounted version, it’s even more crucial to buy a high-quality and long-lasting bed. Safety and durability were front of mind when we considered the best Murphy beds due to their high cost and the fact that they mount on the wall.

Wall-mounted Murphy beds must be secure, and uninstalling the bed can be a big job, so it’s important to find a Murphy bed that is safe to use and built to last. We also considered ease of opening and closing, prioritizing beds with easy-to-use opening mechanisms.

Murphy beds are usually chosen for their space-saving designs. Keeping that in mind, we selected several beds with extra features, including built-in desks, sofas, and storage, as well as some cabinet and portable Murphy beds. Lastly, design was an important aspect we considered, and we looked for classic designs with attractive finishes to suit most homes.

Murphy beds provide easy access to a full-size bed, without the full-size footprint. They offer a more permanent and sturdy alternative to a rollaway bed or an air mattress, but without taking up too much space. Still looking for the best Murphy bed to fit your needs? Keep reading for answers to the most frequently asked questions about these space-friendly beds.

No, Murphy beds are commonly available in twin, full, and queen bed sizes.

Most wall-mounted Murphy beds are around 16 to 20 inches deep and can accommodate a regular mattress.

The ideal mattress size varies from bed to bed, so it’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommended mattress size for depth and weight.

In most cases, yes, a confident DIYer can install most Murphy beds, or even create their own bed. Just make sure you have the right equipment and a partner to help. If the manufacturer recommends professional installation or you’re unsure about doing the job, it’s best to hire a professional to make sure the bed is installed safely.

Since Murphy beds need to be pulled out and put away with each use, they tend to wear out faster than a regular bed frame. Most Murphy beds can last 15 years or more, depending on how often they are use

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