What Is a Murphy Bed?

Murphy beds can turn any room into a bedroom quickly and easily. Their versatile designs work particularly well in small living spaces, because users can store the beds vertically against the wall while they’re not in use. You can find Murphy beds in most standard mattress sizes, allowing couples and solo sleepers alike to take advantage of the space-saving design. 

We’ll explain how Murphy beds work and key characteristics to look for when shopping for your own. We’ll also let you know about the different styles that are available and provide details about how much these beds typically cost. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of owning a Murphy bed, so you can decide whether this unique option is right for you.

How Does a Murphy Bed Work?

Though there are different styles of Murphy beds, they all function similarly. Also called wall beds, Murphy beds have a headboard or base that attaches to the wall and a bed frame that raises and lowers. The mattress rests on the frame and sits vertically against the wall when you aren’t using it. 

When it’s time to use the bed, you can pull it down from the wall to set the mattress and frame on the floor. Some models have the mattress fold out parallel to the wall, while others are perpendicular. Though they are similar to trundle beds and pull-out couches, traditional Murphy beds take up even less space because of how they are stored. 

Murphy beds can be used in offices, dens, basements, guest rooms, or any room that you want to double as a bedroom. People with very small apartments may also use Murphy beds as their everyday beds, because they allow for the most efficient use of space.

Types of Murphy Beds

Murphy beds come in styles and finishes to complement nearly any room configuration and decor. Some constructions are more common than others, but most shoppers can find an option to fit their space both in form and function.

Type of Murphy Bed	Description
Standard	Traditional Murphy beds, also called wall beds, have a headboard and frame that attach to the wall. The headboard stays stationary while the frame and mattress hinge and pull down toward the floor.
Desk	You can use a desk Murphy bed if your office pulls double duty as a guest room. When stored, this style has a functioning desk attachment that can be raised or lowered. A desk-style Murphy bed may hinge from the wall or pack up into itself depending on the model.
Bookcase	Some traditional-style Murphy beds have bookcases on either side of the mattress. You can pull the mattress down from the wall without disturbing or needing to move any books or items stored on the attached shelving.
Chest Cabinet	Chest Cabinet Murphy beds function more like pull-out couches than traditional wall beds. When not in use, the bed looks just like a storage chest. The bed and frame are stored inside the chest and typically have a tri-fold mattress and frame.
Bunk Bed	Bunk bed Murphy beds let you truly maximize space by storing two beds against the wall. Most styles attach so that the mattresses are parallel to the wall rather than perpendicular. Some models allow you to use just one or both beds.
Sofa Bed	Sofa beds are an excellent option for living rooms that are also used as guest rooms. After removing the seat cushions, you can pull a mattress and frame out of the bottom of the sofa. These couches usually hold full or queen size mattresses. There are also murphy beds available that have sofas in front of them when they are stored, then beneath them when they’re pulled out.
Horizontal	Horizontal Murphy beds attach to the wall from one of their sides instead of the top. This design works well for rooms with low ceilings, though they do take up more horizontal space on the wall than traditional Murphy beds do.

Where to Buy a Murphy Bed

Murphy beds are widely available online from a number of retailers. You can also find them in some brick-and-mortar furniture and department stores. Shopping in person allows you to see the models up close and make sure the style and lowering system will work for your needs. However, storefronts don’t carry as many models as online retailers do. 

Shopping online allows you to compare countless Murphy beds against one another and choose the option that best fits your budget and needs. One of the drawbacks to shopping online is that you’ll likely need to assemble the bed yourself or hire a third party to assemble it.

How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost?

Queen size Murphy beds usually cost between $800 and $3,000. Materials, bed frame size, quality, and brand can all affect the bed’s final cost. Some models come with a compatible mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately.  Warranty length, sleep trials, and assembly may also have an impact on price.

Pros and Cons of a Murphy Bed

A Murphy bed is a versatile and valuable option for people with limited square footage. They’re cost and space-saving options for rooms that need to serve as both a bedroom and living space. Though Murphy beds are often used for guests, there are plenty of high-quality models that are durable enough to withstand nightly use. People who live in studio apartments can benefit from the extra floor space that a Murphy bed offers.  

Murphy beds aren’t the right choice for everyone, though. If you have a large enough bedroom, it may be simplest to use a traditional mattress to avoid having to set your bed up on a nightly basis. Murphy beds can be tricky to assemble and some models, especially those without included mattresses, can be expensive. 

High-profile and thick mattresses typically don’t fit well in Murphy bed frames. To choose the best mattress, make sure to review what kind will work with the frame you intend to purchase and choose the appropriate mattress size.

Consider a Murphy Bed If…	Keep Shopping If…
You have a studio apartment or limited square footage You want a bed that also works as a desk or storage Your guest room is also an office or living room	You’re not physically able to pull a bed down before use You’d rather have a budget-friendly air mattress as a guest bed You plan on using a very thick mattress