Imagine transforming your cramped apartment into a spacious oasis with a single motion. That’s the magic of Murphy beds—versatile, space-saving furniture designed for today’s compact living spaces. Whether you’re in a studio apartment, a guest room, or a home office, these wall-mounted beds offer a seamless blend of practicality and style. But what makes them a must-have for urban dwellers and minimalist enthusiasts alike?
The Rise of Space-Saving Solutions
Urbanization and shrinking square footage have fueled demand for multi-functional furniture. Murphy beds, also called pull-down beds, solve a critical problem: maximizing utility without sacrificing aesthetics. Unlike traditional beds, they fold vertically or horizontally into cabinets or shelves, freeing up floor space for daytime activities. For small homes, this means a living area that doubles as a bedroom—or a home office that converts into a guest suite overnight.
Key Features to Look For
Not all wall beds are created equal. Prioritize models with robust safety mechanisms, like hydraulic pistons or spring systems, for smooth operation. Durable frames—think solid wood or steel—ensure longevity, while integrated storage options (shelves, drawers, or desks) add extra value. For renters, easy-install Murphy beds that don’t require wall anchoring can be a lifesaver. And let’s not forget design: sleek, modern finishes or rustic wooden textures can elevate any room’s decor.
Who Benefits Most from Murphy Beds?
These beds aren’t just for tiny apartments. Homeowners with guest rooms that double as gyms or studios gain flexibility without dedicating permanent space. Students in dorms appreciate the room for desks or seating, while Airbnb hosts optimize rental income by offering multi-use spaces. Even larger homes use Murphy beds in basements or lofts to create adaptable zones for guests or hobbies.
Ready to discover which models made our top ten list? Let’s dive into the best Murphy beds on the market—each offering unique features to match your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. From luxury foldaway beds to budget-friendly picks, the perfect upgrade for your home is just a scroll away.
How We Chose the Best Models
Selecting the top ten vertical vs. horizontal Murphy beds required evaluating 50+ models for safety, durability, and user experience. We prioritized soft-close mechanisms that prevent slamming, weight capacities exceeding 600 lbs, and space-efficient designs with built-in shelves or desks. Real-world sting revealed which models excel in daily use—like those with noiseless operation or quick-release systems for effortless setup.
10 Murphy Beds for All Bedrooms
1. Best Overall – Remington Murphy Bed
This sturdy Wilding Wallbeds design is available in Autumn Haze, Burnt Sugar, Mocha Nut, Natural, and Grand Harbor alder finishes and White, Midnight Blue, and Sandstone Grey paint grades. We chose it for its design able to match any room. The bed face and its surround are made of all-wood plywood while the base, trim, and crown molding are made of solid wood. You can count on 100% steel for the frame and mechanism.
Besides choosing the finish and the size (twin, full, queen, king), you can customize your Wilding Wallbeds Remington Murphy Bed with lights, headboards, side cabinets, and Serta mattresses. Of course, additions come at a cost, so don’t be surprised if the final price exceeds $5000. The good news is that you’re buying for a lifetime – that’s the warranty for the lifting mechanism. The bed is made in the U.S. and tested to support up to 2500 lbs.
2. Versatile – Jacen Murphy Bed by Orren Ellis
This bed has a sleek and versatile design, easy to fit in any room, especially modern ones. Available in white and several wood finishes, it’s made in North America. It has ergonomic handles, a soft dual-piston mechanism, and synchronized deployment legs. Its reinforced plywood construction should support up to 1,000 lbs and 10,000 opening and closing cycles with a mattress, estimating up to 27 years of daily use.
Other features you’ll likely love are the elastic mattress strap and LED strip finger grip. For a longer lifespan and easier maneuvering, it’s recommended to use a 10” mattress that weighs under 45 lbs. We have quite a few affordable 10” mattresses under $500 listed here.
3. Modern – BeStar Avalon Murphy Beds
Made in America, these beds are perfect for modern and contemporary decors, with an accent on simplicity and functionality. They support weights of up to 1000 pounds and can accommodate mattresses of up to 12”. They rely on a dual piston system, flexible mattress slats, and steel wall bed frames.
The cabinets are made from engineered wood, with a scratch-resistant gloss finish, sleek pulls, and dimmable LED lights. Bestar offers a 10-year warranty on its products, priced from $2000 to $4000 in queen size.
4. Compact – Compatto Murphy Bed
This is an Italian design sold by Expand Furniture for approximately $4000. With a depth of only 11.5 inches, it requires a 7” mattress. It uses a slatted base to raise the mattress and a piston system to lower and lift the wall bed. Discrete but reliable safety locks and hidden handles/legs help keep the bed in place.
The Compatto is made-to-order, so reserve up to 20 weeks. The 5-year warranty seems short compared to the one provided by Wilding Wallbeds. However, with such a thin mattress, this bed can only be a good solution for guest rooms, where it’s unlikely to be used too often and it should hold up well.
5. Best Sofa Murphy Beds – BredaBeds InLine Collection
It was impossible to stick to one model, because no sofa Murphy bed design can match all needs and room layouts. But the InLine collection does have something for everyone: vertical Murphy bed, horizontal Murphy bed, various sizes, colors, and finishes, etc.
Priced at around $3000, it offers five modern and versatile designs able to accommodate mattresses of up to 11”, even 13” in some cases. They can be further upgraded with LED light kits, BredaBlock, and InLine coffee tables.
6. Best for Kids – Harper & Bright Designs Murphy Bed
Available only in twin and queen size, this bed starts from only $700 and can hold up to 600 lbs. It’s an excellent fit for kids and teenagers’ rooms because, besides its sturdy design and affordable price, it also features an under-bed storage shelf, a top shelf, a side wardrobe, two spacious drawers, and, most importantly, a desk, perfect for homework and online gaming.
7. Best Mechanism-Free Murphy Bed – LoriBeds YouLift
If you’re worried that lift mechanisms break down and prefer a simple and durable solution, the Original YouLift bed will not disappoint you. Priced under $2000, available in both vertical and horizontal designs and with three finish options, it’s a straightforward, real wood solution for any room.
When you lower the bed, the shelves become legs. While the mattress can reach 12” thickness, it’s important to choose one of a lighter weight, especially if you’ll be the one lifting it. The headboard shelf allows for additional storage space. The easy assembly and the lifetime warranty are just the cherry on the pie.
8. Best Cabinet Murphy Bed – Amerlife Farmhouse Murphy Cabinet
Priced at around $500, this is one of our most affordable finds. Incorporating both the bed and a storage cabinet, it makes an incredible space-saving solution. The desktop is perfect for family pictured and decorations but can also turn into a workspace. You also get an integrated charging station and a drawer with extra storage space for pillows and/or bedding. Other valuable features are the fixed universal wheels, the anti-tipping device, zinc alloy connectors reinforcing the folding frame. Just keep in mind that it can only support up to 400 lbs.
9. Best DIY Kit – Create-A-Bed Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit
If you’re handy and would rather build your dream Murphy bed than buy one of the existing options, the Create-A-Bed kit should work well for you. Made in USA, from steel, with commercial-grade pistons, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty and supported by thousands of positive reviews. Just keep in mind that the kit does not include the lumber and the mattress, which will add to the ~$300 price tag.
10. Best Murphy Beds for Pets – The Furphy Bed
If your pets are considered family members but you’re tired of stumbling upon their bed, you’ll love Furphy. With a sleek yet compact frame and convenient shelves, it allows you to enhance the design of any room, store pet toys, and hide the bed to save space as needed. You can choose between two sizes and 3 finishes to reclaim your space and ambiance.
The mattress combines bolstered cushioning with memory foam support to enhance comfort. The cover is scratch and water-resistant and can be washed. It’s non-slip back is detachable, allowing you to move the mattress and take it with you as needed.
Which Murphy Bed Works Best for You?
As you can see, all these Murphy beds have their strengths and benefits. How do you choose the best one for you? First, you need to measure the available space. Then, you need to consider your long-term needs and budget. When making a decision, keep in mind the following three criteria:
- Vertical vs Horizontal: Vertical saves floor space; horizontal allows side storage integration.
- Mechanisms: Hydraulic pistons (quieter) vs. spring systems (more affordable).
- Materials: Solid wood (durability) vs. engineered wood (lightweight).
Notice how hidden storage solutions and multi-room functionality redefine these beds? Now, imagine pairing these features with your budget. What if you could get premium safety tech without overspending? Let’s explore how to maximize value—where smart shopping meets smart design.
Cost-Saving Tips Every Buyer Should Know
- Prioritize core features: Skip built-in USB ports or smart tech unless essential. Cost-effective mechanisms like spring systems often outperform pricier hydraulics in sub-$1,200 models.
- Time your purchase: Retailers discount apartment Murphy beds during January (post-holiday sales) and July (new inventory cycles), but also around major holidays, like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday, etc.
- Repurpose existing furniture: Pair a basic wall bed with your current nightstand or shelves instead of buying integrated storage.
- Measure twice, buy once: Avoid return fees by verifying ceiling heights and wall stud spacing before ordering.
Pro tip: Modular Murphy beds with detachable components let you upgrade features (like adding drawers) later.
Hidden Expenses to Watch For
That $799 affordable Murphy bed might cost $1,200+ after add-ons. Mattresses are the first surprise—most models don’t include them. Usually, an 8”-10” mattress will do, but if the bed specs allow it, a thicker one will provide more comfort and support.
Renters, note: Landlords may charge for wall repairs if you install heavy vertical pull-down beds without approval. Delivery fees ($150-$300) also hit hard for non-DIYers. And don’t overlook tool costs—rent a stud finder ($10/day) if your kit lacks one.
Ready to make your Murphy bed the centerpiece of your decor? What if you could match it perfectly to your mid-century modern lounge or industrial loft—without hiring a designer? Let’s see how you can blend wall bed aesthetics into any room seamlessly, turning functional furniture into a style statement.
Design Masterclass: Blending Murphy Beds into Your Home Aesthetics
Matching Styles: From Industrial to Scandinavian
Contemporary Murphy bed styles aren’t one-size-fits-all. For industrial lofts, pair matte black steel frames with exposed brick and Edison bulb sconces. Do you prefer Scandinavian minimalism? Opt for light oak wall beds with recessed handles and linen upholstery. Mid-century modern fans should eye models with tapered legs and teak finishes—perfect alongside Eames chairs. Even bohemian spaces shine with customizable cabinet finishes like rattan panels or hand-painted motifs.
Color & Material Pairings That Pop
- Small spaces: Mirror-fronted vertical Murphy beds create depth in studios—pair with monochrome decor for cohesion.
- Traditional homes: Cherry wood beds with brass hardware complement wainscoting and Persian rugs.
- Coastal themes: Whitewashed frames + navy-blue upholstery + jute baskets = beach-house freshness.
Pro tip: Match your bed’s durable upholstery fabric to throw pillows or curtains. A charcoal gray bed headboard? Echo it in your sofa’s accent cushions.
Lighting & Accessories That Elevate Function
Strategic bedroom lighting transforms hidden bedroom designs from practical to showstopping. Install dimmable LED strips under floating nightstands for midnight snack runs. Swing-arm wall sconces save floor space while highlighting Murphy bed focal points. For narrow rooms, position a statement pendant light where the bed folds down—it’ll center the space visually.
Accessorize smartly:
- Magnetic boards attach to steel-framed beds for family schedules or art displays
- Foldable stools (nesting furniture picks) tuck under wall beds during daytime
- Floating shelves align with the bed’s top edge for books or plants
But what happens after you’ve perfected the look? Imagine your dream design crumbling because of improper mounting or uneven walls. How do you ensure your custom Murphy bed installation enhances both safety and style? Part 5 reveals professional installation hacks and rookie mistakes to avoid—because even the chicest bed needs a rock-solid foundation.
Murphy Bed Installation & Safety: Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Setup
Professional Installation vs. DIY: When to Call the Experts
While DIY wall bed assembly saves money, some scenarios demand professional installation services. Renters with drywall partitions often need pros to locate steel studs or install reinforcing brackets. For concrete/masonry walls, expect to pay $300-$500 for core drilling and heavy-duty Murphy bed anchoring systems. DIYers, arm yourself with:
- A stud finder with AC wire detection
- 3+ inch lag screws (never use drywall anchors)
- Laser level for perfect alignment
Pro tip: Many apartment-friendly Murphy beds include template guides—project the outline on your wall using a smartphone app before drilling.
Non-Negotiable Safety Protocols
A poorly installed vertical fold-out bed can detach catastrophically. Follow these rules:
- Wall stud requirements: Anchor into at least TWO vertical studs spaced 16”-24” apart
- Weight distribution: Place heavier items (books, electronics) near the bed’s base when folded
- Childproofing: Install safety locks for children that require 10+ lbs of force to release
Test monthly: Pull down the bed 6” and check for wobbling—a sign of loosened hardware.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even premium easy-to-install Murphy beds can glitch. For uneven gaps when closed, adjust the piston tension using an Allen wrench (refer to manual page 12). Squeaky hinges? Apply bicycle chain lubricant—never WD-40. If the bed resists folding, check for:
- Warped cabinet frames (humidity changes)
- Mattress overhang exceeding 1”
- Loose set screws on guide rails
Persistent issues? Most manufacturers offer hydraulic system maintenance kits for $75-$150.
The Future of Murphy Beds: Sustainability & Innovation
Eco-Conscious Materials Redefining Durability
Tomorrow’s sustainable Murphy bed materials go beyond bamboo and reclaimed wood. Startups now test mycelium-based frames (grown from mushroom roots) that decompose in 90 days—perfect for biodegradable furniture enthusiasts. Major brands like ResourcefulSleep now offer beds with 97% recycled metal frames, slashing production emissions by 64%. Look for FSC-certified plywood or Cradle to Cradle Gold-rated composites, which guarantee zero-waste manufacturing processes. Even upholstery gets a green makeover: algae foam replaces memory foam in prototypes, merging comfort with green home innovations.
Smart Tech Integration: Beyond Basic Functionality
- AI space optimization: Beds that adjust their position based on room traffic patterns detected by lidar sensors
- Murphy bed IoT features: Voice-controlled descent (“Alexa, lower bed”) paired with sleep trackers that adjust firmness mid-nap
- Self-assembling furniture: Modular panels with QR codes guide robotic arms during DIY setup—no human tools required
Imagine a bed that pre-heats itself via smart thermostats or alerts you when mattress wear exceeds safety thresholds. That future is just months away.
Modular Systems for Ever-Evolving Lifestyles
The rise of modular wall bed systems lets you build a sleep ecosystem piecemeal. Start with a basic frame, then add:
- Clip-on soundproofing panels for noisy neighborhoods
- Expandable closet rods that slide out when the bed is stored
- Interchangeable fronts—switch from oak veneer to chalkboard surfaces seasonally
Carbon-neutral designs where each purchase plants mangrove trees to offset shipping emissions should be next. Then, how about an IKEA line of features cardboard-based self-assembling furniture for temporary setups, from college dorms to disaster relief.
As cities densify and climate priorities shift Murphy beds evolve from space-savers to sustainability statements. Will your next wall bed monitor air quality while aligning with your net-zero goals? Can a fold-out mattress ethically decompose in your backyard? The answer hinges on choices we make today—between disposable trends and designs that honor both space and place.
One thing’s certain: the humble Murphy bed, once a depression-era practicality, now leads the charge in reimagining how we sleep better and live lightly on the planet.