Picture this — you walk into a room that looks like a clean, functional home office. Bookshelves line one wall, a desk sits neatly in the corner, and everything feels open and airy. Then, in about ten seconds, you pull a handle and a full queen-size bed swings down from the cabinet. That’s a Murphy bed in action, and it’s one of the smartest space-saving ideas you can put in your home.
A Murphy bed is essentially a bed frame hinged to a wall cabinet. It folds up vertically or sideways when you’re not using it, so the same room works as an office, living area, or workout space during the day and a real bedroom at night. If you’re in the US, expect to pay somewhere between $2,000 and $4,000 installed for a decent one, before the mattress. On the low end, you can find options under $1,500. On the high end, custom work can push past $10,000 easily.
This guide walks you through everything — what a Murphy bed actually is, the different types and sizes available, whether they’re genuinely comfortable, which mattresses work, how long they last, what they really cost, and how they stack up against sleeper sofas and other alternatives. There’s also a section on building one yourself from a hardware kit and a checklist of things to verify before you hand over your money.
What Is a Murphy Bed?
At its core, a Murphy bed (also called a wall bed or fold-down bed) is a mattress-and-frame assembly that attaches to a cabinet or wall through a pivot and counterbalance system. Springs or gas pistons offset the weight of the mattress, which means you can lower and raise the bed by hand without breaking a sweat. When it’s closed, the mattress sits upright inside the cabinet, usually hidden behind a panel that looks like a cabinet door, bookcase, or wall unit.
The name traces back to William Lawrence Murphy, a San Francisco inventor who developed and patented fold-away bed designs in the early 1900s. His patents go back to the early 1910s, including US Patent 1,030,201 for what he called a “disappearing bed.” These days, “Murphy bed” is used as a generic term across the US and Canada for any bed that stows into a wall or cabinet.
Here’s the key difference from a regular bed frame — it’s the mechanism and the cabinet. A standard frame just sits on the floor permanently. A Murphy bed is really a piece of storage furniture with a bed built into it. Most wall-mounted versions have to be anchored to the wall studs or the building structure so the cabinet doesn’t tip forward when the bed comes down. That anchoring is non-negotiable for safety.
Do Murphy Beds Still Exist? Are They Making a Comeback?
Absolutely. They’re sold by specialty manufacturers, home improvement retailers, and custom cabinet shops all over the country. Demand tends to follow small-space living trends — studios, accessory dwelling units, and homes where a spare room has to pull double duty. And let’s be clear: modern versions look nothing like the plain steel-frame beds from the early 20th century. You can now get bookcase fronts, shaker-style cabinets, and minimalist slab panels, often with side storage and built-in lighting. They’ve come a long way.
What Is a Murphy Bed Called in the UK?
Over in the UK, the go-to term is wall bed. You’ll also see fold-down bed, fold-away bed, pull-down bed, and cabinet band around. “Murphy bed” gets understood, but it’s more of a North American phrase.
Two things worth keeping in mind when you’re shopping across markets:
- Terms overlap but products differ. In the US, “cabinet bed” usually means a freestanding unit that doesn’t anchor to the wall. A wall-mounted bed relies on the building structure. They need completely different installation work.
- UK mattress sizes are metric and don’t match US sizes. UK sizes run single, small double, double, king, and super king. Always check actual dimensions, not just the labels.
| UK Size | Dimensions (cm) | Approx. Inches |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 190 | 35.4 x 74.8 |
| Small double | 120 x 190 | 47.2 x 74.8 |
| Double | 135 x 190 | 53.1 x 74.8 |
| King | 150 x 200 | 59.1 x 78.7 |
| Super king | 180 x 200 | 70.9 x 78.7 |
A UK double (135 cm wide) sits close to, but not exactly the same as, a US full (54 inches wide). A UK king (150 cm) runs slightly smaller than a US queen. Never assume a US mattress will fit a UK frame, or the other way around.
Types of Murphy Beds
Vertical Murphy Beds
A vertical bed pivots from the short end of the mattress, so the headboard end rests on the floor and the foot end swings up toward the ceiling. The cabinet ends up narrow and tall.
- Best for: rooms with limited wall width but enough ceiling height
- Main advantage: needs less wall width than a horizontal bed
- Limitation: requires enough ceiling height, and the lowered bed projects well into the room. As an example, one kit lists an 87-inch projection from the wall for a bed with an 80-inch mattress. Another queen model needs a ceiling of at least 92.1 inches. Always check each model’s stated requirements.
Horizontal Murphy Beds
A horizontal bed pivots from the long side, so the mattress length runs along the wall when closed. The cabinet is wide and shorter.
- Best for: rooms with low ceilings, under windows, or where you want a long, low storage look
- Main advantage: fits where ceiling height is limited and the lowered bed projects less into the room
- Limitation: needs a wide, clear wall. A queen mattress is 80 inches long, so the cabinet has to be wider than that.
Queen Murphy Beds
A queen Murphy bed uses a 60 by 80 inch mattress and is hands-down the most popular size. It fits couples and still folds into a manageable cabinet. This is also the size where cost and weight start to really matter. The mattress is heavier, the mechanism works harder, and the lowered bed needs about 7 feet of room length plus walking space.
Twin and Double (Full) Murphy Beds
A twin mattress (38 by 75 inches) suits a single sleeper, a kid’s room, or a tight office. A double, or full (54 by 75 inches), gives one adult more width than a twin and works as a reasonable compromise when a queen would eat up the whole room. Twin XL (38 by 80) is also on the table for taller sleepers.
Wooden Murphy Beds
Solid wood and engineered wood (plywood, MDF, particleboard with veneer or laminate) are both common in the market. Solid wood is heavier and more repairable but costs more. Engineered panels can be stable and well made, though quality varies quite a bit. Here’s the thing — appearance isn’t proof of structural strength. Look at the cabinet specs, the mechanism warranty, and the weight rating, not just the finish.
Cabinet Murphy Beds
Cabinet beds are often self-contained units that stand against the wall. They tend to be cheaper, easier to install, and easier to move than wall-anchored systems. That said, still follow the manufacturer’s anchoring instructions. Many also come with a mattress sized specifically for that frame.
Minimalist Murphy Beds
Minimalist models use flat slab fronts, hidden hardware, and neutral finishes so the bed blends right into a wall. They suit modern interiors well. But don’t let the look be your main deciding factor. Mechanism quality, clearance, and mattress compatibility matter far more in the long run.
Murphy Bed With Desk
A Murphy bed with a desk combines a fold-down bed and a work surface in one cabinet unit. The whole idea is that the room functions as a proper home office by day and a bedroom by night — no furniture shuffling required.
How the desk works depends on the design:
- Desk that folds with the bed. The desktop is attached to the bed frame and rotates with it. When the bed comes down, the desk surface gets stowed or hidden.
- Desk that stays level. Some designs keep the desktop horizontal while the bed folds down, but this usually limits what you can leave on top.
- A separate desk beside the bed. A standard Murphy bed next to an independent desk is simpler and often cheaper. It’s also more flexible because the desk isn’t tied to the bed mechanism.
Before you assume the desk can stay loaded when the bed opens, check the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Most designs expect you to clear the desk surface (laptop, monitor, lamp) first.
Things to evaluate:
- Work surface size. Check actual depth and width, not just the listed bed size.
- Legroom and chair clearance. The desk has to work with a chair, not just look good closed.
- Storage and shelves. Side cabinets and shelves add storage but also add cost and width.
- Daily routine. If you’re opening and closing the bed every single day, a desk you have to clear each time gets old fast.
A queen Murphy bed with a desk is a practical pick for a guest room that doubles as an office. Expect it to cost noticeably more than a plain queen model. One retailer lists a queen wall bed with a fold-out table at $6,399, compared to $4,788 for the same bed without the table. That’s one retailer’s pricing, not a market average, but it gives you a sense of the premium.
Queen vs. Twin vs. Double Murphy Beds
| Feature | Twin | Double (Full) | Queen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress size (inches) | 38 x 75 | 54 x 75 | 60 x 80 |
| Best for | One sleeper, small rooms, kids | One adult wanting more width, occasional couples | Couples, main bedrooms, guests |
| Typical prefab installed cost (Fixr) | $1,500 to $2,000 | $2,000 to $3,000 | $2,900 to $4,000 |
| Typical custom installed cost (Fixr) | $3,000 to $4,000 | $4,000 to $5,000 | $5,000 to $6,500 |
| Main drawback | Tight for two adults | Slightly small for couples | Largest cabinet and mechanism load |
These prices come from a national cost guide and reflect installed prices without the mattress. Treat them as ranges, not firm quotes.
Are Murphy Beds Comfortable?
Here’s the honest answer: Murphy beds can be just as comfortable as a conventional bed, but it comes down to the mattress and the quality of the build. The folding mechanism itself doesn’t make the sleeping surface worse. What actually matters is the same list as any bed — mattress construction, thickness, support, a stable platform, and your own personal preferences.
What affects comfort:
- The mattress. Many Murphy beds use memory foam or hybrid mattresses that handle being stored upright. Thickness usually tops out somewhere around 8 to 12 inches.
- The sleeping platform. Wooden slats or a solid platform should be flat and firm, with no creaking or flex.
- Frame stability. A bed that wobbles when it’s lowered will never feel like a normal bed.
- Correct installation. A cabinet that isn’t anchored or leveled properly can feel unstable and, frankly, unsafe.
Suitability by situation:
- Everyday sleeping: Realistic if you buy a quality bed and mattress and you’re willing to open and close it daily.
- Couples: A queen is the practical minimum, and a well-built one handles nightly use just fine.
- Guest rooms: This is where Murphy beds really shine, because the bed stays out of the way most of the time.
- Small apartments and studios: Great for reclaiming floor space, as long as you can live with the daily routine.
Don’t assume every model matches a premium conventional bed. Some budget models work fine for occasional use but leave you disappointed for nightly sleep.
Murphy Bed vs. Sleeper Sofa: Which Is More Comfortable?
A quality Murphy bed usually gives you a real mattress on a flat platform. Many sleeper sofas have a thin mattress over a metal frame, and some people can feel the bars through it. But a well-made sleeper sofa can be perfectly fine, and a poorly made Murphy bed can be worse. Compare the actual mattress thickness and support rather than just the category.
| Factor | Murphy Bed | Sleeper Sofa |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping surface | Full mattress on a platform | Usually a thinner fold-out mattress |
| Daily comfort | Generally better if well built | Varies widely; often best for occasional use |
| Conversion effort | Lower and raise the bed; clear space | Remove cushions, unfold the frame |
| Floor space in use | Needs space in front when open | Needs space in front when open |
| Daytime function | Cabinet, desk, or shelving | Seating |
| Cost | Often higher up front | Often lower for similar sleeper quality |
| Installation | May need wall anchoring | Delivered, no anchoring |
Can You Put a Normal Mattress on a Murphy Bed?
Sometimes, but not always. Compatibility depends on the specific bed. Here’s what to check:
- Dimensions. The mattress has to match the frame. A 60 by 80 inch queen mattress belongs in a queen frame.
- Thickness. Many frames accept mattresses roughly 8 to 12 inches thick. One kit lists a 12-inch maximum including a pillow top. Mattresses much thicker than the stated limit can stop the bed from closing or damage the mechanism.
- Weight. The lift mechanism is balanced for a certain mattress weight. One kit lists a 65 to 80 pound maximum. A heavier mattress can make the bed hard to lift or lower and wears the mechanism faster.
- Flexibility and construction. Mattresses should hold their shape when stored upright. Some latex mattresses can shift, slip, or jam in the frame.
- Retention straps and manufacturer limits. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Also check the mattress warranty, because many mattress makers don’t cover use in a Murphy bed.
Bottom line: don’t choose a mattress without confirming the Murphy bed manufacturer’s specifications. If the instructions aren’t available, contact the maker first.
Can You Leave Bedding on a Murphy Bed?
Often yes — for fitted sheets and light blankets — but it varies by model. Most designs include retention straps that hold the mattress and light bedding in place when the bed is upright. Thick duvets, bulky comforters, and loose pillows may fall out or prevent the bed from closing, so remove those or store them separately.
Practical rules:
- Keep bedding flat and light if you want to leave it on.
- Don’t stack bulky layers that exceed the closing clearance.
- Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for what’s allowed.
- Use the straps as designed and never remove them.
Advantages of Murphy Beds
- Floor space. The bed is completely out of the way when closed.
- Multifunctional rooms. A home office, living room, or studio can become a bedroom in seconds.
- Better guest sleeping than most temporary solutions. A permanent mattress and platform are usually more comfortable than an air mattress or folding cot.
- Integrated storage and desks. Shelves, side cabinets, and desks can be part of the unit.
- Flexible room layouts. You can furnish the room for daytime use without a bed dominating the space.
What Are the Downsides of a Murphy Bed?
- Higher upfront cost. A good bed with installation often costs more than a standard bed frame and mattress combo.
- Anchoring and installation. Wall-mounted models must be secured to the structure. Incorrect installation can cause injury.
- Mattress restrictions. Thickness, weight, and construction are limited compared to a regular bed.
- Mechanical maintenance. Springs, pistons, hinges, and mounting hardware need occasional checks.
- Clearance needs. You need space in front of the cabinet when the bed is lowered, so some furniture has to move or be placed away from the bed’s path.
- Harder to relocate. Wall-anchored models are more difficult to move than freestanding furniture.
- Daily effort. If you hate making the bed or clearing the area, it can wear on you over time.
These limitations depend on the design and the maker. A well-chosen model in the right room is often a great fit despite these trade-offs.
How Long Does a Murphy Bed Last?
There’s no reliable universal lifespan. Different parts last different amounts of time, and published claims vary all over the place. What you can actually verify are warranties — which are not the same as a guaranteed lifespan.
Factors that affect durability:
- Cabinet materials and construction
- Hinge and pivot quality
- Spring or gas-piston mechanism design
- Frequency of use
- Weight limits and actual mattress weight
- Installation quality
- Regular inspection and maintenance
Warranties vary by maker and by component. Some examples from manufacturer pages: one maker lists 10 years on mechanical parts but only 1 year on wood parts. Another lists a lifetime warranty on its desk-bed mechanism but 10 years on the metal frame and 5 years on slats. A Bestar queen model lists 10 years. Read the terms carefully, since coverage often excludes labor and assumes proper installation.
Maintenance Checklist:
- Inspect wall and floor mounting hardware periodically
- Check hinges and pivots for wear or play
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule
- Don’t exceed weight limits
- Check the mattress-retention straps
- Investigate unusual noises, resistance, or uneven lowering
- Use approved replacement parts, and don’t modify the mechanism without manufacturer guidance
How to Build a Murphy Bed (DIY Kit Overview)
Building one yourself is possible, but it’s a supporting option, not the main route for most buyers. A DIY Murphy bed usually means buying a hardware kit and building the cabinet and platform yourself from plans.
What a kit typically includes: the pivot hardware, lift mechanism (springs or pistons), brackets, and often printed instructions with cut lists. Lumber and sheet goods are usually not included. One kit’s instructions specifically state that wood is not included and that the booklet gives recommended materials and cut specifications.
General process:
- Measure the room, ceiling height, and available wall width.
- Choose the mattress size.
- Select a kit rated for that mattress size and weight.
- Review the plans and specifications before buying materials.
- Choose cabinet materials as the plans specify.
- Build the cabinet and bed frame to the design.
- Install the lift mechanism per the instructions.
- Anchor the system as required.
- Check clearances and operation.
- Test according to the instructions.
Spring vs. gas piston: Spring systems are common in lower-priced kits and are adjustable in some designs. Gas pistons are often described as smoother and quieter but cost more. Both need the right match to your mattress weight.
Kit only vs. complete bed: A kit is cheaper but puts design, material choice, and safety on you. A complete system includes engineered cabinetry and a clearer warranty.
If you buy hardwood trim or face-frame lumber, you can estimate volume with a Board Foot Calculator. For example, a 1 by 12 inch board that is 8 feet long equals 1 x 12 x 8 / 12 = 8 board feet. This is an illustrative example, and sheet goods like plywood are priced per sheet.
Safety warning: A Murphy bed must be assembled and secured according to its specific engineering and manufacturer instructions. Incorrect installation can cause serious injury. Don’t use universal dimensions or load ratings from other plans.
How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost in 2026?
Price research date: November 4, 2026. US pricing. Prices change and vary by retailer and region.
A national cost guide puts the average Murphy bed at about $3,000 installed, with a typical range of $2,000 to $4,000, a low end near $1,500, and a high end near $15,000. A manufacturer’s 2026 guide lists starting prices for its beds from about $1,325 to $3,150 by size, mattress not included.
| Type | Typical Price Range | What Affects the Price |
|---|---|---|
| DIY hardware kit | Starting around $400 for low-end kits; higher for adjustable or piston kits | Mechanism type, mattress size, whether plans are included |
| Budget or cabinet Murphy bed | About $1,700 to $3,000 for pre-built cabinet beds (one retailer includes a mattress) | Materials, mattress inclusion, brand |
| Mid-range prefab, installed | $1,500 to $4,000 by size | Cabinet quality, mechanism, side storage |
| Premium wall systems | Roughly $3,200 to $6,000 or more | Finishes, integrated features, cabinetry |
| Desk-integrated | Often $5,000 or more, depending on design | Desk mechanism, storage |
| Custom-installed | $3,000 to $15,000 depending on size and design | Design, materials, labor |
How to read these numbers:
- Hardware-only vs. complete. Kit prices exclude cabinet materials, tools, and your time.
- Mattress. Often not included, except with some cabinet beds.
- Installation. Often separate, so confirm whether a quote is installed.
- Extras. Side cabinets, orientation, and face style can add hundreds to over a thousand dollars.
Budget example (illustrative): A queen prefab bed installed at $2,900 to $4,000, plus a compatible mattress, means planning for $3,500 to $4,800 or more all in, depending on the mattress. That’s an example, not a quote.
Several low-quality cost sites publish unsourced price tables. Stick with manufacturer pages, retailer listings, and established cost guides, and get local quotes for installed work.
Does IKEA Sell Murphy Beds?
In the US, IKEA does not sell Murphy beds or wall beds. Multiple US specialty sellers and publications confirm this, and IKEA sells sofa beds, daybeds, and space-saving bed frames instead. A search of UK sources didn’t turn up an IKEA wall bed either. Check the current IKEA UK catalogue directly to confirm, since inventories change.
What people actually do: an “IKEA Murphy bed” is typically a DIY project that combines IKEA cabinets with a separately purchased hardware kit. That can look built-in, but the lift action and long-term durability depend on how well you build it, and it’s better suited to occasional use than nightly sleep.
An IKEA daybed, sofa bed, or extendable bed is not a Murphy bed. They’re alternatives, not equivalents.
Best Murphy Beds in 2026: How to Choose
No single bed is best for everyone, and we haven’t tested these beds personally. The table below lists examples with specifications found on manufacturer or retailer pages. Confirm price, size, and availability on the seller’s page before buying.
| Product | Best For | Size | Main Features | Price | Important Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murphy Door Simple Murphy Bed | Entry-level twin to larger sizes | Twin and up | Ships unassembled, slab or shaker face; maker states a lifetime warranty | Twin starts around $1,290 (maker listing) | Mattress not included; assembly required |
| Archic Night and Day Murphy Cube | Budget queen cabinet bed | Queen | Cabinet design; ships with a tri-fold gel memory foam mattress sized for the frame | $1,697 (retailer listing) | Cabinet beds vary in stability; check anchoring |
| Bestar Key West queen | Wall-anchored queen with warranty | Queen | 10-year manufacturer warranty | Check retailer | Needs a minimum ceiling height of 92.1 inches; not for children or pets under 50 lb |
| Wilding Murphy Desk Bed | Desk-integrated | Check sizes | Lifetime warranty on the desk-bed mechanism | Check maker | Confirm desk loading rules |
| Create-A-Bed vertical kit | DIY builders | Twin to king | Adjustable mechanism, printed instructions | Check retailer | Wood not included; max mattress thickness 12 in, weight 65 to 80 lb on one king kit |
How to pick by category:
- Best for a queen: prioritize mechanism quality, stated mattress limits, and a clear warranty.
- Best twin: a simple vertical bed is usually enough.
- Best with a desk: look for a maker that states what can stay on the desk when the bed opens.
- Best wooden: compare solid wood vs. engineered panels, and look at warranty terms, not finish alone.
- Best budget: a pre-built cabinet bed with the mattress included can cost less than a custom wall system.
- Best premium: the extra money should buy cabinetry, finishes, and a strong mechanism warranty.
What Is a Good Alternative to a Murphy Bed?
| Option | Space | Comfort | Ease of Use | Storage | Cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper sofa | Needs room to unfold | Varies; often thinner mattress | Moderate | None | Often lower | None |
| Daybed | Stays in the room | Good with a real mattress | Easy | Some have drawers | Lower to moderate | None |
| Cabinet bed | Folds into a cabinet | Good if mattress is quality | Easy to moderate | Some | Moderate | Minimal to moderate |
| Trundle bed | Stores under another bed | Moderate | Easy | None | Low to moderate | None |
| Folding guest bed | Folds small | Often lower | Easy | None | Low | None |
| Loft bed | Frees floor below | Good | Climbing required | Space under | Moderate | Assembly |
| Futon | Folds for seating | Often lower | Moderate | None | Low | None |
For a room used nightly, a Murphy bed, quality cabinet bed, or daybed gives the most reliable sleep. For a guest who stays a few nights a year, a sleeper sofa or daybed may be plenty.
What to Look for When Buying a Murphy Bed
- Room measurements. Measure ceiling height, wall width, and the open-bed projection. Check clearance for doors, vents, and outlets.
- Mattress compatibility. Confirm size, maximum thickness, and weight, and whether the mattress is included.
- Construction. Look at cabinet materials, panel thickness, and finish.
- Mechanism. Ask whether it uses springs or pistons, and whether it’s adjustable.
- Safety. Confirm anchoring requirements and any child or pet restrictions.
- Warranty. Compare coverage by component and what it excludes, such as labor.
- Installation. Decide whether you’ll hire a pro and get the installed price in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What else is a Murphy bed called? Wall bed, fold-down bed, fold-away bed, pull-down bed, or cabinet bed. Terms vary by country and product design.
Are there Murphy beds that are actually comfortable? Yes. Comfort depends on the mattress, platform, and build quality. A well-made bed with a suitable mattress can be comfortable for nightly sleeping.
How much does a good quality Murphy bed cost? In the US, roughly $2,000 to $4,000 installed for many prefab beds, with high-end custom systems reaching $10,000 to $15,000. Mattresses are often extra.
Can I put a normal mattress on a Murphy bed? Only if it matches the bed’s size, thickness, and weight limits, and if it holds its shape upright. Check the manufacturer’s specifications first.
Can I leave bedding on? Often fitted sheets and light blankets, with retention straps in place. Thick duvets and pillows usually need to be removed. It depends on the model.
Is a sleeper sofa or a Murphy bed more comfortable? It depends on the products. A quality Murphy bed often offers a better sleeping surface than a typical sleeper sofa, but the two can overlap.
Final Buying Advice
Choose the room first, then the bed. If ceiling height is limited, look at horizontal models. If wall width is tight, look at vertical. A queen suits couples and primary bedrooms; a twin or full suits a guest room or small office. If the room also needs to work as an office, consider a desk model, but compare it against a standard bed with a separate desk.
Treat the mattress, anchoring, and warranty as seriously as the finish. Confirm mattress thickness and weight limits, follow installation instructions exactly, and get the installed price in writing. If you plan to build your own, use a rated hardware kit and follow its plans — don’t improvise load or dimension details.