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If you live in a small apartment, you probably know that a Queen-size bed standing in a tiny bedroom will easily eat all the floor space and leave you no room for maneuver.
Unless you can make your bed disappear!
A disappearing bed — also known as a Murphy bed, wall bed, or pull-down bed — is a bed frame with a wall-mounting mechanism that turns into a compact cabinet when not in use and can save you the precious space!
So, I invite you to take a look at my review of 5 best Murphy beds and carefully choose the one that can satisfy your needs!
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall - Editor’s Pick The Lori Bed | Check Current Price Read more about this bed |
 | Premium Lightweight Option Cherry Barham Bed | Check Current Price Read more about this bed |
 | Best Murphy Bed with a Desk Lumina by Bestar | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this bed |
 | Best Value for Money Crossfell Murphy Bed | Check Current Price Read more about this bed |
 | Best for Small Spaces Colquitt Murphy Bed | Check Current Price Read more about this bed |
Our Reviews of 5 Best Wall Beds
Best Overall - Editor’s Pick — Lori Bed
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Highlights
- built-in storage shelves to offer increased versatility in use;
- multiple color options to seamlessly blend with any interior;
- Lightweight Poplar sourced from Spain for reliable support and increased lifespan.
- The absence of a lifting mechanism helps in saving costs.
Being among the best murphy beds, the Lori Bed can easily cover most of your needs. It uses lightweight poplar, sourced from Spain to deliver reliable support and impressive durability. The bed didn’t squeak once while I was testing it, even when actively tossing and turning. Additionally, the Lori Bed is large enough to accommodate a Queen mattress. This means sleepers can have plenty of legroom without occupying much space in the room.
I also love how much storage space this murphy bed offers. Not only does it have shelves when folded but also offers extra headboard space. When transformed into a bed, the Lori Bed headboard shelf can be used for decor pieces or to keep anything you may need on hand. For example, I was using the headboard space to keep my phone and water bottle close. It’s also a good spot for a lamp in case you like to read in bed.
Recommended for:
- Partnered sleepers. The Lori comes in a Queen size that is the most popular option among couples. Plus, the bed frame is very sturdy and can deliver reliable support for two sleepers.
- Those who require extra storage shelves. This model has shelves in both setup variations - as a bed and as a cabinet. Therefore, the Lori can easily be called an all-in-one furniture piece, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
- Value seekers. This Murphy bed by Lori is very well-made. It feels heavy and rigid, which means it will likely last sleepers a very long time. That being said, the Lori is rather reasonably priced, especially compared to other models that use solid wood for the construction. Therefore, this model combines quality, affordability, and versatility, offering great value for money.
Cons:
- the company offers a reasonable price because there’s no lifting mechanism, which means this Queen Murphy bed may require two people to lift and lower the bed section (and it’s pretty heavy);
- the assembly process might take extra time.
Best Premium Lightweight Option — Cherry Barham Bed
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Highlights
- high-quality rubberwood and memory foam materials for bed and mattress, respectively.
- lightweight and compact setup which collapses into a cabinet.
- very durable and sleek natural design to complement room design.
- A very sturdy bed that can hold up to 500 pounds in weight.
The Cherry Barham Bed is a classy Murphy bed setup designed to give a great sleeping experience while adding finesse to the room's interior design. This pull-down bed comes with a fully furnished headboard, foldable bed frame, and a high-quality three-fold mattress. Incredibly, the bed packs into a compact 26.4" cabinet. The complete setup makes it easier for buyers to enjoy the Cherry Barham Bed at its best since they don't have to worry about mattress compatibility.
If you're a naturalist who values having quality furniture in your home, then this bed is going to compliment your preference. The bed is made from natural rubberwood, with a shiny finish and very high durability. It comes in Canora Gray, but it easily matches any home interior decor. And more interestingly, the rubberwood finishing often has mild variations in color deepness, which makes this product even more appealing.
The Cherry Barham Bed comes with a 6" gel-infused memory foam to go with the solid bed frame design. This foam choice allows for maximum breathability. In addition, it's medium-firm and comes in queen size, making it suitable for most sleepers.
Recommended for:
- Light sleepers: While weighing a compact 160lbs, the strong bed material, constriction of the frame support, and mattress combo makes it suitable to support light sleepers, even as a couple, up to 500lbs.
- Hot sleepers: The gel-infused memory foam and the Murphy bed frame, which allows aeration makes this bed appropriate for hot sleepers as it's very breathable.
- People looking for long-term value: The quality of this bed design and the durability of the materials used make it a great option for buyers looking to secure a Murphy bed for the long term.
Cons:
- This is an expensive option that might be out of range for budget shoppers.
- Even though the bed design is compact and relatively lightweight, it requires a lot of intricate steps to assemble the bed properly.
Best Murphy Bed with a Desk — Lumina by Bestar
Highlights
- sturdy particleboard frame to ensure durable performance;
- comes with a built-in table and makes an excellent space-saving solution;
- smooth lifting mechanism for effortless operation.
- Euroslat mattress foundation, constructed to be compatible with different kinds of beds as long as the recommended dimensions are followed.
The Lumina by Bestar is our best murphy bed with a desk for several reasons. The main one, however, is its space-saving design. This model works as both a bed and a table. It can give users all the space they need without occupying the whole room. I especially appreciate the built-in lights that make working at the table and reading in bed much more convenient.
You will also be happy to know that the Lumina by Bestar works very smoothly. The folding mechanism does not require much effort, and the bed takes mere seconds to set up. Neither I nor my wife had any difficulties transforming the Lumina into a bed. It can make an excellent solution for unexpected guests or simply those who don’t want to waste their time preparing for sleep.
Recommended for:
- Owners of small apartments and studios. The Lumina by Bestar has a two-in-one design that can help shoppers save much more space. It includes a built-in table and, thus, eliminates the need to set up a separate office area.
- Those who love reading in bed. This Murphy bed comes with built-in lights in the top section. They can be used to create dim lighting in the room before sleep or as a handy light source when reading in bed.
- Those who don’t mind a bit of drilling. The Lumina cannot stand on its own and requires support from the wall. Therefore, users will need to deal with the setup process or hire a professional. Either way, not all shoppers are ready to go through such an installation process.
Cons:
- not the most budget-friendly option on the market;
- has to be anchored to the wall, so this model won’t work in rented apartments.
Best Value for Money — Crossfell Murphy Bed
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Highlights
- solid structure and design enough to support more than one sleeper.
- it comes with two bookshelves on both sides of the bed.
- wooden material and metal stands provide good bed support.
- Easy-to-use and safe opening, and closing mechanism.
For sleepers looking for a wall bed that doesn't just take up space, a great furniture addition is a side bookshelf. The Crossfell Murphy bed adds two bookshelves at the side. Then, the bed structure has a large headboard and a solid pull-down bed frame with a handlebar for easy pulling.
At 663lbs, this wall bed setup is quite heavy and requires multiple hands to set in place. But when done, it adds a new face to the room with the spacious shelves on the side. The structure packs the bed neatly into wardrobe-like furniture.
This bed comes in both queen and full sizes. But both versions are very sturdy and can support sleepers weighing up to 1000lbs. Although, sleepers need to choose an appropriate mattress thickness for best comfortability as this product doesn't come with one.
Recommended for:
- Couples or lone heavier sleepers: Using the queen-size allows heavy sleeper couples to use this bed comfortably.
- Those who appreciate variety: The Crossfell Murphy bed not only comes in multiple sizes but even more stylishly; it comes in varying colors, including Bark Gray, Chocolate, and White.
- Homeowners looking for good interior design: The bookshelf plus the wardrobe-like furniture appearance of this wall bed makes it a fine touch for interior decoration.
Cons:
- The bed is quite heavy and requires additional help to move and put together.
- When fully set up, this bed relatively takes up more space when fully set up because of bookshelves added and a 92.5" clearance rating.
Best Murphy Bed for Small Spaces — Colquitt Murphy Bed
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Highlights
- a sleek, compact design ideal for saving space and minimalist living.
- it is made from wood knot material which readily blends as home furniture.
- easy to use when fully set up.
- Impressive weight capacity, it can hold up to 1000 pounds.
Nothing beats having a wall bed doing what it's meant to do best, saving space and compactness. The Colquitt Murphy bed is our best murphy bed for small spaces because it has a simple, sleek, and clean-lined design., packs at 364lbs, and only takes about 89" in length. It has a weight capacity of up to 1000lbs.
This wall bed folds into compact furniture made from natural wood knot material, which lifts room decor. The bed is relatively easy to assemble. It's also easy to use and pack up, ideal for guest rooms, home offices and small spaces. This product comes in full size and queen size, and Bark Gray and White color variations.
Recommended for:
- Budget shoppers: It comes at a low cost as it's compact made and produced from available wood material.
- Minimalists: For people that prefer minimalism, the Colquitt Murphy bed has a sleek design and simple parts that are hardly noticeable when fully set up.
- Heavy sleepers: This bed can support heavy sleepers looking for a sleek bed with a high weight capacity.
Cons:
- The less sophisticated design might not appeal to interior design enthusiasts.
- The small construction might make it difficult for two people to enjoy this bed.
Do You Know How Murphy Beds Were Invented?
The 1900s were not fun to live in, you know.
A gentleman living in a studio apartment couldn’t even invite his lady to come over without scandalizing the neighbors — because the moral norms of the time were against a female visitor in a male’s bedroom.
But one gentleman, William Lawrence Murphy, found a solution. He thought, “A room is not a bedroom if there is no bed in it, right”? So, he invented a mechanism that allowed him to hide his bed in the cabinet, thus turning a bedroom into a living room.
Similar fold-down beds existed before Murphy’s invention, though. They were available through the Sears furniture catalog at the beginning of the XX century. However, the American inventor presented a better design, which had consequently calmed the mass hysteria about wall beds suddenly collapsing and killing you in your sleep.
Murphy’s construction was counterbalanced, so the bed was able to support a sleeper’s weight without collapsing. For this feature, the inventor received a series of patents and his beds went into mass production.
Pros and Cons of Having a Wall Bed
Now, let’s admit this:
A Murphy bed is an extraordinary furniture piece.
I have rarely seen it in modern US homes, though. Probably because there are some other space-saving alternatives today, which could be a better fit for some users.
But if you’ve set your mind on buying a Murphy bed, let me briefly point out the pros and cons of having one so that you could make a fully informed decision.
I’ll start with the pros:
- More floor space. When folded, a Murphy bed is no bigger than a standard bookcase, which allows you to use the remaining floor space as you like.
- Storage solution. Some Murphy bed frames include storage units on each side of the bed or feature a roomy cabinet for your bedding item at the bottom of the cabinet. If you’re buying a wall bed for a small room, having extra storage space may help you avoid clutter and save even more space.
- As comfortable as a standard bed. Mattress foundations in wall beds are pretty much the same as in regular beds, so they can offer decent support for your mattress and ensure comfortable sleep for you.
Now, let’s point out the downsides.
- It might not fit all rooms. Potential limitations include low ceilings and narrow rooms. Still, you can get a freestanding Murphy bed that converts into a small cabinet and can be easily moved around the room.
- You may have to drill the walls. While it’s not a problem if you own the house, for those who rent an apartment, this might be problematic. It’s better to discuss the mounting of a wall bed with the landlord before you purchase it. Or, opt for a wall bed that doesn’t require drilling.
- It may be hard to find a budget option. The average price of a quality Murphy bed is $1,500-2,000, but some models reach as high as $5,000 in price. Yes, they may look stylish, offer spacious storage, and be very comfortable to sleep on, but there are more affordable space-saving alternatives on the market.
What Kind of Mattress Is the Most Suitable for a Fold-Down Bed?
Fold-Down Bed?
The short answer to this question is: You can use almost any mattress with your wall bed frame. I say almost because there are a couple of limitations.
First, a high-profile bed (13 inches or higher) most likely won’t fit into the wall bed niche. So, you may need to choose a thinner mattress — up to 12 inches. The great news is, the most common mattress height on the market is 10–12 inches, so you will easily find something to suit your needs. Now, it’s also not recommended to use a Murphy bed with a futon mattress. The thing is, a futon is foldable and can simply collapse inside the wall bed when it’s closed, making it harder to unfold it later. Plus, a futon mattress rarely exceeds 6 inches in height. And since most wall beds have either slatted or mesh-wired foundations, you will feel the slats or wires through your mattress while you sleep, especially if you’re a heavy sleeper. Not ideal.
Now, as far as the mattress types go, the most common options for Murphy beds include foam and innerspring models. Innerspring mattresses are more affordable and can be an excellent solution for budget shoppers. They have a bouncy feel and are famous for their supportive properties. That is why spring beds are popular among back and stomach sleepers, plus heavier folks. They all require resilient, sturdy support, and innerspring mattresses can deliver that. This mattress type is also favored for its breathable design and ability to stay cool during the night. On the downside, spring models have a rather limited lifespan.
Additionally, mattresses that use lower-quality coils can start making squeaky noises with time. It’s also worth mentioning that spring mattresses aren’t that good at isolating motion. This can be an issue for partnered sleepers, especially if one of them is restless. Now, memory foam mattresses are a whole different story. They are slow-moving, cradling, and hugging. Foam nicely adjusts to the curves of the body and supports all body parts differently. That’s how foam helps with proper weight redistribution. In most cases, this leads to an alleviated tension and fast relaxation. Because foam responds slowly to applied pressure, such mattresses work great for couples. Each sleeper can shift in bed as much as they need without disturbing their partner. Mattresses that use high-density foam are among the most durable ones. The price tag would be higher in this case, but it would also mean a long-lasting investment.
At the same time, foam is notoriously known for its poor thermoregulating properties. This material tends to retain heat and wouldn’t be ideal for chronic hot sleepers. Still, there are models that can combat the issue. They include foam mattresses that have an open-cell structure or use gel infusion.
Main Types of Wall Bed Designs and Their Features
After the invention of wall beds in the second decade of the XX century, the diversity of their designs increased significantly. Instead of just one design available earlier, today you can choose among the following designs:
- Vertical. That’s what all Murphy beds have started with. Being the most common option until recently, vertical beds, however, require high ceilings and more floor space to be used (1). So, if you decide to go with this option, be sure to make the measurements beforehand.
- Horizontal. These models feature the same mechanism as vertical but require less space to be deployed because they’re facing the longer side upwards when closed. Horizontal wall beds fit perfectly into smaller spaces.
- Freestanding. The main feature of a freestanding bed is that you don’t have to secure it to the wall and can place it wherever you like. Speaking of the size and shape, a freestanding bed can either look like a cabinet or have the standard vertical Murphy bed look with a folding desk, which is another bonus for multifunctional rooms.
- Revolving. The fanciest one. Revolving beds require both high ceilings and large floor space. Also, they need to be secured to the wall, so they may not work for a rented apartment.
If you’re shopping for a kid’s bedroom, you may want to consider a transforming bunk bed. It uses the same space-saving idea and can be very multifunctional.
Things to Check Before Purchasing a Murphy Bed
Now, there are a couple more things left to consider before you will be fully equipped to choose the right Murphy bed:
- Wall measurements. Since the wall bed is secured to the wall, you need to find out how much space you will actually need and how to measure it properly (2). Depending on the size and type of a Murphy bed, the required space may vary significantly. Also, don’t forget to count in the space for a storage cabinet, if your model has one.
- Materials. Wall bed frames are typically made of different types of wood. And to be honest, it doesn’t really matter whether you choose particleboard or hardwood. Because once your Murphy bed is secured to the wall, it won’t move anywhere (assuming that you did everything right). Hardwood just has a more luxurious look, so if you want your bed frame to be aesthetically pleasing, you may go for hardwood.
- Lift mechanism. Modern wall beds feature either torsion springs or piston lifts (3) to help you pull down and lift them. The piston lift option is more advanced: beds using it are quiet, more durable and require low maintenance. Springs, on the other hand, might start to squeak and typically need to be tightened up every 3-5 years.
- Purpose. Murphy beds can be a lot of help when the bed part isn’t in use. Some models reveal a desk when the bed is folded, others can transform into a couch or may offer storage shelves. This feature may come in handy for owners of small apartments and fans of minimalism. After all, buying one multi-purpose Murphy bed means there’s no need for extra furniture. And figuring out how shoppers will be using their Murphy bed in the future can help them narrow down the list of options.
- Weight capacity. Murphy beds vary in materials and construction. That’s why they differ in how much weight they can bear. To ensure durability in use, shoppers need to consider the recommended weight capacity before buying their new Murphy bed. Going beyond the limit could lead to damage.
How Much Do Murphy Beds Cost?
Murphy bed prices can vary depending on many factors (including warranty, materials used, mattress type, folding mechanism, and more). However, on average, most Murphy beds fall somewhere between $800 and $3,000.
Size is one of the main decisive factors when it comes to Murphy bed pricing. Here are the general numbers to give users at least a rough idea of what to expect when shopping:
Murphy bed | Average prices |
| Traditional Twin (no mattress) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Traditional Full (no mattress) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Traditional Queen (no mattress) | $1,000 - $3,500 |
| Twin with a mattresses | $1,000 - $3,500 |
| Full with a mattress | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Queen with a mattress | $1,500 - $5,000 |
What Is the Best Frame Material for a Murphy Bed?
The materials used for a Murphy bed can determine its durability (and looks, of course). That’s why shoppers might find it helpful to learn more about different Murphy bed materials and figure out which one would work for them the best.
Now, the most common options on the modern market are:
- Metal. Metal beds are usually quite heavy and sturdy. They have a sleek look and work great in minimalist or industrial interiors. Some of them use combined materials (upholstery or wooden elements, for example) to create a softer look. Metal Murphy beds aren’t that popular, but there are still quite a few options to choose from.
- Solid wood. This is one of the strongest material types used for Murphy beds. Solid wood is durable, widely available, and often has a unique look thanks to its natural patterns. However, shoppers need to remember that solid wood Murphy beds can be quite pricey.
- Upholstered. Typically using a wooden or a metal frame, upholstered Murphy beds also have a layer of fabric encasing it. These beds look cozy and usually work in all kinds of interiors. Upholstered Murphy beds give users more options color-wise, especially for those looking for lighter or neutral shades.
- Plywood. This material is made of thin layers of wood combined together. Plywood Murphy beds are usually more affordable than solid wood or metal ones. At the same time, they are more prone to structural damage.
- Particleboard. As the name suggests, this material type is made of compressed wood particles. Such Murphy beds look and feel like real wood but are much more affordable. Naturally, with a lower price comes a shorter lifespan.
- MDF. Similar to particleboard, MDF also uses wood particles, but they are much finer. As a result, MDF is a bit stronger, which makes these Murphy beds slightly more durable.
FAQ
How big is a Murphy bed?
Most Murphy beds are equal in size to a standard mattress. Note, though, that you might need additional space — at least 7-10 inches — to mount the bed to the wall.
How deep is a Murphy bed?
Murphy beds typically have a 10 or 11-inch dip for mattresses. Using a thicker mattress isn’t advisable otherwise you may not be able to close the bed properly.
What is more comfortable: a sleeper sofa or a Murphy bed?
Definitely a Murphy bed. A sleeper sofa uses a thinner mattress, usually 4” or 5” thick, that may fail to cradle your body properly. Some models also use a pop-up cushion, which means you may feel the sections under your body.
Where is the Best Place to Buy a Murphy Bed?
The best place to buy a Murphy bed is in-store at any local home and bedding shop, or online. While looking at Murphy beds in person can help you get first-hand experience, you may find more of a selection and range of options for Murphy beds online from a wide variety of reputable sellers.
Conclusion
If you’re limited in space, don’t despair.
A decent wall bed — like one of the models I’ve reviewed for you above — can easily substitute for a standard bed and offer you a good night’s sleep without taking a lot of space.
And while the modern market has quite a lot to offer, there is one Murphy bed that managed to impress me the most. The Wall Bed by Lori is a Murphy bed that can make almost any sleeper happy. It’s a top-quality model that promises durability in use and can handle even active sleepers. Plus, it simply looks great, with that natural wood finish and sleek lines. I’m sure the Lori wall bed can become an excellent addition to any household.
All in all, it’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants a long-lasting, stylish Murphy bed. And what about you? What model among the five seems the most suitable fit for you? Share your thoughts below!
References
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (n.d.). Murphy Bed. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy_bed
- Deirdre Sullivan (2019, November 29). How to Buy the Best Murphy Bed? Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/the-ultimate-murphy-bed-buying-guide-3017391
- Stephanie Mitchell (n.d.). How to Measure for Murphy Beds. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/measure-murphy-beds-50201.html
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (n.d.). Murphy Bed. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy_bed
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