Murphy beds are a great solution for small spaces. When not in use, they fold up and free up valuable floor space, making it easier to live, work, or relax.
Whether you’re in a studio apartment or need to turn a guest room into a home office, these beds can really help maximize your space.
They’re a practical, space-saving option that allows you to have more flexibility in how you use your room. If you’re working with limited space, a Murphy bed might be just what you need to make the most of your living area.
1. The Classic Wall-Mounted Wonder
Nothing beats a traditional wall-mounted Murphy bed for instant space transformation. During the day, you gain an entire room for activities, and at night, simply pull it down for sleeping.
Many modern versions come with smooth hydraulic systems, so you won’t strain your back trying to maneuver it. The mechanism has come a long way since its invention in the early 1900s.
2. Bookshelf Bed Combo
Imagine having both a library and a bedroom in one! Bookshelf Murphy beds feature shelving on either side or across the front when folded up, giving you storage that stays accessible regardless of bed position.
Your favorite reads remain within arm’s reach even when the bed is down. Some models feature shelves that automatically adjust as you lower the bed, keeping your decorative items upright throughout the transformation.
3. Sofa Murphy System
Why choose between a bed and couch when you can have both? Sofa Murphy beds incorporate a comfortable seating area that remains in place even as the bed portion folds down from above or behind.
Guests won’t believe how quickly your living room converts into a bedroom. The sofa typically slides forward or has a design that accommodates the bed coming down behind it, making it a truly ingenious space-saving solution.
4. Desk Bed Hybrid
Working from home in a tiny apartment just got easier. Desk Murphy beds feature a workspace that either folds with the bed or remains stable as the bed portion lowers.
Some models even let you keep your computer and papers in place when transitioning. This two-in-one solution has surged in popularity since remote work became more common, offering a practical way to separate work life from sleep life even in the smallest studios.
5. Cabinet-Concealed Sleeper
Looking at this beautiful cabinet, your friends would never guess there’s a bed inside! Cabinet Murphy beds disguise themselves as attractive furniture pieces when not in use.
Available in numerous styles from modern to traditional, they blend seamlessly with your decor. Some high-end models feature LED lighting, USB charging ports, and even small drawers for storing sleep essentials while maintaining their disguise as ordinary cabinetry.
6. Horizontal Space-Saver
Sometimes ceiling height is limited, making vertical Murphy beds impractical. Horizontal models fold out sideways rather than downward, making them perfect for rooms with low ceilings or awkward dimensions.
They often work well under windows too, utilizing wall space that might otherwise go unused. While slightly less common than their vertical cousins, horizontal Murphy beds can actually appear more like built-in furniture when closed.
7. Murphy Bunk Bed Miracle
Got kids sharing a room? Murphy bunk beds provide two sleeping spaces that disappear during the day, returning valuable floor space for play or study.
Safety features ensure the top bunk stays secure when lowered. Though they require careful installation due to their weight, the payoff in reclaimed floor space makes them worth considering for families in apartments or smaller homes where children share rooms.
8. Minimalist Murphy
For those who love clean lines and uncluttered spaces, minimalist Murphy beds offer function without visual noise.
These streamlined designs often feature simple panels with hidden hardware and no decorative elements. When folded up, they practically disappear into the wall.
The absence of ornate details makes these beds particularly suitable for contemporary spaces, lofts, or anywhere a subtle, architectural approach to furniture is preferred.
9. Corner Murphy Innovation
Awkward corners just became useful with specially designed corner Murphy beds. These L-shaped wonders fit where standard beds can’t, utilizing dead space in your room layout.
Some models even incorporate corner shelving or desks. While requiring more complex installation than standard Murphy beds, corner models excel at maximizing truly challenging spaces, turning what might be wasted square footage into a functional sleeping area.
10. DIY-Friendly Frame Kits
Handy homeowners rejoice! Murphy bed frame kits have made installation more accessible for DIYers. These kits include the hardware and structural components while letting you customize the exterior appearance.
Many come with detailed instructions and video tutorials. The frames typically handle the complex mechanical aspects, leaving you to create the decorative cabinet or panel system that matches your room’s aesthetic.
11. Queen-Sized Space Wizard
Whoever said small rooms can only fit twin beds never met a queen-sized Murphy bed! These full-sized comfort stations offer standard queen dimensions when open but disappear completely when closed.
No more cramped sleeping for couples in small apartments. While they require sufficient wall space when folded up, modern engineering has made these larger Murphy beds just as easy to operate as their smaller counterparts, with balanced mechanisms that even smaller adults can manage.
12. Side-Cabinet Smartie
Storage gets a boost with side-cabinet Murphy beds that feature permanent cabinets flanking the fold-up bed section.
Unlike bookshelf models, these cabinets remain fully functional regardless of bed position. You can store clothes, linens, or other essentials without disruption.
The permanent nature of these side cabinets means they often offer deeper storage options than Murphy beds where all components move or adjust with the bed mechanism.
13. Fold-Down Desk Murphy
Morning productivity flows when your bed transforms into a desk! Unlike desk-bed hybrids where the desk remains stable, fold-down desk Murphy beds feature a desktop that’s actually the underside of the bed when folded up.
Simply fold up your bed and lower the desk surface. These space-maximizers work well for occasional home office needs in bedrooms that must serve double duty without compromising either function.
14. TV-Integrated Entertainment Center
Binge-watching just got cozier with Murphy beds that incorporate TV mounts or entertainment centers.
Watch your favorite shows, then pull down the bed without rearranging furniture. Some models feature rotating TV mounts that adjust as the bed moves.
The engineering behind these systems ensures that expensive electronics remain secure during the transformation process, allowing you to create a true media room that converts to a bedroom in seconds.
15. Murphy Bed With Table
Hosting dinner parties becomes possible even in studio apartments with Murphy beds that incorporate dining tables. When the bed is up, a table folds down or pulls out for meals.
Some designs feature tables that remain usable even with the bed down. The versatility of these systems makes them particularly valuable in truly tiny homes or micro-apartments where every square foot must serve multiple purposes throughout the day.
16. Murphy Daybed Lounger
Sometimes you need a spot for afternoon naps without committing to a full bed setup. Murphy daybeds offer a smaller footprint than queen or full options while providing comfortable seating when partially closed.
Many convert from sofa to bed with a simple pull. These versatile pieces work well in home offices, providing guest accommodations or relaxation space without dominating the room like a traditional bed would.
17. Pet-Friendly Hidden Bed
Fur babies need space too! Some Murphy beds now feature built-in pet beds or crates underneath, utilizing the often wasted space below the main bed. Your four-legged friend gets a cozy spot while you maximize floor space.
These thoughtful designs recognize that pet owners often struggle with finding space for pet beds, toys, and feeding stations in small homes, offering an elegant solution that keeps humans and animals comfortable.