A guest bedroom is a wonderful space to have, especially if you love hosting family and friends for holidays and weekend getaways. However, dedicating an entire room to a bed that only gets used a handful of times a year isn’t always the best use of square footage, particularly in urban apartments or compact suburban homes where every square foot counts. A Murphy bed offers a clever, space-saving alternative that reclaims valuable floor space without sacrificing hospitality.
Originally touted as "The Disappearing Bed" in the early 20th century, the foldaway design eventually took on the name of its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy. More than a century later, this innovative piece of engineering is still helping homeowners turn home offices, children’s playrooms, home gyms, and other hardworking spaces into comfortable guest rooms at a moment’s notice.
And while the primary appeal of a Murphy bed is largely practical, modern interior design proves there is plenty of room to get creative. Contemporary designs range from minimalist iterations to elaborate multi-functional units. Some designs come with built-in storage or shelving, while others offer a blank canvas for paint, trim, or custom cabinetry. Daniella Hoffer, an AD PRO Directory designer and owner of Daniella Hoffer Interiors, prefers a custom approach, but notes that even a Murphy bed purchased online can be elevated with thoughtful design details.
"Creating millwork on the wall or making it look like cabinetry—similar to how we approach pantry doors in the kitchen today—is a beautiful way to incorporate a Murphy bed into the space, and frankly, hide it," Hoffer says. "Or even putting a piece of artwork that you can remove easily before pulling down the bed."
Recent market offerings further prove that a little less furniture on the floor can open up a vast array of styling possibilities in any given room. Current top picks on the market cater to a wide range of aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and budget constraints.
Best Overall Murphy Bed: Oakland Living Easy-Lift Full Murphy Bed
Boasting a sleek design and dual bookcase towers, the Oakland Living Easy-Lift Full Murphy Bed gives the convincing appearance of custom built-ins when unfolded. Priced around $1,677 to $2,039 depending on the retailer, this model can easily replace primary bedroom furniture thanks to its clean lines and ample storage capacity.
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Although it does require baseboard removal during installation for a flush fit, sturdy wall-mounting hardware adds extra security to the build—an essential feature for households with young children or pets running around. The dual-piston lift mechanism allows for relatively easy lifting and lowering by virtually any family member. Unlike many standard Murphy beds on the market, this frame offers the versatility of choosing between a twin, full, queen, or even a king-sized base.
Best for Home Offices: The Lori Bed With Desk
For those looking to maximize productivity alongside guest hospitality, Lori Beds offers an exceptional customization market. Priced near $3,159 to $3,949, the Lori Bed with Desk configuration accommodates both vertical pull-down and horizontal fold-out orientations, allowing buyers to integrate a desk, shelving, or a manual lift instead of an assisted mechanism.
Ideal for an elevated work-from-home setup, the desk upgrade adds a 16-inch-deep work surface that spans the entire width of the bed, regardless of whether it is vertically or horizontally oriented. Seven distinct finishes allow the unit to complement existing interior designs rather than serving as an unintentional focal point.
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For buyers seeking a mattress that fits seamlessly, Lori offers two tailored add-ons: their signature mattress or an organic option utilizing recycled coils and New Zealand wool. Opting for the manual lift pairs well with a lighter-weight version of the Lori mattress, avoiding excessive strain on the base or the user’s upper body. Careful craftsmanship remains at the heart of their manufacturing process, utilizing cabinet-grade plywood for long-term durability.
Best Affordable: Mjkone Murphy Bed With Storage Shelf
While many Murphy beds feature shelving or cabinetry flanking either side, budget-friendly options like the Mjkone Murphy Bed with Storage Shelf—retailing between $580 and $1,112—make clever use of the bed’s underside, turning it into open shelving when folded away. The light wood finish complements warm, Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Staggered compartments offer plenty of room to display books, trailing plants, and larger pieces of art. The only minor trade-off is that users must clear the shelves before pulling the bed down, though it provides storage that would otherwise need to be found elsewhere. Available in both vertical and horizontal configurations, both versions accommodate a standard queen-size mattress.
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Most Ornate: Keiki Murphy Bed Cabinet
Technically categorized as a cabinet bed, the Keiki Murphy Bed Cabinet—priced around $700—shares close lineage with a traditional Murphy bed but visually resembles a bohemian credenza or sideboard. This aesthetic is largely driven by the woven cane accents on the cabinet doors.
Until it unfurls, dinner guests may never suspect the furniture contains a mattress rather than a collection of fine dinnerware. Unfolding to reveal a queen-sized bed, this piece also features two storage drawers that support the slatted base, along with convenient built-in charging ports on both sides.
Best All-in-One: Ebern Designs Athena Murphy Bed Chest
Retailing between $1,840 and $2,000, the Ebern Designs Athena Murphy Bed Chest features understated arched detailing and a versatile range of finishes, including walnut and light toffee. It can easily pass as a traditional sideboard in everyday use.
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A roomy bottom drawer neatly tucks away spare pillows and bedding, while the included six-inch folding queen mattress eliminates the need for an immediate separate purchase. Reviewers note that the mattress leans toward the softer side, making it ideal for side sleepers or anyone who prefers a plush surface. Built-in charging ports ensure guests can easily power devices without hunting for wall outlets.
Best Farmhouse: BEQAI Murphy Bed With Storage Cabinet
Priced from $750 to $1,180, a rustic wood finish gives the BEQAI Murphy Bed with Storage Cabinet the character of traditional farmhouse cabinetry, making it a natural fit for cozy guest rooms or country-inspired homes. A clean white finish is also available for minimalist spaces.
Unlike fixed shelving units, the adjustable shelves let homeowners alter heights and arrangements as storage needs evolve, delivering the look of built-in millwork without the custom price tag.
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Best Vintage: Murphy Bed by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler
For design enthusiasts seeking a piece of architectural history, a vintage Murphy bed designed by renowned Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler offers unmatched mid-century pedigree. Dating back to the 1960s, the bed features warm oak construction and woven caning on the front facade. Listed through high-end specialists like Wyeth for $9,500, inventory is strictly limited.
Industry Insights and Expert Selection
To understand the broader landscape of Murphy beds, design professionals Ania Ágárdy, Daniella Hoffer, and Sarah Storms provided expert shopping tips and product recommendations. Industry experts evaluated functionality, aesthetic versatility, safety mechanisms, and customer feedback to determine what modern homeowners look for when investing in multi-functional furniture.
When evaluating comfort, experts emphasize that wall beds can match the sleep quality of traditional frames provided the platform and mattress are solid and supportive. While hybrid mattresses offer balanced support, thickness is a critical factor. Experts recommend selecting a mattress 10 inches thick or less to ensure a proper fit when folded, while adhering closely to individual manufacturer guidelines.
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Safety remains a primary consideration for buyers. While historical recalls due to unexpected detachment have occurred, modern Murphy beds incorporate locking mechanisms to secure the frame in both upright and lowered positions. For homeowners balancing tight budgets against the need for open floor plans, experts agree that a quality wall bed represents a worthwhile long-term investment.
Comparing wall beds and traditional Murphy beds reveals distinct mechanical and aesthetic differences. Traditional wall beds often utilized wood frames and pistons, while older Murphy beds relied on metal frames and springs. Modern wall beds are typically more budget-friendly and simpler to install due to fewer moving parts, though professional designers note they can be harder to seamlessly integrate into custom room aesthetics. Full Murphy systems, by contrast, often fold vertically into specialized cabinetry or closets complete with integrated desks or shelving.
With solid wood construction yielding a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and engineered wood alternatives offering accessible entry points, multi-purpose rooms continue to gain popularity among empty-nesters and urban dwellers alike. Whether opting for bespoke millwork through high-end brands like California Closets and Clei, or selecting convenient ready-to-assemble options online, the Murphy bed remains an enduring solution for modern spatial challenges.