Sky-high rental and mortgage rates in many of today’s most sought-after cities, along with an increased desire for thoughtful, curated, eco-conscious living have driven many to live in small spaces and tiny homes. But with these shrinking spaces comes the need for multipurpose furniture designers like Expand Furniture create pieces that allows homeowners to use one room for lots of different functions.

Some small-space design trends in recent years include using wall space for a variety of functions, like wall-mounted, drop-leaf dining tables and fancy built-ins to maximize storage. Another clever way to utilize wall space in a small dwelling is the tried-and-true Murphy bed. Read on to learn more about this clever design feature, and see some of our favorite Murphy bed companies to spark design ideas about how to incorporate a Murphy bed into your own space.

A Cabinet Bed in a Warm, Rustic Living Space

First of all, what is a Murphy bed? Also known as a wall bed or hideaway bed, a Murphy bed, named after its inventor—also a small-space dweller—is a bed that folds into the wall (or a cabinet) when not in use. This allows for more space that can be used for a variety of other functions aside from sleeping. Despite their early beginnings as just a fold-up bed, today’s Murphy beds are becoming even more functional, often incorporating a desk or even a couch underneath, which can be used when the bed is stowed away.

Those who are weighing their options often wonder, is a Murphy bed comfortable? Thankfully, because Murphy beds use standard bed mattresses (unlike sofa beds), they’re quite supportive and cozy. In fact, some homeowners opt to install Murphy beds in their guest rooms even when they aren’t short on space. If comfort is a deciding factor when choosing between a wall bed and a sofa bed, the wall bed will likely come out on top. Murphy beds make a great sleeping option, regardless of your situation.

A Murphy Bed and Two Sleep Sofas Create Ample Sleeping Quarters

On top of it all, Murphy beds are fairly affordable. No matter what your budget, you can find a Murphy bed that works for you. From a basic DIY Murphy frame to a luxe, multi-unit Murphy bed with a couch and shelving underneath, prices vary when it comes to the average cost of a Murphy bed.

A complete Murphy bed typically retails between $2,000 and $3,000. Expect to pay slightly less for a basic model, and a bit more if you're looking for upgraded options like lighting, storage, and surrounding cabinetry being sold by popular retailers such as Wayfair, AllModern, and Hayneedle. If that's a bit outside your budget, consider a Murphy bed kit like these DIY Lori Wall Beds. The kit and plans can be purchased for less than $200. Even affordable IKEA storage furniture can be hacked into a Murphy bed if you're handy enough.

A Modern Wall Bed with a Revolving Bookcase

An Attractive Murphy Bed Cabinet

And the good news is, you probably won’t have to buy a new mattress. Most Murphy beds can accommodate a mattress up to 12 inches thick, while the standard Murphy bed mattress is 10 inches. A mattress of this size will easily fold into the bed’s frame, along with most bedding and pillows. If you use an extra-thick down comforter, have lots of blankets, or decorate your bed with a variety of decorative pillows, these may need to be stored separately in order to ensure the Murphy bed closes properly.

A Cozy Murphy Bed With a Built-in Sofa and Storage

Despite their folding design and the fact that they can be raised and lowered easily, Murphy beds are quite sturdy. Most models can hold at least 1,000 pounds, while Murphy bed manufacturer Wall Beds by Wilding boasts their Murphy beds can hold a staggering 4,000 pounds.

But what about size? Are you wondering if you’ll be able to fit a wall bed into your space? The Bedder Way company supplies the following basic dimensions you may need based on the size of bed you're looking to buy.

A Trimless, All-Wood Bed with Multiple Customization Options

Check out our suggested Murphy bed retailers below, and continue scrolling for our favorite design ideas.

Modern Murphy Beds Contribute to a Minimalist Aesthetic

Shop the Look

A Murphy Bed Folds Down to Complete this All-White Abode

Maximize Storage Through Full-sized Side Hutch Doors on This European-inspired Bunk

A Colorful Murphy Bed Provides Ample Storage

A Fold-Down Murphy Bed Fits in a Triangular Space

This Ready-to-Assemble Pick Comes With an Integrated Ladder

A Murphy Bed Transforms This Den Into a Guest Room

A Bookshelf Cleverly Hides Behind a Fold-Down Murphy Bed

A Free-standing Option Linked to a Full-Size Sectional Sofa

A Murphy Bed Maintains an Uncluttered Aesthetic

A Minimalist Murphy Bed in a Montreal Apartment

A Horizontal Murphy Bed Is The Perfect Fit

Madrid-based firm PKMN dreamed up this flexible concept for a client with a tiny home north of the city. Made up of three shelving units on track system, the All I Own House can be configured in countless ways, making space for a bedroom, kitchen, sitting area, changing room, and more. Shown here is a horizontal Murphy bed, which makes a great space-saving solution as well as a comfortable sleeping space." layout="" credit="Add credit" photoUserId=""/>

A Murphy Bed Is a Must in This 400-Square-Foot Space

says Milan Hughston, who reconfigured his West Village apartment with the help of architect Joel Sanders. This custom-designed Murphy bed, concealed by day behind the gold curtain, is well built; it's ergonomically easy to lower and has a firm sleeping surface." layout="" credit="Photo by Grant Delin" photoUserId="6133434593063931904"/>

A Clever, Handmade Murphy Bed in an Industrial Shipping Container

A Murphy Bunk Bed Is a Space-Saving Solution For Kids

Related Reading:

11 Hidden Beds in Small Homes

Sofa Bed Versus Wall Bed: What’s Best For Your Small Space?

Also Appears In

Warsaw Loft with Multifunctional Furniture