Have you ever looked around your room and wished the bed could just disappear? Not in a magic-trick kind of way—but in a smart, stylish, space-saving way? That’s precisely what a Murphy bed does. And the best part? It doesn’t just vanish — it transforms.
In this guide, we’re going to walk through the most talked-about Murphy bed designs out there. From the best Queen Murphy bed for hosting guests to ultra-functional modern Murphy beds with sofas, desks, or complete shelving systems built right in. These aren’t just beds. They’re a complete design upgrade for your home.
So whether you live in a tight apartment or just want your guest room to do more, keep reading. We’ll help you find a Murphy bed design that actually fits your life and your style.
What Exactly Is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed is a bed that folds up vertically into a wall or cabinet when not in use. It was originally invented in the late 1800s by William Murphy to entertain guests. More than a century later, the concept is still around — and more popular than ever.
The modern versions have evolved from a fold-away bed. Nowadays, modern Murphy beds are equipped not only with sofas but also desks, bookshelves, light fixtures, power outlets, and even soft-close mechanisms.
Many even integrate into the whole cabinetry, completely hiding the bed when folded away. Think of them as a transformer for your home — one piece of furniture, multiple uses.
Why Are Murphy Beds So Popular Again?
In short, people need more from less space. Rental prices are up. Homes are shrinking. And in cities everywhere, people are getting creative with how they use every square foot. That’s where the Murphy bed comes in.
Here’s what’s driving the demand:
- Murphy beds create a multi-purpose space for you. Home offices can be converted into guest rooms, playrooms for children can be converted into sleepover rooms, and so on.
- A Murphy bed can keep your room clean and airy by disappearing into cabinetry or walls.
- Murphy beds accommodate actual mattresses up to 12 inches thick, which will give you a comfortable spot to sleep.
- From contemporary to old-world and beyond, you’ll be able to obtain these beds in an abundance of styles.
What Murphy Bed Size Should You Choose?
Most homeowners opt for a Queen Murphy bed because it hits the sweet spot: it’s large enough to be comfortable for two people, but compact enough to fold into most wall setups.
Here’s a rough idea of how Murphy bed sizes compare:
| Size | Bed Dimensions (inches) | Best For |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | Kids, offices, or narrow rooms |
| Full/Double | 54” x 75” | Solo sleepers, tight spaces |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | Couples, guest rooms |
| King | 76” x 80” | Large rooms only |
Types of Modern Murphy Beds
Modern Murphy beds are more than just fold-down frames. They’re multifunctional pieces of furniture that blend engineering, interior design, and practicality. Here are the most popular types you’ll find on the market today:
1. Classic Cabinet-Style Murphy Beds: The Art of Disguise
It’s a Murphy bed that looks like a chest or cabinet when closed up. It fits best into traditional and transitional interiors.
Clean lines, warm wood tones, and sometimes even decorative molding give the illusion of fine furniture — until you pull the handle.
Take the Bestar Pur Murphy Bed, for instance. It’s finished with shaker-style trim and offered in three wood finishes. It’s perfect for modern farmhouse or craftsman styles, where you’re looking for a touch of country quaint but want to maintain functionality.
And for those who are short on square footage but still want to enjoy Queen Murphy bed advantages, there’s an edition designed just for you.
Some cabinet-style beds even come with faux drawers or doors, like the Merax Murphy Cabinet Bed. It’s freestanding, with a sleek front that looks like cabinetry but pulls out into a hidden bed in seconds. Great for apartments or places where mounting isn’t possible.
If you’re planning to color-match your Murphy bed cabinetry, choosing the best sheen for cabinets can make a big difference in how it blends with the rest of your room.
2. Murphy Beds with Desks: For the Work-from-Home Era
Need an office by day, guest room by night? Desk Murphy beds are a genius solution. The front panel doubles as a desk surface. You can leave your laptop, coffee, even paperwork on it — and still pull the bed down without disturbing a thing.
The Xtraroom Avalon Murphy Bed stands out with a traditional Murphy layout and a curved desk attached. It doesn’t require you to clear the surface before switching to sleep mode — a serious plus if you’re juggling Zoom calls and surprise visitors.
Just be mindful of desk clearance. Some models allow only 7–8 inches, while others go up to 17. You’ll want enough space under the panel to avoid moving items every time.
3. Sofa Murphy Beds: Living Room by Day, Bedroom by Night
If your living room needs to do it all, a Murphy bed with a sofa is your go-to. These designs integrate a loveseat or full couch along the front. Pull the bed down at night, and the sofa base disappears beneath it.
One of the more creative options is the Merax Murphy Bed with Sofa, which functions as a reading nook or sitting area. Simply remove the cushions, open the frame, and the Murphy bed glides out.
There’s also the high-end Tango Sectional from Resource Furniture — a freestanding Queen Murphy bed paired with a modular sofa. You can customize the arms, fabric, and layout. It’s perfect for those who want a flexible lounging space without sacrificing a real mattress.
If you’re exploring more multifunctional pieces beyond beds, check out this curated selection of furniture from George Furniture to complete your space.
4. Bookcase Murphy Beds: Sleep Surrounded by Style
Love the idea of storage that doesn’t scream “storage”? A Murphy bed hidden behind a bookcase might be the design you didn’t know you needed.
These beds double as shelving when upright. Some use French doors that open to the sides; others have bi-fold panels that tuck inward, saving width.
The Harper & Bright Murphy Bed is a great example. It integrates real shelving, perfect for kids’ rooms (think baskets, toys, or bedtime books) or offices (folders, books, decorative objects). It doesn’t just serve as a bed — it transforms the whole wall into usable, visual space.
And if you want something next-level, check out the Expand Furniture Revolving Shelf Murphy Bed. It literally rotates. One side holds books or décor, and when you spin it, the Queen Murphy bed is revealed. That’s design-meets-wow.
5. Murphy Bunk Beds: Stack, Fold, Save
For families or hosts with multiple guests, Murphy bunk beds are an absolute win. Two beds fold into the wall, stacked one over the other. They’re great for children’s rooms, vacation rentals, or even playrooms that double as sleeping space.
The Urban Stack Murphy Bunk Bed features twin or twin XL beds, an integrated ladder, and a clean, white melamine finish. Once folded, it’s completely flat against the wall. Add cabinet doors to the frame, and it blends seamlessly with the room.
There’s also the Lollipop IN model — sleek, minimalist, and flush with the wall when closed. Some designs also include lighting or side storage, making them even more versatile.
Considering other designs as well? Check out these beds from George Furniture.
6. Designer Murphy Beds with Custom Elements
Then there are the Modern Murphy beds that feel like they’ve been made just for your home. These beds aren’t just about saving space. They’re about defining it.
The Wade Logan Wexford Murphy Bed includes integrated drawers and open shelving. It possesses an all-in-one, contemporary profile that is reminiscent of modern art. It also blends seamlessly into an austere room due to its neutral finishes and clean profile.
Also worth singling out is the Clei Penelope 2 Standard P.35, which is a motorized Queen Murphy bed that descends at the touch of a button. It’s part of a larger Italian system known for impeccable design and top-notch materials. It’s not just convenient. It’s stylishly smart.
Want a pop of texture? The Wildon Home Rattan Murphy Bed pairs natural wood with woven rattan for a breezy, coastal vibe. Add tropical wallpaper or light linens, and you’ve got an airy retreat ready for guests.
7. Murphy Beds with Storage Cabinets & Nightstands
Some Murphy beds aren’t just beds — they’re part of a full storage solution. Think drawers, cabinets, hidden nooks, and nightstands all built into one system.
The RealRooms Paramount Murphy Bed Bundle includes side cabinetry and pull-out nightstands. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a fixed guest configuration but will not compromise on storage. It features a wood finish and will enhance any design from country to contemporary.
Even smaller models, like the Atiyah Murphy Bed, sneak in proper storage with drawers, hidden ports, and cabinet-style fronts.
To keep everything organized and beautiful, you can also pair this setup with an L-shaped closet. It will help you increase corner spaces without clutter.
8. Horizontal Murphy Beds: The Clever Sideways Solution
Although most individuals envision a Murphy bed folding upright from the wall, its horizontal counterpart is an ingenious alternative, particularly where there are low ceilings, sloped walls, or windows that would inhibit full-height cabinetry.
Horizontal Murphy beds fold out sideways and are great for long, narrow rooms or spaces under eaves. One of the most stylish examples? A minimalist Murphy bed designed by Gepetto in a Montreal loft. It folds into a sleek walnut cabinet that doubles as a partition wall, blending function and architecture in one piece.
Another brilliant case is the horizontal bed inside the “All I Own House” in Spain, which is part of a track-based shelving system.
This setup transforms a small home into a modular space — switching between kitchen, lounge, and bedroom — all thanks to a discreet bed design that glides open with ease.
If you’re working with tricky dimensions, don’t overlook the horizontal Murphy bed. It often solves layout issues beautifully.
9. Minimalist Murphy Beds That Just Disappear
Some people want their Murphy bed to make a statement. Others want it to vanish.
For minimalist spaces — especially in modern apartments or studios — the goal is often to keep the room open, clean, and distraction-free. And that’s precisely what Modern Murphy beds are designed to do.
Take the example from Rosa Garneau’s NYC co-op. The walls are left completely clean and white, so nothing competes with the light, the view, or the art. The Murphy bed in that home is hidden behind a smooth, flat wall panel. No trim. No handles. Just an invisible sleeping space when it’s not in use.
Another great example? The Dakota Wallbed by Wilding. It’s an all-wood model with no trim and minimal detailing — a blank canvas for whatever design ideas you want to pair it with. For fans of Scandinavian interiors or simple modern setups, this design works effortlessly.
If you’re weighing your options between custom-built Murphy cabinetry and budget alternatives, this breakdown on IKEA vs DIY vs custom kitchen cabinets can give you a clearer picture.
10. Built-in Lighting, Tech, and Storage: The Little Things That Matter
It’s not just about how a Murphy bed looks. It’s about how it works in everyday life. Some of the best Modern Murphy beds go above and beyond, adding thoughtful extras that make them feel even more custom. For instance:
- Built-in LED reading lights
- USB charging ports
- Hidden drawers and cubbies
The Atiyah Murphy Bed is a great example — complete with integrated drawers and a charging station, all in a compact form.
Designers like Ania Agárdy also recommend using millwork to frame your Murphy bed setup, turning it into a whole feature wall. By the way, if you are also looking to get help from a designer, this guide on interior designer costs can help you plan your budget more efficiently.
How People Actually Use Murphy Beds?
Sometimes the best ideas don’t come from showrooms — they come from real homes. The following are some of the common Queen Murphy beds’ real-life uses:
- Home Office + Guest Room: A wall-to-wall built-in with bookshelves, a fold-down desk, and a hidden bed. When guests arrive, the desk stays level and the bed folds right over it.
- Kids’ Room with Play Space: A Murphy bunk bed folds up to reveal a large play area during the day. One child uses the top bunk, the other uses the lower — both disappear in under a minute.
- Small Studio Apartment: A sofa Murphy bed gives the resident a comfy couch during the day and a full-size bed at night — all in a 400-square-foot space. For detailed information, read this Studio Apartment layout ideas guide.
- Den to Guest Suite: By using a freestanding cabinet bed with matching nightstands, one couple turned their TV room into a weekend-ready guest zone without any renovations.
Conclusion
The beauty of a Murphy bed isn’t just that it saves space — it’s that it gives your space more meaning. It turns a room into whatever you need it to be, whenever you need it. That’s a robust design.
And these aren’t one-size-fits-all beds. They’re deeply personal. Whether you want a Queen Murphy bed that doubles as a desk, a Modern Murphy bed that vanishes into the wall, or a rattan-fronted showpiece that turns your guest room into a retreat, there’s a design that fits not just your space, but your lifestyle.
Here’s a parting suggestion: don’t just buy a Murphy bed for the extra square footage. Buy it for freedom. The freedom to reclaim your room. To live bigger in a smaller footprint. And to create a home that works harder — and smarter — for you.
