8 Best Murphy Beds – Free the Room for Other Tasks

From chest-like to wardrobe styled designs - we've picked the best murphy beds to fit all spaces
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: September 09, 2023
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Have you ever looked around your bedroom and wondered why it feels so cramped? While beds are an essential part of a household, they don’t need to take up a ton of space.

All you need to do is install one of the best murphy beds. They fold up when they are not in use to help your room be less cluttered. To guarantee you get the most comfortable murphy bed, we first checked the overall size, materials beds are made of, as well as the weight capacity, so that you can be sure that they will work for your needs. We also looked at different installation methods and folding mechanisms to determine if you can install them on your own or if you need help.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Bestar, Nebula Collection
    "Wardrobe wall bed with elegant look that fit any bedroom. 1000 lbs weight capacity. Dual-piston lifting mechanism. Made of laminated particle board."
  • Best Wall Bed Kit: Bestar Queen Wall Bed Kit
    "Murphy bed kit with two practical shelving units. Foldable legs. Made of laminated particle board. Weighs 654 lbs."
  • Best Murphy Bed with Shelves: Bestar, Edge Collection
    "Elegant shelving units offer even mode space saving functions paired with this murphy bed. Made of laminated particle board. 1000 lbs weight capacity. Adjustable shelves."
  • Best Horizontal Wall Bed: Night & Day Furniture Murphy "Cube"
    "Compact cabinet murphy bed with easy unfolding mechanism. Comes with gel-infused memory foam mattress. 500 lbs weight capacity. Made of wood."
  • "Fairly priced murphy bed with soft lifting mechanism and light system. Made of laminated particle board. 1000 lbs weight capacity. Nickel handles."
  • Easiest to Fold: Pemberly Row Easy-Lift
    "This murphy bed impresses with its lifting mechanism. Made of particle board. Foldable legs. Weighs 380 lbs."
  • Best Minimalist Murphy Bed: Stellar Home Wall Bed
    "This minimalistic murphy bed features great color variation fit for every room design. 500 lbs weight capacity. Stainless handles. Made of laminated wood."
  • Best Murphy Bed with Storage: Atlantic Furniture Southampton Murphy Bed Chest
    "Kids-friendly murphy bed with storage compartments for pillows and blankets. Stainless handles. 275 lbs weight capacity. Made of laminated wood."
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Chosen by 5441 people in the past 30 days
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1
Editor's Choice

Bestar, Nebula Collection

Features
  • Dimensions: 20D x 64.6W x 89.1H in
  • Type: wall bed
  • Weight: 152 lbs
  • Material: laminated particle board

More features: chrome handles, dual-piston lifting mechanism, folding legs, 1000 lbs weight capacity

This lightweight only weighs 152 pounds and is large enough to fit a queen mattress. It is crafted from laminated particle board and has a 1,000-pound weight capacity. The fold-away cabinet is only big enough for the bed to fit, so it doesn’t take up a lot of wall space.

This model from Bestar is designed for anyone that is looking to save as much space as possible. It is much slimmer than their other murphy beds since the cabinet is only as wide as the bed itself, it fits snugly against the wall. This bed only comes in a queen, making it ideal for a single adult or a couple.

    What are our favorite features?
  • There is a lot to like about this bed. Perhaps the best thing about it, however, is just how much space you can save with it. It is very slim and not too terribly wide, either, which makes it a great option for smaller rooms. It only weighs about 150 pounds but can hold up to 1,000. This makes a great option for pretty much anyone. On top of that, it is also very easy to open and close, making it our favorite bed of the bunch.
    What could be better?
  • The assembly for this bed was a bit troublesome. Since it is designed to be lightweight, the pieces for the cabinet have a bit more flex than some others, which makes fitting them together trickier. This is definitely a two-person job, but it will still probably take you a few hours to complete.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6721 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
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Based onweb analytics
9.5
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9.1
9.6
2
Best Wall Bed Kit

Bestar Queen Wall Bed Kit

Features
  • Dimensions: 114.8W x 89.9H x 22.6D in
  • Type: wall bed
  • Weight: 654 lbs
  • Material: laminated particle board

More features: 2*25-in storage units, dual-piston lifting mechanism, foldable legs

This offering weighs quite a bit, clocking in at 654 pounds. It fits a queen mattress but will take up a lot more wall space thanks to its dual shelving units. This bed is made from laminated particle board and utilizes a dual-piston lifting mechanism to make opening and closing very easy.

This bed would work well for a single adult or a couple. The added storage space is a nice touch for anyone that wants more organized space in their bedroom. Unlike other models from Bestar, this bed takes up quite a bit of space and is also quite heavy. The added storage also means that you will need a lot of wall space to properly install this bed.

    What are our favorite features?
  • The thing that really helps to set this bed apart from its competitors is the large, dual shelves that come with it. These shelves have a high capacity and can be used to store tons of things, which is another huge space saver in a bedroom. This bed has a very conventional look to it as well, which makes it very easy to integrate other furniture to keep a consistent style in your bedroom.
    What could be better?
  • The biggest issue with this extremely solid bed and shelves are that it is massive. While the storage space is a great commodity to have, it makes assembly and installation a bit harder due to the sheer size of the cabinet. Make sure that you have a team of helpers to get this bed installed because you won't be able to move it otherwise.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2523 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
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Based onweb analytics
9.4
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9.1
9.5
3
Best Murphy Bed with Shelves

Bestar, Edge Collection

Features
  • Dimensions: 107.1H x 89.4W x 20.1D in
  • Type: wall bed
  • Weight: 580 lbs
  • Material: laminated particle board

More features: 2 shelving units, adjustable shelves, 1000 lbs weight capacity, foldable legs

This model is made from laminated particle board and comes with attached shelving units, and also features two lower cabinets as well. It weighs 580 pounds total but is very easy to open and shut thanks to its lightweight bed frame. Despite the slimmer than average frame, it can still hold up to 1000 pounds easily.

While this bed features shelving and cabinets, it is a bit thinner than other similar offerings from Bestar, which makes it ideal for rooms with less wall space. This bed only comes in queen, making it a great option for an adult or a couple. The lightweight bed frame is easy to lift or lower, which makes using it that much easier.

    Why did it make our list?
  • This bed is extremely sturdy and comes with two shelving units. These shelves are great for decluttering a bedroom. They also come with cabinets as well, which work well for storing private items. Even though this frame is somewhat heavy, it folds up with ease thanks to the dual-piston folding mechanism that Bestar is famous for. No matter what your physical fitness level is, you shouldn't have any issue putting this bed away each and every time.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • This unit is another extremely solid piece of furniture. It is, however, extremely complicated to put together. You need to make sure that you set aside a good bit of time so that you can do it correctly. You also need to enlist some helpers as well, since it is quite heavy and will be difficult to get into position.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8676 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
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Based onweb analytics
8.9
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8.9
9.2
4
Best Horizontal Wall Bed

Night & Day Furniture Murphy "Cube"

Features
  • Dimensions: 81W x 64L x 37H opened
  • Type: chest
  • Weight: 172 lbs
  • Material: wood

More features: gel-infused memory foam mattress included, 500 lbs weight capacity

This lightweight chest-style murphy bed only weighs 172 pounds. It takes up a very small amount of wall space as well since its cabinet is much lower and only as wide as its included queen mattress. The cabinet is crafted from wood laminate, and the bed has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.

This is a great bed if you are looking for a minimalist approach to a murphy bed. When folded up, it will barely take up any space at all in a room, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The chest style of this bed also makes it easier to move from place to place since it doesn’t need to be attached to the wall like a cabinet-style model. Since this bed has a lower weight capacity, it would work best for single sleepers or a couple that has a lower combined weight.

    Why is it special?
  • The best thing about this bed is just how little space it takes up. When it is folded into its chest, it barely even registers in a room, making it a perfect option for anyone that is looking to save as much space as possible. This model also comes with a memory foam mattress, which is great for your budget since you won't need to go out and buy a mattress separately.
    What are the flaws?
  • The biggest thing to keep in mind with this bed is its lower than average weight capacity. If you are only going to be using this for one adult, then you shouldn't have any issues. If, however, you are thinking of getting this for more than one person, you need to carefully consider their weight. The frame is not very supportive at higher weights, so keep this in mind before you make your final decision.
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9.0
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9.0
Features
  • Dimensions: 23.5D x 65.3W x 85.9H in
  • Type: wall bed
  • Weight: 391 lbs
  • Material: laminated particle board

More features: 2 LED lights, nickel handle, 1000 lbs weight capacity

This bed has a high weight capacity, as it can hold 1000 pounds with ease, all while weighing a manageable 391 pounds. The cabinet is slim, only taking up as much wall space as its queen mattress requires. It also comes with 2 integrated LED lights.

Thanks to the high weight capacity of this bed, it would work well for a single adult sleeper or couple. The LED lights really help to set this apart from other models. Even though they are small in size, they really brighten the space, making for a great reading area. The bed is also very easy to raise and lower, thanks to the dual-piston mechanisms that Bestar is known for.

    What do we love it for?
  • If you are in the market for a minimalistic style murphy bed, then this is a great option. It is very slim, which works well for anyone with limited wall space. It also features 2 integrated LEDs, which work perfectly as reading lights. These lights will also last you a good long time since the bulbs are relatively small and don't use up a lot of electricity even if you use them for hours on end.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • While most murphy beds can be installed pretty much anywhere, this model needs to be put close to an outlet. You need to be close enough to an outlet so that you can plug in the LEDs. Otherwise, you won't be able to use them at all, which would be less than ideal.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3875 people in the past 30 days
8.8
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8.3
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6
Easiest to Fold

Pemberly Row Easy-Lift

Features
  • Dimensions: 20.1D x 89.4H x 65.1W in
  • Type: wall bed
  • Weight: 380 lbs
  • Material: particle board

More features: foldable legs, dual-piston lifting mechanism

This bed is crafted from particle board and is quite slim when folded up. The bed frame is lightweight and low to the ground. This bed can be purchased in both queen and full sizes, and both are relatively lightweight, with the queen style featured here weighing in at 380 pounds.

This bed features a very low-to-the-ground frame, which makes it very easy to fold up. It also means that it doesn’t stick out from the wall very far at all. This bed would work well for a single adult or couple in its queen-size or a child if you decide to purchase the full version.

    Why are we impressed?
  • If you are at all worried about finding a murphy bed that is easy to fold, then this is the right option for you. The frame is sturdy but also much lighter than its competitors, making it even easier to lift and lower into place. This bed also has a very slim profile, making it an ideal model for smaller spaces.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Though the framework for this bed is very sold, the cabinet itself is a bit on the thin side. This isn't too big of a deal as long as you don't bump into it at all, but you need to be careful with it. It could easily be damaged, which would then ruin your bed.
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Chosen by 4972 people in the past 30 days
8.6
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8.6
7
Best Minimalist Murphy Bed

Stellar Home Wall Bed

Features
  • Dimensions: 66W x 18D x 88H in
  • Type: wall bed
  • Weight: 290 lbs
  • Material: laminated wood

More features: 1-year limited warranty, stainless handles, 500 lbs weight capacity

This bed is made from laminated wood and is designed to take up as little space as possible. It barely sticks out from the wall at all, which is a great space saver. It only weighs 290 pounds yet can hold up to 500 pounds, all told.

If you have an odd-shaped room that is not very deep but features wide walls, this is a great bed. The added shelves are great for storage but are not space hogs. This bed would work well for a single adult sleeper or a couple that has a low combined weight.

    What makes it special?
  • Though this bed has integrated shelves and drawers, it doesn't feel all that big in a room. It is exquisitely designed to have a very slim appearance, even though it is quite wide. The bed and its cabinet are also showpieces, thanks to the stainless handles and sleek design. The laminated wood is also quite lightweight, making it easier to maneuver during the installation process.
    What cons did we find?
  • The only issue with this bed is that it is very difficult to put together. The shelving units are well designed but have odd placements for some of their bolts and screws, which will add a bit of time to the overall assembly procedures. Thankfully, they will result in a very solid bed but be prepared for a long installation process.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8470 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
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8.4
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Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.5
8
Features
  • Dimensions: 42.6W x 40.75H x 24.75D in
  • Type: chest
  • Weight: 219 lbs
  • Material: not specified

More features: satin-finished hardware, 2 USB charging ports, 6-in folding mattress, storage drawers, 275 lbs weight capacity

This is a lightweight chest-style murphy bed that weighs 219 pounds. It is a bit smaller, as it is a twin-style bed. It features 2 USB charging ports, comes with a folding mattress, and has integrated drawers. This bed has a lower weight capacity of only 275 pounds.

If you are in the market for a bed for your child, then this is a good option. Its small size makes it ideal for a younger sleeper. The integrated USB charging ports are a nice touch as they will allow anyone using it to charge their devices while they are in bed.

    What makes it special?
  • This bed is a great choice for anyone that needs a murphy bed for their child. Its chest style design is nice and small, but it is still sturdy enough to accommodate a child with ease. The added storage drawers are a really nice touch since kids always need a place to put their things. The integrated USB ports are also sure to be popular since they will allow your kiddo to charge their devices while they sleep or relax.
    What cons did we find?
  • The trickiest thing about this bed is that, while it is perfect for a child, it won't really be able to grow with that child. It has a low weight capacity, which means that as your kid gets older, they might completely outgrow this bed. It is also on the shorter side, so if your kiddo gets too tall, then you might need to get them a new bed.

Things to Consider

As you can imagine, finding the right wall bed can be quite difficult. In this section, we will go through everything that you need to know to find the best murphy bed possible for your needs. We will show you the ins and outs of everything that you need to make the most informed decision possible so that you can get a great night’s rest, save tons of space during the day.

How to install wall beds

8 Best Murphy Beds - Free the Room for Other TasksThe very first thing that you need to understand when it comes to a murphy bed is how to install one. These beds are usually installed on a wall since this is the most secure way to make sure that it is as sturdy as possible. To install one, you first need to read through the manufacturer’s instructions as carefully as possible. Each bed is a little different, so you need to have a clear understanding of what you are looking to accomplish before you set out to finalize the installation.

Once you have read through the assembly instructions, you need to take the time to find the studs on your wall. Studs are wooden boards that provide the rigidity necessary for a wall to stand on its own, and they serve the same purpose for a murphy bed. A stud finder is usually the easiest way to find the studs on a wall, so be sure to have one handy. Studs are usually spaced out every 16 inches in newer homes, and you need to find several of them to properly install the bed. Once you have found them, mark their location.

Next, you need to put the bed’s pieces together according to the instructions. Once you have the bed and cabinet assembled, you are now ready to attach them to the wall. The cabinet needs to be attached to the studs that you found earlier with angle brackets so that you have a strong foundation to keep the bed or cabinet from coming dislodged and falling over. You need to have a drill for this to both put holes in the wall/studs and to attach the screws. Once the cabinet is attached to the wall, simply follow your manufacturer’s instructions to attach the bed frame to the cabinet to complete the installation.

How to choose the best murphy bed

Now that you have an understanding of how to install your bed, it’s time to talk about what to look for so that you can get the perfect bed for your needs.

Size

One of the most important decisions whenever you are getting any bed, regardless if it’s a standard model or a murphy bed, is the size. These beds come in the same sizes as standard beds, so you will have a variety to choose from. You need to make sure that your room and wall can handle the size of bed you are looking for, though, so be sure to measure carefully before you make your purchase. Compact options come full prepared to stand in kids’ rooms like Atlantic Furniture Southampton Murphy Bed Chest model.

Prices

As is the case with anything that you buy, you want to make sure that you get a good price. The cost of a murphy bed is going to be affected by several different factors, including the size, materials, type, and the kinds of accessories that come with it. Larger beds are usually more expensive than smaller ones, and extra accessories or features will also usually run up the price a bit as well, so bear that in mind.

Type

8 Best Murphy Beds - Free the Room for Other TasksAnother big consideration when you are looking for a murphy bed is the type that you want to have. The two types that you can choose from are wall beds, like Bestar, Nebula Collection and chest beds like Night & Day Furniture Murphy “Cube”. Wall beds have a taller cabinet and will not fold up when you close them into the cabinet. Chest beds are a bit shorter and will fold in half when you close them up. These beds need specialized mattresses that fold as well, while wall beds use standard mattresses.

Weight capacity

Something else that you want to keep in mind whenever you are buying a new bed is the weight capacity. If you are someone that is of a larger persuasion, then you need to make sure that you get a bed that can hold your weight. After all, the last thing you want is for your bed to break down because it wasn’t designed to hold a larger person during the night.

Shelves

8 Best Murphy Beds - Free the Room for Other TasksWhile murphy beds are designed to fold up and look like a cabinet when they are not in use, they can actually add a bit of storage space as well, especially if you get a model that comes with shelves. Since the cabinet is attached to the wall, you can store plenty of items on them without any issue, as they should be nice and sturdy.

Assembly

No matter which model you finally settle on, you are going to have to put it together. Thankfully, this is not a terribly difficult process, though each manufacturer has a different method for each of their models. Regardless, you need to make sure you take your time and read through the directions as carefully as possible so that you can make certain that the bed is put together correctly and safely.

Materials

Most murphy beds are made with particle board or laminated wood. Both of these materials are lightweight and sturdy, which makes them an excellent option for any sort of structure. The frames and folding mechanism are usually made with steel for added stability and durability, which makes sense since they are the only moving parts for these beds.

Accessories included

While you might not think that a bed could really have any sort of accessories, that is not the case for some of these beds. One such accessory is lights that are installed in the headboards. These can provide a good bit of light so that you can read in bed at night, which is a huge plus. Of course, that means you will need to have the bed on a wall that has an outlet. This would also be the case if you got a murphy bed that has an integrated USB slot so that you can charge your phone during the night, too.

Folding mechanism

8 Best Murphy Beds - Free the Room for Other TasksWhen you are looking at a murphy bed, one of the most important things that you need to look at carefully is the folding mechanism. This mechanism is what will allow the bed to fold in and out of its cabinet with ease and lock into place when you want the bed collapsed. The mechanism should be well-made and thick so that it will remain durable for years to come.

Warranty

As is the case with any new product, whether it be a washer or a bed, you want to make sure that you get one that comes with a good warranty. That way, you can rest assured that you are covered should anything fail or break through normal use. You just need to make sure to read through the fine print carefully because some companies will state one thing in larger print but actually mean something different in the fine print.

FAQ

Can a murphy bed harm you?

If a murphy bed is installed correctly, then there is no way for it to harm you. You also need to make sure that it latches completely when you have it folded into its cabinet as well, but otherwise, these beds are perfectly safe.

Do murphy beds ruin mattresses?

The only way that a murphy bed would ruin a mattress is if you get one that is not the correct size. Make sure that you measure the size of your bed carefully before you buy a mattress so that it fits correctly both when the bed is open or closed.

Can I use any mattress on a murphy bed?

While murphy beds come in a variety of widths and depths, it is always a better idea to err on the side of caution and go for a thinner mattress. That way, you can be sure that it will fit inside of the cabinet correctly without getting ruined in any way.
Our Verdict

If you are in the market for the best overall murphy bed, then we highly recommend the Bestar, Nebula Collection. This bed is nice and sturdy, doesn’t take up a lot of room, but still has a very high weight capacity. If you are searching for a great murphy bed, then this is the model for you!

Another fine option is the Bestar Queen Wall Bed Kit. This bed features durable and large shelving units on either side, which are great for organization. It is also easy to use, thanks to the dual-piston folding mechanisms, which make raising and lowering the beds a piece of cake.

If you want the best murphy bed that is also a great value, then the Bestar, Cielo Collection is a great choice. This bed is lightweight, easy to use, and looks great wherever you would decide to put it.

9,8
Total Score
Bestar, Nebula Collection - Editor's Choice
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