Living in a small space means balancing comfort and functionality. A Murphy bed can be a practical space-saving solution to maximize your home's limited square footage. When not in use, you can fold these wall beds and put them down if you want to sleep at night. Whether in a studio apartment or a small room in your house, a Murphy bed lets you make the most out of your space.

However, choosing the right bed is more than picking one that fits your small space. It may be challenging, but these tips can help you select the best Murphy bed for your main or guest room.

Accurately Measure Your Living Space

Measuring the wall space where you want to attach your bed is essential. Consider the wall's height and width and the room depth. Murphy beds should extend into the room when opened, so you need enough clearance to completely fold them without hitting other furniture pieces or obstructing walkways. To install it perfectly, you may need 24-36 inches of space on each side of the bed.

Choose the Right Orientation

Murphy beds have two orientations—horizontal and vertical. Choose one that suits your room's layout and how you want the bed to fit.

Here's how they function:

  • Vertical Murphy Beds: These beds fold up and down. The headboard is attached to the wall, ideal for rooms with higher ceilings. They feel like traditional beds and extend further when opened.
  • Horizontal Murphy Beds: These beds fold side-to-side and are great for rooms with low ceilings and limited wall height, such as attics. A horizontal Murphy wall bed occupies less wall space but can extend wider when you open it.

Select the Bed Size

Murphy beds come in different sizes, such as twin, full, queen, and king. Twin or full-size Murphy beds are suitable for small apartments.

Twin beds can be used for a very small space and are perfect for single sleepers. You can easily add them to your home office or guest room. A full or queen bed has more sleeping space but can take up more floor space when it's open. They're ideal beds if you frequently have guests at home.

On the other hand, King Murphy beds are rare, but they can be used in larger rooms where maximizing space is a must.

Think about how much space you can spare for the bed and choose one that lets you use the room efficiently.

Consider Mattress Compatibility

Some Murphy beds come with mattresses, while others don't. If yours doesn't have a mattress, you need to buy one separately. Consider the following factors when shopping for mattresses:

  • Thickness: Mattresses for Murphy beds are around nine to 12 inches thick. Anything too thick can prevent the bed from folding properly, and the thin ones may not provide enough comfort.
  • Mattress Type: Murphy beds have a solid platform, so choose high-quality and medium-firm mattresses for better support.
  • Weight: The mattress's weight matters if the bed can be easily lifted and folded. Check the weight limits in the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you choose a suitable mattress.

Check the Installation Process

Another factor is how the Murphy bed is installed. While there are floor-mounted Murphy beds, it's much more common to find wall-mounted ones for stability. 

Go DIY if you get Murphy bed kits made for DIY installation. Although doing the installation work alone is complicated because it requires precision, you can save money since you won't have to pay anyone. Hiring a professional to install the bed is also another option if you want an easier installation.

Explore Additional Features

Other storage features make the Murphy bed a piece of multifunctional furniture, unlike a sleeper sofa that you can only extend for sleeping. Ask if the bed has additional storage for books, linens, and clothing, such as shelves, drawers, and cabinets.

If you work from home, choose a Murphy bed that can double as a desk when folded up. You can also get a custom Murphy bed with solid wood finishes to add an extra layer of aesthetic touch to your home or a color that aligns with your personal preference.

Budget Considerations

Murphy beds are an investment compared to a sofa bed. Setting aside some amount you want to spend on the bed is important. Prices vary based on the material, size, mattress thickness, and features. Include installation costs in your budget, especially if you really need professional help.

Read reviews from reliable online retailers to see if the bed matches your taste and your budget. These reviews can give you an idea of how the bed works and help you decide which one to buy.

Final Words

Selecting the best Murphy bed needs careful consideration if you're keen on saving space in your little home. Measuring the space, getting the right bed size, proper mattress thickness, and sturdy installation can ensure your comfort while maximizing the available space in your home. It's more than a monetary investment—time and effort are also spent choosing the best bed.