The Best Murphy Beds That Can Basically Transform Any Room Into a Bedroom ASAP

Though Murphy beds are convenient in a place like New York City, where I live, sadly, I don't have one in my apartment. So, when I began researching products to add to the list, I consulted the Internet's most promising reviews to help guide my search. First and foremost, I chose only aesthetically pleasing pieces. After I made those choices, I turned to the reviews. If most of the reviews were negative, I took the Murphy bed in question off the list. Next, I made sure the prices varied so the list didn't skew super expensive or too cheap. There's a good mix of products here so that everyone in pursuit of a space-saving bed can find something they like. My goal was to dismantle the myth that Murphy beds are a last resort, undesirable, or uncomfortable because, after pouring hours of research into our product picks, I have discovered that the negative tales about Murphy beds are, well, false. All of the ones on this list are beautiful and cozy, perfect for a small space.

When you're hunting for a stylish Murphy bed, there are a few things to consider.

Size: When we say size, we're referring both to the Murphy bed and the mattress (if you need to buy your own, be sure to check out our favorites here). Regarding the former, know that Murphy beds are often a touch taller than they are long, so if you're dealing with low ceilings, measure before investing in your new bed. Equally as important as the frame size is the mattress size. Most of the options on our list are available in queen and full, but since you're already saving space by employing a Murphy bed, we suggest going with the queen.

Mattress: Not all Murphy beds come with a mattress, so check whether or not it's included before you click "add to cart." To save as much money as possible, you may want to buy one of the beds with specialized mattresses explicitly designed for that model. We think it's a pro to choose your own mattress; that way, you know it'll be comfortable. Typically, box springs are not required, as keeping a low-profile setup is best. Opting for a thinner mattress (around 12 inches or slimmer) is also better to ensure it'll fold up easily. Some beds will require a tri-fold mattress, so pay extra attention. Though you can use any mattress for a Murphy bed, memory foam is often considered the best because it holds its shape better than springs or latex, which can slump to one side or sag in the middle after so much shifting up and down.

Installation: Murphy beds are small-space heroes, but they are not for DIY amateurs because they can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. They must be mounted to both the wall and the floor for maximum security, which requires some construction skills. (Most important is knowing how to find a stud or mount heavy objects in a masonry wall.) If you don't want to be crushed by your Murphy bed while you doze, enlist the help of a professional.

The main difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed is how it folds. The former utilizes a spring system that holds the bed locked upright, while the latter employs a set of locking legs that do the same thing. Honestly, though, the two are so similar that you may not be able to tell them apart. When installing either, Beckstedt instructs, "You don’t need to go down to the studs. Just directly attach it to the wall but anchoring it into the studs. This approach is definitely for a more permanent situation, but if you do move, you can unsecure it and take it with you into your new home as well."

Opt for Murphy beds that pull or fold out for ease. When you think about the room a Murphy bed will be installed in, try to choose furniture and decor that can be easily moved, so the transition from spare room to guest room is as seamless as possible. You'll never use it if you have to move a couch every time.

When installed correctly, Murphy beds are definitely safe. The common safety concern with Murphy beds is that they will snap closed when you're laying on the mattress, and you'll be locked inside. The other typical fear is that it may release after you've folded the bed portion up. Both of these scary scenarios are possible, but, again, only if the Murphy bed is installed incorrectly or not locked properly. If you want to air on the side of caution, you may want to consider hiring a professional to assemble and install your Murphy bed for you. When it's anchored to the wall, you won't have to worry about it falling down, snapping shut, or anything else you'd rather avoid when sleeping and lounging. As far as keeping your Murphy bed in whatever position you've set, make sure to lock it in place. Think of it like a stroller: When you don't want it to slide away, lock the wheels. On the other hand, when you need to go somewhere, unlock them. Murphy beds function the same way: When you want to fold it up or down, unlock it, and when it's in the desired position, lock it. Trust us; when it's set up right, a Murphy bed is just as safe as a traditional one.

Because Murphy beds are often specific sizes, they tend to come with their own mattress that fits perfectly. If the one you like doesn't include a mattress, feel free to get any type that you would normally get. You don't have to buy a mattress you won't like because of the fact that you have a Murphy bed. Whether you want memory foam, latex, or springs, you can use any type that you prefer with a Murphy bed. The only thing you'll need to consider is the size because some mattresses are too thick for the Murphy frame to fold back up during the day. Before you buy one, be sure to check all of the measurements of both the frame and the mattress to make sure they'll fit together. In terms of type, memory foam mattresses tend to hold up better than innersprings because they don't lose shape over time, whether folded upwards or down. Gravity and pressure don't affect memory foam the way they affect innerspring mattresses.

The great thing about Murphy beds is that they don't tend to accumulate as much dust as other bed frames do because you're constantly maneuvering and touching them. Cleaning the mattress is not something you have to do often because it's tucked up inside the frame most of the time so that it won't collect very much dust. If, for whatever reason, you have to clean the frame, use a material-safe cleaning product and a microfiber cloth, which is super gentle on any material, including manufactured wood, regular wood, and metal.

Our interior designer sources recommend integrating a Murphy bed into a room's design. You can do this whether you're buying one off the shelf or having one custom-made. "We can flank the bed with bookshelves, cabinetry, and lighting and integrate it into the Murphy bed design," O'Brien says. "This creates a nice look when the bed is stored away and a cozy nook when the bed is being used."

If you're going the custom route, have some fun with your Murphy bed and give it a few more bells and whistles than a bed you'd simply buy online. "A bonus is that we can build additional storage and function into the wall holding the Murphy bed. Murphy beds can turn rooms like a home office or sweet nursery into a welcoming guest room with just a quick pull," O'Brien adds.

As a House Beautiful editor who lives in New York City, I am a small-space expert. I'm well-versed in finding the best ways to utilize everything from small bathrooms to small laundry rooms, and I love finding multipurpose pieces that transform a room in one step. When I decided to find the best Murphy beds on the market, I really scoured the internet. Luckily, I didn't come up empty-handed, as all the finds are stylish and budget-friendly.

For further research, I spoke with the best interior designers in the business to bring you specialized shopping and design advice for Murphy beds. The designers who contributed their expertise to this review all work in urban areas where Murphy beds are prevalent and very useful. Liz Hoekzema is the creative director and cofounder of both Michigan-based KLH and TEN Design Studio. After graduating college with a liberal arts degree, she and her husband, a cofounder of both firms, designed their first (and eventually their second) home together, which made them want to start their own business. Almost a decade later, the duo has more than 15 clients across the world.

Pamela O'Brien is the principal at Houston-based Pamela Hope Designs. Her impressive portfolio includes beautiful homes decorated in her signature Texas look: soft textures, cool tones, and an undeniable warmth.

Neal Beckstedt owns his boutique design firm, Neal Beckstedt Studio, based in New York City. His iconic warm modernism, a phrase he coined to describe his work, has appeared in various projects, including bungalows, mansions, and even residential yachts.