As you compare various wall beds, you’ll want to look at factors such as their size—both while folded up and down—as well as the overall design and any additional features. Some wall beds come with integrated shelving, desks, tables, or even sofas, and while these designs offer increased functionality, they’re typically priced higher, too. This Murphy bed has a Shaker-inspired design, and it uses a dual-piston system for safe and easy opening and closing. The bed can support up to 1,000 pounds, and it should be outfitted with a mattress that weighs at least 70 pounds for proper operation. Each bookcase has two fixed shelves and three adjustable ones, and they can hold up to 20 pounds each. The bed has a simple dual-piston system that makes it easy to open and close, and the pistons are hydraulic to assist in the movement. The bed doesn’t come with a mattress, and you’ll need to find one that’s between 50 and 90 pounds to ensure the mechanism works properly. The Colquitt Murphy Bed has a weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, and its Euro slat mattress support system makes it more comfortable to sleep on. Price at time of publish: $3,152 This wall bed is fairly simple, but its classic design will easily blend into your home. It should be used with a mattress that weighs between 60 and 90 pounds (not included), and it can support up to 1,000 pounds. The only downside is that it’s made from particleboard, which isn’t the most durable material. Price at time of publish: $1,996 The Lori Wall Bed is made from cabinet-grade birch plywood, and it comes in several finishes—you can even get it unfinished if you want to customize it yourself. When the bed is folded up, the front features several contemporary shelves where you can display decor, but keep in mind that you’ll need to remove all the items before putting the mattress back down. It can be used with any mattress up to 12 inches thick (not included), and because there’s no lifting mechanism, the brand recommends two people open and close it. Price at time of publish: $1,949 This Murphy bed includes a hutch on top with two cabinets, which is ideal for storing bedding and other supplies, and you can even opt to have LED lights inside the bed. Each product is made to order, so there’s typically a 5-week lead time, and the bed should be outfitted with a mattress that’s under 11 inches and 100 pounds. Price at time of publish: $1,815 This bed is crafted from solid wood that’s available in four finishes, and it comes with a gel memory foam mattress. It doesn’t have any type of lifting mechanism, so you will need to support its weight when opening and closing the bed, but it’s a great option if you plan to move your Murphy bed around your home. Price at time of publish: $3,070 This bed features a white and natural wood exterior, and you can purchase it with or without an additional shelving unit that sits on top of the bed. The Murphy bed has a mechanism to prevent accidental opening, but it is crafted predominantly from particle board, which isn’t the most durable material. This wall bed doesn’t come with a mattress, so you’ll need to find one that’s 8 to 10 inches thick and between 60 and 90 pounds. The outer desk offers 18 inches of workspace, and it can support up to 50 pounds at a time. Price at time of publish: $1,804 In addition to its built-in sofa, this bed has a variety of thoughtful features. There’s an outer shelf where you can display decor when the bed is closed, and it pivots to remain upright when you open the bed, saving you from having to move its contents. The unit has a cable-assisted opening mechanism for easy operation, and there’s even an under-seat storage compartment that’s ideal for linens and pillows. Price at time of publish: $15,460 You’ll also want to ensure the bed fits comfortably in your space and has enough clearance to open and close without hitting anything.
Material
Just like any piece of furniture, Murphy beds can be made from a variety of materials. Some of the most commonly used building materials include solid wood, manufactured wood, metal, or particleboard. Solid wood is the most durable and long-lasting option, but it’s also much heavier and more expensive. Particleboard is much more affordable and lightweight, but it breaks more easily and can break down if it gets wet.
Features
“When deciding how to incorporate the bed into the room, think about how you want to use the space overall and what extra functions might benefit the space,” recommends Stillman. “Some of the options include seamless wall integration, shelving, or storage options built into the wall bed, a wall bed with an integrated couch, or a wall bed with a built-in desk/table.” Other useful features include assisted opening/closing mechanisms, integrated lighting, or built-in storage compartments.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer, and product tester for The Spruce. While researching Murphy beds for this list, she spoke with Challie Stillman, vice president of Sales and Design at Resource Furniture for insights on what makes a good wall bed and how these pieces can be incorporated into a home. As she compared different Murphy beds available today, she considered factors such as their size, material, opening mechanism, and any additional features. She looked for beds of different styles and sizes to suit different homes, as well as options that fall within different budget constraints.
