Bespoke cabinetry reveals a Murphy bed in the guest bedroom, which doubles as a workspace, at AD100 designer Mandy Cheng's Los Angeles home.Photo: Yoshihiro MakinoSave this storySave this storyA guest bedroom is a wonderful space to have, especially if you love hosting, but dedicating an entire room to a bed that only gets used a handful of times a year isn't always the best use of square footage. A Murphy bed offers a clever alternative. Originally touted as "The Disappearing Bed" in the early 20th century, the foldaway design eventually took on the name of its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy. More than a century later, it's still helping homeowners turn home offices, playrooms, and other hardworking spaces into comfortable guest rooms at a moment's notice.
And while the appeal of a Murphy bed is largely practical, there's room to get creative. Some designs come with built-in storage or shelving, while others offer a blank canvas for paint, trim, or custom cabinetry. Daniella Hoffer, AD PRO Directory designer and owner of Daniella Hoffer Interiors, prefers a custom approach but says even a Murphy bed purchased online can be elevated with thoughtful details. “Creating millwork on the wall or making it look like cabinetry—similar to how we approach pantry doors in the kitchen today—is a beautiful way to incorporate a Murphy bed into the space, and frankly, hide it,” she says. “Or even putting a piece of artwork that you can remove easily before pulling down the bed.”
Ahead, find the Murphy beds that prove a little less furniture on the floor can open up a lot more styling possibilities in any given space.
Our Top PicksHow We Chose the Best Murphy BedsFAQsPlease note that prices reflect queen-size beds. However, most of the featured frames are available in additional sizes and finishes.
Dimensions: 85” H x 99” W x 78" D unfoldedMattress included? NoFrame material: MDFWeight capacity: 1,000 poundsWarranty: Manufacturer’s warranty can be requestedBoasting a sleek design and dual bookcase towers, this Murphy bed gives the appearance of custom-built-ins when unfolded. It can easily replace your primary bedroom furniture thanks to the clean lines and ample storage. Although it does require baseboard removal, sturdy wall-mounting hardware adds extra security to the build (a must if you have little ones or pets running around). The dual-piston lift mechanism allows for easy lifting and lowering by any family member. And unlike most Murphy beds, you have the option to choose between a twin, full, queen, or even a king-sized base size.
Dimensions: 84” H x 66” W x 86” D unfolded, 16” D foldedMattress included? Optional add-onFrame material: Cabinet-grade plywoodWeight capacity: UnknownWarranty: Manufacturer’s warranty can be requestedLori Beds offers the best Murphy bed customization on the market. Whether you’re looking for a vertical pull-down or horizontal fold-out, a desk or shelving, or a manual lift instead of an assisted mechanism, you can mix and match to create the bed that best suits your space. Ideal for an elevated work-from-home setup, the desk upgrade adds a 16-inch-deep desk surface that spans the entire width of the bed (whether vertically or horizontally oriented). Seven finishes allow you to complement your existing design rather than create an unintentional focal point. And if you’re in need of a mattress that will actually fit your bed, Lori offers two add-ons: their signature mattress or an organic option that utilizes recycled coils and New Zealand wool. If you opt for a manual lift, there’s a lighter-weight version of the Lori mattress that doesn’t put too much strain on the base or your upper body. Careful craftsmanship is at the heart of their designs, using cabinet-grade plywood for durability.
Dimensions: 83” H x 63” W x 83" D unfolded, 14" D foldedMattress included? NoFrame material: Engineered woodWeight capacity: 1,000 poundsWarranty: Manufacturer’s warranty can be requestedWhile many Murphy beds feature shelving or cabinetry on either side, this budget-friendly option makes smart use of the bed's underside, turning it into open shelving when folded away. The light wood finish is a nice touch for warm, Scandi-inspired interiors. The staggered compartments offer plenty of room to display books, plants, and larger pieces of artwork. The only catch? You'll need to clear the shelves before pulling the bed down, but it's a small trade-off for storage you would otherwise have to find elsewhere. Available in both vertical and horizontal configurations, both versions accommodate a queen-size mattress, so you can choose the layout that works best for your space.
Dimensions: 41” H x 62” W x 81” D unfolded, 24” D foldedMattress included? NoFrame material: Solid pine and wood veneerWeight capacity: 500 poundsWarranty: Manufacturer’s warranty can be requestedThis is actually a cabinet bed—a close neighbor to a Murphy bed but distinct in that it looks more like a bohemian credenza or sideboard than an occasional sleeping place for visitors. This is all thanks to the woven cane accents on the “doors.” Until it unfurls, dinner guests may never know it’s containing a mattress and not your collection of dinnerware. Unfolding to create a queen-sized bed, this piece also features two storage drawers (that further support the slatted base) and charging ports on both sides.