You love your home, but sometimes it feels like there’s just not enough room. Maybe your guest room doubles as a home office, or your studio apartment is starting to resemble a furniture showroom. You need space to breathe, sleep, and live without sacrificing comfort.
Living in tight quarters doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort. But bulky beds, futons, and air mattresses just don’t cut it. They eat up precious square footage and leave your space feeling crowded.
A Murphy bed is a genius way to transform any room in seconds—no magic wand needed. With a simple fold, your bed disappears into the wall, freeing up valuable floor space. But before you run to click “Add to Cart,” there’s one big question to answer:
What size Murphy bed should you get?
When it comes to size, Murphy beds offer a variety of options. Also, the dimensions of branded Murphy beds may differ from the standard vertical Murphy bed.
Let’s explore Murphy bed sizes—specifically Queen and Twin—to help you make a smart, stylish, and space-conscious choice.
Why Choosing the Right Murphy Bed Size Matters
Murphy beds aren’t one-size-fits-all. You may also need to consider the orientation when buying a Murphy bed - vertical or horizontal?
Picking the right size affects:
- Comfort: You want enough space to stretch out and sleep soundly.
- Room layout: Your Murphy bed frame should work with your room’s flow, not against it.
- Functionality: Consider how you use your space during the day and night.
What is a Queen Murphy Bed?
A Queen Murphy bed measures approximately 65 inches wide by 85 inches long. It’s roomy, supportive, and ideal for couples or solo sleepers who love a little extra space.
Queen-size Murphy beds are ideal for:
- Master bedrooms with limited space
- Guest rooms that need to double as a home office or a workout area
- Couples needing a comfortable sleep solution in a small home or apartment
Pros:
- Offers ample sleeping space
- Feels just like a traditional bed
- Works great in multi-use rooms
- Pairs well with premium mattresses (like those from Lori Beds)
Things to Consider:
- A Queen bed takes up more wall and floor space when unfolded
- May require more room for installation and operation
What is a Twin Murphy Bed?
A Twin Murphy bed is usually 45 inches wide by 85 inches long, making it perfect for kids, teens, or single adults.
Twin-size Murphy beds are ideal for:
- Children’s rooms
- Studio apartments or micro-units
- Home offices that need a small guest bed
- Vacation homes or cabins with tight quarters
Pros:
- Takes up minimal space
- Easy to install in narrow rooms
- Great for guests, kids, or occasional use
- Fits standard Twin mattresses
Things to Consider:
- Not ideal for two adults
- Less room to stretch out
How to Choose the Right Murphy Bed Size
Choosing the right Murphy bed size isn’t just about measurements—it’s about matching your lifestyle, maximizing your space, and ensuring long-term comfort.
Before you decide on a Queen or Twin Murphy wall bed, ask yourself:
Who will be sleeping in it?
- Couples = Queen
- Solo sleepers = Either, depending on preference
- Children = Twin
Pro Tip: If you plan to use the bed nightly or share it with someone, go with a Queen. If it’s more for occasional guests or young ones, a Twin will do just fine.
How much space do you have?
Murphy beds are designed to be space-saving, but they still need room to function properly. You’ll need to consider both wall space and floor space for the bed when it’s fully extended.
Make sure to measure:
- The height of your ceilings
- The total width of your wall
- The distance between the furniture when the bed is down
- The swing-out clearance is if your Murphy bed uses side cabinets or shelving
Measuring the space is also crucial when choosing between vertical wall beds and horizontal Murphy beds. Generally, vertical Murphy bed dimensions will fit rooms with higher ceilings, while a horizontal wall bed suits rooms with lower ceiling heights.
What’s the room’s purpose?
Many people install wall beds in multi-purpose rooms. Understanding how your adequate floor space functions day-to-day will influence your bed size decision.
Examples:
Home office + guest room combo?
- A Twin Murphy bed might be ideal. It leaves more room for desks, bookshelves, and walking space.
Home gym + guest room?
- Go for a Twin to preserve floor space for yoga mats, exercise equipment, or storage.
Master bedroom or frequent guest room?
- A Queen Murphy bed gives the comfort and spaciousness your family or guests deserve.
Is it easy to use and manage on your own?
Murphy beds vary in terms of how they fold up and down. Most Murphy beds use spring-loaded mechanisms or pistons, while modern options are spring-free and operated manually.
Ask yourself:
- Will I be opening and closing this cabinet bed every day?
- Do I prefer something mechanized or more hands-on?
- Will children or elderly guests be using it?
Will it fit comfortably with your other furniture?
Don’t just measure the space for the vertical or horizontal Murphy bed frame—think about everything else around it. Ask:
- Will the drawers open or the cabinet doors swing easily?
- Can I still walk around the bed once it’s down?
- Will I need to rearrange the room every time I use it?
Twin Beds:
- Easier to incorporate into small rooms with desks, dressers, or lounge chairs
- Often fold up into narrower vertical cabinets that take up less wall space
Queen Beds:
- Require more planning, but can look stunning in larger rooms or if paired with custom cabinetry.
- If you're going for a clean, minimalist look, cabinet-style frames keep things tidy when folded up, doubling as an attractive focal point, not just a utility piece.
Does it work with your budget and long-term needs?
While the difference in price between a Twin and a Queen Murphy bed isn’t huge, it’s worth factoring in:
- Mattress cost: A queen-size mattress generally costs more than a twin mattress
- Accessories and bedding: Sheets, pillows, and blankets are pricier for Queen sizes
- Shipping and installation: Larger sizes may cost more to ship or be slightly more complex to install
Why Quality Matters
A Murphy bed is a big investment. And trust us—you don’t want to go cheap on something that folds up and down every day. Here's why you should always opt for quality craftsmanship:
Safety first
Cheap materials can lead to malfunction or breakage. Look for real wood Murphy beds with sturdy frames.
Long-term value
Well-made Murphy beds will last for years without sagging, creaking, or falling apart.
Style that speaks
Your Murphy bed should be more than just to save space—it should also work to complement the aesthetics of your current living space.
Easy to use
Most Murphy bed manufacturers are known for their spring-free design. Made of beautiful cabinet-grade pine, they require no wall or floor mounting and are DIY-friendly, and don’t damage your home.
Parting Thoughts
Don’t settle for a cramped, cluttered home. Whether you’re looking to create a guest-friendly office or upgrade your apartment, the right Murphy bed size can make all the difference.
- Go for Queen if you want comfort and room to spread out.
- Choose Twin if you need a compact, clever solution.
Moreover, ensure ample ceiling height and floor space when choosing a Murphy bed. And when it comes to style, strength, and simplicity, reputable brands like Lori Beds have you covered.
The key is to buy a space-saving bed that lets you sleep comfortably and roam around your room flawlessly.
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