A murphy bed (also called a wall bed or cabinet bed) is one of the smartest investments you can make for a small space. Whether you're furnishing a studio apartment, a guest room, or a home office that doubles as a bedroom, this guide will help you choose the right murphy bed for your needs and budget.
What Is a Murphy Bed?
A murphy bed is a bed that folds up into a wall unit or freestanding cabinet when not in use, freeing up floor space during the day. Modern murphy beds are easy to operate, stylish, and built to last, far removed from the wobbly fold-downs of decades past.
There are two main types:
Murphy Wall Beds mount directly to the wall and fold up vertically or horizontally. They require wall installation but offer a seamless, low-profile look with only about 16" of depth when closed.
Murphy Cabinet Beds are freestanding units that look like a dresser or cabinet when closed. No wall mounting required, making them ideal for renters or anyone who wants flexibility.
Murphy Wall Bed vs. Murphy Cabinet Bed: Which Is Right for You?
| Murphy Wall Bed | Murphy Cabinet Bed | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Wall-mounted (requires studs) | Freestanding, no installation |
| Floor space (closed) | ~16" deep, flush to wall | ~23" deep footprint |
| Best for | Permanent rooms, homeowners | Renters, guest rooms, flexibility |
| Mattress | Optional (sold separately or included) | Often includes mattress |
| Price range | CA$1,200 to $2,200+ | CA$1,400 to $2,800+ |
| Assembly | Wall mounting required | ~10 minutes final assembly |
| Orientation | Vertical or horizontal options | Horizontal (folds forward) |
Vertical vs. Horizontal Murphy Wall Beds
If you're considering a wall bed, you'll also need to choose between vertical and horizontal orientation:
Vertical wall beds fold down lengthwise and require more wall height but less width. The Wallie II is a great example, needing as little as 44.5" of wall width for a Twin.
Horizontal wall beds fold down sideways and require more wall width but less height. The Heidi III is ideal for rooms with lower ceilings, closing to just 43.9"H for a Twin.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Murphy Bed?
For a Vertical Murphy Wall Bed (Queen):
At least 65.4" wide by 84.25" tall of wall space is needed.
Example: Wallie II Queen at 65.4"W by 84.25"H when closed, only 15.75" deep.
For a Horizontal Murphy Wall Bed (Queen):
At least 85.5" wide by 64.8" tall of wall space is needed.
Example: Heidi III Queen at 85.47"W by 64.76"H when closed, only 15.75" deep. Great for rooms with lower ceilings.
For a Murphy Cabinet Bed (Queen):
Approximately 64"W by 23"D of floor space when closed, just 10 square feet.
Example: Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed at 64.1"W by 26.4"D when closed, opening to 64.1"W by 80"D.
What Size Murphy Bed Should I Get?
Most murphy beds come in Twin, Full, and Queen sizes. Queen is the most popular choice for guest rooms and primary bedrooms. Full is better suited for tighter spaces or single sleepers. Twin is ideal for kids rooms or very compact spaces.
Twin size: ~39"W, ideal for single sleepers and compact rooms.
Full size: ~54"W, good for single adults or tight rooms.
Queen size: ~60"W, the most versatile option for couples or guest rooms.
Do Murphy Beds Come with a Mattress?
Murphy Wall Beds are available with or without a mattress. The Heidi III and Wallie II both come in a bed-only version (bring your own mattress, up to 8" thick for Twin/Full or 10" for Queen) or a with-mattress version offering multiple foam and pocket coil options.
Murphy Cabinet Beds usually include a tri-fold mattress. The Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed includes a 6" Tri-Fold Gel Memory Foam Queen mattress. If you already have a mattress you love, you can also purchase the cabinet only.
How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost?
Are Murphy Beds Safe and Sturdy?
Yes. Modern murphy beds are engineered for safety and durability:
- The Heidi III and Wallie II use upgraded piston systems on both sides that slow the bed frame as it lowers, rated up to 273 kg
- The Stow Cabinet Bed is rated to support up to 300 kg
- Cabinet beds like the Night and Day Murphy Cube are structurally tested to hold 500+ lbs (rated to 250 lbs for warranty purposes)
- Wall beds use dual piston systems for smooth, controlled folding
- The Murphy Cube uses a solid rubberwood hardwood frame with a durable metal bed frame inside
- Most products carry multi-year warranties on the cabinet/frame
Can I Get a Murphy Bed Assembled for Me?
It depends on the model. White Glove Delivery with professional assembly is available in select markets for cabinet beds like the Night and Day Murphy Cube and the Stow. The Heidi III and Wallie II wall beds are not available for White Glove Assembly and require self-installation.
Which Murphy Bed Is Right for Me?
Best budget wall bed (bring your own mattress):
Heidi III Horizontal Wall Bed starting from $1,199.95. Ideal for rooms with lower ceilings, available in Twin, Full, and Queen. MDF cabinet, upgraded pistons, no latch needed to keep door closed.
Best wall bed for narrow spaces:
Wallie II Vertical Wall Bed starting from $1,299.95. Folds vertically so it needs less wall width (as little as 44.5" for a Twin). Available in Twin, Full, and Queen with or without mattress.
Best value cabinet bed entry point:
Stow Queen Size Murphy Bed Cabinet Only at $1,399.95, made from Acacia wood and plywood, available in 4 colours (White, Stone, Cherry, Beachwood), and rated to support up to 300 kg. Bring your own mattress and save.
Best value cabinet bed with mattress included:
Stow Queen Size Murphy Bed Cabinet with Gel Memory Foam Mattress at $1,799.95, with a 6" tri-fold gel memory foam mattress and the same 300 kg capacity. A great pick for guest rooms on a budget.
Best for renters or those who want zero installation:
Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed with Gel Memory Foam Mattress, freestanding, includes mattress, 10-year warranty, 6 colour options, solid rubberwood hardwood construction.
Best premium cabinet bed:
Medison Queen Murphy Cabinet Bed in Grey, real wood veneer, 10" storage drawer, 500 lb capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to set up a murphy cabinet bed?
Most murphy cabinet beds require about 10 minutes of final assembly once delivered. The main cabinet arrives pre-assembled.
What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical murphy wall bed?
A vertical wall bed folds down lengthwise and needs less wall width. A horizontal wall bed folds down sideways and needs less wall height, making it a better fit for rooms with lower ceilings.
Do murphy beds require a box spring?
No. Murphy beds do not require a box spring. Cabinet beds use a tri-fold mattress that sits directly on the frame, and wall beds like the Heidi III and Wallie II are designed to work without a box spring.
Can a murphy bed be used every night?
Absolutely. Murphy beds are designed for nightly use. The Night and Day Murphy Cube is built with solid hardwood and a durable metal frame rated for long-term daily use. The Heidi III and Wallie II feature upgraded pistons built for repeated daily operation.
What colours are available?
The Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed comes in 6 colours: White, Stonewash, Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Rustic Brown, and Vintage White. The Stow Cabinet Bed comes in 4 colours: White, Stone, Cherry, and Beachwood. The Heidi III and Wallie II are available in White.
Is delivery available across Canada?
Yes. We ship across Canada. White Glove Delivery with assembly is available in select markets for cabinet bed models.
Browse our full Murphy Beds collection or contact us if you need help choosing the right bed for your space.