A Murphy bed is a hinged bed frame that folds vertically against a wall or inside a cabinet to save floor space when not in use.
If you’ve ever wished a spare room could double as a home office, a Murphy bed—also called a wall bed, pull-down bed, or hide-away bed—is the furniture that makes it possible. The design has been around since the early 1900s, named after inventor William Lawrence Murphy, who patented the concept in 1912. Instead of taking up permanent floor space like a standard bed, a Murphy bed tucks the mattress and frame upright, converting a bedroom into a multipurpose room in seconds.
The Design and How It Works
A Murphy bed uses a pivot mechanism at one end of the frame. When you’re ready to sleep, you pull the bed down from its vertical stored position until it rests horizontally on legs. When morning comes, you fold it back up and secure it against the wall or inside its cabinet. The whole operation takes one person about thirty seconds once the mechanism is properly installed.
Most modern Murphy beds mount directly to wall studs or inside a purpose-built cabinet. The cabinet style is popular because it hides the bed completely, letting the unit blend into a room as a bookcase, desk, or shelving system when closed.
A few things to know about mattress compatibility: Murphy beds generally use a mattress-and-frame retention system rather than box springs, and specific models have mattress thickness limits. Always check the exact product spec sheet before buying to confirm your mattress will fit and stay secure.
Safety Considerations for Installation and Use
Murphy beds are safe, dependable furniture when correctly installed—but the mechanism involves real weight and tension, so installation and maintenance matter. Canada’s health guidance warns that improperly installed or poorly maintained foldaway beds can cause injury or death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has similarly warned that some units can fall during assembly or disassembly, creating impact, crush, and laceration hazards.
Follow these precautions to keep your Murphy bed safe:
- Locking feature: Buy a bed with a safety latch or locking mechanism that prevents accidental opening or closing, and use it every time.
- Exact installation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, and verify the bed is secured to wall studs or its cabinet per the specs.
- Regular inspection: Check the mounting points and mechanism function periodically as part of routine maintenance.
- Proper handling: Open and close the bed only as the manual instructs; improper handling is the main safety risk noted in official guidance.
Types, Sizes, and What Fits Your Space
Murphy beds are not a one-size-fits-all category. You’ll find three main styles, each suited to different rooms and needs.
| Type | Best For | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | Wide, low-ceiling rooms | Folds flat along the wall height; less common, needs wide clearance |
| Vertical | Standard bedrooms and offices | Folds upright like a tall cabinet; the classic design |
| Folding / Tri-fold | Small apartments and RV use | Compresses to a shallow depth several times; lightest footprint |
Sizes run from twin to king, with weight capacity and mounting hardware varying by model. There is no universal price for the category—quotes depend on the manufacturer, included mechanism, cabinetry, and whether you hire professional installation. If you’re weighing options for your own space, our roundup of fold-away wall bed picks compares tested models side by side.
FAQs
Can a Murphy bed use a regular mattress?
Yes, most Murphy beds work with standard mattresses, but not all of them. The key restriction is thickness—most mechanisms accommodate mattresses from 8 to 12 inches tall, and some models require a specific foam or innerspring type. Memory foam mattresses are common choices because they bend slightly when folding. Always confirm the mattress thickness limit on the model’s official spec sheet before purchasing, and remember that box springs are generally not compatible with folding frames.
Are Murphy beds safe for daily use?
Yes, when installed and maintained per the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly secured unit with a functioning safety latch can be opened and closed daily without issue. The risks documented by safety agencies stem from poor installation, missing wall anchoring, or worn mechanisms—not from normal use. Inspect the mounting points and locking hardware periodically, and you can expect many years of reliable service.
What is the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed?
There is no real difference—the terms are interchangeable. “Murphy bed” is the most common name in U.S. English, Merriam-Webster defines it as a bed with a frame that folds into a wall space, and official Canadian consumer guidance also uses “wall bed” and “hide-away bed” as synonyms. The name traces to William Lawrence Murphy’s early-1900s design, but any bed that folds upright against a wall qualifies regardless of brand.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Murphy bed.” Background on the design history and the 1912 patent.
- Health Canada. “Foldaway bed safety.” Official safety guidance on installation, locking features, and maintenance.
- Merriam-Webster. “Murphy bed.” Dictionary definition and U.S. usage reference.
