Murphy Beds Vs. Cabinet Beds: Which One Is Right For You?
Living in a tight space is tough. Whether it’s a studio apartment, guest room, or home office, bulky beds can eat up valuable floor space and leave you feeling cramped.
You want your room to serve more than one purpose—but a traditional bed or even a trundle bed says, “Nope, not today!” You’ve rearranged furniture, tried minimalism, even rolled out sleeping bags. Still, there’s not enough room to breathe, let alone entertain guests.
It’s time to save space with a smart solution: a wall or foldaway bed. But now comes the million-dollar question—Murphy bed or cabinet bed?
If you’re looking for a space-saving sleep solution, understanding the differences between Murphy beds vs. cabinet beds is essential. Here’s what you should know to help you decide which is the best fit for your home, your needs, and your lifestyle.
What Is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed, or a wall bed, folds up vertically into a cabinet attached to the wall. Named after William Lawrence Murphy, who patented the design in the early 1900s, these beds are perfect for rooms that need to serve double duty.
Key Features of a Murphy Bed:
● Mounts to the wall (or floor, in some cases)
● Folds vertically into a cabinet, disappearing when not in use
● Uses a standard mattress ( or a mattress topper)
● Comes in various sizes (Twin and Queen)
● Often features shelves or storage as part of the design
What Is a Cabinet Bed?
A cabinet bed, also called a fold-out bed or chest bed, is a more compact alternative. Unlike the original Murphy beds, cabinet beds don’t mount to the wall. Instead, they look like a free-standing cabinet or dresser, and the bed pulls out horizontally from the base.
Key Features of a Cabinet Bed:
● Freestanding—no installation required
● Folds horizontally from a compact cabinet
● Usually comes with a tri-fold mattress
● Ideal for quick guest setups
● Doubles as a piece of furniture (TV stand, storage cabinet)
Murphy Bed vs. Cabinet Bed: Feature Showdown
| Feature | Murphy Bed | Cabinet Bed |
| Space-Saving | Excellent | Great |
| Installation | Needs wall mounting | No installation |
| Comfort | Uses a real mattress | Tri-fold mattress (less comfy) |
| Mobility | Fixed in place | Can be moved |
| Appearance | Sleek built-in design | Cabinet-style furniture |
| Ideal For | Daily sleepers, home offices, and guest rooms | Occasional guests, rentals, and small spaces |
Why Choose a Murphy Bed?
If you want a long-term solution for space-saving, Murphy beds are the gold standard. They let you turn a home office into a bedroom in seconds. And they use real high-quality mattresses, so there’s no compromising on comfort.
Pros of Murphy Beds:
● Real mattress = better sleep
● More durable for daily use
● Available in custom design, styles, and finishes
● Adds value to your home
● Some models include desks or bookshelves
Cons of Murphy Beds:
● Installation required (wall mounting)
● Typically more expensive
● Less portable
Why Choose a Cabinet Bed?
Cabinet beds are perfect for temporary sleeping arrangements and mobile homes. They’re easy to set up, don’t need wall mounting, and work great in rentals or multipurpose rooms.
Pros of Cabinet Beds:
● No tools, no mounting
● Portable—take it when you move!
● Doubles as a dresser or media console
● Less expensive than most fold-down beds
Cons of Cabinet Beds:
● Foldable queen-size mattress isn’t ideal for long-term comfort
● Smaller footprint limits storage options
● Less customization in style and size
When to Choose a Murphy Bed Over a Cabinet Bed
Opt for a Murphy bed if:
● You sleep on it every night
● You want a built-in, sleek look
● You own your home and can install wall-mounted furniture
● You want to maximize comfort and style
Pro Tip: Want an extra bed that’s easy to use, beautiful to look at, and requires no complicated mechanisms? Check out The Lori Bed—a modern, stylish Murphy bed.
Which Is Right for You?
Choose a Murphy wall bed if:
● Comfort is king
● You want a more permanent setup
● You’re furnishing a home office or multipurpose room
● You want to invest in quality and aesthetics (like the Lori Bed!)
Choose a Cabinet bed if:
● You need portability and no installation
● It’s mostly for guests
● You’re in a rental or short-term space
● Budget is a bigger concern
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
● How often will I use this bed?
● Can I install something on the wall?
● Do I want furniture or a custom Murphy bed design that blends in or stands out?
FAQs
Are Murphy beds more comfortable than cabinet beds?
Yes. Murphy beds use a standard mattress, offering superior support and comfort for nightly use. Cabinet beds typically use foldable mattresses that are better suited for occasional sleep.
Can I install a Murphy bed without damaging my walls?
Some Murphy beds—like the Lori Bed—can be installed without wall mounting, but most traditional Murphy beds require it.
Do cabinet beds come in Queen or King sizes?
Yes, most cabinet beds come in Queen size. King sizes are less common due to the bulk and weight.
Which bed is easier to move?
Cabinet beds are freestanding and more portable. Murphy beds, especially those that are wall-mounted, are not designed to be moved frequently.
Are there Murphy beds that double as desks or shelves?
Absolutely. Some Murphy beds come with integrated desks, bookshelves, and more. These are perfect for home offices or students.
Ready to Maximize Your Space?
No matter which route you go – Murphy bed or cabinet bed – you’re investing in a smarter, more flexible living space. But if you’re looking for comfort, elegance, and innovation in one stylish package, it’s hard to beat a Murphy bed like The Lori Bed.
