Murphy Beds vs. Murphy Cabinet Beds

What Is a Murphy Bed?

A Murphy bed is a bed that folds vertically into a wall or built-in cabinet when not in use. Often referred to as a wall bed, this traditional design is permanently installed and typically anchored to wall studs.

Pros of Traditional Murphy Beds

Excellent for saving floor space
Clean, built-in appearance
Can include custom features like desks or shelving
Popular for home offices and studio apartments

Cons

Requires professional installation
Permanent wall anchoring
Higher overall cost due to construction and labor
Not renter-friendly
Difficult to relocate once installed

Traditional Murphy beds are best suited for homeowners planning a long-term renovation or custom-built space.

What Is a Murphy Cabinet Bed?

A Murphy cabinet bed delivers the same space-saving function—but without wall installation. Instead of folding into the wall, the bed folds out from a freestanding cabinet that looks like a stylish piece of furniture.

Murphy cabinet beds are sometimes called cabinet Murphy beds, and they’re becoming one of the most searched-for Murphy bed alternatives.

Pros of Murphy Cabinet Beds

No wall mounting or construction required
Freestanding and fully moveable
Ideal for renters and homeowners
Faster setup and easier use
Furniture-style design that blends into any room
Uses real, comfortable mattresses

Cons

Slightly larger footprint than wall-mounted Murphy beds
Fewer built-in customization options

For most people, these are minor trade-offs compared to the convenience and flexibility offered.

Installation: Why Murphy Cabinet Beds Are Winning

Installation is one of the biggest deciding factors when comparing Murphy beds vs. Murphy cabinet beds.

Traditional Murphy beds require:

Drilling into walls
Locating studs
Professional installation
Permanent modification to the room

Murphy cabinet beds require:

No installation
No tools
No wall damage

You simply place the cabinet where you want it, unfold the bed, and it’s ready to use. This makes Murphy cabinet beds one of the most user-friendly space-saving bed solutions on the market.

Flexibility for Modern Living

Modern homes need flexibility. Guest rooms double as offices. Living spaces serve multiple purposes. Murphy cabinet beds fit seamlessly into this lifestyle.

Unlike wall beds, Murphy cabinet beds can be:

Moved to a different room
Taken with you when you move
Repositioned as your space changes

This makes them ideal for:

Guest rooms
Home offices
Apartments and condos
Vacation homes
Multi-purpose living spaces

Comfort & Mattress Quality

A common misconception about Murphy beds is that they’re uncomfortable. That may have been true years ago, but today’s designs—especially Murphy cabinet beds—support real, full-size mattresses.

Many Murphy cabinet beds accommodate:

Memory foam mattresses
Standard mattress thicknesses
Cooling Gel Mattress

Traditional Murphy beds often limit mattress depth due to wall clearance, while Murphy cabinet beds allow for more flexibility and comfort.

Design & Aesthetic Appeal

Today’s Murphy cabinet beds are designed to look like upscale furniture, not temporary solutions. When closed, they resemble elegant cabinets, credenzas, or storage units—blending effortlessly into bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.

Traditional Murphy beds can look beautiful but often feel more built-in and less adaptable to changing décor styles.

If you want a space-saving bed that looks great without remodeling, Murphy cabinet beds offer a more modern and versatile solution.

Cost & Overall Value

When comparing total cost, Murphy cabinet beds often come out ahead.

Traditional Murphy beds may include:

Custom cabinetry
Installation fees
Wall preparation costs

Murphy cabinet beds eliminate:

Installation labor
Construction expenses
Long setup timelines

For homeowners and renters alike, Murphy cabinet beds typically offer better long-term value.