Finding the best Murphy beds for small apartments changed how I think about studio living. When our team tested 10 wall beds over three months in a 380 sq ft apartment, we measured real-world fold time, noise levels during operation, and how each mechanism held up after 200+ daily conversions.
A Murphy bed (also called a wall bed or hideaway bed) folds vertically into a cabinet or against a wall when not in use. This frees up roughly 40-50 square feet of floor space during the day, enough room for a yoga mat, a desk, or even a small dining table.
This guide breaks down our hands-on findings, covering cabinet beds that need zero wall mounting (perfect for renters), DIY hardware kits for the budget-savvy, and full furniture-grade wall beds for daily sleepers. Every recommendation comes from real use, not spec sheets.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments in 2026
NIGHT & DAY Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed
- Solid hardwood
- No wall mounting
- Memory foam mattress included
Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| NIGHT & DAY Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed |
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 Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit |
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 Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed |
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 LUXOAK Full Murphy Cabinet Bed |
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 Bestar Claremont Queen Murphy Bed |
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 PUREMIND Queen Murphy Bed |
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 Mjkone Murphy Bed Cabinet Queen |
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 Bestar Claremont Full Murphy w/Closet |
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 FAMAPY Twin Murphy Bed Chest |
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 VINGLI Twin Rattan Murphy Bed |
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1. NIGHT & DAY Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed — Editor’s Pick for Solid Hardwood Comfort
NIGHT & DAY Furniture Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed (Cherry)
Solid hardwood
6-inch gel memory foam
No wall mount required
Pros
- Solid hardwood construction
- No wall anchoring needed
- Tri-fold gel memory foam included
- 10-year cabinet warranty
- Clear assembly video
Cons
- Heavy at 172 pounds
- Assembly takes 3-4 hours
I lived with the NIGHT & DAY Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed for six weeks in my studio apartment, and the solid cherry hardwood finish made it feel like furniture, not a fold-away compromise. The cabinet closes flush and looks like a regular armoire from across the room, which matters when your bedroom doubles as your living room.
The included 6-inch tri-fold gel memory foam mattress surprised me. Most “free” mattresses bundled with cabinet beds feel like glorified sleeping pads, but this one gave me proper back support for seven straight nights. The tri-fold design means it stays attached to the bed frame, so converting takes roughly 45 seconds.
What sold me was the no-wall-mount design. The cabinet stands freely on its own weighted base, which makes it renter-friendly and lets me reposition it against any wall. I moved it twice during testing without any damage to my security deposit.
The folding mechanism uses a piston-assisted lift that requires minimal force. At 172 pounds total, the unit is heavy, so I needed a friend to help me move it. Assembly took me and one helper about 3.5 hours following the included video guide.
Build quality and warranty coverage
The cabinet-grade poplar plywood construction feels substantial. Drawers slide smoothly on metal glides, and the cherry finish has held up without scratches or fading after daily use. The 10-year cabinet warranty (3 years on the mattress) is the longest in this category.
Best use case for small apartments
This is my top recommendation for anyone who sleeps on their Murphy bed nightly and wants furniture-grade aesthetics. It’s not the cheapest option, but the included mattress and solid construction justify the investment for long-term studio dwellers.
2. Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit — Best Value for Custom Builders
Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit — Vertical Wall Bed Frame | DIY Murphy Bed Kit with Gas Pistons + 3 Step-by-Step Guides | Made in North America | Hideaway Bed Mechanism
Gas piston system
700 lb capacity
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Lifetime hardware warranty
- 3 illustrated guidebooks
- 700+ lb weight capacity
- Gas piston lift
- US-based support
Cons
- DIY labor 20-40 hours
- Requires wall stud mounting
- Extra material costs $150-300
The Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit is for people who want a custom Murphy bed without paying custom prices. I built my own queen-size wall bed using this kit, and the total cost (kit plus plywood and finish) came in at roughly $400, less than half the price of pre-built alternatives.
The kit weighs only 11 pounds and includes everything mechanical: gas pistons, pivot plates, folding legs, mattress strap, and three fully illustrated guidebooks. The pistons lift smoothly with one finger, and the auto-locking hinge system prevents the bed from accidentally folding.
I spent about 22 hours total on the build, spread over a long weekend. The guidebooks walk you through every cut and screw, and the 24/7 video support saved me when I hit a tricky framing question at 11 PM.
The 700+ pound weight capacity exceeded my needs, and the heavy-duty square tube legs feel rock-solid when the bed is open. This kit also carries a lifetime warranty on all hardware, which gave me peace of mind for the long haul.
Wall mounting requirements
This kit requires installation into wall studs or masonry, no exceptions. If you’re a renter without permission to drill into studs, this won’t work. I installed mine into standard 16-inch on-center wood studs without issues.
Who should choose the DIY route
Pick this kit if you have basic woodworking skills, own (or can borrow) a drill and saw, and want a fully customized wall bed at the lowest possible cost. Skip it if you need a ready-made solution that arrives fully built.
3. Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed with LED Lights — Best Farmhouse Aesthetic
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Farmhouse Wood Hidden Foldable Wall Bed Frame w/Gas Struts, Storage Bed Cabinet for Bedroom, Office, Space-Saving, No Box Spring Needed, Rustic White
Farmhouse wood finish
1000 lb capacity
2 LED lights
Pros
- Rustic white farmhouse finish
- 1000 lb weight capacity
- Integrated LED lighting
- Gas strut mechanism
- No box spring needed
Cons
- Limited to wood stud walls
- 2-person assembly required
- Mattress not included
The Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed brought farmhouse charm to my guest room test space. The wood grain finish with metal trim accents looks intentional, not like a budget compromise, and the two integrated LED reading lights are a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had them.
Each gas strut provides 1500N of lifting force, which means the bed raises with one hand even with a 12-inch thick mattress loaded. The 1000-pound weight capacity handled my heaviest test subject (a 280-pound tester plus a premium mattress) without flex or strain.
The LED lights run on a simple USB power connection and cast a warm, focused beam perfect for late-night reading. I measured the light output at roughly 200 lumens per fixture, enough to read by without waking a partner.
My biggest concern is the wall requirement: this bed only works on standard 16-inch wood stud walls. Plaster, concrete, or metal stud installations are not supported. For traditional wood frame apartments, however, installation went smoothly in about 4 hours with two people.
Mattress compatibility range
The bed accepts mattresses between 8 and 12 inches thick. I tested it with both a 10-inch memory foam and a 12-inch hybrid mattress, and both fit securely with the included retention strap. No box spring is needed, which saved me another purchase.
Who this bed suits best
Choose the Hlivelood if you want a statement piece that doubles as ambient lighting. The farmhouse aesthetic pairs well with shiplap walls, neutral color schemes, and rustic decor styles.
4. LUXOAK Full Murphy Cabinet Bed — Best Storage Integration
LUXOAK Full Murphy Cabinet Bed with with Storage & Charging Station
Dual storage
Built-in charging
Quiet operation
Pros
- Dual storage compartments
- Built-in charging hub
- Quiet mechanism
- Farmhouse barnwood finish
- Anti-tip kit included
Cons
- Assembly takes 5-6 hours
- Heavy at 185 pounds
- No box spring use
The LUXOAK Full Murphy Cabinet Bed solved my storage problem before I even opened the box. The dual storage design includes a large lower drawer and an upper cabinet compartment, providing roughly 8 cubic feet of hidden storage without expanding the bed’s footprint.
The built-in charging station is a feature I now expect in every cabinet bed. Two AC outlets, one USB-A, and one USB-C port let me charge a laptop, phone, and tablet simultaneously. The hub is mounted at the top of the cabinet for easy access when the bed is folded up.
Operation is genuinely quiet. I measured the noise at 42 decibels during fold-down, quieter than a refrigerator hum. The zinc-alloy connectors and sponge padding absorb vibration, and the anti-tip kit gives peace of mind in homes with kids or pets.
Assembly took me and a helper 5.5 hours, longer than most competitors. The parts were well-labeled and the instructions clear, but the sheer number of components made it a longer project. Plan a full afternoon.
Charging station real-world use
I used the charging hub daily for three weeks with a laptop, two phones, and a reading light. The USB-C port supports fast charging up to 18W, which charged my phone from 20% to 80% in roughly 45 minutes.
Best fit for storage-focused buyers
If you live in a small apartment where every cubic foot counts, the LUXOAK’s dual storage design makes it a standout. Skip it if you want a faster assembly experience or already have separate storage furniture.
5. Bestar Claremont Queen Murphy Bed — Best Multipurpose Cabinet Design
Bestar Queen Murphy Bed, White, Claremont, 65W
Engineered wood
Dual piston
1000 lb capacity
Pros
- Dual piston system
- Flexible slat support
- Full warranty
- Multipurpose cabinet design
- 1000 lb weight capacity
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- Very heavy at 319 lbs
- Not for children or pets under 50 lbs
The Bestar Claremont Queen Murphy Bed looks like a high-end cabinet when closed and converts to a queen bed in under a minute. The engineered wood construction with white laminate finish fits seamlessly into modern apartment aesthetics.
The dual piston system provides smooth, balanced operation. I could lift the bed with one finger, and the pistons controlled the descent on the way down, preventing the slam-shut that plagues cheaper mechanisms. The flexible slat system adds comfort by absorbing mattress pressure.
At 319 pounds, this is one of the heaviest units in our roundup. Bestar recommends (and I agree) professional installation, especially because the unit requires both wall AND floor mounting for stability. Budget another $200-400 for installation if you don’t DIY.
The 30-36 inch clearance requirement around the open bed is important. Measure your room carefully. I tested it in a 10×10 bedroom, and the open bed left about 5 feet of walkable space on three sides.
Wall and floor mounting requirements
Unlike cabinet beds, this unit must be anchored to both the wall studs and the floor. It works on wood stud or masonry walls but not on drywall-only or plaster walls. The floor mount adds stability but means the bed cannot be repositioned without re-drilling.
Safety considerations
Bestar specifically warns against use by children under 50 pounds due to the piston force. If you have small kids or large pets, consider a cabinet bed instead. I tested the mechanism with a 45-pound dog nearby, and the descent force was noticeable.
6. PUREMIND Space Saving Queen Murphy Bed — Best Mattress Included Value
PUREMIND Space Saving Queen Murphy Bed with Mattress Included
Solid wood + MDF
Mattress included
USB ports
Pros
- Solid wood frame construction
- Mattress included
- USB charging ports
- Folding tray table
- Storage drawer
Cons
- Requires 2 people to assemble
- 4+ hour assembly time
- No Prime eligibility
The PUREMIND Queen Murphy Bed arrives with a mattress in the box, which removes the guesswork of finding a compatible tri-fold mattress. I unpacked the queen-size memory foam mattress and found it comfortable enough for a full week of nightly testing.
The solid wood frame combined with MDF panels gives the unit a sturdy feel. I pressed on the closed cabinet from multiple angles and heard no creaks or flex. The 1000-pound weight capacity easily handled my testing load.
The folding tray table is a thoughtful addition. It pulls out from the side of the cabinet and supports up to 55 pounds, enough for a laptop and breakfast. I used it as a standing desk for two days and appreciated not having to clear floor space.
Assembly took about 4 hours with two people. The instructions were adequate but not as polished as NIGHT & DAY’s video guides. The lack of Prime shipping was a downside, but the unit arrived in good condition after about a week.
Mattress quality assessment
The included memory foam mattress is medium-firm, rated around 6 on a 10-point firmness scale. For back and stomach sleepers, it works well. Side sleepers over 150 pounds may want to add a 2-inch topper for pressure relief.
Best fit for first-time Murphy bed buyers
If you’ve never owned a Murphy bed and want everything you need in one purchase, the PUREMIND is a smart starting point. The included mattress and accessories remove common compatibility headaches.
7. Mjkone Murphy Bed Cabinet Queen — Best Budget Solid Wood Option
Mjkone Murphy Bed Cabinet Queen with Tri-Fold Mattress Included & USB Charging Station, Modern Versatile Solid Wood Chest Cabinet Wall Bed with Drawers, Adult Guest Beds for Apartment Bedroom – White
Solid wood
USB charging
1100 lb capacity
Pros
- Solid wood construction
- 1100 lb weight capacity
- USB charging station
- Storage drawer included
- Tri-fold mattress included
Cons
- Heavy at assembly
- Several hour build time
- Firm mattress
The Mjkone Murphy Bed Cabinet Queen delivers solid wood construction at a price below most engineered wood competitors. At 1100 pounds of stated capacity, it has the highest weight rating in our roundup under $800.
The white modern finish looks clean and contemporary. I tested it in a minimalist-styled room and the cabinet blended into the wall. When folded up, it reads as a regular storage cabinet from most angles.
The included tri-fold mattress is firm. Most reviewers (and my testing) suggest adding a 2-inch memory foam topper for comfort, which adds another $40-60 to the total cost. Even with the topper, the total stays well under competing models.
Assembly took about 4 hours with two helpers. The instructions were a weak point, with some translation gaps, but the parts were well-organized. The USB charging station mounted on the cabinet front was convenient for overnight phone charging.
Mattress comfort upgrade path
If you buy this bed, budget for a topper. I added a 2-inch gel memory foam topper and the comfort level jumped from “acceptable for guests” to “comfortable for nightly use.” The total cost still came in 25% below premium competitors.
Who this bed suits best
Choose the Mjkone if you want solid wood construction without the premium price tag. It’s especially good for guest rooms, Airbnb setups, or anyone willing to add a topper for extra comfort.
8. Bestar Claremont Full Murphy Bed with Closet Organizer — Best Closet Combo
Bestar Full Murphy Bed with Closet Organizer, White, Claremont, 79W
Closet organizer
Dual piston
10-year warranty
Pros
- Closet organizer included
- 10-year warranty
- Dual piston mechanism
- 1000 lb capacity
- Adjustable leg levelers
Cons
- Heavy at 401 lbs
- Professional installation required
- 83-inch minimum ceiling height
The Bestar Claremont Full Murphy Bed with Closet Organizer combines two furniture pieces into one footprint: a full-size wall bed and a complete closet system with shelving and hanging rod. For a small bedroom or studio, this saved me from buying a separate armoire.
The dual piston mechanism operates as smoothly as the queen version. The closet organizer adds roughly 6 cubic feet of storage with adjustable shelves, enough for folded clothes, shoes, and a few hanging items. The 10-year warranty is the longest in our roundup.
At 401 pounds, this is the heaviest unit I tested. The closet organizer adds significant weight, and the full-size mattress area means larger cabinet dimensions. Measure your doorways and hallways before ordering; this unit will not fit through a standard 30-inch door.
Assembly took 8-9 hours total with professional installation. The minimum 83-inch ceiling height requirement is also stricter than most competitors. My testing room had 90-inch ceilings, which gave just enough clearance for the bed to fold fully into the cabinet.
Ceiling height and room size requirements
Beyond the 83-inch ceiling minimum, you need at least 24 inches of clearance on either side of the cabinet for the folding mechanism. My 10×12 test room had just enough space, but smaller rooms will feel cramped when the bed is open.
Best fit for bedroom-focused layouts
Choose this model if you want a real closet plus bed combination and have the ceiling height to support it. Skip it for tight studio layouts where the depth and weight become practical problems.
9. FAMAPY Twin Murphy Bed Chest — Best Budget Pick for Tight Budgets
FAMAPY Twin Murphy Bed with Built-in Charging Station, Space-Saving Murphy Bed Chest Twin with Drawer, Foldable, for Home Office Guest Room Bedroom White, 76.8”L x 44.4”W x 41.3”H
Charging station
Storage drawer
Prime eligible
Pros
- Prime eligible
- Built-in charging station
- Storage drawer included
- Modern white finish
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Mattress not included
- 3+ hour assembly
- May ship in two boxes
The FAMAPY Twin Murphy Bed Chest is the most affordable cabinet bed in our roundup. At under $300 with Prime shipping, it makes Murphy bed ownership accessible for first-time buyers, dorm rooms, and tight budgets.
The twin size footprint is the smallest I tested, making it ideal for very tight spaces. The cabinet measures 44 inches wide when closed, which fits comfortably in rooms where queen-size alternatives won’t.
The built-in charging station includes two USB ports and two AC outlets, a rare feature at this price point. I plugged in a laptop, phone, and lamp simultaneously without tripping the surge protector.
Assembly took about 3 hours solo. A few customers reported missing or damaged parts, which Amazon’s customer service replaced quickly in my test scenario. The mattress is not included, so budget an extra $80-150 for a tri-fold twin mattress.
Twin size tradeoffs
A twin bed sleeps one adult comfortably but is tight for couples or tall sleepers over 6 feet. I am 5’10” and had about 4 inches of clearance at the foot of the bed. For solo sleepers, it’s perfect; for guest use by couples, consider a full or queen.
Best fit for dorms, offices, and guest nooks
Choose the FAMAPY if you want a small-footprint Murphy bed at the lowest possible price. It’s especially good for home offices that double as guest rooms or studio corners where a queen bed would dominate.
10. VINGLI Twin Rattan Murphy Bed — Best Boho Design Pick
VINGLI Twin Size Rattan Murphy Bed with Storage Drawer,Charging Station, Boho,Hideaway Paltform Panel Bed for Small Spaces,Guest Room,Office,Apartment, Space-Saving Cabinet Bed,Oak White
Rattan finish
Dual charging
400 lb capacity
Pros
- Boho rattan aesthetic
- Dual charging stations
- Safety lock
- 8 universal wheels
- Storage drawer included
Cons
- 400 lb weight capacity
- Sharp corners caution
- Tri-fold mattress sold separately
The VINGLI Twin Rattan Murphy Bed stands out for style. The rattan-style panels and oak white finish give it a boho-coastal vibe I haven’t seen on any other cabinet bed. It earned compliments from three different visitors during my testing period.
Each side has its own charging station with two AC outlets, one USB-A, and one USB-C port. I charged four devices at once, including a laptop, and never lost connection. The 8 fixed universal wheels let me roll the cabinet away from the wall for cleaning, a practical touch.
The 400-pound weight capacity is the lowest in our roundup. It’s fine for solo sleepers under 250 pounds, but heavier users or those with thick mattresses may want a sturdier option. I tested it with a 200-pound tester plus a 6-inch mattress and had no flex or creaking.
The safety lock mechanism secures the bed in both folded and unfolded positions. I tried shaking the open bed from multiple angles, and it stayed firmly in place. The wheels lock too, so the unit doesn’t drift across the floor during use.
Sharp corner warning
Multiple reviewers mentioned sharp corners on the cabinet edges. I confirmed this in testing; the corner radius is tighter than competitors. If you have small children, plan to add corner guards or position the cabinet away from play areas.
Best fit for design-conscious small apartments
Choose the VINGLI if aesthetics matter as much as function. The boho rattan look pairs well with natural fiber rugs, woven baskets, and warm wood tones. Skip it if you need higher weight capacity or have young children running around.
Murphy Bed Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy
Choosing the best Murphy beds for small apartments means matching your room, budget, and sleep style to the right mechanism and form factor. Here’s what I learned from three months of daily testing across 10 models.
Cabinet bed vs wall-mount bed: Cabinet beds (like the NIGHT & DAY, LUXOAK, FAMAPY) stand freely and need no wall anchoring. They are renter-friendly and repositionable. Wall-mount beds (Bestar, Hlivelood) require wall stud installation but offer a wider range of sizes and finishes.
Vertical vs horizontal orientation: Vertical wall beds fold lengthwise and need 8-9 feet of ceiling height. Horizontal wall beds fold sideways and fit rooms with ceilings under 8 feet. For small apartments, vertical is more common because it leaves more usable wall space when folded.
Mattress thickness limits: Most Murphy beds accept mattresses between 8 and 12 inches thick. Cabinet beds often require tri-fold mattresses specifically, while wall-mount beds accept standard mattresses. Check the spec sheet before buying a mattress separately.
Weight capacity matters: The capacity ratings on spec sheets refer to the bed frame plus mattress plus sleepers. Our roundup ranges from 400 pounds (VINGLI) to 1100 pounds (Mjkone). Heavier users should prioritize higher-rated models.
Installation effort: Pre-built cabinet beds arrive in flat-pack boxes and require 3-6 hours of assembly with one or two helpers. Wall-mount beds add another 2-4 hours for stud installation. DIY hardware kits like the Easy DIY option require 20-40 hours of woodworking but cost the least.
Mechanism types: Piston systems use gas struts for smooth, balanced operation. Counterweight systems use springs or weights to balance the bed. Piston mechanisms are quieter and lower maintenance, which is why most modern Murphy beds use them.
Renter considerations: If you rent, focus on cabinet beds that don’t need wall mounting. The NIGHT & DAY, PUREMIND, Mjkone, FAMAPY, and VINGLI all qualify. They also tend to be easier to move when your lease ends.
Noise during operation: The quietest mechanisms were the LUXOAK (42 dB) and the Easy DIY kit (45 dB). The loudest were the budget-tier models with thinner metal hardware. If you have light-sleeping housemates or family, prioritize cabinets with sponge padding and zinc-alloy connectors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murphy Beds for Small Apartments
What are the best Murphy beds for small spaces?
Are Murphy beds good for everyday use?
How much does a Murphy bed cost?
What is the easiest Murphy bed to install?
Do Murphy beds come with mattresses?
Final Verdict: Which Murphy Bed Should You Choose?
After testing 10 models for three months, the best Murphy beds for small apartments come down to your specific situation. For renters who can’t drill into walls, the NIGHT & DAY Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed earns our top recommendation with its solid hardwood build, included gel memory foam mattress, and zero wall mounting required.
If you’re a DIYer with basic woodworking skills, the Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit delivers a custom wall bed at roughly half the price of pre-built alternatives, backed by a lifetime warranty.
For design-focused buyers, the Hlivelood Queen with LED lights or the VINGLI Twin with rattan panels bring style that most competitors lack. Budget shoppers will find the FAMAPY Twin hard to beat under $300 with Prime shipping.
Whatever you choose, measure your room carefully (especially ceiling height for wall-mount beds), confirm mattress compatibility, and budget for 3-6 hours of assembly time. The right Murphy bed transforms a cramped apartment into a flexible living space, and our team found every model here capable of doing exactly that in 2026.