Are Murphy Beds Comfortable? 7 Key Facts to Consider

Two words that come to mind when you think of Murphy beds are multi-functionality and space-saving. But are they comfortable enough for everyday sleep? 

A Murphy bed is a 20th-century invention that folds seamlessly into a wall or cabinet, offering better versatility than traditional beds. 

At Archic Furniture, we carry a wide range of Murphy beds from renowned makers, so we understand the confusion many buyers face before investing in one of these unique furniture pieces.

In the section below, we break down exactly how Murphy beds work and the key factors to consider before buying. 

Key Takeaways From This Post

1. Yes, Murphy beds can be very comfortable if set up correctly and with the right mattress.

2. The model you buy also matters. Modern Murphy bed hardware eliminates the "wobbly" feeling of older designs.

3. For the ultimate support structure, Murphy cabinet beds beat the wall models. 

4. Size can determine comfort. Before buying, know how twin, full, and queen options match for single sleepers vs. couples.

5. Installation takes time, but the effort is worth it. Cabinet Murphy bed designs are more installation-friendly. 

6. How often you plan to use the bed (think primary sleeping vs. guest accommodations) will also determine the model you choose. 

7. Specific headboard options help improve the comfort of Murphy beds. 

The convertible design of Murphy beds is ideal for interiors with limited space that need to serve multiple functions. This includes: 

• Studio apartments

• Dorm rooms

• Mobile homes

• Kids’ rooms

From what our customers tell us at Archic Furniture, the only real downside to sleeping in our wall beds is wishing they had made the switch sooner.

If you're thinking about buying a Murphy bed, here are seven key factors that explain just how comfortable and practical they can be.

Fact 1: Mattress Quality Makes the Biggest Difference

Most Murphy beds in cabinets are designed to accommodate a standard 6-inch memory foam mattress. 

However, the mechanism may also support inner coil or spring mattresses up to 10 inches thick with regular-height legs or up to 12 inches thick with extended legs.

What Kind of Mattress Can You Use in a Murphy Bed?

Murphy beds use pistons or spring mechanisms to lift and lower the bed, so the mattress must not be too heavy.

• Memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses are commonly used because they are comfortable yet not too bulky or heavy.

• Avoid extra-heavy coil mattresses unless the Murphy bed is specifically built to handle them.

The quality Murphy bed designs in our collection come with memory foam of various thicknesses depending on the model you choose. 

If you will use the Murphy bed more frequently, then focus on options with gel memory foam, like the Night and Day Furniture Queen Murphy Cabinet Bed Cube.

Fact 2: Modern Mechanisms Provide Stable Foundations

The basic idea behind the Murphy bed mechanism is for them to be rigid and well-aligned, less prone to bending or twisting,  and designed to stay perfectly level when open. But not many older models, especially older wall beds, live up to that expectation. 

Models with modern mechanisms are the new cool. We’re talking about: 

1. Piston-based systems: Smooth, quiet, and easy to lift with one hand. They auto-balance and lock when upright.

2. Spring-balanced systems: Heavier-duty and adjustable by tension. These are often used in commercial-grade or daily-use Murphy beds.

Fact 3: Cabinet Beds Offer Better Support Systems

If you’re serious about comfort, we usually advise playing it safe and going for the Cabinet Murphy bed models.

These comfortable queen-sized folding beds don’t rely on your wall for stability. 

The mattress sits on a base built into the cabinet, and the entire structure rests on the floor like a regular piece of furniture. 

This creates a solid, grounded sleeping surface without needing to drill into your walls.

How Cabinet Murphy Beds Differ from Wall-Mounted Models

The key difference between cabinet Murphy beds and standard wall-mounted ones is in where the support comes from.

It’s no surprise that models like Night and Day Furniture Queen Murphy Cabinet Bed Cube and Arason Creden-ZzZ Pekoe in our collection get the shine for being effective at: 

• Distributing body weight evenly

• Preventing sagging in the middle

• Eliminating pressure points that disrupt sleep

So, especially if you don’t want to take any risk in your purchase, don’t want to drill into your walls, and value a grounded, squeak-free sleep, the cabinet models are the best bet. 

Fact 4: Size Matters for Comfort

Many people wrongly assume that Murphy beds come in a one-size-fits-all setup.  And that influences their satisfaction in terms of comfort. 

In some models, these space-saving beds come in twin, full (double), queen, and even king. How is the size of the unit important for comfort? The size you choose will determine 

1. How much personal space do you get while sleeping

2. Whether two people can sleep comfortably without crowding

3. How well does the bed fit your room layout

Twin Murphy Beds are Best for Solo Sleepers or Kids

Twin designs are usually within the dimensions of 63.5” width and 77.3” depth. 

Great for kids’ rooms, teen bedrooms, or compact studio apartments. We wouldn’t recommend these sizes for couples. 

They work best for narrow spaces, often in vertical or horizontal fold styles.

Full (Double) Murphy Beds

These models offer more room than a twin and still fit in smaller rooms. They are ideal for solo sleepers who want a bit more width. Their size is usually 77 inches in width and 36 inches in depth.

Queen Murphy Beds are The Sweet Spot for Most Adults and Couples

Queen Murphy beds are the most popular size for Murphy beds. They are comfortable for two adults, long enough for taller sleepers, and offer a variety of mattress options.

Although this bed size may require slightly more wall and floor space, it's a safer bet for couples, tall individuals, or anyone wanting that “real bed” feel without compromise. It’s purely a myth that you’ll be cramped on a Murphy bed. 

If you choose the right size, you won’t. A queen Murphy bed cabinet is just as spacious as a regular queen bed.

Fact 5: Proper Installation Ensures Optimal Comfort

The first thing you'll want to do is unpack your Murphy cabinet bed. Ensure that you have all the necessary parts and hardware before beginning the assembly process. 

Required Tools

Before beginning the assembly of your Murphy cabinet bed, make sure you have the following tools available:

• Phillips head screwdriver: This screwdriver is essential for tightening screws and ensuring all parts are securely connected. Most Murphy cabinet beds require a Phillips head screwdriver for assembly.

• Measuring tape: A measuring tape is necessary to ensure the bed is spaced and positioned accurately within your room.

• Level: A level helps guarantee that the bed installation is perfectly horizontal, ensuring its proper functioning.

NOTE: While not always required, it can be helpful to have a drill available for anchors or wall attachments, depending on your specific Murphy cabinet bed model.

Murphy Beds Installation Process

STEP 1: Assemble the cabinet frame

Start by putting together the base and side panels. Secure them using the provided screws and brackets.

STEP 2: Install the bed mechanism

Attach the bed frame to the cabinet structure according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's essential to ensure the mechanism is securely installed to prevent any future accidents.

STEP 3: Attach the front panel

Secure the front panel of the bed to the cabinet frame, ensuring it is appropriately aligned and tightly in place.

STEP 4: Install the mattress support

Assemble the mattress support frame and attach it to the bed mechanism, following the instructions.

STEP 5: Attach the handles and place the mattress

Fix handles on the front panel of the bed for convenient and comfortable opening and closing. Finally, position the mattress on the bed frame and secure it with straps if provided.

Fact 6: Daily Use vs. Occasional Use Considerations

If you plan to use your Murphy bed every night, comfort, durability, and ease of use become non-negotiable. Some people even get to ask, “Does that mean I have to make the bed every day?” On a lighter note, we’d say, “Why aren’t you doing that already, you Philistine?”

For Everyday Sleeping

For everyday sleeping, it’s better to choose a cabinet or wall-mounted Murphy bed with solid wood or engineered wood construction, along with a gel memory foam mattress. 

The smooth, silent lift mechanism of cabinet designs is a plus. The same goes for the built-in shelves or drawers, which add function.

Guest/Occasional Use

If you’re buying a Murphy bed for guest rooms or to imply that you won’t use it often, go for a simple cabinet bed or a folding wall bed. These models would usually have lighter, thinner mattresses (but still foam or hybrid). More importantly, focus on space-saving design, not only a luxury feel. 

If daily use is your concern, our Murphy beds have you covered. That’s because we focus on providing only premium cabinet beds that support thicker, comfortable mattresses, are made with solid wood, and have sturdy slat or panel platforms.

Fact 7: Best Accessories and Additions That Improve Sleeping Comfort

There’s no doubt that the mattress and frame are the foundation of a cozy Murphy bed experience. 

But when comfort is the priority, other bedding accessories get overlooked. These tips will help: 

1. Use lightweight, breathable sheets to prevent overheating

2. Go for comforters or duvets that are easily removable and storable

3. Consider bed straps or tight sheet fasteners to keep everything in place when opening/closing the bed

4. A headboard can help add back support for reading, watching TV, or using a laptop in bed

5. Some Murphy bed cabinets include side piers or shelves for storage. You can add a fold-down nightstand, a rolling cart, or a small shelf beside the bed.

Are There Negative Reviews About Murphy Beds? 

If you’ve browsed popular forums discussing Murphy bed solutions, you’ve likely come across mixed reviews. 

While Murphy beds can be just as comfortable as traditional beds, the key lies in pairing them with a high-quality mattress.

On our part, we also pay attention to the not-so-glowing feedback on these forums, and we’ve found that most complaints usually come down to three main issues:

1. Uncomfortable mattress

2. Improper installation

3. Low-quality Murphy bed unit as a whole

Meanwhile, you can invest in the sturdiest, most supportive Murphy bed frame. But if you pair it with a subpar mattress, your sleep quality won’t be great. 

That’s why, as an authorized online dealer for some of the best names in the furniture industry, we help customers find durable, stylish solutions they’ll enjoy for years.

Our collection includes full-size, queen-size, and twin-size Murphy beds.

All available in elegant wood finishes like cherry, chocolate, stonewash, and white. They are crafted by top brands such as Arason and Night & Day Furniture to suit both modern and traditional interiors seamlessly.

The Bottom Line

Where you buy your Murphy cabinet bed is as important as the product itself. 

Our Murphy beds come with a 10-year warranty on the cabinet itself and a 3-year warranty on the mattress, so you can invest in something truly reliable. If you're still undecided and unsure what to buy, reach out to us. 

You can connect with one of our furniture experts, who would be delighted to help you find the perfect cabinet bed for you.