8 Key Difference Between Wall Bed vs Murphy Bed (Explained)

When you finally make up your mind to invest in space-saving furniture, you may hear more recommendations around Murphy beds and wall beds. And that’s when the confusion sets in for many people. 

They are both foldaway beds with space-saving benefits. But are there any differences between Murphy beds and wall beds? 

The short answer is that there’s no “difference.” Many interior designers even use these terms interchangeably. However, they both refer to separate things. 

For you to pick the perfect transformable furniture for your needs, you need to understand the distinction. 

Wall Bed vs Murphy Bed: The Clear Distinction

In the following sections of this post, you will gain clarity on these two terminologies so you can make informed decisions. However, in a nutshell: 

All these factors will be explained more in depth in this  article. Before that, let’s consider the elephant in the room.

First, Many People Get It Wrong

"Murphy bed" started as a brand name but became popular, so people now often use the terms "Murphy bed" and "wall bed" to mean the same thing.

A wall bed is a type of bed that folds up into a wall, cabinet, or closet when not in use, saving space. A Murphy bed is a specific kind of wall bed, named after William Lawrence Murphy, who invented it in the early 1900s. 

The easiest way to think about this distinction is that: 

• All wall beds are Murphy beds, but not all Murphy beds are wall beds. 

It’s just like all Kleenex are tissues, but not all tissues are Kleenex. Today, there are many types of wall beds. Some fold down from a closet, some from a bookshelf, and some even turn into desks or sofas. 

For example, a cabinet Murphy bed is a modern version that hides the bed inside a stylish cabinet. It doesn’t need to be attached to a wall, which makes it easy to move and install.

8 Key ‘Differences’ Between Wall Beds and Murphy Beds

We begin with the visible distinction, which is the mounting and appearance of both space-saving sets of furniture. 

1. Mounting and Installation Methods

The wall studs, the wooden or metal frames behind your drywall, serve as the direct attachment point for a wall bed. 

They usually pivot from the wall and fold vertically up when not in use. On the other hand, Murphy beds are a newer style that sits directly on the floor and often looks like a freestanding cabinet or dresser when closed. 

You just pull down the bed, and the mechanism opens up from inside the cabinet. Now, structural requirements for both vary. 

With this in mind, you can pick the option that best matches your preference on installation. 

Moreover, at Archic Furniture, we stock a variety of cabinet beds that are renter-friendly and non-permanent options. The Queen Murphy Cabinet Bed Cube from Night and Day Furniture is among the top customer-loved options.

2. Two Separate Mechanisms 

The earliest Murphy beds used very basic hinge and spring setups. Most modern beds use precision-engineered lifting mechanisms that allow even a child to pull down or lift the bed with just one hand.

MECHANISMS FOR MOST WALL BEDS

Springs or pistons are built into the sides of the frame, connected to the wall, helping to carry the bed’s weight. You pull the bed down from the wall, and the mechanism does part of the lifting for you.

MECHANISMS FOR MOST CABINET-THEMED MURPHY BEDS

Almost always use piston mechanisms or counterbalance systems. Some use a folding metal frame with soft-close hydraulic support.

You open the cabinet doors or lid, then pull out or unfold the bed using a piston-assisted motion. The mattress may be tri-fold or stored compactly with the frame.

3. Functionality and Aesthetics

Many wall beds are integrated with other furniture, such as:

• Desks (that stay level even when the bed is pulled down)

• Shelves and cabinets

• Media units (for TVs and speakers)

Also, you can often choose horizontal or vertical orientation, depending on your wall height.  But Murphy beds look and act like regular furniture, typically a cabinet, dresser, or console.

When closed, they offer:

• A tabletop surface

• Drawers or shelves for storage (on some models)

• Even a decorative surface for placing a lamp, vase, or books

• Some advanced cabinet beds now offer fold-out tables or USB/charging ports (the Night and Day Furniture Poppy Murphy Bed).

4. Floor Space Requirements

Wall beds are the most floor-efficient when closed and are ideal for rooms where space needs to change throughout the day. Think about combining an office and bedroom.  Cabinet Murphy beds require more fixed floor space, but the trade-off is that they offer more furniture-like benefits and don’t need any installation.

Wall-mounted beds are very compact when closed, often just 16–21 inches deep, like a wardrobe or built-in panel. A typical twin, full, or queen wall bed will swing down into the room and need:

• 7 to 8 feet (84–96 inches) of open space in front.

• Enough ceiling height for the vertical version, usually 84 to 90 inches.

Cabinet-style Murphy beds are bulkier when closed. Depending on the model and size, it’s usually 24–30 inches deep, 65–70 inches wide, and 35–45 inches high.  When fully open, a queen cabinet bed needs about 85–90 inches of clearance from the wall to the foot of the bed.

5. Mattress Compatibility and Sleeping Comfort

The mattress thickness allowed in traditional wall beds is 10–12 inches. Murphy beds, the cabinet-style ones, can hold mattresses with 4–6 inches of thickness. For example, the Maxima House Vertical Wall Bed Invento comes with a medium-hard mattress that is 47" x 78.5". On the other hand, the Arason Creden-ZzZ Pekoe Murphy Bed conceals a 6-inch-thick queen-size mattress. 

Most wall beds accept conventional innerspring, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses, just like a regular bed. If it’s too thick, it either won’t close properly or may stress the lifting mechanism. Cabinet beds use a specially designed foldable memory foam mattress, typically included with the bed. This is to ensure they are comfortable.

The mattress must fold into thirds and fit inside the compact cabinet, which limits thickness. Thicker mattresses can’t fold properly and will damage the hinges or structure.

6. Built-in vs. Free-standing Systems For Flexibility 

Wall beds are at a disadvantage when it comes to flexibility. If you change rooms or move houses, you’ll likely need a professional to uninstall and reinstall it (if possible).

Once removed, the wall may need patching or repairs. Murphy beds are free-standing. They work great for those who don’t want to make permanent changes. However, they are not as customizable but are very versatile and renter-friendly. When it comes to customization, wall beds win. This is because you can include shelves, desks, and lighting. 

Integration is limited for Murphy beds. There are usually minimal add-ons. Meanwhile, from a real estate perspective, wall beds can increase home value with built-ins. 

7. Price Points and Value For Money

Prices can vary based on materials, brands, finishes, and mattress quality. Archic Furniture stocks an inventory of high-quality Murphy cabinet beds from top manufacturers. The price can range from $1,200 for twin/full-size options to as high as $2,800 for queen sizes. 

Wall beds are relatively more expensive than cabinet-style Murphy beds. Wall beds can range from $2,000 for twin sizes to as high as $5,600 for options that integrate sofa.

8. Best Use Cases

Now that you know the main distinction between these two options, the real question comes down to who should get what? 

To put things in better perspective, the table below explains major situations and what type of Murphy bed will match best: 

This will help you figure out which bed type is ideal based on how often it’ll be used, the type of room, and what kind of functionality you need.

Before You Go…

If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of space-saving furniture or want to find the perfect model for your home, visit Archic Furniture. 

We offer the widest selection of high-quality Murphy beds and wall beds in various sizes, styles, and colors, combined with sofas, desks, bookcases, and more. 

Our customer service team is ready to walk you through the options and help you discover the perfect fit for your home.

FAQs

Why are wall beds called Murphy beds?

The term "Murphy bed" originates from William Lawrence Murphy, who patented the design in the early 1900s. Over time, the term has become synonymous with foldaway beds, even though not all wall beds are technically Murphy beds.

Which is better, a wall bed or a Murphy bed?

Both options serve similar purposes, but Murphy beds are more affordable and easier to install, making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers. Wall beds, on the other hand, provide additional built-in storage and aesthetic appeal, making them a premium option.

What are the disadvantages of a wall bed?

Wall beds tend to be more expensive, require professional installation, and take up more wall space due to their built-in features. They also tend to be a more permanent solution, making them less flexible for renters or those who may move frequently.

Can I sleep on a Murphy bed every night?

Yes! Modern Murphy beds are designed for daily use and can accommodate high-quality mattresses, providing the same comfort level as a traditional bed.