What is the Difference Between a Cabinet Bed and a Murphy Bed?

If you’ve ever struggled with fitting a comfortable bed into a small space, you’re not alone. Whether you live in a compact apartment, need a guest bed for occasional visitors, or want to maximize space in a multi-functional room, finding the right bed can feel like a trade-off between comfort and practicality.

That’s where Murphy beds and cabinet beds come in. Both are designed to save space while providing a proper sleeping area, but they work in different ways. A Murphy bed folds up into the wall, while a cabinet bed transforms from a furniture piece into a bed within seconds.

So, which one is better for your needs? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, comfort levels, costs, and functionality of each, so you can make the best choice for your home. Let’s dive in.

What is a Murphy Bed?

A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, is a space-saving sleeping solution that folds up into a cabinet or closet-like structure when not in use.

It was invented in the early 20th century by William Lawrence Murphy, who wanted to create a functional way to maximize living space in small apartments.

Design and Mechanism

Murphy beds are attached to the wall and typically operate using a spring or piston-lift mechanism that allows for easy lifting and lowering. They come in various sizes, from twin to king, and can be customized with built-in shelving, storage units, or even a fold-out desk.

Common Uses and Benefits

Murphy beds are ideal for:

• Small apartments or studio spaces where floor space is limited.

• Guest rooms that need to double as home offices or other functional spaces.

• Homeowners who want a clutter-free aesthetic without sacrificing sleeping comfort.

Because they accommodate standard mattresses, Murphy beds often provide a more traditional sleeping experience compared to other space-saving alternatives. However, they do require wall installation and a dedicated space where the bed can fold down without obstruction.

What is a Cabinet Bed?

A cabinet bed is another space-saving solution that transforms from a compact furniture piece into a bed in just a few simple steps. Unlike Murphy beds, cabinet beds do not require wall installation and can be moved easily from one location to another.

Design and Functionality

Cabinet beds are designed to look like a stylish cabinet or dresser when closed. When needed, the front panel folds down, revealing a hidden mattress that extends outward.

These beds typically include built-in storage for bedding and pillows, making them a convenient choice for guest rooms or multi-use spaces.

Common Uses and Benefits

Cabinet beds are perfect for:

• Small apartments where every piece of furniture needs to serve multiple purposes.

• Guest rooms that double as offices or living spaces.

• Renters who need a bed that does not require permanent installation.

Because cabinet beds are self-contained and do not rely on wall mounting, they offer flexibility in placement and can be relocated with ease.

However, their compact design means they often come with a thinner mattress compared to Murphy beds, which may impact comfort for long-term use.

Key Differences Between Cabinet Beds and Murphy Beds

Installation and Portability

One of the biggest differences between Murphy beds and cabinet beds is installation. Murphy beds must be securely mounted to the wall, requiring professional installation or a DIY approach with proper anchoring.

Once installed, they remain fixed in place. In contrast, cabinet beds are completely freestanding and require no wall attachment, making them ideal for renters or those who may want to move the bed to another room in the future.

Space Requirements

Both Murphy beds and cabinet beds save space, but they do so in different ways. Murphy beds fold vertically against the wall, freeing up floor space when not in use. However, they need clearance space for the bed to fold down and cannot be placed just anywhere.

Cabinet beds, on the other hand, remain as functional furniture pieces during the day and extend forward when opened, requiring more floor space but no vertical clearance.

Comfort Comparison

Are Cabinet Beds Comfortable?

Comfort depends largely on the mattress type. Cabinet beds often come with a tri-fold or thinner mattress, which may not be as plush as a traditional mattress. However, they are designed with supportive foam to provide a good night’s sleep for short-term or guest use.

For long-term use, some people choose to replace the included mattress with a higher-quality alternative.

Are Murphy Beds Comfortable?

Murphy beds typically allow for standard mattresses, meaning they can provide the same level of comfort as a regular bed. Because they are supported by a sturdy frame and don’t require folding the mattress, Murphy beds often offer superior comfort compared to cabinet beds.

This makes them a great option for everyday sleeping rather than just occasional use.

Key Differences Between Cabinet Beds and Murphy Beds

FAQs

Can you sleep on a cabinet bed every night?

Yes, but it depends on the mattress quality. Most cabinet beds come with a tri-fold mattress, which is great for occasional use but may not provide the same comfort level as a traditional bed for daily sleep. Upgrading the mattress can improve comfort for long-term use.

What is the difference between a wall bed and a Murphy bed?

A Murphy bed is a type of wall bed, but not all wall beds are Murphy beds. Wall beds can have different folding mechanisms, while Murphy beds specifically fold up into a cabinet-like structure mounted on the wall.

What is another name for Murphy beds?

Murphy beds are also called wall beds, fold-down beds, or pull-down beds. These names reflect their functionality of folding up into the wall when not in use.

What is the difference between a storage bed and a Murphy bed?

A storage bed typically has built-in drawers underneath the mattress, providing extra storage space while remaining a stationary bed. A Murphy bed, on the other hand, folds up into a cabinet or wall structure to save space when not in use.

Conclusion

Both Murphy beds and cabinet beds offer great space-saving solutions, but they serve different needs.

If you need a permanent, comfortable bed for daily use, a Murphy bed might be the better choice. However, if you need a portable, multi-functional piece of furniture that can be used occasionally, a cabinet bed is a strong contender.

Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your home and lifestyle.