Murphy beds are flexible beds that you can fold up when not in use. They are also known as cabinet beds or wall beds because the mattress and its foundation get folded up into a cabinet on your wall. Thus, they are perfect for small apartments where there is a space crunch.
But, how to choose the right sized Murphy bed? This blog will take you through all the murphy bed sizes. Plus, it will also help you pick the right mattress for your murphy bed.
How to Measure for a Murphy Bed?
While measuring for murphy beds, it is not enough to know the length and width of your bed. You also have to consider the height of your bed when your bed is in a closed position.
It is crucial to measure the bed height when it is folded. You will need the length, width, and height. That will tell you how much space it will occupy on the wall.
You will also have to measure the projection of the bed when it is open. It is the length of the bed from the wall to the edge of the frame.
Taking these measurements will help you understand how cabinet beds will fit in your room. Let us now look at the different murphy bed dimensions.
Vertical Murphy Bed Dimensions
Standard vertical murphy beds are the most common because they are just like normal bed frames when in an open position. In this setup, the head of the bed folds downwards, pushing the foot upwards. Thus, vertical murphy beds fold lengthwise into the wall.
You need to have ample ceiling height to accommodate a vertical murphy bed. Don’t forget your ceiling fans or chandeliers while considering the height. You should be able to fold and unfold the bed without any obstructions.
You also have to leave enough space on both sides of the bed to move freely in your room.
The following chart shows the standard dimensions of a vertical murphy bed.
| Mattress Size | Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 82-87 inches | 43-46 inches | 18-21 inches |
| Twin XL | 87-89 inches | 43-46 inches | 18-21 inches |
| Full | 82-87 inches | 57-64 inches | 18-21 inches |
| Queen | 87-89 inches | 61-68 inches | 18-21 inches |
| King | 89-92 inches | 84-86 inches | 18-21 inches |
Horizontal Murphy Bed Dimension
In a horizontal murphy bed, one side folds downward, flipping the other side up. So, the bed folds widthways into your wall.Â
Horizontal Murphy beds are thus short and wide when folded. They are an excellent option in rooms with low ceilings.
These beds are side-mounted, which means one side is attached to the wall. Thus, you can climb the bed only from a single side. ( the side not attached to the wall)
The following chart shows the standard dimensions of a horizontal murphy bed.
| Mattress Size | Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 45-48 inches | 80-85 inches | 16-20 inches |
| Twin XL | 45-48 inches | 85-90 inches | 16-20 inches |
| Full | 62-64 inches | 80-85 inches | 16-20 inches |
| Queen | 68-70 inches | 85-90 inches | 16-20 inches |
| King | 68-70 inches | 85-90 inches | 16-20 inches |
Murphy Bed Side Cabinet
Some Murphy beds also come with cabinets on one or both sides of the bed. Adding cabinets to your murphy bed is an excellent way to add some storage space.Â
You can keep your books and pictures in these cabinets. It adds an aesthetic touch to your room. You may also keep other items of daily use so that it is easier to find them when you need them.
If you want cabinets with your murphy bed, make sure you take the measurements accordingly. Keep some space on both sides of the bed to accommodate the cabinets.
The height of most Morphy cabinets is an inch less than your bed in a closed position. However, their depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. So, the wall[ you place your bed on should be long enough to make room for the cabinets.
Vertical Side Cabinet Dimensions
The following table shows the standard dimensions of a side cabinet with a vertical murphy bed.
| Size | Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 79 inches approximately | 18 inches/24inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| Twin XL | 85 inches approximately | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| Full/ Double | 79 inches approximately | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| Queen | 85 inches approximately | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| King | 85 inches approximately | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
Horizontal Side Cabinet Dimensions
This table shows the standard dimensions of a horizontal murphy bed cabinet.
| Size | Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 43 inches | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 6 inches |
| Twin XL | 64 inches | 18inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| Full/Double | 58 inches | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| Queen | 64 inches | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
| King | 64 inches | 18 inches/24 inches/30 inches | 16 inches |
How to Choose the Right Mattress for a Murphy Bed
Murphy bed frames come in all sizes. You can choose your mattress size to match your bed. But there are different mattress types like innerspring, latex, and memory foam. How will you choose the right mattress for a murphy bed?
You have to remember that your mattress will stand in an upright position for a long time. It can lead to slumping as the filling of your mattress will tend to accumulate on one side.
The problem of slumping occurs mostly in innerspring and hybrid mattresses. That’s because the springs are heavy and tend to slip to one side due to gravity. Thus, inners[pring and hybrid mattresses can get damaged if you keep them standing upright for a long time.
Most murphy bed manufacturers suggest using a memory foam or latex foam mattress. The problem of slumping is less likely to occur in these mattresses. Therefore, they are more durable than spring and hybrid mattresses.
You also have to consider the thickness of your mattress. Make sure your murphy bed frame has enough depth to accommodate your mattress. Most Murphy bed frames are suitable for mattresses of 12 inches in depth. Since the average mattress depth is 9 to 12 inches, you can pair any standard size mattress with your murphy bed.
Go through our mattress size dimensions guide if you wish to check the different mattress sizes.
Final Word
Now that you know the standard murphy bed sizes and dimensions, you can choose the perfect one for your bedroom. A murphy bed can transform the entire look and feel of your bedroom. Plus, you can utilize the space for some other purpose when the bed is not in use.
