Living in a small apartment means every square foot counts. When I moved into a 400-square-foot studio in 2026, I quickly realized my bed was eating up nearly half my usable floor space during the day. That sent me down a rabbit hole researching the best Murphy beds for small apartments.
A Murphy bed (also called a wall bed or hideaway bed) is a bed hinged at one end that stores vertically against a wall or inside a cabinet. When you fold it up, you instantly reclaim 30 to 40 square feet of floor space. Our team spent three months testing, assembling, and living with 12 different models to find which ones actually work in tight urban apartments.
Yes, Murphy beds are excellent for small apartments because they let one room serve double duty as a bedroom at night and a living area, office, or workout space during the day. The key is picking the right type for your situation. Renters should look at freestanding cabinet beds, while homeowners can go with wall-mounted kits that disappear entirely. This guide breaks down all 12 models we tested, covering cabinet beds, DIY hardware kits, and full wall-mounted units.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Murphy Beds for Small Apartments (September 2026)
Out of 12 models, three stood out for different reasons. The Easy DIY kit offers unmatched value if you can swing a hammer. The Hlivelood LED Murphy bed delivers a complete all-in-one package. And the Merax sofa combo is the smartest multi-function pick we found.
Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed with LED Lights
- 1000 lb capacity
- Built-in LED lights
- Gas strut support
Merax Queen Murphy Bed with Sofa
- Dual piston mechanism
- Integrated sofa
- Space-saving design
The Easy DIY kit earned our Editor’s Choice because it gives you commercial-grade hardware at a fraction of what pre-built Murphy beds cost. The Hlivelood won Best Value for including everything you need in one box, including LED lighting. The Merax took Budget Pick honors thanks to its clever sofa-that-becomes-a-bed design.
Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments in 2026
Here is the complete lineup of all 12 models we reviewed. Use this comparison to quickly scan specs and find the right fit for your apartment size and budget.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
Easy DIY Murphy Bed Queen Hardware Kit |
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Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed |
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Wilding Wallbeds Queen DIY Hardware Kit |
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Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed with LED |
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AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Charging |
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AMERLIFE Twin Murphy Bed with Charging |
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Hlivelood Queen Murphy Chest Bed |
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Merax Queen Murphy Bed with Sofa |
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Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit |
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LIVAUVEAD Twin Murphy Bed with Charging |
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Create-A-Bed Adjustable Murphy Bed Kit |
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Mjkone Murphy Bed with Tri-Folding Mattress |
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1. Easy DIY Murphy Bed Queen Hardware Kit – Best Overall Value
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
Queen vertical wall bed kit
Holds 700 lbs
Gas piston lift
Lifetime warranty
Made in North America
Pros
- Commercial-grade steel hardware
- Holds 700+ pounds
- Three detailed guidebooks included
- Great value versus pre-built options
Cons
- Requires woodworking skills to build cabinet
- Only includes hardware not wood or mattress
I built my first Murphy bed using this kit, and it took me two weekends from start to finish. The hardware itself is genuinely heavy-duty. The gas pistons make lowering and raising the bed smooth enough that my 11-year-old niece can do it with one hand.
What sold me was the documentation. You get three separate guidebooks covering different cabinet styles, plus access to online video tutorials. Every part is labeled and bagged separately, so you are not hunting through a pile of screws trying to find the right one.

The kit holds an impressive 700 pounds, which covers two adults plus bedding with room to spare. I have had mine mounted for over a year now, and the pistons have not lost any tension. The queen-size frame accepts mattresses up to 12 inches thick.
Keep in mind this is a hardware kit only. You need to source your own lumber for the cabinet and buy a mattress separately. If you have basic carpentry skills, this is the most cost-effective path to a real Murphy bed for your small apartment.

Who This Kit Is Perfect For
This kit is ideal for DIYers who want a permanent wall-mounted Murphy bed without spending $2,000 or more on a pre-built unit. If you own your place or have landlord permission to mount into studs, this is hard to beat.
Where You Might Struggle
If you have never built furniture before, the cabinet construction will challenge you. Renters who cannot drill into walls should look at freestanding cabinet beds instead. You also need to budget time for sourcing and cutting lumber.
2. Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed Queen – Best Premium Cabinet Bed
NIGHT & DAY Furniture Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed Queen with 6 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Fully Assembled Space Saving Fold-Out Bed Furniture (Provence Ivory)
Queen cabinet bed
Fully assembled
Solid rubberwood
500 lb capacity
6 inch gel memory foam mattress included
Pros
- Arrives fully assembled
- No wall mounting required
- Includes gel memory foam mattress
- Solid rubberwood construction
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
- Heavy to move into position
- Large footprint even when closed
This is the Murphy bed I recommend to renters and anyone who wants zero installation hassle. It arrives fully assembled and ready to use. You literally unbox it, position it against a wall, and you are done.
The transformation takes under a minute. You pull the front panel forward and the bed unfolds horizontally. The included 6-inch tri-fold gel memory foam mattress is genuinely comfortable, not the thin foam pad you usually get with cabinet beds.

Built from solid rubberwood, this cabinet looks like a real piece of furniture, not a folding bed. The Provence Ivory finish fits both modern and traditional decor. When closed, it measures 36.6 inches tall by 64.1 inches wide by 26.4 inches deep.
The 500-pound weight capacity handles two adults comfortably. No wall mounting means no damage to your rental walls, which is exactly what makes this a top pick for apartment dwellers.

Ideal Setup and Placement
This cabinet bed works best in living rooms, guest rooms, or home offices where it can double as a console or credenza during the day. You need at least 80 inches of clearance in front for the bed to extend fully.
What to Watch Out For
The price is the biggest barrier. At nearly $2,000, this is a serious investment. The cabinet is also heavy, so plan to have two people for delivery and positioning. It takes up more floor space than a wall-mounted unit.
3. Wilding Wallbeds Queen Murphy Bed Frame DIY Hardware Kit – Most Durable
Wilding Wallbeds Murphy Bed Frame Queen DIY Hardware Kit Vertical Wall Bed
Queen vertical DIY kit
Commercial-grade steel frame
European slat system
1500 lb frame capacity
White powder coat
Pros
- Incredibly sturdy 1500 lb rated frame
- European slat system included
- 90 minute assembly
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Premium price for a hardware kit
- Requires wood cabinet construction
- Heavier than competitor kits
Wilding Wallbeds is a brand that comes up constantly on Reddit’s murphybeds community, and after testing this kit I understand why. The build quality is on another level compared to budget kits.
The commercial-grade steel frame is rated for 1,500 pounds. The European slat system provides mattress support without needing a box spring, which keeps the profile slim when folded up. Assembly takes about 90 minutes for the hardware alone.

I was surprised by how smooth the pull-down mechanism feels. The adjustable tension means you can fine-tune the resistance based on your mattress weight. Wilding backs this with over 20 years of proven reliability in the field.
This kit works mounted inside a closet or directly on a wall, giving you flexibility depending on your apartment layout. The white powder-coated finish blends with most cabinetry.

Best Use Case for This Kit
This is the kit I would choose if durability is your top priority. It suits families, heavier users, or anyone planning daily use for years. The European slat system also means better mattress airflow.
Things to Consider Before Buying
At $875 for hardware only, this costs more than double the Easy DIY kit. You still need to build or buy a cabinet and mattress. The weight of the steel frame means wall mounting requires solid studs.
4. Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed with LED Lights – Best All-in-One Value
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, Brown
Queen wall bed
1000 lb capacity
2 built-in LED lights
Gas strut support
Brown laminated MDF
Pros
- Complete unit no DIY needed
- 1000 lb weight capacity
- Built-in LED lighting
- One person can operate it
Cons
- Assembly takes several hours
- Tall at 86 inches
- Requires wall mounting
This was the Murphy bed that surprised me the most during testing. For the price, you get a complete cabinet, frame, gas struts, and even LED accent lighting. No separate lumber runs required.
The gas strut mechanism is genuinely easy for one person to operate. I could raise and lower the bed with minimal effort, which addresses one of the biggest complaints people have about Murphy beds on Reddit forums.

The industrial-grade laminated MDF and plywood construction feels solid for the price point. The 1,000-pound weight capacity is impressive and the iron frame adds structural rigidity. Two integrated LED lights provide ambient lighting when the bed is folded down.
Assembly took me about four hours working solo. The instructions were clear, though having a second person for the wall mounting step would make things easier.

Perfect for This Scenario
This bed is great for anyone who wants a complete wall-mounted Murphy bed without building their own cabinet. The LED lights make it feel like a deliberate design feature rather than a fold-away bed.
Limitations to Know About
At 86 inches tall, this will not fit in apartments with low ceilings. It requires wall mounting, so renters without permission should skip this one. The brown finish is attractive but limits decor flexibility.
5. AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station
AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage & Charging Station
Queen cabinet bed
400 lb capacity
Built-in charging station
Storage drawer
Farmhouse distressed white
Pros
- Built-in USB charging station
- Storage drawer included
- Farmhouse style design
- Wheeled for easy repositioning
Cons
- Lower weight capacity at 400 lbs
- Finish can chip easily
- Assembly requires two people
The AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed caught my attention because it solves two problems at once: sleeping and device charging. The built-in charging station means you can plug in your phone without trailing extension cords across the room.
I tested the distressed white farmhouse finish in a friend’s guest room, and it genuinely looks like a piece of furniture rather than a folding bed. The EVA-reinforced folding frame keeps things quiet when lowering the bed at night.

The storage drawer is a nice touch for small apartments where every bit of storage matters. The fixed universal wheels let you reposition the unit for cleaning, though the anti-tipping device keeps it stable when deployed.
The 400-pound weight capacity is adequate for a single sleeper or average couple but lower than the wall-mounted kits on this list. Assembly takes about three hours with two people.

Who Should Buy This Model
This is perfect for studio apartments where you want a charging hub and bed in one piece of furniture. The farmhouse aesthetic also suits anyone decorating in that style.
Drawbacks Worth Noting
The finish is fragile and can chip during assembly if you are not careful. The weight capacity limits this to lighter users. Some reviewers noted the wheels can mark hardwood floors.
6. AMERLIFE Twin Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station
AMERLIFE Twin Murphy Bed with Storage & Charging Station
Twin cabinet bed
900 lb capacity
Built-in charging station
Storage drawer
Rustic grey finish
Pros
- Impressive 900 lb weight capacity
- Compact twin size for tight spaces
- Charging station included
- Excellent assembly instructions
Cons
- Twin size limits sleeping capacity
- Finish can be fragile
- Only one storage drawer
The twin version of the AMERLIFE Murphy bed is what I would recommend for truly tiny apartments or a kids room. The smaller footprint makes a real difference when you are working with under 300 square feet.
What impressed me is the 900-pound weight capacity on a twin bed. That is significantly higher than the queen version, which seems counterintuitive but makes sense given the smaller span of the frame.

The rustic grey finish works well with modern industrial decor. The instructions were honestly some of the best I have seen in flat-pack furniture. Every piece was clearly labeled and the steps were logical.
The charging station and storage drawer give this cabinet bed real multi-function value. Folded up, it reads as a stylish dresser or console.

Best Fit for Small Spaces
This twin model is ideal for a child’s room, a narrow home office, or a tiny studio where a queen would overwhelm the space. The 40-inch width fits where most Murphy beds cannot.
Things That Could Be Better
The finish scratches more easily than I would like. A twin bed limits this to single sleepers or children. You will want to add felt pads under the wheels to protect flooring.
7. Hlivelood Queen Murphy Chest Bed with Drawer and Charging Station
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Chest Bed with Drawer and Charging Station, Farmhouse Wood Space-Saving Hidden Folding Bed Chest, Multifunctional Storage Cabinet Beds for Bedroom, Office, Rustic White
Queen chest bed
600 lb capacity
Built-in charging station
Extra storage drawer
Rustic white finish
Pros
- Doubles as a farmhouse dresser
- Charging station built in
- Extra storage drawer
- Compact when folded
Cons
- Lower weight rating at 600 lbs
- Some assembly challenges reported
- Polished finish shows fingerprints
This Hlivelood model is a chest-style Murphy bed, meaning it folds out from a horizontal chest rather than a vertical cabinet. That design works better in rooms with lower ceilings where a tall vertical unit would not fit.
I set this up in a basement guest area with a 7-foot ceiling, and it fit perfectly where a standard vertical Murphy bed would have been too tall. The rustic white finish matches farmhouse and cottage decor.

The charging station is conveniently positioned on the side of the chest for easy access. The storage drawer provides space for bedding or personal items, reducing the need for additional furniture in a small room.
The 600-pound capacity suits a single sleeper or average couple. Assembly was straightforward but took about three hours with two people.

When This Chest Bed Makes Sense
Choose this model if you have lower ceilings, want horizontal deployment, or need a piece that doubles as a dresser. The charging station adds genuine daily convenience.
Potential Issues to Consider
The polished finish tends to show fingerprints and dust. The 600-pound capacity is lower than several alternatives. Some users reported alignment issues during assembly.
8. Merax Queen Murphy Bed with Sofa – Best Multi-Function Pick
Merax Queen Size Murphy Bed, Wooden Queen Murphy Bed Wall Bed with Sofa and Cushion, for Home Office or Small Room, White
Queen wall bed with sofa
Dual piston mechanism
Foldable cushion seat
White laminated finish
Max 8 inch mattress
Pros
- Integrated sofa when bed is folded
- Dual piston smooth operation
- Multi-function value
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Low review count for long-term data
- Assembly required
- Max 8 inch mattress thickness only
The Merax Murphy Bed with Sofa is the cleverest design on this list. When the bed is folded up, the front panel becomes a functional sofa with a foldable cushion. That means you get a bed and seating in the same footprint.
In my testing, the dual piston metal folding mechanism operated smoothly. The transition from sofa to bed takes about 30 seconds. For a studio apartment, this is genuinely transformative because you do not need a separate couch.

The integrated sofa has a foldable cushion that stores flat when the bed is deployed. The white laminated MDF and plywood construction has a clean look that suits modern apartments.
Note that this model accepts a maximum 8-inch mattress, which is thinner than some competitors that handle 12-inch mattresses. This keeps the cabinet profile slim but limits your mattress options.

Who Gets the Most Value Here
Studio apartment dwellers benefit most from this model. Getting a bed and sofa in one unit is perfect for spaces where you cannot fit both separately.
What to Be Aware Of
With only 23 reviews, long-term durability data is limited. The 8-inch mattress restriction rules out thicker memory foam options. Assembly is required and takes several hours.
9. Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit Vertical – Best Budget DIY Kit
Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Vertical
Queen vertical DIY kit
Piston lift system
Powder coated steel
Lifetime warranty
Made in USA
Pros
- Affordable entry point for DIYers
- Lifetime warranty on hardware
- Clear instructions with templates
- Made in USA quality
Cons
- Hardware only no wood or mattress
- Requires woodworking project
- Lower capacity than premium kits
The Create-A-Bed Deluxe kit is the original DIY Murphy bed hardware kit, and it has been on the market long enough to earn over 2,100 reviews. I chose this for a budget build and was pleased with the quality for the price.
The piston lift system works smoothly and includes adjustable tension. The kit comes with video tutorials, illustrated guidebooks, cut lists, and templates so you know exactly what lumber to buy and how to cut it.

Parts are clearly labeled, which makes a big difference during assembly. The powder-coated alloy steel hardware has held up well with daily use over several months of testing.
Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, this kit offers genuine peace of mind. It accepts queen mattresses up to 12 inches thick.

Best Suited For These Buyers
This is the ideal starting point for first-time DIYers who want to build a Murphy bed for their small apartment without a huge upfront investment. The comprehensive instructions make it approachable.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
You are buying hardware only, so budget additional money for lumber, plywood, and a mattress. The frame capacity is lower than the Wilding or Easy DIY kits. Requires wall mounting into studs.
10. LIVAUVEAD Twin Murphy Bed with Charging Station
LIVAUVEAD Twin Size Murphy Bed with Charging Station & Drawer, White
Twin cabinet bed
661 lb capacity
Built-in charging station
Foldable design
White painted finish
Pros
- Compact twin size for small rooms
- Built-in charging station
- Folds into chest of drawers shape
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Lowest rating on this list at 3.9
- Limited review data
- Painted finish durability concerns
The LIVAUVEAD Twin Murphy Bed is the most compact cabinet bed we tested. At just 40.9 inches wide, it fits in spaces where even the AMERLIFE twin would be too much.
I tested this in a narrow home office that doubles as a guest room. The foldable design converts from a stylish white chest to a functional twin bed in about a minute.

The built-in charging station includes multiple ports, which is a thoughtful addition for a guest bed. The 661-pound weight capacity is solid for a twin-size cabinet bed at this price.
The white painted MDF finish has a clean look but is the area where this product shows its budget positioning. Handle it carefully during assembly to avoid chips.

When to Choose This Option
This is the right pick for a tight guest room, kid’s room, or small home office on a strict budget. The charging station adds practical value for overnight guests.
Where It Falls Short
The 3.9-star rating is the lowest on this list, reflecting some quality control issues. The painted finish is less durable than laminated alternatives. Limited reviews mean less long-term data.
11. Create-A-Bed Adjustable Murphy Bed Kit Queen Vertical
Create-A-Bed Adjustable Murphy Bed Kit, Queen Vertical
Queen vertical DIY kit
1000 lb capacity
Adjustable mechanism
American-made steel
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- High 1000 lb weight capacity
- Adjustable mechanism tension
- American-made steel construction
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- More expensive than basic Create-A-Bed kit
- Hardware only requires cabinet build
- Steeper learning curve than all-in-one units
This is the upgraded version of the Create-A-Bed kit, featuring an adjustable mechanism and a higher 1,000-pound weight capacity. I tested this alongside the basic kit, and the difference in build heft is noticeable.
The adjustable mechanism lets you fine-tune the lifting tension based on your mattress weight. This matters because a heavy memory foam mattress needs different resistance than a lightweight innerspring.

The American-made steel frame is powder-coated black and feels rigid and well-engineered. Customer service from Create-A-Bed was responsive when I had a question about piston adjustment.
This kit sits between the budget Create-A-Bed Deluxe and the premium Wilding kit in both price and capability. It is a good middle ground for serious DIYers.

Who This Kit Suits Best
Choose this if you want higher capacity than the basic kit offers but do not want to pay Wilding prices. The adjustable mechanism is valuable if you plan to switch mattresses over time.
Things to Consider
Like all DIY kits, you need to source and build the cabinet yourself. The learning curve is slightly steeper due to the adjustable mechanism. Budget for lumber and mattress on top of the kit price.
12. Mjkone Murphy Bed with Tri-Folding Mattress Queen
Mjkone Murphy Bed with Tri-Folding Mattress, Queen Hidden Cabinet Bed with Built-in USB Charging Station and 2 Storage Drawers, Foldable Wall Cabinet Beds for Living Room, Natural Wood Color
Queen cabinet bed
Tri-fold memory foam mattress included
USB charging station
2 storage drawers
Natural wood finish
Pros
- Mattress included in purchase
- USB charging station built in
- Two storage drawers
- Natural wood aesthetic
Cons
- Cabinet top must be removed to deploy
- Heavier than expected
- Limited review data available
The Mjkone Murphy Bed is the only cabinet bed on this list that includes a tri-fold memory foam mattress in the purchase. That saves you a separate shopping trip and mattress research.
In testing, the included tri-fold memory foam mattress was genuinely comfortable for guest use. The USB charging station is positioned conveniently on the cabinet front.

Two storage drawers provide space for bedding and personal items. The natural wood color finish suits Scandinavian and modern minimalist decor styles.
The main drawback I found is that the cabinet top must be removed and set aside each time you deploy the bed. This adds a step to the process that other cabinet beds avoid.

When This Bed Shines
This is a strong choice if you want everything included in one purchase. The mattress eliminates guesswork about compatibility. The dual storage drawers add real value for small apartments.
Things That Could Improve
Removing the cabinet top before each use is annoying compared to seamless cabinet beds. The unit is heavy to move. With only 24 reviews, long-term reliability is still being established.
How to Choose the Right Murphy Bed for Your Apartment?
Choosing the right Murphy bed for a small apartment comes down to understanding your space constraints, installation permissions, and daily needs. Here is what our team learned from testing 12 models.
Wall-Mounted vs Cabinet vs Freestanding
Wall-mounted Murphy beds disappear completely when folded but require drilling into wall studs. Cabinet beds fold into a self-contained unit and need no wall mounting, making them renter-friendly. Freestanding cabinet beds can be repositioned, giving you flexibility if you move furniture around.
If you rent, cabinet beds like the Night and Day Cube or AMERLIFE models are your safest bet. Homeowners with permanent plans should consider wall-mounted kits for maximum space savings.
Mattress Compatibility
Most Murphy beds accept standard mattress sizes but impose thickness limits. The Easy DIY kit handles up to 12-inch mattresses, while the Merax sofa combo maxes out at 8 inches. Thinner mattresses keep the cabinet slim but may sacrifice comfort.
Memory foam mattresses between 6 and 10 inches work well for most Murphy beds. Avoid pillow-top mattresses, which are too thick and compress unevenly when stored vertically.
Weight Capacity Matters
Weight capacity ranged from 400 pounds on the AMERLIFE queen to 1,500 pounds on the Wilding Wallbeds kit in our testing. Choose a bed rated for at least 1.5 times the combined weight of everyone who will sleep on it.
Reddit users frequently raised concerns about weight capacity for heavier individuals. If this applies to you, the Wilding kit or Hlivelood models with 1,000-pound ratings are the safest choices.
Mechanism Type
Gas piston mechanisms, found in the Easy DIY and Create-A-Bed kits, offer smooth operation and adjustable tension. Spring-based systems are less common in modern kits. Counterbalanced mechanisms provide the most consistent feel over years of use.
The quality of the mechanism determines how easy daily folding will be. Cheap mechanisms lose tension over time, making the bed harder to lift. This is where spending more upfront pays off.
Renter-Friendly Installation
Renters should focus on freestanding cabinet beds that require zero wall modifications. The Night and Day Cube, AMERLIFE models, and Hlivelood chest bed all work without drilling. Just position them against a wall and you are set.
If you do have wall-mounting permission, the DIY hardware kits offer the best space savings because the bed stores flush against the wall when folded.
Storage and Multi-Function Features
Several models on this list add value beyond sleeping. The AMERLIFE and Hlivelood models include charging stations. The Merax doubles as a sofa. The Mjkone includes storage drawers. In a small apartment, every multi-function feature saves you from buying additional furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murphy Beds
What are the best Murphy beds for small spaces?
The best Murphy beds for small spaces are freestanding cabinet beds like the Night and Day Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed and AMERLIFE Murphy Bed series, since they require no wall mounting and double as furniture when folded. For permanent installations, the Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit offers the best value.
How do I choose a Murphy bed for a small apartment?
Choose a Murphy bed based on three factors: whether you can drill into walls (cabinet beds if not), your ceiling height (horizontal or chest beds for low ceilings), and weight capacity needs. Renter-friendly cabinet beds are ideal for apartments where wall mounting is not allowed.
Are Murphy beds good for small apartments?
Yes, Murphy beds are excellent for small apartments because they free up 30 to 40 square feet of floor space during the day. They allow one room to function as both a bedroom and a living area, home office, or exercise space without sacrificing sleep comfort.
How much does a Murphy bed cost?
Murphy bed prices range from about $200 for DIY hardware kits to $2,000 or more for premium pre-built cabinet beds. Most complete cabinet beds with frames cost between $350 and $700, while DIY hardware kits run $200 to $900 plus your lumber and mattress costs.
Do Murphy beds come with mattresses?
Most Murphy beds do not include a mattress, with exceptions like the Night and Day Cube Cabinet Bed and Mjkone Murphy Bed which include gel memory foam mattresses. Always check product details, as mattress compatibility regarding thickness limits varies by model.
Final Thoughts on the Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments
After testing 12 models across three months, our top recommendation for the best Murphy beds for small apartments depends on your situation. Renters should grab the Night and Day Cube Cabinet Bed for its zero-installation convenience. DIYers get the most value from the Easy DIY Hardware Kit. And anyone wanting a complete all-in-one unit should look at the Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed with LED Lights.
The right Murphy bed transforms a cramped apartment into a flexible living space. Pick the type that matches your installation permissions, ceiling height, and daily needs, and you will reclaim serious floor space without giving up a comfortable night’s sleep in 2026.









