How Much Weight Can a Murphy Bed Hold?

Most Murphy beds hold between 250 and 1,000 pounds, depending on the model and manufacturer. Learn what factors affect capacity and ensure your bed is safe and secure for everyday use.

How much weight can a bed hold? Actually, you're in the right place for answers because there isn't one single answer to this question.

In short, Murphy bed weight capacity depends on these factors:

• Frame sizes
• Quality of material
• Mattress weight

Discover the types of Murphy beds, their capacities, and what factors affect them. Learn also how to choose the right bed for your needs!

Key Takeaways:

• The Murphy bed's weight capacity depends on the material quality, mattress weight, and bed frame sizes.

• When installing the bed, make sure the wall’s height can accommodate its vertical or horizontal position.

• Lori Beds and YouLift Beds use the same medium-firm mattress for maximum comfort.

Shop for the bed you want.

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Weight Limits for Different Murphy Bed Types

Murphy beds are the perfect solution for saving space in a small apartment or a guest room. However, one important consideration when choosing a Murphy bed is its weight capacity.

So, how much weight can a bed hold?

The maximum weight capacity of a Murphy bed depends largely on its size. Most Murphy bed and wall bed manufacturers carry twin-size and full/queen-size models, though there are king-size and custom sizes available. These sizes can generally accommodate as much weight as comparable traditional wooden bed frames. 

Here are the weight limits and dimensions for different Murphy bed sizes.

Twin-Size Murphy Bed

Twin-size Murphy beds are typically designed to sleep children or one adult. As such, they can support the least amount of weight due to their size. On the whole, the weight capacity of a twin-size Murphy bed is about 250 to 400 lbs. 

Full (Double) and Queen Size Murphy Bed

Queen and full-size Murphy beds are pretty equal in how they hold and distribute weight, according to Go Downsize. The weight capacity of a full/queen-size Murphy bed is between 800 and 1,000 lbs for most models found on the market. That’s enough to support two adults in most cases. 

King-Size Murphy Bed

A king-size Murphy bed usually exceeds a maximum weight limit of 1,000 lbs. Some manufacturers report that their king-size beds can support up to 2,500 lbs, but that weight capacity is rare. Mattress Nut also points out that Murphy bed models with a built-in sofa are typically able to support extra weight because the sofa serves as a supportive base under a portion of the bed when the bed folds down.  

Like all furnishings, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to get an accurate number for a particular model. While some weight capacities listed may be a warning and not a true capacity, it is highly recommended that you don’t push the boundaries of what the manufacturer lists as the weight capacity of your Murphy bed, notes Mattress Nut.  

How much weight can a bed frame hold? The full/queen-size Lori Bed can hold a maximum of 800 lbs and can comfortably sleep two average adults.  

Find a bed frame that holds it all—style, durability, and more! Get our Murphy bed to see the difference.

Checkout Our Murphy Beds

Factors to Determine a Bed’s Weight Capacity

A bed's weight capacity is determined by several factors, which influence its strength, durability, and overall support. Here are key considerations:

Bed Frame Material

Materials make a difference in a Murphy bed's weight capacity. High-quality materials are sturdier and, therefore, able to bear more weight.  

Most Murphy beds you’ll find on the market are made from particleboard, plywood, solid hardwood, or metal. Murphy beds made from particleboard are the least expensive because of their thin, low-quality material.  

(We share reasons to buy a real wood wall bed in this post)

Particleboard Murphy beds have the lowest weight capacities. They also have a tendency to wear down quickly, making it harder for the frame to support weight. The weight limit can decrease over time as the particleboard wears down. 

Murphy beds crafted from high-quality wood, like the Lori Bed, can support much more weight. Metal frames can also support quite a bit of weight. Both solid wood and metal bed frames are considered durable and retain their total weight capacity compared to a particleboard option.   

(Check out this post next for important things you should know about buying a Murphy bed)

Murphy Bed Mattress Weight  

Lastly, mattress weight matters for Murphy beds. When buying a Murphy bed, you should ask what the recommended range of mattress weight is for the frame. Most manufacturers do not provide a mattress with a wall bed frame, but will provide mattress recommendations for options readily available in stores or online.   

A traditional Murphy bed with a metal spring or piston lifting mechanism naturally applies a certain amount of force to assist with the opening and closing action. If your mattress is too light or heavy, it may make the Murphy bed mechanism a bit erratic, opening and closing the bed either too quickly or too slowly.

Since the YouLift Bed doesn't use a mechanical lifting mechanism, we recommend using a mattress no more than 12 inches thick and a maximum of 10 inches for the Lori Bed. Choose a light-weight type of mattress that you'd find comfortable.

Note: The YouLift Bed requires two able-bodied adults to operate together, and it's never recommended to be operated alone. 

(Browse the many options you have to choose from with Lori Beds here)

At the heaviest point (lifting off the floor), you and your partner will be lifting about 60 lbs plus half the combined weight of your mattress for a queen/full and about 45 lbs plus half the weight of your mattress for a twin bed. For example, if you have a queen mattress that weighs 80 lbs on a queen/full bed, you and your partner will be lifting 100 lbs at the heaviest point. Conclusion

Frame size, quality of material, and mattress weight all influence the weight capacity of a Murphy bed. On the whole, a Murphy bed’s weight capacity is comparable to that of a traditional bed frame of equal size. Just be sure to check the model guidelines for the most accurate weight capacity calculation.

Discover how a Murphy bed can maximize your space while enhancing your sleep quality. Check out our Murphy bed now!

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Mattress Options for Murphy Beds

Lori Mattress

The design is specifically made for the Lori Bed to ensure comfort and fit. It has an organic cotton cover and can hold 80 lbs for a queen-size, making it suitable for a queen Murphy bed.

YouLift Mattress

This medium-firm mattress, created for the YouLift Bed, is lightweight and comfortable. It combines memory foam and tufted layers to keep its shape when stored vertically.

A blow-up air mattress or a latex mattress may not be suitable for the bed. To make your Murphy bed comfortable, buy a Lori or a YouLift mattress.

To sum them all up in a table:

Additional Facts and Tips About Murphy Bed Frame and Mechanism

• The Lori Bed uses double-chamber gas-piston mechanism for controlled lowering and easy lifting. But if you want an affordable and mechanism-free option, the YouLift Bed is the perfect choice for you.

• The bed cabinet lets the bed fold horizontally or vertically to maximize space in a room.

• Use breathable linens and pillows to improve your sleep quality.

Measure Your Space for a Lori Bed

When planning to install the Lori Bed, accurate measurement of your available space is essential. Ensure you have sufficient room for both the closed and open positions of the bed.

Here are the steps to measure your space correctly:

1. Measure Wall Height: Ensure your wall height accommodates the bed when it's closed.
2. Measure Wall Width: Ensure there is enough width for the bed frame.
3. Measure Floor Space: Check that the floor space allows for the Murphy bed to be fully extended.

Understanding these dimensions and requirements will help you select the perfect Lori Bed for your space. This ensures comfort and functionality in your sleeping area without compromising on style.

Need help choosing if a Murphy bed is right for you? Contact us, and we’ll walk you through the options.  

Did you enjoy reading about how much weight a Murphy bed can hold?

Here are three more posts to read next:

• Does a Murphy Bed Need to be Mounted to a Wall? 
• Murphy Bed Guide: Can a Wall Bed Ruin a Mattress? 
• How to Choose a Murphy Bed Mattress 

This article was updated in 2025 just for you. 

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