Murphy beds are the best space-saving solution for turning any room into an instant bedroom. They're designed to fold vertically into a wall or a cabinet and maximize floor space in homes, apartments and guest room setups.
Twin, queen, and full sizes are usually the most common sizes for Murphy beds. However, more customers are getting curious and asking about king-size Murphy beds. It's tempting to think of a bed with a bigger space and greater comfort. But with Murphy beds, bigger doesn't always mean better.
Let's break down why many homeowners dream of getting king Murphy beds and why queen Murphy beds are a better option instead.
Key Takeaways:
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A king Murphy bed is big enough to give people more space to sleep on.
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King Murphy beds can be heavy and costly unless you have a huge space at home to install the bed.
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Queen Murphy beds are a better alternative for their wide array of design options and market availability.
Get the bed you’ve been wanting to buy here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is a King Murphy Bed?
The Challenges of Using a King Murphy Bed
Why Queen Murphy Beds Are the Better Choice
Make the Smart Choice with Queen Murphy Beds
What Is a King Murphy Bed?
A king Murphy bed is a king-size mattress measuring about 76" x 80". It's usually mounted horizontally or vertically into custom bookcases, walls, and cabinets. Oversized bedrooms, vacation houses, and luxury homes typically use a king Murphy bed since space isn't an issue in these places.
Customers may consider getting a Murphy bed for the following reasons:
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Maximum sleeping space for people who want room to stretch their bodies.
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An ideal bed for tall people and those who sleep with their pets.
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Families who often sleep with their children have more space to use.
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Combined comfort and style in one furniture piece.
The Challenges of Using a King Murphy Bed
King Murphy beds can give you a hotel-like feeling, but these potential downsides can dampen the entire experience:
Space Requirements
A king-size Murphy bed needs a sufficient amount of wall and floor space. You may need:
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More than 80" in horizontal clearance along the wall.
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A ceiling height of at least 80" for vertical mounting.
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Enough room to assemble and fully open the bed without blocking storage boxes and desks.
The bed may be a tight fit for your usual guest rooms or multi-functional spaces.
Structural Limitations
Since King beds are heavier, especially when you use a quality mattress, they may need reinforced walls or floor joists to support the weight. The bed may also need stronger mechanisms and hardware upon installation.
Follow special instructions or tools when you install, open, and store the bed for daily use. If you want a king Murphy bed, you must prepare your home for some modifications.
Design and Availability
King Murphy beds have fewer design and buying options due to their size. Many manufacturers offer them only as custom products instead of mass-produced ones.
But if you ever find a king Murphy bed, you should:
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Expect longer delivery times.
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Limited style and cabinet finishes.
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Fewer showroom models you can visit before you purchase one.
Cost Considerations
King Murphy beds are worth more than the regular price and may have potential delivery and shipping surcharges. You may also pay more for installation, custom fabrication, and detailing requests to the manufacturer.
Functionality
Even with spring or piston mechanisms, King Murphy beds are heavier to close and lift. Older adults or those with mobility concerns might find it hard to operate the bed, reducing overall ease and experience for the user.
When to Consider a King Murphy Bed
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If you have oversized rooms like a luxury master suite
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If custom work, budget, and time aren't that much of a concern when building a home
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If you have abundant space and want to create a luxurious guest room experience for your visitors.
Get a queen Murphy bed if you don't check any of these boxes.
Save more when you buy your Murphy bed from us!
Why Queen Murphy Beds Are the Better Choice
Queen Murphy beds measure around 60" x 80". Let's find out why design professionals and homeowners prefer them to their king-size counterparts:
Balanced Size and Space
The space-saving Queen Murphy beds offer a big room for couples to sleep and fit well in most home offices, guest rooms, and studio apartments. Despite their large size, they don't take up much room.
More Design Options
Queen Murphy beds have a wide range of styles and finishes, including:
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Vertical Murphy bed: These are best for rooms with higher ceilings. They open from the foot of the bed and fold into the cabinet. To make your bed more functional, add overhead shelving or integrated lights.
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Horizontal Murphy bed: They open sideways, are ideal for rooms with low ceilings, and can be added in basements, studios, and home offices.
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Murphy bed with desks: They're best used for home offices and multi-functional guest rooms. When the bed is lowered, the desk stays level with it. There are also floating desk options with storage compartments to store items you use every day.
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Murphy bed with storage drawers: This style has extra cabinets hidden under the bed. You can store your linens, bedsheets, blankets, and pillowcases here if you live in a small room with limited cabinets.
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Murphy bed with bookcases: These models are ideal if you read a lot of books and need storage space for them. These have shelving units on one or both sides of the bed where you can put your books within reach.
The finishes can be laminate or wood veneer. Look for modern or mid-century designs to make the Murphy bed stand out in your home. Depending on your home's structural setup, you can get a wall-mounted or a freestanding bed.
Better Space Efficiency
Queen Murphy beds require less wall and floor space, making them ideal additions to smaller rooms. They can transform any space into a room without moving anything.
Easier to Install and Use
Queen Murphy beds are lighter in weight. They're easy to assemble and operate and require less strength to lift. If you know how to install beds, you can do it yourself or schedule a quick appointment with professional installers.
Cost-Effective and Availability
Queen Murphy beds have a more competitive price range than king options. They're also readily available from leading Murphy bed stores, which means less waiting time and more options for you to choose from.
Other features like side shelving, sofas, and built-in desks may be more likely to be available than any king-size Murphy bed features.
Widely Available Mattress Options
Since a queen size is the most common in U.S. households, you won't have to worry about finding mattresses at various prices. Depending on your preferences, you can buy budget-friendly to luxurious memory foam mattresses.
Easy-to-Find Linens and Accessories
Buying mattress protectors, duvet covers, and comforter sets with a queen-size bed will be easier for you. Stores have various colors, patterns, and materials made for queen beds.
Better Resale Value
With the popularity of queen-size beds, your queen Murphy bed has a stronger chance of being sold at a higher price when you move houses later in life. Buyers usually look for queen sizes in home listings and marketplaces.
Easier Upkeep, Lower Maintenance
Parts of queen-size Murphy beds are more likely to be readily available, so replacing mattresses, updating frames, and adjusting mechanisms can be easier.
Make the Smart Choice with Queen Murphy Beds
While a king Murphy bed can be appealing for its extra space and comfort, it can be costly and heavy to add to most homes. A queen Murphy bed provides the best value for money with its ease of use, stylish design, and practicality. It doesn't sacrifice the advantages of getting a full-size bed while fitting in small spaces.
Before buying a Murphy bed, consider how you'll use it and how you want your space to look. If you've decided to buy one, visit our website and check out our options today!