Double Duty Furniture: The Murphy Bed with Desk Combo

Double Duty Furniture: The Murphy Bed with Desk Combo

A Murphy bed with a desk combines a wall-mounted bed with a workspace. When you lift the bed against the wall, the desk it reveals is available for use. Lowering the bed provides a comfortable sleeping area while the desk automatically moves out of the way. These space-saving beds let you use one area for sleeping, studying, and working. They’re ideal for small apartment residents, college students, and remote workers who want to maximize the functionality of their homes.

Murphy beds are just one of the many solutions to saving space inside your home. These pull-down beds are popular in urban environments with shrinking apartment sizes and limited space. With your Murphy bed desk, you can optimize your space while spending less on furniture. Remote work’s rise can also contribute to the bed’s popularity.

In this guide, let’s explore how these wall beds can benefit your house, the considerations before buying one, and how to care for them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Murphy beds with desks have two main functions—a comfy sleeping area and a practical workspace.
  • Before buying a Murphy bed with a desk, consider the bed’s design, budget, and installation skills, among other things.
  • Just like your regular Murphy bed, you also need to care for this unit with a desk to last years.

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Benefits of a Murphy Bed with a Desk

This is how Murphy beds with desks can help your small home:

Space-Saving Functionality

Once the bed is on the wall, you can use the extra space for other activities, such as working out or meditation. Your Murphy bed helps you make the most of your living space without sacrificing comfort.

Functionality and Versatility

Murphy wall-mounted beds can easily transition from a comfortable sleeping area to a reliable workspace in just a snap. Aside from their space-saving features, some wall beds have built-in storage, like a single shelf, drawers, and cabinets, to declutter your living areas.  

Aesthetic Appeal

The modern Murphy bed has a sleek and visually pleasing design. Hideaway beds from Lori Beds come with a range of finishes that can match your home’s aesthetics. They’re made of high-quality wood that stands the test of time. The integrated desk design gives your room a cohesive look and reduces visual clutter.

Potential to Increase Property Value

Having these space-saving beds in your urban home shows potential buyers you can manage your space. It also demonstrates that you keep up with modern living trends and practical solutions, potentially leading to buyers offering more money to buy your home. Murphy beds are also anchored to wood studs, keeping the bed mounted safely as long as possible.

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Recommended Murphy Beds with Desks (2025)

The Lori Bed — Queen / Vertical

Orientation & size: Vertical · Queen
Key benefit: Premium lift system with optional desk and stay-level shelves — great for formal guest rooms or a dedicated office/guest combo.
Sale price: $3,649.

The Lori Bed — Queen / Horizontal

Orientation & size: Horizontal · Queen
Key benefit: Wider footprint works well under low ceilings or long walls and supports an optional desk that stays level while in use.
Sale price: $3,649.

The Lori Bed — Twin / Vertical

Orientation & size: Vertical · Twin
Key benefit: Twin vertical option saves floor depth while still offering a full desk surface — ideal for narrow guest rooms or compact home offices.
Sale price: $3,149.

The Lori Bed — Twin / Horizontal

Orientation & size: Horizontal · Twin
Key benefit: Low profile and shelf-backed headboard that doubles as desk storage — perfect for studios or kid/teen rooms where space is tight.
Sale price: $3,149.

NOTE: See the product page for up-to-date pricing and seasonal savings.

Upgrade Options at a Glance

Here are the current upgrade types you can add when you purchase The Lori Bed:

Upgrade

What it adds

Starting price

Two Shelves Upgrade

Adds two built-in shelves around your wall bed—great for décor, books, or “office” gear.

From $850

Desk Upgrade

Adds a dedicated desk surface integrated with your bed structure—ideal for remote work or study.

From $800

Desk + Shelf Upgrade

Combines the desk surface with added shelving—best for multifunction rooms where you sleep, work, and store.

From $950

Murphy Bed with Desk vs. Murphy Bed with Shelves

Feature

Murphy Bed with Desk

Murphy Bed with Shelves

Primary Function

Combines a sleeping area with a built-in workspace — perfect for home offices, studios, or hybrid rooms.

Provides extra storage for books, décor, and daily essentials — great for guest rooms or multifunctional spaces.

Design Layout

Features an integrated desk surface that moves seamlessly with the bed frame for effortless transitions between work and rest.

Includes built-in shelving along the sides or above the bed for organized and stylish storage.

Space Efficiency

Maximizes room functionality by combining sleeping and working areas within one compact footprint.

Optimizes vertical storage and keeps items easily accessible, though it doesn’t include a workspace.

Ideal Use Case

The perfect Murphy bed for home offices, studio apartments, or anyone requiring a versatile workspace that doubles as a bedroom.

Ideal for guest rooms, family rooms, or compact spaces that need more storage and style.

Types of Murphy Bed with Desk

Free Spacious bedroom with wooden furniture and floor and modern TV hanging on wall Stock Photo

Sir William Lawrence Murphy invented the Murphy bed in the early 1900s to maximize his small apartment in San Francisco. Since then, it has evolved, and one of these evolutions is the Murphy bed with a desk.

Here are its types and variations:

Different Styles

  • Modern: These beds have sleek lines and minimalist designs. They’re often made of glass and metal, have high-gloss finishes, and have a streamlined look.
  • Traditional: These beds have elaborate details and are made of solid wood. They have carved accents and ornate designs. Traditional Murphy beds with desks are better suited for homes with classic and vintage visuals.
  • Contemporary: A mix of modern and traditional, they may be made of wood, metal, or fabric. They likely have hidden storage compartments and adjustable desks.

Size Variations

  • Single: These units are ideal for small spaces where you can accommodate a few guests. They can provide a bed and a workspace in a limited space.
  • Double: These beds give more room in small bedrooms and shared spaces. They can accommodate two people and make way for a functional workspace.
  • Queen: These sizes are for people who want a larger sleeping area and a bigger space to work on tasks.

Some desks attached to Murphy beds can be built-in or separate. Built-in desks are retractable and are already part of the bed. Separate desks are attachable to and removable from the bed anytime, according to your needs.

Buying Guide

These are the factors to consider when purchasing a Murphy bed with a desk:

  • Materials and Construction: For it to last, choose a bed made of high-quality materials. Solid and engineered wood are some of the most durable materials for Murphy beds. Examine the bed’s build quality and craftsmanship. Evaluate if its style fits with your home’s decor before buying it.
  • Safety Features: Make sure that the bed has a safe and reliable lifting mechanism. An unsafe one can accidentally collapse and put you or your loved ones in danger. Pick a comfortable bed with safety locks and rounded edges for your children’s safety.
  • Installation Complexity: When looking for Murphy beds, ask yourself if you can handle the installation all on your own. Unlike other brands, buying a bed from Lori Beds means installing it yourself, as it doesn’t require complicated hardware. 
  • Space Requirements: Find out if your room has enough space to accommodate a Murphy bed. When stored upright, the bed should sit flush against the wall and provide plenty of space to move around when lowered for use.
  • Price Range: Find a bed with a price that matches your budget. Murphy beds vary in price, so better get your wallet ready if you’re investing in it.
  • Perks: Determine if the seller has fast shipping options, seamless payment methods, an easy refunding system, and functional customer service lines. You must be able to reach your seller if you have concerns about the Murphy bed.

Which Murphy bed with desk fits your space?

Small rooms — Twin / Horizontal

Best when depth is tight. Horizontal/twin units save depth and fit ceilings under 8 ft.

Guest rooms — Queen / Vertical

Vertical queen models maximize sleeping comfort while keeping the desk out of the way until needed.

Home offices — Queen / Horizontal

A horizontal queen with a permanently accessible desk surface is ideal when you need continuous, dedicated workspace access.

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning and Upkeep

  • Routine Cleaning: Dust the surfaces of your Murphy bed regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when vacuuming or spot-cleaning upholstery.
  • Surface Care: Polish the wooden surfaces with a wood cleaner or polish to protect them from scratches. Don’t use harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the finish.
  • Desk Maintenance: Keep the desk free from stains or spills. Organize your area every day. Clean any spill immediately with a damp cloth. Tighten loose screws and fittings on the desk periodically to prevent accidents.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Squeaks and Noises: These may mean that your bed’s springs and hinges need lubrication. Apply lube to metal parts. If the bed still makes noises, check for worn-out parts that need to be replaced. With Lori Beds, every part has a lifetime warranty, so you don’t need to spend on parts when buying our convertible beds.
  • Operational Issues: If the wall bed becomes difficult to operate, check the mechanism for misalignments and obstructions. Make sure the bed is mounted correctly, and the mattress is secured for a more comfortable sleep. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide when adjusting the mechanism.
  • Desk Alignment Issues: Check the hardware or loose screws when the desk is wobbling. Tighten loose connections and fix the desk’s alignment.

Extending the Bed’s Lifespan

  • Regular Inspections: Check the bed’s mechanical components and address damage or wear promptly to keep the bed stable.
  • Don’t Overload: Check the bed’s weight limits and adhere to them. Overloading the bed leads to early wear and damage. Avoid placing heavy items on the desk or bed while it’s in the upright or stored position.
  • Professional Maintenance: Get a professional technician to inspect and repair these hidden beds periodically. They can address complex issues the bed may have.

Parting Thoughts

Murphy beds with desks are a significant addition to your bedroom in your small apartment. They create a room for both a home office by day and a sleeping area by night. They also save space and go well with your home’s look. You’ll find convenience and functionality in these pieces of furniture.

Explore our Murphy cabinet beds, Murphy Bed Dresser Combo, and other Murphy Bed products. Our beds offer excellent value for money with their high-quality finishes and materials. Find a bed you’d like to have and purchase it from our site today!

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