The Best Small Space Murphy Bed Ideas for Tiny Homes

Tiny homeowners no doubt have an eye for creativity and have dreamt up some of the most clever and design-forward ways to install wall beds.

Living in a tiny home will really urge you to look for more ways to save space. The size of the space is constricting enough, so bring some relief into your daily life by adding a Murphy bed.

Also known as a wall bed, this furniture piece provides a smart solution by raising and tucking the bed against the wall during the day and using the entire floor space at night. Adding these beds to tiny homes will provide you with the space to move around.

This guide explores the best small-space Murphy ideas for tiny homes, including multifunctional solutions and designs that can make your home spacious and inviting.

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Types of Murphy Beds

Small spaces, like studio apartments, have limited square footage. A Murphy bed can save space and create an instant guest room for your visitors. Unlike a traditional bed, a Murphy bed can be stored against a wall when not in use, allowing you to use the floor space as a dining space.

If you need ideas on creating a functional space with your Murphy bed, here are some excellent ideas:

• Vertical Murphy bed: Use your wall's vertical space to put the bed upright on the wall. Your sleeping space can be a twin or queen-size bed.
• Side Murphy Bed: These beds are positioned horizontally on the wall.
• Murphy Bed with Sofa: These units are perfect for creating a comfortable space to work and lounge in home offices and apartments. It could also work as a guest bed without the bed frame.
• Murphy Storage Bed: Look for Murphy cabinet beds with built-in shelving so you can have storage space for some of your stuff.

Find a Murphy bed that meets your specifications and budget, and can be stored easily against the wall when unused.

Murphy Bed Ideas That Work

Murphy beds are great for maximizing floor space in tiny homes and small bedrooms. Putting the bed against the wall makes a Murphy cabinet multifunctional furniture, whether it's a sofa or a desk unit.

The result? You get more space, flexible layouts, and pleasing designs that fit modern living.

These Murphy bed ideas can give you a dose of inspiration for creating spaces with clever shelving and layouts.

Ideas by Functionality

Home Office and Guest Room

• Combine your Murphy bed with a built–in desk and cabinetry.
• Use a pull-out keyboard tray, extra shelving, and storage boxes to keep your essential items within each.
• Spread the bed into a queen-size or a full guest bed for guests.

Media Room

• Install a wall panel storage around the bed.
• Add custom cabinetry for books and gaming equipment.
• A quick pull-down bed to convert the room into a spacious sleeping area.

Multi-Purpose Studio

• Maximize the open floor space with a Murphy bed and a table or sofa that can serve as a dining space.
• This setup is ideal for flexible living in small apartments, where one room serves many purposes.

Aesthetic and Design Ideas

Integrated Look

• Use closet-style doors, custom cabinetry, and matching finishes to blend the Murphy bed into your walls.
• Add floating legs and shelving that tuck away when needed for a seamless look.

Stylish Cabinet Beds

• Choose a Murphy bed cabinet that can double as a display area for décor or a photo frame.
• Some designs also have a TV or lamp to make it functional even when it's up inside the wall.

Hidden Details

• Add hidden compartments, rotating beds, and dashboards.
• Make a custom look with decorative wood screws, hinges, and panels that match your home's style.

DIY and Cost-Saving Ideas

Build Your Own

• Use metal frame kits and your DIY installation plans.
• Basic tools like hinges and legs help you create your own Murphy bed.

Repurpose Materials

• Use repurposed closets, old bed frames, and salvaged panel wood to remain on budget and save money while keeping your bed functional, even with limited square footage.

Practical Considerations

• Mattress Weight and Thickness: Most Murphy beds fit queen-size mattresses. Measure and check the maximum weight your wall bed can handle so you can lift it smoothly.
• Safety and Security: Choose beds with locking legs, gas-piston lifts, and mechanisms that protect you while raising or lowering the bed.
• Installation: DIY may save you money, but professional help secures and levels the bed.
• Durability: Murphy beds made of high-quality solid hardwood or models with well-built metal frames last longer.

Murphy Beds Beyond Tiny Homes

A guest room with a Murphy bed and integrated cabinetry can double as a home office. Even a DIY plywood Murphy bed can be turned into a dining and sleeping space at the same time.

Murphy beds are undoubtedly perfect for tiny houses. However, they're also popular in small apartments, studios, and basements, where families adjust to flexible living conditions.

Supporting Statistics

• A Murphy bed helps save a substantial amount of floor space, about 30 square feet, compared to a traditional bed.
• The average Murphy bed installation costs $1,000–$5,000. It's 40–60% more cost-effective than expanding a room.

Bring Murphy Bed Ideas into Life

Murphy beds are still great for making the most of a small living space. Whether you want DIY or professional installation, you'll still have more space.

Exploring these ideas will help you feel inspired to customize and protect your tiny home. Your space, your rules.

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