A twin Murphy bed is a space-saving bed stored vertically or horizontally inside a wall-mounted cabinet when not in use. Designed for small bedrooms, studios, or guest rooms, it provides the comfort of a standard twin mattress while freeing up floor space.
Murphy beds are space-saving beds that tuck seamlessly into a wall when not in use. While there are different Murphy bed sizes, twin Murphy beds are ideal for smaller spaces, such as home offices and guest rooms. Their compact sizes allow for creating sleeping arrangements while leaving enough space for daily activities.
Twin Murphy beds maintain functionality, providing a perfect blend of efficiency, convenience, and style. Whether for occasional guests or everyday use, they make small rooms feel open.
Read more to learn about the characteristics of each Murphy bed frame and make a better choice before buying one.
Key Takeaways:
- A twin Murphy bed is smaller than its queen-sized counterpart, ideal for single sleepers.
- A traditional twin bed is also small, but it remains stationary and doesn’t integrate into a wall or cabinet.
- Both beds serve almost the same purpose. However, their key differences matter when you buy a bed for your room.
Need a space-saving bed? Check out our twin Murphy bed selection right here!
AT A GLANCE
How a Twin Murphy Bed Works
Benefits of a Twin Murphy Bed
Traditional Twin Bed: A Classic Choice
Twin Murphy Bed: A Perfect Solution for Your Living Space
Twin Murphy Beds and Traditional Twin Beds: Breaking Down the Differences
Choosing the Right Bed for Your Needs
Get a Twin Murphy Bed from Lori Beds Today
How a Twin Murphy Bed Works
A Murphy bed twin size is designed to provide a standard sleeping surface while reclaiming floor space during the day.
Here’s how it works:
- The Pivot Point: The bed frame is attached to a cabinet or wall-mounted kit using heavy-duty pivots at the base.
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The Lifting Mechanism: Most modern beds use one of two systems to make the bed feel weightless:
- Gas/Piston: These work like the hatch on an SUV, providing smooth, silent movement.
- Spring Systems: High-tension steel springs let you adjust the tension based on your mattress's weight.
- The Mattress Support: Unlike a sofa bed, a Murphy bed uses a standard twin mattress (usually up to 10 or no more than 12 inches thick). It sits on a wooden platform or slats, secured by a strap so it doesn't slide off when the bed is tucked.
- Safety Locks: High-quality models feature locking pins or latches to keep the bed tucked away until you’re ready to pull it down.
Benefits of a Twin Murphy Bed
While Murphy beds come in all sizes, this space-saving wall bed offers unique advantages for specific living situations.
1. Maximum Space Efficiency
Because a twin bed has a narrow size, it can fit into tight spots where a Queen would feel cramped, like a home office, a walk-in closet, or a narrow hallway nook. It’s a smart choice for solo sleepers, kids or teens, and homeowners who want to maximize usable space without sacrificing comfort.
2. True Multi-Purpose Rooms
It turns a single room into a "transformer" space:
- Daytime: A spacious home office, playroom, or yoga studio.
- Nighttime: A legitimate guest room with a real mattress.
3. Better Sleep Quality
Unlike pull-out couches or air mattresses, a Murphy bed uses a real mattress. There are no "bars in the back" or thin foam pads. Your guests get the same support they would from a traditional stationary bed.
4. Vertical or Horizontal Orientation
Twin Murphy beds are highly versatile and can be installed in different orientations:
- Vertical: Pulls down from the short end (standard setup).
- Horizontal (Side-Tilt): Pulls down from the long side, ideal for rooms with low ceilings or sloped “attic-style” walls.
Twin-size dimensions:
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Vertical Twin
- Closed: 84.1” H x 44.7” W x 15.6” D
- Open: 84.1” H x 44.7” W x 82.6” D
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Horizontal Twin
- Closed: 45.1” H x 84.5” W x 15.6” D
- Open: 45.1” H x 84.5” W x 47.0” D
Cabinet dimensions vary based on orientation and hardware, but most designs require minimal floor clearance while optimizing vertical or horizontal wall space.
5. Instant Tidiness
Let’s be honest: sometimes you don't want to make the bed. With a Murphy bed, you can strap the messy blankets in place, tuck the bed into the wall, and the room is instantly "clean."
See how easily a twin Murphy bed can transform tight rooms into functional living spaces.
Traditional Twin Bed: A Classic Choice
A traditional twin bed is the smallest size available for adults, measuring 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. This space-saving solution has been used since the 1940s. Manufacturers standardized bed sizes after the war, and the terms "single" and "twin" began to be used in exchange for the other, so consumers wouldn't get confused when shopping for mattresses and bedding.
Traditional twin beds offer these advantages to sleepers:
- Appropriate for All Ages: Anyone can use twin beds, from children, teenagers, students, and even single adults.
- Affordable: Twin beds generally cost less than larger beds, making it a budget-friendly option if money is tight and you need a good bed.
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Easy to Move: The bed's compact size makes it easy to carry to a new area within your small bedroom or a new location when moving houses. It's not mounted to the wall, so you don't need to uninstall it.
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Smaller Bedding Requirements: Compared to a California King or full-size bed, traditional twin beds have smaller bedding to cover the mattress, making washing and drying easier and quicker.
While the traditional twin bed can provide a comfortable sleep, it can only accommodate one person. This bed may not suit couples who need a larger sleeping space.
Twin Murphy Bed: A Perfect Solution for Your Living Space
The Lori Bed - Twin / Vertical
$2,519 $̶3̶,̶1̶4̶9̶
A twin Murphy bed is a wall-mounted bed that can be tucked away when not in use, maximizing every square footage of your room. You can pull the bed open if you need to sleep and close it when doing other activities. This bed is popular in studio apartments and other small spaces.
These twin Murphy bed features can make the most out of your space:
Practical Storage
Twin Murphy beds often have built-in features, such as USB ports, desks, a large storage cabinet, and shelves, making the entire furniture piece functional. If you have a remote job and live alone in a small apartment, a twin Murphy bed is the best option.
Smooth Operation
Its lift mechanisms make raising and lowering the bed effortless, instantly giving you more room and transforming your space with just one smooth move.
Superior Quality
The superior quality is another factor that makes a twin Murphy bed worth investing in. Murphy beds, like those from Lori Beds, are made of powder-coated steel frames, woodgrain finishes, and real plywood.
Twin Murphy Beds and Traditional Twin Beds: Breaking Down the Differences
|
Comparison |
Twin Murphy Bed |
Traditional Twin Bed |
|
Space Efficiency |
Designed for a small apartment, this bed frees up valuable floor space when you're awake. It's ideal for a guest room, where space is a luxury. |
This bed takes up permanent space and limits flexibility in a small apartment. While it can be a consistent sleeping area, it can't adapt to multipurpose use. |
|
Functionality |
This wall bed goes beyond sleeping. Its storage features allow you to store seasonal clothes, extra bedding, and personal items in the cabinets to reduce clutter in your room. |
|
|
Aesthetic Appeal |
Murphy beds range from sleek, minimalist styles to customizable finishes that can blend with any existing home decor. You can choose various colors and configurations to match your room's design. |
This bed is available in various styles and frames, but has a simpler design. Compared to Murphy beds, it doesn't offer customization. |
|
Cost |
Due to its workspaces, storage, and hideaway feature, it often has a higher upfront cost. Installation is another expense, as you may need professional assistance when mounting the bed. |
While it doesn't have the Murphy bed's space-saving features, this bed can be more affordable when you buy both the bed frame and the mattress. |
Save more on our Murphy beds when you buy from us. Look at your choices here!
Choosing the Right Twin Wall Bed for Your Needs
Selecting the perfect bed for your small space prompts you to weigh your options carefully. With your choices being the traditional twin bed or the twin Murphy bed, consider these factors to see which one suits your needs:
Available Space
If you need to maximize floor space, especially in a studio apartment or a room with a low ceiling, buy a twin Murphy bed. Get a traditional twin bed if your room gives you enough space to move around.
Frequency of Use
An ordinary twin bed is the best option if the room is used daily and you prefer a fixed sleeping setup. For everyday or occasional use and convenience, purchase the twin Murphy bed.
Easy Assembly
Get a vertical or horizontal Murphy bed if you are ready to assemble or add something valuable to your room. If zero assembly gives you peace of mind, get a traditional twin bed.
Budget
Buy one for your room if you want to invest in a bed made of high-quality materials. Traditional twin beds are always available if you're tight on budget and need a bed to sleep on for a lower price.
Murphy beds last long due to their durable and reliable construction, making the hefty price tag worth spending.
Room Aesthetics
A Murphy bed can help you achieve a clean, minimalist look for your bedroom. Once the bed is in its closed position, you can use the additional features according to your needs. Traditional Murphy beds, on the other hand, offer a permanent setup with a traditional feel.
Comfort
Selecting a mattress is another story. If you like the comfort of a mattress for a Murphy bed, get the Lori Mattress that’s specifically designed for this type of bed. The same goes if you like the mattress made for a traditional twin bed. Some stores also sell twin XL mattresses that may fit the bed you want.
Get a Twin Murphy Bed from Lori Beds Today
The Lori Bed - Twin / Horizontal
$2,519 $̶3̶,̶1̶4̶9̶
Twin Murphy beds are different from traditional twin beds for their space-saving design and functionality. Take your pick from our Lori Bed. They can be tucked neatly into a wall, giving you enough space to do what you need. The Murphy bed’s built-in storage is a feature you won’t find in traditional bed setups, and with modular upgrades and storage units available, you can customize and add to your Lori Bed anytime - eliminating the need for additional cabinets.
The best thing about a twin Murphy bed is its space-maximizing benefit. It turns your room into extra floor space whenever you're up and a sleeping area if you want to rest.
On the other hand, traditional twin beds, like Murphy beds, can still provide a good night's sleep. They’re the best choice if you want a permanent and accessible sleeping space.
Before buying a traditional twin or a twin Murphy bed, consider the room's purpose and how often you'll use it. If saving space is your ultimate goal, a Murphy bed is for you.
Explore your potential Murphy bed options and purchase them from us!
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