Murphy Bed Buying Guide: Sizes, Materials, Prices Compared

After building my own DIY murphy bed and then helping three friends shop for pre-built ones, I've learned way more about murphy beds than I ever thought I would. I've spent hours comparing sizes, reading reviews, and visiting showrooms. So let me save you some time.

This guide covers everything I wish I knew before I started shopping: which size fits your space, what materials actually last, how much you should expect to pay, and which brands are worth your money.

Size Comparison: Queen vs. Full vs. Twin

The first decision is size. This isn't just about "what size mattress do I want" — it's about "will this even fit in my room when it's open?"

Queen Size Murphy Bed

Dimensions closed: ~64" wide x 86" tall x 16" deep
Dimensions open: ~64" wide x 86" long
Mattress size: Standard queen (60" x 80")
Price range: $1,200 – $3,500

The queen size murphy bed is the most popular option — and for good reason. It's spacious enough for couples or people who just like to spread out. I went with a queen size murphy bed cabinet in my studio, and while it does take up a good chunk of wall space, the comfort is worth it.

Best for: Studios, guest rooms that double as offices, couples
Watch out for: Make sure you have enough clearance. When open, you need ~7 feet from the wall plus walking space.

Full Size Murphy Bed

Dimensions closed: ~59" wide x 81" tall x 16" deep
Dimensions open: ~59" wide x 81" long
Mattress size: Standard full (54" x 75")
Price range: $900 – $2,500

Full size murphy beds are a good middle ground. They're about 5 inches narrower and 5 inches shorter than queen, which doesn't sound like much but makes a noticeable difference in tight spaces.

Best for: Smaller studios, single sleepers, kids' rooms
Watch out for: Tall people (over 6'2") might find a full too short.

Twin Size Murphy Bed

Dimensions closed: ~43" wide x 81" tall x 16" deep
Dimensions open: ~43" wide x 81" long
Mattress size: Standard twin (38" x 75")
Price range: $700 – $1,800

Twin size is the most compact option. I've seen these in home offices, kids' rooms, and even tiny studio apartments where every inch counts.

Best for: Kids, occasional guests, very small spaces
Watch out for: Most adults find twins too narrow for regular sleeping.

Size	Closed Width	Sleep Area	Best For	Price Range
Twin	43"	38" x 75"	Kids, occasional use	$700 – $1,800
Full	59"	54" x 75"	Singles, small spaces	$900 – $2,500
Queen	64"	60" x 80"	Couples, primary bed	$1,200 – $3,500

Before you buy anything, grab a tape measure and map out the space on your floor with painter's tape. Trust me — visualizing it makes a huge difference. A good 25-foot tape measure with a magnetic tip costs $15-$30 and is worth every penny. Buy on Amazon

Material Breakdown: What's Actually Quality

Not all murphy beds are built the same. The frame material determines how long it'll last, how much it weighs, and how it looks.

Particle Board / MDF

Price: Budget
Durability: Low-medium
Weight: Heavy

This is what you'll find in the cheapest options. Particle board is basically compressed wood chips with glue. It's heavy, it swells if it gets wet, and the screws strip out easily if you ever need to disassemble it.

That said, if you're on a super tight budget and you're careful with it, it'll work for a few years. Just don't expect it to survive a move.

Plywood

Price: Mid-range
Durability: Medium-high
Weight: Moderate

Plywood is my sweet spot recommendation. It's stronger than particle board, lighter, and holds screws much better. Look for birch or maple plywood — avoid the cheap stuff with voids inside.

Most mid-range murphy beds use plywood for the structure and then add a veneer or laminate finish on top.

Solid Wood

Price: High
Durability: Very high
Weight: Heavy

Solid wood murphy beds are beautiful and built to last. Oak, maple, cherry — these are heirloom pieces. But they're also expensive and heavy.

If you're renting, solid wood might not be worth it. But if you own your place and want something permanent, go for it.

Metal Frame

Price: varies
Durability: High
Weight: Light-medium

Some murphy beds use metal for the bed frame mechanism, which is actually great — metal is strong and doesn't warp. The cabinet part is usually still wood or wood composite.

The mechanism itself is the most important part. Look for heavy-duty gas springs with a good warranty. I've seen cheap spring mechanisms fail after a year of regular use. Quality gas spring replacement kits run $40-$80 if you ever need to swap them out. Buy on Amazon

Price Guide: How Much Should You Pay?

Let's be real — murphy beds aren't cheap. But you don't have to drop $3,000 to get a decent one.

Budget: $700 – $1,200

What you get: Particle board or low-quality plywood, basic spring mechanism, limited warranty.

I'd be cautious here. Read the reviews carefully, especially the 1-star reviews. Look for complaints about the mechanism failing or the sides bowing.

Mid-Range: $1,200 – $2,200

This is the sweet spot for most people. You get:

Plywood construction
Gas spring mechanism
Decent warranty (1-5 years)
Better finish options

Most of the popular brands fall in this range, and I think it's where you get the best value.

High-End: $2,200 – $5,000+

What you get: Solid wood, premium hardware, custom finishes, built-in storage (bookshelves, desks, dressers).

At this price point, you're paying for craftsmanship and design. These are the units that look like built-in cabinetry when closed.

To figure out exactly what fits in your space, a good stud finder and level are essential tools. I also recommend a stud finder because you'll need to anchor it properly — drywall alone won't hold the weight. A basic stud finder costs $10-$25. Buy on Amazon

Popular Brands: Who's Actually Good

I've researched way too many brands. Here are the ones that consistently come out on top:

1. Bestar

Price range: $1,000 – $2,500
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
Materials: Plywood with laminate finish

Bestar is one of the most popular brands on Amazon and Wayfair. They're not the cheapest, but they're consistently well-reviewed. The mechanism is solid, and their customer service actually responds. I've installed two of these for friends and both went together smoothly.

2. Wall Bed King

Price range: $1,500 – $3,000
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Materials: Solid wood and plywood options

Wall Bed King is a US-based company that makes high-quality kits and fully assembled units. Their hardware is industrial-grade — these are built to last. They're more expensive, but the 10-year warranty on the mechanism is reassuring.

3. The Container Store

Price range: $2,000 – $4,000+
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
Materials: Wood composite with premium finishes

The Container Store's murphy bed line is all about the aesthetic. Their units look like high-end built-ins. You pay for the design and the brand name, but the quality is there too.

4. IKEA (FYRESDAL)

Price range: $500 – $800
Sizes: Twin, Full
Materials: Particle board

IKEA's daybed/murphy bed hybrid is the budget option. It's not a true murphy bed (it's more of a pull-out couch), but it's popular for small spaces. The quality is what you'd expect from IKEA — fine for occasional use, not for daily sleeping.

Where to Buy: Online vs. Showroom

Online Retailers (Amazon, Wayfair, etc.)

Pros: Best prices, widest selection, easy to compare
Cons: Can't see it in person, shipping can be expensive, assembly is on you

I bought my first murphy bed (for a guest room) on Amazon. The price was good, the reviews were solid, and it arrived in about a week. Assembly took me and a friend about 4 hours.

Specialty Showrooms

Pros: See and test in person, professional installation available
Cons: More expensive, limited locations

If you're dropping $2,000+, I'd recommend seeing it in person first. The mechanism feel, the finish quality, how heavy it is to operate — these are things you can't judge from photos.

Big Box Stores

Pros: Easy returns, in-person pickup sometimes
Cons: Limited selection, hit-or-miss quality

Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's carry a few models, but the selection is pretty limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I install a murphy bed in a rental?

A: Yes, but you'll need to patch the holes when you leave. Most use 4-6 lag bolts into studs — the holes are easy to fill.

Q: How thick of a mattress can I use?

A: Most murphy beds accommodate 10-12" mattresses. Some premium models go up to 14". Measure before you buy.

Q: Do I need a special mattress?

A: Not necessarily, but memory foam works best because it stays in place when folded. Innerspring mattresses can shift and sag over time.

Q: How long does assembly take?

A: Plan for 3-6 hours with two people. Budget an extra hour if you're not handy.

Q: What's the weight limit?

A: Most queen size murphy beds hold 250-500 lbs. Check the specs — the mechanism is what determines the limit.

If you're shopping for a mattress to go with it, I recommend a queen memory foam mattress in the 10-12 inch range. It'll stay in place better than an innerspring and is usually more comfortable too. Good quality queen memory foam mattresses range from $300-$800. Buy on Amazon

Final Buying Advice

Here's what I tell my friends when they ask:

Measure twice, buy once. Map it out on your floor. Sit on the floor where the bed would open — is there enough room to walk around?
Don't skimp on the mechanism. The frame matters, but the springs/hydraulics are what fail first. Look for at least a 1-year warranty on the mechanism.
Consider used. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist often have barely-used murphy beds for 50-70% off. Just make sure the mechanism works before you haul it.
Factor in the mattress cost. A good memory foam mattress is $300-$800. It's not included with the bed.
Get help with assembly. You can technically do it alone, but having a second person makes it way easier and safer.

At the end of the day, the right murphy bed depends on your space, your budget, and how often you'll use it. For daily use in a studio, I'd spring for a mid-range queen model. For occasional guests in an office, a full or twin budget option is probably fine.

Whatever you get, anchor it to the studs. I can't say that enough.