# Murphy bed ideas: Maximize style in a small space

A little extra space never hurt anybody, especially in rooms that are more than just a bedroom. Getting creative with your storage opens up a world of potential new design choices — like pulling a bed out of thin air. Murphy beds make space for the rest of your life when you or your guests aren’t sleeping.

Not sure how to style a Murphy bed in a guest room, home office, or studio apartment? Read on for Murphy bed ideas that make sense for your design aesthetic and daily routine.

## What’s a Murphy bed, and how does it work?

A Murphy bed is a hinged bed that folds up into a closet or cabinet unit against a wall. Most modern Murphy beds use pistons or spring systems, making them easy to take out and put away. They’re comfortable space-saving solutions for cramped floor plans, and often include built-in desks, shelves, or other smart features to make the most of square footage.

## 12 Murphy bed designs to transform any room

From a guest room that doubles as a home gym to a studio apartment that does it all, there are many ways to squeeze hidden beds in small spaces for any [interior design style](https://onton.com/blog/bedroom-interior-design).

1. ### The home office hybrid

A [home office](https://onton.com/blog/home-office-ideas) needs to stay functional during the day, but that doesn’t mean it should feel like a cubicle after hours. A Murphy bed with a desk shifts gears so you don’t feel like you’re on the clock 24/7, even in a [small bedroom-office combo](https://onton.com/blog/small-bedroom-office-combo-ideas).

A desk is a natural extension in a modern home office with a Murphy bed, especially one with a built-in storage unit for [extra linens](https://onton.com/?text=linens), files, and office supplies.

2. ### The living room library

A living room should feel, well, livable — even when it doubles as a guest room or sleeping area in a studio apartment. Some Murphy bed designs revolve for a mounted television or artwork on the exterior panel.

Look for finishes that match the rest of the furniture, like a light wood finish that pairs perfectly with the legs of an armchair and top of a [coffee table](https://onton.com/?text=mid-century+coffee+table) in a [mid-century modern](https://onton.com/blog/mid-century-modern-design) space.

3. ### The hidden storage haven

A Murphy bed fits cleanly into a wall full of sleek cabinetry, with plenty of space for [extra bedding](https://onton.com/?text=bedding), off-season clothes, or whatever doesn’t fit elsewhere.

4. ### The horizontal fold-out

Not every room has enough space to unfold a bed. A horizontal Murphy bed folds out sideways to leave more open floor and fewer layout compromises.

5. ### The sofa combo

A Murphy bed with a sofa works well in guest rooms that double as media rooms or libraries where you want a comfortable place to sit.

6. ### The minimalist panel

Whatever ideas you might have for your temporary sleeping place, your Murphy bed should fit with the rest of your interior design. Murphy beds in soft neutral colors with little-to-no decorative twists on a panel are flexible enough to match most styles.

7. ### The double-duty bunk beds

Great for shared kids’ rooms, vacation homes, or hosting multiple guests in a small space, bunk-style Murphy beds double the sleeping capacity.

8. ### The wardrobe illusion

For short walls in small spaces, a Murphy bed that blends into a [full-height wardrobe](https://onton.com/?text=tall+wardrobe) — which functions as real storage — is a smart idea.

9. ### The built-in niche

At first glance, it might look like another set of built-in cabinets and bookshelves in a traditional living room style. But behind the paneling is a twin Murphy bed that folds down when you have a last-minute guest.

10. ### The upholstered interior

Murphy beds might be utility furniture, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. Padded panels on the interior create a headboard effect when the bed is down.

11. ### The colorful statement piece

Murphy beds can pack a punch in maximalist bedrooms without taking up too much space.

12. ### The rustic charm

If your home is more like a rustic cottage than a sleek city apartment, a standard paneled Murphy bed could break the rhythm.

## FAQ

### Can I DIY a Murphy bed?

With the right tools, you can — but it’s not a project for beginners. Securing a Murphy bed to the wall requires some carpentry skills.

### What are the downsides of a Murphy bed?

Murphy beds still take up floor space when in use, leaving little room for coffee tables, armchairs, or exercise equipment.

### What's more comfortable: a sleeper sofa or a Murphy bed?

Murphy beds use real mattresses over a bed frame, not a foldable mattress over a metal bar. If comfort is your priority and you have the wall space, a Murphy bed is probably the better choice.