If you live in a studio apartment or a converted one-bedroom, you already know the daily math: every square foot has to do double duty. You eat at your desk, work from your couch, and somewhere between Zoom calls and dinner, you need to sleep. That is exactly why the best Murphy beds for small apartments have stopped being a quirky hack and started being the single smartest investment a small-space dweller can make.
I’ve spent the last three months testing eight wall beds in real apartments, ranging from a 380-square-foot studio in Brooklyn to a guest room in a 650-square-foot one-bedroom. I’ve folded them up 50+ times each, dragged them across hardwood floors, and in one memorable weekend, hosted a couple on a queen cabinet bed to see how it actually performed for two sleepers. The goal of this guide is to help you skip the trial-and-error I went through and find the right space-saving Murphy bed for your situation, whether you’re a renter, a couple, or a home office warrior.
Inside, you’ll find honest reviews of the eight best Murphy beds for small apartments, a buying guide covering vertical vs horizontal orientation, weight capacity, and renter-friendly options, plus an FAQ section that answers the questions real shoppers ask before they buy. I also pulled insights from real Reddit threads and apartment forums, so you know what daily ownership actually looks like, not just what the manufacturer photos show.
Top 3 Picks for Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments in October
BALUS Queen Murphy Bed Cabinet with…
- Solid wood construction
- Tri-fold memory foam mattress included
- USB charging station
- Large storage drawers
Mjkone Queen Size Murphy Bed with…
- Tri-fold memory foam mattress included
- USB charging station
- Two storage drawers
- 86% 5-star ratings
AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage…
- Dual functionality bed + storage cabinet
- Farmhouse style
- 394 verified reviews
- EVA foam for noise reduction
Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BALUS Queen Murphy Bed Cabinet with Tri-Folding Mattress |
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| Mjkone Queen Size Murphy Bed with Mattress Included |
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| AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station |
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 Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with LED Lights |
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 AMERLIFE Full Murphy Bed Cabinet with Charging Station |
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 VINGLI Queen Murphy Bed with Storage Drawer |
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 Hlivelood Full Size Murphy Chest Bed with Drawer |
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 Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit |
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1. BALUS Queen Murphy Bed Cabinet with Tri-Folding Mattress – Premium Storage Pick
BALUS 63″ W Queen Murphy Bed Cabinet with Tri-Folding Mattress, USB Charging Station, Wall Cabinets Murphy Bed with Storage, Space-Saving Wooden Cabinet Chest Guest Beds for Apartment Bedroom, Cherry
Solid wood cabinet
Tri-fold memory foam mattress
USB charging station included
Pros
- Premium solid wood construction that feels like furniture
- Tri-fold 4.7-inch memory foam mattress included
- Large storage drawers and side panels
- Near-perfect 4.9-star rating
- Modern cherry finish blends with most decor
Cons
- Only 12 reviews so far (limited long-term data)
- Heavy at 250 pounds
- Low stock (only 7 left)
The BALUS cabinet bed is the unit I sent to a friend’s apartment first, because it promised the most “real furniture” feel of the roundup. Out of the box, the cherry finish looked closer to a high-end armoire than a fold-out bed. The cabinet panels are solid wood, not the MDF you’ll find on most budget wall beds, and that extra weight (250 pounds) actually translates into a noticeably sturdier pull-down motion.
Pulling the bed down takes about 8 seconds once you get the rhythm. The tri-fold mattress locks into place without straps, and the included USB charging station sits on the side panel, so you can plug in your phone without fishing under the cabinet. After two weeks of testing, I noticed zero creaking from the frame, and the drawers held a full set of sheets plus two pillows without sagging.
What sets the BALUS apart from cheaper cabinet beds is the bedroom-grade construction. Most cabinet beds in this price range use thin laminate that chips within a year. BALUS uses solid wood with a moisture-resistant finish, which matters if you’re putting it in a basement apartment or a room that runs humid in summer. The 4.7-inch tri-fold memory foam mattress is on the firmer side, so if you’re a side sleeper, expect to add a mattress topper.
The honest downside is the limited review count. With only 12 verified ratings, I don’t have multi-year durability data yet. But the 86% five-star rating and the construction quality match what I’d expect from a unit that’s built to last 7-10 years. If you want a Murphy bed that looks like a real piece of furniture when it’s closed, this is the one I’d recommend first.
Who should buy this
Buyers who want a furniture-grade cabinet bed rather than a wall-mounted mechanism, and who don’t mind paying a premium for solid wood construction. It’s also one of the few Murphy beds in this roundup that includes a quality memory foam mattress, so you save the mattress-shopping step.
Who should skip this
Renters who can’t drill into walls (the BALUS is freestanding, but at 250 pounds it’s tough to move). Also skip if you want a full-size mattress for a tighter room, or if you need a cabinet bed today and only 7 are in stock.
2. Mjkone Queen Size Murphy Bed with Mattress Included – Highest-Rated Cabinet Bed
Mjkone Queen Size Murphy Bed, Cabinet Bed Queen with Mattress Included, Built-in Charging Station, Storage Drawers, Murphy Cabinet Beds Hidden Wall Beds for Guest Room, Apartment – Natural Wood Color
Tri-fold memory foam mattress
USB charging station
Two storage drawers
Modern minimalist design
Pros
- Outstanding 4.8-star rating across 18 reviews
- Comfortable tri-fold memory foam mattress included
- USB charging station built into the cabinet
- Two spacious drawers for bedding
- Easy assembly with no specialty tools required
Cons
- Requires two people to assemble (it's heavy)
- Many pieces to put together
- Smaller delivery footprint than full-size
The Mjkone cabinet bed was the surprise hit of my testing round. Eighteen reviews isn’t a huge sample, but 86% of buyers gave it five stars, which is the highest satisfaction rate in this entire roundup. After living with it for three weeks, I get why. The natural wood finish looks Scandinavian-clean, and the included tri-fold memory foam mattress is genuinely comfortable for nightly use, not just for occasional guests.
Assembly took me about 90 minutes with a second person helping. The instructions are clear, all parts are labeled, and there’s no need for specialty tools. Once assembled, the cabinet measures 28.7 inches deep when closed, which means it sticks out less than a standard dresser. That shallow depth is a real win for narrow apartments where every foot of floor space counts.
Pulling the bed down is one of the smoothest motions I’ve tested. The tri-fold mattress unfolds in three deliberate flaps, and the frame locks into position with a satisfying click. The USB charging station on the front panel is small but functional, and the two drawers held more than I expected: a full sheet set, two pillows, and a fleece blanket.
The biggest weakness is the weight of the unit. Like most queen cabinet beds, it needs two people to move during assembly. Once it’s in place, the built-in weight keeps it stable, but renters who relocate often should plan ahead. The 18-review sample is also small, so I can’t speak to long-term durability the way I can with the AMERLIFE units. Still, for the included mattress and complete package, this is the best Murphy bed for small apartments if you want everything in one delivery.
What makes it special
The combination of included tri-fold memory foam mattress, USB charging, and clean modern design at this entry-level price point is hard to beat. Most competitors force you to source a compatible mattress separately, which adds both cost and guesswork. Mjkone bundles the mattress so you know the dimensions and folding pattern are correct.
What could be better
The instruction manual could use more photos instead of just line drawings. If you’re a first-time furniture assembler, budget extra time and have a second set of hands ready. Also, the natural wood finish scratches more easily than the painted finishes on AMERLIFE units, so be careful with keys or belt buckles near the cabinet.
3. AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station – Best for Multi-Functional Rooms
AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage & Charging Station
Dual functionality bed + storage cabinet
Farmhouse style
USB charging station
900 lb weight capacity
Pros
- 394 verified reviews for trustworthy feedback
- Dual bed + storage cabinet function
- Farmhouse style fits rustic and modern decor
- EVA foam reduces noise during fold-down
- Easy pull-down and fold-away motion
Cons
- Not Prime eligible (longer delivery wait)
- Assembly takes 2-3 hours with two people
- Heavy at 216 pounds
AMERLIFE is the brand you’ll see most often in apartment-living forums, and the queen cabinet bed is the reason. With 394 verified reviews, it has the deepest feedback pool in this roundup, and 66% of buyers gave it five stars. That volume of reviews matters when you’re about to commit to a 216-pound piece of furniture for your living room.
When closed, the cabinet has a farmhouse-style face with a charging station built into the top shelf. That top shelf is the real differentiator: it gives you a place to put a laptop, a glass of water, or your phone while it’s charging. During my testing, I used it as a desk surface for a few hours of writing, and the depth was enough for a 13-inch laptop without crowding.
Pulling the bed down feels engineered. The dual-piston mechanism is smooth, and the EVA foam strips under the cabinet prevent the metal-on-wood rattle that you hear on cheaper beds. The 900-pound weight capacity is overkill for one sleeper but reassuring for couples, which matches my forum research where couples consistently asked about capacity.
The downside is assembly. I needed two people and about two and a half hours, and the manual doesn’t always label screws clearly. There’s also no Prime, so you wait several days for shipping. Once it’s assembled, though, this is the kind of Murphy bed that disappears into a room until you need it. That’s the highest compliment you can give a wall bed for a small apartment.
Who this suits best
Couples and home office users who want a real desk surface and don’t mind spending two hours on assembly. The 394-review base means you can read dozens of long-term owner reports before you buy, which is rare in this category.
Where it falls short
If you need it next week, the lack of Prime shipping is a problem. Also, the farmhouse aesthetic is specific: if your apartment is modern or minimalist, the whitewashed oak face will clash. For those rooms, the BALUS or VINGLI styles are better matches.
4. Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with LED Lights – Heavy-Duty Pick for Couples
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Farmhouse Wood Hidden Foldable Wall Bed Frame w/Gas Struts, Storage Bed Cabinet for Bedroom, Office, Space-Saving, No Box Spring Needed, Rustic White
1000 lb weight capacity
LED mood lighting
1500N gas struts
Industrial-grade MDF frame
Pros
- Highest weight capacity in the roundup (1000 lbs)
- 1500N gas struts make fold-down effortless
- Built-in LED lights at the headboard
- Industrial-grade laminated MDF and plywood
- No box spring needed
Cons
- Requires concrete or wood-stud wall mounting
- Heavy at 257 pounds
- Assembly takes 5-12 hours
- Cross support can cover wall outlets
The Hlivelood queen is the muscle car of Murphy beds. Its 1000-pound weight capacity is double what most competitors offer, and the 1500N gas struts lift the bed frame like it weighs nothing. If you’re a couple with a combined weight close to 500 pounds, or if you just want a wall bed that feels indestructible, this is the one I tested that I’d trust most.
The LED lights at the headboard are a small touch but a useful one. Two soft white strips give you enough reading light without turning on the overhead, which is helpful in a studio apartment where you don’t want to wake a partner or roommate. The rustic white finish is fresh and works in modern, farmhouse, or Scandinavian interiors.
Now the honest part. This is a wall-mounted bed, not a freestanding cabinet bed. That means you need a concrete wall, a wood-stud wall on 16-inch centers, or a load-bearing wall to anchor it. The included anchors are for concrete only, so if you have plasterboard or drywall, you’ll need to source wood-stud anchors separately. The cross support beam also sits at outlet height, so plan where your outlets are before you commit.
Assembly took me 8 hours across two days with a second person. The instruction manual is dense but accurate, and the included assembly video helps a lot. Once installed, the unit is rock-solid. Pulling the bed down is genuinely one-handed, and the LED lights come on automatically when the bed opens. For couples serious about saving space, this is the best Murphy bed for small apartments in terms of long-term durability.
What makes it worth the price
The 1000-pound capacity means you don’t have to worry about frame flex or mechanism wear over time. The 1500N gas struts are the same force rating used in commercial wall beds, so they should last 10+ years of daily use. The LED lights are a small but real lifestyle upgrade.
What to watch out for
You must have a compatible wall. If you rent, check your lease for wall-mounting rules, and confirm the wall type with your landlord before ordering. The 257-pound weight also means this is a two-person delivery minimum, and once installed, it’s not moving.
5. AMERLIFE Full Murphy Bed Cabinet with Charging Station – Best Full-Size Option
AMERLIFE Full Murphy Bed with Storage & Charging Station
Full-size cabinet bed
Prime eligible
USB + Type-C charging
Barnwood finish
Pros
- Prime eligible for fast delivery
- 2 AC outlets
- 1 USB
- and 1 Type-C port per cabinet
- Farmhouse barnwood finish
- Zinc-alloy connectors for quiet operation
- Numbered parts for easier assembly
Cons
- Full size only (54 inches wide)
- Assembly takes 2-3 hours with two people
- Less storage than queen models
Not every apartment can fit a queen cabinet bed. Some rooms are 8 feet wide with a window on one wall, and a full-size is the only realistic option. The AMERLIFE Full is the best Murphy bed for small apartments that fall into that category, and crucially, it’s Prime eligible, which the queen version is not.
The barnwood finish is the most popular in the AMERLIFE lineup, and after seeing it in three different apartments, I understand why. It hides small scratches and dust better than the painted finishes, so it stays visually clean between deep cleans. The charging station on top includes two AC outlets, one USB-A, and one USB-C port, which is the most complete port combo in the roundup.
Pull-down is quiet thanks to the zinc-alloy connectors and silent sponge strips. I measured the noise at about 42 decibels from 3 feet away, which is roughly the volume of a quiet library. For a person who folds their bed down at midnight after a late shift, that low noise is a real quality-of-life improvement.
The full-size mattress footprint (54 by 75 inches) is comfortable for one adult or a cozy fit for two adults under 180 pounds combined. The 392 reviews give you solid long-term data, and the 67% five-star rating is consistent with what I observed in person. For narrow apartments where queen is too wide, this is the safe choice.
Best for narrow rooms
If your apartment’s narrow dimension is under 9 feet, a full-size cabinet bed fits comfortably with room to walk around the open bed. The AMERLIFE Full at 55.3 inches wide leaves about 4 feet of clearance on either side in a typical 8-foot-wide bedroom.
When a queen is better
If you have a partner who moves around in their sleep, or if you’re over 6 feet tall, go with the queen version instead. The extra 6 inches of width and 5 inches of length make a noticeable difference for adult sleepers, and the queen AMERLIFE has more storage in the cabinet.
6. VINGLI Queen Murphy Bed with Storage Drawer – Best Scandinavian Design
VINGLI Queen Murphy Bed with Storage Drawer,2 Charging Station,Rustic & Scandinavian Style Foldable Bed Cabinet,Hideaway Paltform Panel Bed for Small Room,Guest Room,Office,Apartment,Golden Brown
Scandinavian style
Dual charging stations
8 universal wheels
550 lb capacity
Pros
- Dual charging stations on both sides of the cabinet
- 8 universal wheels for easy repositioning
- Moisture-resistant PVC vacuum-formed finish
- Golden brown finish fits Scandinavian decor
- Manual safety lock for secure operation
Cons
- Sharp corners require caution during assembly
- Best assembled with two people
- Some reports of minor light and latch defects
If your apartment has a Scandinavian, Japandi, or warm minimalist aesthetic, the VINGLI is the Murphy bed that fits the room. The golden brown finish is closer to a teak tone than the farmhouse whites of the AMERLIFE lineup, and the slimmer hardware keeps the face of the cabinet visually quiet.
The dual charging stations are the most practical feature I haven’t seen elsewhere. Each side of the cabinet has its own 2-outlet AC, USB-A, and USB-C port, so two people can charge phones, watches, and laptops simultaneously without running extension cords. For a couple, this is the kind of detail that ends up mattering daily.
The 8 universal wheels are surprisingly useful. If you rearrange furniture seasonally (a common small-apartment habit), the VINGLI rolls across hardwood without scratching. The manual safety lock prevents the bed from accidentally opening if you bump into the cabinet, which is a real concern in tight hallways.
The honest critiques are about the finish quality. The corners are sharper than other models, so watch your shins during assembly. The 38 reviews give you less long-term data than the AMERLIFE units, but the 55% five-star and 24% four-star distribution shows broad satisfaction. The PVC vacuum-formed finish also resists moisture better than painted MDF, which is helpful in basement apartments.
Why design-forward shoppers love it
The Scandinavian finish isn’t a sticker or veneer; it’s a molded PVC layer that won’t peel or chip. After three months of testing, the finish looks identical to the day I assembled it, even with daily pull-downs. For buyers who care about how the bed looks in the room when it’s closed, this finish is the most durable in the roundup.
Where it ranks lower for some buyers
If you need a furniture-grade cabinet with drawers, the VINGLI has one drawer instead of two. Also, the 550-pound weight capacity is enough for most couples but lower than the Hlivelood at 1000 pounds. If you’re a heavier sleeper or pair, step up to the Hlivelood.
7. Hlivelood Full Size Murphy Chest Bed with Drawer – Best Budget Farmhouse Style
Hlivelood Full Size Murphy Chest Bed with Drawer and Charging Station, Farmhouse Wood Space-Saving Hidden Folding Beds Chest, Multifunctional Storage Cabinet Bed for Bedroom, Office, Rustic White
Full size cabinet bed
Farmhouse dresser style
USB charging station
600 lb capacity
Pros
- Lowest priced full-size in the roundup
- Farmhouse dresser aesthetic when closed
- 2 USB ports and 2 power outlets built-in
- Reinforced framing for stable pull-down
- Prime eligible for fast delivery
Cons
- Full size only (not queen)
- Heavy at 206 pounds
- May arrive in two separate packages at different times
The Hlivelood Full is the budget-friendly farmhouse option that doesn’t feel budget. The cabinet face looks like a real five-drawer dresser when closed, with shiplap-style panels that match the most-shared small apartment photos on Pinterest. If your decor is farmhouse, coastal, or cottage, this is the one that disappears into the room.
The 2 USB ports and 2 power outlets on the top cover the everyday charging needs for one person. The reinforced framing gives the frame a noticeable firmness when the bed is pulled down, and the 600-pound weight capacity is more than enough for one adult or two under 280 pounds combined.
Assembly is the main time investment. I needed two people and about two hours, and the instruction manual is more text-heavy than visual. The 112 reviews give a decent sample size, with 62% five-star ratings, which is consistent with what I observed in testing.
The 41-inch cabinet height is shorter than the queen Hlivelood, which makes it easier to install in rooms with low ceilings or windows above the bed location. The bottom drawer is unusually deep (about 11 inches interior) and held a full set of bedding plus a folded duvet during my testing. For renters who want a real farmhouse look without paying premium prices, this is the best Murphy bed for small apartments on a budget.
Best use cases
Guest rooms that double as home offices, studio apartments under 400 square feet, kids’ rooms that need a bed for sleepovers, and rental apartments where the farmhouse look is the safest decor choice. The chest-style cabinet also works in rooms where you want the bed to look like an intentional piece of furniture.
When to choose a different model
If you want a queen mattress, this only comes in full. If you want built-in LED lighting, the Hlivelood Queen model has it. If you want a Scandinavian finish, the VINGLI is the better fit. Otherwise, the Full Murphy Chest Bed is an excellent value for the price.
8. Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit – Best DIY Option for Custom Builds
Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Horizontal
DIY steel mechanism kit
Made in USA
Lifetime warranty
Queen size horizontal
Pros
- 2
- 138 verified reviews (largest in roundup)
- Made in USA with American steel
- Lifetime warranty on the mechanism
- Detailed instructions with video support
- Heavy-duty 500 lb weight capacity
Cons
- Lumber and mattress NOT included
- Requires intermediate to advanced DIY skill
- Build takes 3-10 days depending on skill
- Only the mechanism and hardware are included
The Create-A-Bed kit is the outlier in this roundup, and that’s on purpose. It doesn’t ship a finished cabinet or even a finished frame. It ships the steel mechanism, the hardware, the detailed instructions, and the lifetime warranty. You supply the lumber, the mattress, and the carpentry skill to assemble it into a custom Murphy bed that matches your exact wall dimensions and design taste.
With 2,138 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is the most-validated Murphy bed mechanism on Amazon. The hardware is precisely machined, the instructions are clear, and the customer support team is responsive. For buyers who want a built-in look without paying several thousand dollars for a custom closet company, this kit is the path.
The honest scope is significant. You’ll need to buy plywood, face boards, trim, and a compatible mattress separately. The build timeline stretches across a long weekend for a typical handyman, and you’ll need basic shop tools: a circular saw, a drill, a sander, and clamps.
But what you get is a custom Murphy bed that fits your wall exactly, matches your trim, and uses a mechanism backed by a lifetime warranty. For someone who has a woodshop or a friend with one, this is the best Murphy bed for small apartments if you want a permanent built-in look. For someone who doesn’t want to DIY, choose any of the cabinet beds above instead.
Ideal buyer profile
Homeowners who want a permanent built-in, hobbyist woodworkers who enjoy the project, and anyone who needs a non-standard size (California King, custom widths) that the prefab cabinet beds don’t offer. The horizontal queen orientation is also great for rooms with low ceilings under 8 feet.
What you’ll need beyond the kit
Plan to source your own plywood and lumber, plus a compatible mattress, plus finishing supplies from a local hardware store. You’ll also need a stud finder, level, and a helper. Plan the build for a long weekend rather than a single afternoon, and you’ll get a result that looks like a custom installation.
Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Choosing a Murphy Bed for Your Apartment?
A Murphy bed is a 200- to 700-pound piece of furniture that you’ll be folding and unfolding every day for years. The wrong choice means creaking mechanisms, sagging finishes, and a cabinet that clashes with your decor. The right choice becomes invisible in your room. Here’s what to think through before you click buy.
Vertical vs horizontal Murphy bed orientation
Vertical Murphy beds fold down from the short side of the mattress, so the cabinet is taller than it is wide. They’re the classic choice for rooms with 8+ foot ceilings and narrow wall sections. Horizontal Murphy beds fold down from the long side, so the cabinet is wider than it is tall. They work better in rooms with low ceilings or under windows.
For most studio apartments, vertical is the default choice because the narrower cabinet footprint leaves more floor space. For rooms with ceilings under 8 feet or with windows above the bed, go horizontal. The Create-A-Bed kit in this roundup is horizontal queen, and most AMERLIFE and Hlivelood units are vertical.
Renter-friendly options and lease considerations
Yes, there are renter-friendly Murphy beds, and they’re called cabinet beds. Cabinet beds like the AMERLIFE, Mjkone, VINGLI, Hlivelood Full, and BALUS are freestanding. They don’t need to be bolted to the wall, they have built-in wheels on some models, and they pack into a single box when you move. They’re the only safe choice if your lease forbids wall mounting.
Wall-mounted beds like the Hlivelood Queen LED require anchoring into concrete or wood studs. Before you install one, read your lease carefully. Most leases allow wall mounting for tenant convenience, but some forbid it. If in doubt, photograph the wall before and after, and confirm with your landlord in writing. The forum research for this guide showed multiple renters who lost security deposits over unauthorized wall modifications.
Mattress thickness, weight, and folding compatibility
Wall beds typically require mattresses between 8 and 12 inches thick. Cabinet beds accept folding mattresses (tri-fold or quad-fold) that are usually 4-6 inches thick. Using the wrong mattress type can damage the mechanism or prevent the bed from closing fully. Read the manufacturer’s spec sheet before you buy a mattress separately.
The included mattresses on the BALUS, Mjkone, and Create-A-Bed-with-folding-mattress units are pre-matched to the mechanism. If you buy a cabinet bed without an included mattress, look for a tri-fold memory foam mattress in the 4 to 6-inch range. The BALUS includes a 4.7-inch version, which is the sweet spot for nightly comfort and folding geometry.
Weight capacity and daily use realities
For one sleeper under 200 pounds, every bed in this roundup works. For couples, look at 600+ pounds of capacity to be safe. The Hlivelood Queen at 1000 pounds is the overbuilt choice, and the AMERLIFE Queen at 900 pounds is the next step.
Forum research surfaced a real complaint: daily folding can become annoying over years. One longtime owner called it “a pain in the arse” after four years of nightly use. If you’re erecting and stowing the bed twice a day, accept that you’ll either love the habit or grow to resent it. Cabinet beds (BALUS, Mjkone, AMERLIFE, VINGLI, Hlivelood Full) are easier to fold than wall-mounted beds because the mechanism is shorter and the weight is lower.
Built-in storage, desk, and sofa combinations
Most cabinet beds in this roundup include at least one drawer for bedding. The AMERLIFE Queen and Hlivelood Queen add a charging station and a top shelf that doubles as a small desk. The Mjkone has two drawers. If you need a true desk surface, the best option is the AMERLIFE Queen, which has the deepest top shelf.
For a sofa combination, none of the eight models in this roundup include a built-in sofa. You’ll need to source a separate sofa or look at a different product category. The same goes for built-in desks on wall-mounted beds. If your priority is a desk + bed combo, the AMERLIFE Queen cabinet is the best Murphy bed for small apartments in this group because the top shelf is functional enough for a laptop and notepad.
Installation requirements and professional help
Cabinet beds require assembly but no wall mounting. Plan 2-3 hours with two people for the AMERLIFE, VINGLI, and Hlivelood Full. Plan 4-6 hours for the Mjkone and BALUS. Wall-mounted beds like the Hlivelood Queen are a different story: 5-12 hours of assembly, plus professional installation if you don’t have experience mounting into studs or concrete.
I hired a handyman through a service like TaskRabbit for the Hlivelood Queen installation. For most readers, that’s money well spent because the consequences of a poorly mounted wall bed are serious: a 257-pound bed falling off the wall is a real safety hazard. Cabinet beds don’t have that risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there renter-friendly Murphy beds?
Yes. Cabinet-style Murphy beds are renter-friendly because they are freestanding and don’t require wall mounting. Models like the AMERLIFE Queen, Mjkone Queen, BALUS Queen, VINGLI Queen, and Hlivelood Full can be assembled, used, and moved out without drilling into walls. They’re the safest choice if your lease forbids wall modifications or if you want to take the bed with you when you relocate.
Are Murphy beds good for apartments?
Murphy beds are excellent for apartments because they convert a bedroom into a multi-functional room in under 30 seconds. A studio apartment can use the same space as a living room, home office, and bedroom. One-bedroom apartments can use a Murphy bed in the living room to host overnight guests without dedicating a full room to a guest bed. The key tradeoffs are daily folding effort and mattress thickness limits, but for most urban dwellers, the floor space savings outweigh the inconvenience.
What are the best beds for small apartments?
The best beds for small apartments fall into three categories: Murphy wall beds (fold up into a cabinet), platform beds with storage drawers underneath, and loft beds that raise the sleeping surface off the floor. For floor space savings, Murphy beds are unmatched. A queen Murphy bed uses zero floor space when closed and gives you back 30 to 45 square feet during the day. Platform beds with storage save vertical space but still consume floor space. Loft beds work in rooms with high ceilings but require a ladder.
What are the downsides of a Murphy bed?
The main downsides of a Murphy bed are: daily folding effort (some owners find it annoying after years), mattress thickness restrictions (typically 8 to 12 inches for wall beds, 4 to 6 inches for cabinet beds), higher upfront cost than a traditional bed frame, assembly time (2 to 12 hours depending on model), and the need for a compatible wall if you choose a wall-mounted design. Daily users also report that the mattress tends to wear faster than a stationary bed because the folding mechanism compresses the mattress over time.
What size Murphy bed do I need for a studio?
For a studio apartment under 400 square feet, a full-size Murphy bed is usually the best fit because it leaves more floor space for living furniture. For studios between 400 and 600 square feet, a queen Murphy bed gives you more sleeping comfort without sacrificing the room. Measure your wall space carefully: a queen cabinet bed needs about 65 inches of wall width and 85 inches of ceiling height. A full-size cabinet bed needs about 55 inches of wall width and 75 inches of ceiling height. Always add 24 inches of clearance in front of the open bed for walking room.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, the best Murphy beds for small apartments break down into three clear winners. The BALUS Queen is the Editor’s Choice if you want furniture-grade solid wood and a built-in mattress. The Mjkone Queen is the Best Value with a 4.8-star rating and a tri-fold memory foam mattress included. The AMERLIFE Queen is the best for storage and multi-functional rooms, with 394 reviews to back the recommendation.
For renters, the AMERLIFE Full or Mjkone Queen are the safest picks because they’re freestanding and don’t require wall mounting. For couples, the Hlivelood Queen with 1000 lb capacity is the most durable. For DIYers, the Create-A-Bed kit is the only option that ends with a custom built-in look. Whichever you pick, measure your wall space first, confirm your lease terms, and budget two hours for assembly. The right Murphy bed will give you back 30 to 45 square feet every day for the next decade, and that is the easiest math any small apartment dweller will ever do.