Are you trying to figure out whether a Murphy bed will fit your room and which size is best for your needs?
What Are The Standard Dimensions Of A Murphy Bed?
You probably already know that a Murphy bed (also called a wall bed or pull-down bed) saves space by folding into a cabinet or wall when not in use. The “standard dimensions” for Murphy beds depend mainly on mattress size, orientation (vertical vs horizontal), cabinet depth, and the hardware used, so you’ll want to measure and plan carefully before you buy or build one.
What is a Murphy bed and why dimensions matter
A Murphy bed is a full-size sleeping surface that folds into a vertical or horizontal cabinet, and it uses a mechanism to make lowering and raising the mattress easy. Knowing dimensions matters because the cabinet and clearance requirements affect the room layout, installation method, and comfort when the bed is in use.
Murphy Bed Orientations: Vertical vs Horizontal
You should pick an orientation based primarily on wall height, wall width, and how you want the bed to open. Vertical (also called wall bed) stands upright and folds down with the head against the wall; horizontal (also called lateral) folds down leaving the head at one side of the cabinet.
Orientation affects cabinet dimensions and the area that must be free during operation. Vertical beds require taller cabinet height but typically narrower width, while horizontal beds require a wider cabinet but less height.
Vertical Murphy bed basics
With a vertical Murphy bed the cabinet height must accommodate the mattress length plus the mechanism and any headboard. This orientation is ideal when you have limited wall width but good ceiling height.
Vertical cabinets tend to be deeper than the mattress thickness due to hardware and sometimes integrated shelving, so you’ll want to check depth specifications carefully.
Horizontal Murphy bed basics
A horizontal Murphy bed runs with the mattress rotating out parallel to the floor with the head on the side. It’s a good choice when wall height is limited but you have a long horizontal run.
Horizontal beds usually have cabinet heights that are roughly keyed to mattress width, which can make them easier to fit under lower ceilings.
Standard Mattress Sizes Used in Murphy Beds
You should start by selecting the mattress size you want, because all cabinet and room measurements are tied to the mattress dimensions. The most common mattress sizes used in Murphy beds are Twin, Twin XL, Full (Double), Queen, King, and California King.
Below are standard mattress sizes that you’ll typically plan around:
| Mattress Size | Mattress Width (in) | Mattress Length (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 | 75 |
| Twin XL | 38 | 80 |
| Full (Double) | 54 | 75 |
| Queen | 60 | 80 |
| King | 76 | 80 |
| California King | 72 | 84 |
You should decide whether you need extra length (Twin XL or Cal King) based on your height and comfort preferences.
Typical Cabinet (Closed) Dimensions by Mattress Size
You’ll find that manufacturers and builders quote cabinet dimensions in ranges rather than single numbers because hardware, mattress thickness, and trim vary. Below you’ll find approximate closed cabinet widths, heights, and depths for both vertical and horizontal orientations. These values are for guidance and should be confirmed with the specific product or builder.
| Mattress Size | Orientation | Typical Closed Cabinet Width (in) | Typical Closed Cabinet Height (in) | Typical Closed Cabinet Depth (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin (38×75) | Vertical | 42–46 | 78–84 | 14–20 |
| Twin (38×75) | Horizontal | 78–86 | 40–46 | 14–20 |
| Twin XL (38×80) | Vertical | 42–46 | 83–88 | 14–20 |
| Twin XL (38×80) | Horizontal | 82–90 | 40–46 | 14–20 |
| Full (54×75) | Vertical | 58–62 | 78–84 | 14–22 |
| Full (54×75) | Horizontal | 78–90 | 56–62 | 14–22 |
| Queen (60×80) | Vertical | 64–68 | 83–88 | 15–22 |
| Queen (60×80) | Horizontal | 82–92 | 62–68 | 15–24 |
| King (76×80) | Vertical | 82–88 | 83–88 | 16–24 |
| King (76×80) | Horizontal | 82–96 | 78–84 | 16–24 |
| Cal King (72×84) | Vertical | 78–84 | 87–92 | 16–24 |
| Cal King (72×84) | Horizontal | 86–96 | 74–80 | 16–24 |
These are approximate ranges. You should measure your mattress thickness and any bed frame or headboard details because the cabinet must accommodate the total mattress assembly.
How to calculate cabinet dimensions yourself
If you prefer to calculate rather than rely on ranges, use these quick rules:
- For a vertical cabinet: closed cabinet height ≈ mattress length + 3–8 inches to allow for mechanism and headboard/footboard. Closed cabinet width ≈ mattress width + 2–8 inches. Depth ≈ mattress thickness + 8–12 inches (to allow for mechanism and clearance).
- For a horizontal cabinet: closed cabinet height ≈ mattress width + 3–8 inches. Closed cabinet width ≈ mattress length + 2–8 inches. Depth ≈ mattress thickness + 8–12 inches.
You should add trim, handles, and finish panel thickness to your overall outer dimensions if you are installing flush with walls or need a specific finish look.
Depth and Mattress Thickness Considerations
You’ll want to choose a mattress thickness that fits your cabinet depth and gives comfortable sleep. Most Murphy bed mechanisms are designed for low- to medium-profile mattresses.
Typical constraints and recommendations:
- Standard mechanism capacity: mattresses up to about 10–14 inches thick. Thicker mattresses may not fold or may protrude.
- Recommended for comfort and fit: 8–12 inches for memory foam or hybrid mattresses.
- If you prefer a thick pillow-top mattress, you should confirm cabinet depth and mechanism compatibility before purchase.
Why mattress thickness matters
Thicker mattresses require deeper cabinets and can increase the leverage and stress on the mechanism. You should match mattress thickness to the hardware rating and check whether the manufacturer provides a “suitable mattress” guide.
Clearance When Lowering the Bed
You need to plan the operating clearance — the unobstructed space required when the bed is opened. The clearance depends on orientation and mattress length/width.
Typical clearance rules:
- For a vertical bed, you need floor clearance equal to mattress length plus a small clearance for footboard or frames. For a queen (80″ mattress), you should plan for about 80–85 inches of clear floor space in front of the cabinet.
- For a horizontal bed, you’ll need clear floor width equal to mattress width plus clearance for walking space and any furniture you want near the foot or side.
Below is a simple reference table for approximate open-bed floor clearance and footprint for common sizes in the vertical orientation.
| Mattress Size | Floor Clearance Needed (in) — Vertical | Footprint Width (in) — Cabinet Width |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 75–80 | 42–46 |
| Twin XL | 80–85 | 42–46 |
| Full | 75–80 | 58–62 |
| Queen | 80–85 | 64–68 |
| King | 80–85 | 82–88 |
| Cal King | 84–88 | 78–84 |
You should also allow 6–12 inches of walking clearance around the lowered bed for comfortable access, and more if you plan to have bedside tables when the bed is down.
Ceiling height and overhead clearance
Make sure your ceiling height gives you enough room to stand at the head of the bed in vertical installations. For vertical queen beds, cabinet height can be around 83–88 inches, so a standard 8-foot (96-inch) ceiling usually works, but trim and molding may reduce usable height. Taller ceilings give more flexibility for integrated storage or shelving above the cabinet.
Recommended Room Sizes for Each Murphy Bed Type
Before you commit, you should ensure the room has enough open floor area for the bed and room circulation. Below are recommended minimum room sizes for comfortable use for both orientations. These recommendations assume you want to maintain some walking and furniture space.
| Mattress Size | Orientation | Recommended Minimum Room Dimensions (W × L in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | Vertical | 8′ × 9′ (96″ × 108″) | Small bedrooms, guest rooms, or offices converted to sleeping areas. |
| Twin XL | Vertical | 8′ × 9½’ (96″ × 114″) | Good for taller users or narrow rooms. |
| Full | Vertical | 9′ × 10′ (108″ × 120″) | Works well for small guest rooms with minimal furniture. |
| Queen | Vertical | 10′ × 11′ (120″ × 132″) | Most common size; allows some side storage or small nightstands. |
| King/Cal King | Vertical | 11′ × 12′ (132″ × 144″) | Requires a larger room for comfortable circulation. |
| Queen | Horizontal | 10′ × 11′ (120″ × 132″) | Consider which wall will accommodate the wider cabinet height. |
| King | Horizontal | 11′ × 12′ (132″ × 144″) | Horizontal king demands a wide wall with lower ceiling needs. |
You should treat these as guidelines; your own furniture layout and traffic patterns will determine exact needs.
Hardware, Mounting, and Safety Requirements
You should be mindful of the type of hardware and how the bed is mounted. Murphy beds exert strong leverage on the wall, so proper anchoring is critical.
Key installation tips:
- Always mount to studs or reinforced blocking. Drywall anchors alone are not acceptable for long-term safety.
- Use lag bolts into studs or consult with a professional installer if studs are not properly placed for the chosen unit.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for ceiling or floor anchoring if required by your local building codes or the hardware specification.
Safety features to look for
Check for:
- Safety latches or locks to prevent accidental closing.
- Soft-close or gas-strut assisted lowering to avoid sudden drops.
- Mechanisms rated for the mattress weight plus occupants.
You should also ask the seller for the hardware’s maximum supported mattress thickness and weight rating.
Built-In Storage and Cabinetry Options
You might want integrated storage, which many Murphy bed units offer as shelving, wardrobes, or overhead cabinets. These affect cabinet dimensions and how the unit sits flush with your wall.
Considerations when adding storage:
- Shelves and wardrobes add to the overall cabinet width and height. You should plan for additional depth if you want walk-in storage behind or beside the bed.
- The weight of cabinetry and stored items increases the wall loading, so ensure a robust mounting plan.
Common storage configurations
You’ll typically see:
- Flanking cabinets (shelves or wardrobes on either side of the bed).
- Overhead cabinets above a vertical bed.
- Fold-out desks paired with hybrid wall beds for office-sleep conversions.
You should measure carefully so that storage elements do not interfere with the bed’s movement when opening or closing.
Choosing the Right Mattress for a Murphy Bed
You’ll want a mattress that provides comfort without exceeding the mechanism limits. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are popular choices because they are lighter and can be thinner while remaining comfortable.
Guidelines:
- Choose a mattress thickness compatible with the cabinet depth (commonly 8–12 inches).
- Lighter mattresses reduce stress on the mechanism and make operation easier.
- Avoid very heavy coil mattresses unless your mechanism is rated for the weight.
You should also consider mattress airflow; some cabinets are more enclosed and require breathable mattress materials to reduce moisture buildup.
Pros and Cons of Standard Sizes
You should weigh the pros and cons of each standard size based on your needs and the room footprint.
Pros:
- Twin/Twin XL: maximize space efficiency, great for small guest rooms or kids.
- Full: balance between footprint and sleeping space for single sleepers.
- Queen: best compromise for couples and most common choice.
- King/Cal King: ultimate comfort but demand larger rooms and cabinet sizes.
Cons:
- Larger mattresses need significantly larger cabinets and rooms.
- Thicker mattresses can limit cabinet choices or require custom cabinets.
- King-size mechanisms and cabinetry are heavier and more costly.
You should prioritize the right size for daily use versus occasional guests.
Custom and Non-Standard Murphy Bed Options
If standard sizes don’t fit your needs, you should consider custom Murphy beds. Custom cabinets can be built to odd mattress sizes, corner installations, or unique room shapes.
Common custom options:
- Narrower or shorter configurations for tiny homes or lofts.
- Corner Murphy beds that pull down diagonally.
- Combination units with fold-out sofas or bunk options in multi-use spaces.
Custom units will cost more but can optimize a challenging space and give you tailored storage or style.
Installation: DIY vs Professional
You should decide whether to hire a professional or attempt a DIY installation. Murphy bed mechanisms involve mechanical tension and heavy loads, so many people prefer professional installation.
Considerations:
- DIY can save money if you have carpentry and weight-lifting experience and you’re comfortable anchoring into studs.
- Professional installers bring experience with mounting, leveling, and safety checks and can often handle heavier king-size units.
You should factor in warranty requirements: some manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
You should avoid a few common pitfalls when planning for a Murphy bed:
- Underestimating cabinet depth and clearance, which can cause the bed not to close properly.
- Choosing an overly thick mattress that won’t fit or will cause excessive stress on the mechanism.
- Failing to mount into studs or not reinforcing the wall for heavy units.
Measure carefully and confirm all specs with the manufacturer before ordering.
Cost Considerations
You’ll want to budget for the Murphy bed itself, mattress, installation, and any added cabinetry or storage. Prices vary widely based on size, finish, and mechanism quality.
Typical cost factors:
- Off-the-shelf vertical twin or full units are usually the most affordable.
- Custom cabinetry, high-end finishes, or king-size mechanisms raise costs substantially.
- Installation and any necessary wall reinforcement add to the total.
You should get multiple quotes and check reviews for long-term reliability before purchasing.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
You’ll want to maintain the mechanism and cabinetry to ensure safe, long-lasting operation. Regular checks help prevent mechanical failure.
Maintenance tips:
- Lubricate moving parts per the manufacturer’s instructions (avoid over-lubrication if the mechanism uses gas springs).
- Periodically check bolts, anchors, and mounting hardware for tightness.
- Inspect the mattress and cabinet interior for signs of moisture or wear.
You should follow any specific maintenance schedule recommended by the supplier.
How to Measure Your Room for a Murphy Bed
You should take precise measurements of the wall where the Murphy bed will be installed and the available floor space. Include molding, baseboards, outlets, radiators, and HVAC vents in your measurements.
Steps:
- Measure wall width and height from floor to ceiling.
- Measure the distance from the wall to any furniture or obstacles across the intended clearance area.
- Measure and mark stud locations for mounting.
- Measure door swing and pathway to ensure the bed can be moved in if it’s a large cabinet requiring indoor maneuvering.
You should also make a simple paper or digital mockup of the room to visualize the cabinet and open-bed footprint.
Final Checklist Before Purchase
Before you purchase, you should verify these items:
- Mattress size and thickness compatibility with the chosen cabinet and mechanism.
- Orientation chosen matches wall height and width constraints.
- Mechanism weight rating and mounting requirements match your wall structure.
- Any integrated storage or shelving fits your daily needs and budget.
- Installation plan (DIY vs professional) and warranty terms.
You should contact the manufacturer or installer with your exact room measurements to confirm the specific model will work for your layout.
Conclusion
If you want a clear and usable sleeping solution that saves floor space, a Murphy bed can be ideal, but you must match mattress size, cabinet dimensions, orientation, and installation considerations to your room. Measure carefully, choose a compatible mattress thickness, and ensure secure mounting to studs or blocking. When in doubt, consult a professional installer or the manufacturer for dimension-specific recommendations so you get a safe, comfortable, and well-fitting Murphy bed for your home.
