Horizontal Murphy Bed Space Requirements: A Quick Guide
A Murphy bed can help you get more from a room without adding square footage. It’s a popular choice for guest rooms, home offices, apartments, and other spaces that need to serve multiple purposes.
Before buying one, though, it’s important to ask this question: how much space do you need for a horizontal Murphy bed? The answer depends on the bed size, room layout, and the space required when the bed is open.
With the right measurements, a horizontal Murphy bed can fit comfortably in rooms where a traditional bed would take up too much space.
Table of Contents
Understanding Horizontal Murphy Bed Dimensions
How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
Measuring Your Room Before You Buy
Where Horizontal Murphy Beds Work Best
Choosing the Right Murphy Bed for Your Space
Final Thoughts
Understanding Horizontal Murphy Bed Dimensions
A horizontal Murphy bed stores sideways against the wall instead of vertically. Because of this design, it requires less wall height and can work well in rooms with lower ceilings.
Many homeowners choose horizontal models because they fit naturally under windows or on walls where vertical Murphy bed dimensions may not be practical.
They’re commonly used in:
- Guest bedrooms
- Home offices
- Studio apartments
- Children’s rooms
- Vacation homes
- Multipurpose spaces
The biggest advantage is flexibility. During the day, the wall bed stays tucked away. At night, it quickly converts into a comfortable sleeping area.
How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
The amount of space needed depends on the mattress size and the Murphy bed design.
The table below provides a general guideline.
| Bed Size | Approximate Wall Width Needed | Approximate Room Depth Needed |
| Twin Horizontal | 80-85 inches | 80-90 inches |
| Full Horizontal | 60-65 inches | 80-90 inches |
| Queen Horizontal | 65-70 inches | 85-95 inches |
These measurements vary by manufacturer, so always check product specifications before purchasing.
It’s also important to remember that the bed’s footprint changes when it’s open. A room may have enough horizontal wall space for the cabinet, but not enough floor space for comfortable use.
As a general rule, try to leave at least 24 to 36 inches of clearance to open the bed whenever possible.
This extra space makes it easier to move around the room and helps prevent the area from feeling cramped.
Measuring Your Room Before You Buy
Taking accurate measurements is one of the most important steps in the process.
Start by measuring the wall where the Murphy bed will be installed.
Then check:
- Wall width
- Ceiling height
- Room depth
- Door clearance
- Window placement
- Furniture locations
Many people underestimate how much furniture can affect the layout.
For example, a desk that works perfectly when the bed is closed could become an obstacle when the bed is open. The same applies to dressers, chairs, and shelving units.
Before making a final decision, imagine how the room will function in both positions.
Ask yourself:
- Can people walk comfortably around the bed?
- Will doors and closets remain accessible?
- Is there enough room for guests to move around easily?
Answering these questions early can save a lot of frustration later.
Homeowners looking for a horizontal Murphy bed designed for guest rooms and multipurpose spaces often choose models that maximize sleeping space while maintaining a compact footprint.
Where Horizontal Murphy Beds Work Best
One reason horizontal Murphy beds remain so popular is their versatility.
They can transform almost any room into a comfortable guest space without permanently sacrificing floor space.
Some of the most common applications include:
Home Offices
A room can function as a productive workspace during the day and become a guest bedroom at night.
Guest Rooms
Instead of dedicating an entire room, you can use the space for hobbies, work, or storage when guests aren’t staying over.
Studio Apartments
In smaller homes, every square foot matters. A twin or queen Murphy bed allows the room to feel more open during the day.
Children’s Bedrooms
Extra floor space can be valuable for studying, playing, or simply keeping the room organized.
Vacation Properties
Murphy beds provide additional sleeping capacity without making the room feel crowded year-round.
Many homeowners appreciate that a single room can serve multiple purposes without compromising comfort.
Choosing the Right Murphy Bed for Your Space
Not all Murphy beds are built the same way.
When comparing options, pay attention to more than just dimensions.
Consider factors such as:
- Construction quality
- Ease of operation
- Mattress compatibility
- Warranty coverage
- Murphy bed Installation requirements
- Available sizes
For example, Lori Beds offers horizontal Murphy bed models that are designed to work well in rooms with lower ceilings. Their beds feature a simple design with no springs, pistons, or complicated lifting mechanisms. They also offer a limited lifetime warranty, free delivery, and a 60-day return policy.
Choosing a well-built Murphy bed can make a significant difference in long-term durability and everyday use.
Final Thoughts
A horizontal Murphy bed doesn’t require a huge room, but it does require careful planning. Wall width, room depth, furniture placement, and walking space all play a role in determining the right fit.
By measuring your room carefully and considering how the space will function when the bed is open, you can avoid common layout mistakes and make the most of your available square footage.
For guest rooms, home offices, apartments, and flexible living spaces, a horizontal Murphy bed offers a practical way to add sleeping space without giving up the room’s everyday purpose. Click here to see more.