The 8 Best Murphy Beds That Double the Room Size

Available in white, chocolate, and dark gray finishes, this Murphy bed is pretty unassuming whether it's up or down. Here's the deal: This Murphy bed looks and feels just like a traditional bed when it's folded down, courtesy of the slatted support system, standard full or queen size, and headboard. It doesn't come with a mattress, but we'd consider that a plus because you can opt for whichever one suits your fancy: memory foam, natural latex, or polyester, to name a few. The best feature, however, is included: the dual piston system, which allows you to fold the bed up and down smoothly and quickly (read: within seconds). Just be sure to have a professional do the installation because, if assembled incorrectly, Murphy beds can actually be pretty dangerous.

You may be questioning how this queen-size memory foam mattress can possibly fit inside the box that, when closed, is disguised as a chest of drawers, but it does. It's designed to fold into thirds and tuck neatly within the chest. Luckily, there's no need to start your search for such a niche product; it's included with the Murphy bed, as are the two USB charging ports. Let's get back to the mattress, though. It features five inches of highly resilient foam and one inch of cooling memory foam. "This cabinet bed is just what we needed! Granddaughters are coming for a visit this summer and this works perfectly in the room that is usually an office," one reviewer says. "The girls are going to love it as much as we do! Everyone that has come by our home is amazed at how compact it becomes when all closed up. We did pay to have it assembled and I am glad we did. It came in several boxes."

We love a Murphy bed with built-in storage. On sale for more than 50 percent off, this Brayden Studio Murphy bed offers more than just a place to sleep. It's also a sizable storage unit complete with three adjustable shelves and drawers, so if you're working with a small space, you can't go wrong with this double-duty piece. Did we mention it's available in three finishes? You can also get it in either a full or queen size. Just be sure to schedule the mattress delivery around the same time (or before) the Walley storage bed arrives. One reviewer says, "No issues with the assembly, it took two people about 5 hours to assembly it. After assembly and proper fixing to the wall, the bed looks good and feels solid."

When it's closed, this Murphy bed looks like a seven-and-a-half-foot-tall armoire, but rather than pull the metal handles outward, as you would a double-door chest, you simply pull them down, et voilà, your faux armoire turns into a full- or queen-size bed. All you need to complete your guest accommodations are a mattress and some stylish bedding. If you want to make your pull-down bed extra luxurious, opt for a mattress topper too. "Illustrated instructions are very good, and they shorted us only 2 dowels & 2 screws that was easy to substitute," a reviewer says. "The room we installed it had very little extra space thus the need for the Bed. More room would have made it easier."

Contrary to common belief, Murphy beds are not for everyone. Well, standard Murphy beds are not for everyone. In fact, children who weigh less than 50 pounds cannot safely use a standard-size Murphy bed, so if you're on the hunt for a unique pull-down bed for your kids, be sure to consider only those specifically designed for children, like this one by Harper & Bright Designs. It comes in a slew of finishes and configurations, but our favorite is the double bed, which combines a full and twin bed. No matter which one you get, though, it will include ample under-bed storage drawers. One reviewer adds, "Easy to assemble and works great either as a single bed or double bed configuration. Great value for the price!"

Anyone whose place has low ceilings can appreciate this nifty piece that, like some of the others on our list, looks like a cupboard when it's closed. When it's open, it looks so much like a traditional bed that your guests will be shocked to learn that it can fold up in a matter of minutes. As a faux cupboard, it appears to feature two large cabinets above two drawers, which fold back and pull out, respectively, to reveal a queen mattress, which is included. (Twin XL and full/double sizes are currently sold out.) One happy reviewer adds, "Love it! Perfect for my great grandson who is here two days a week. Works well for limited space. Everyone compliments it and I find the ease of opening and putting away a plus!"

This Murphy bed is a pared-down version of a few on our list, including only the essentials, like a slat mattress support system and a frame you anchor to the wall and floor. It comes in three finishes and two sizes. If you have a small space with a quiet, minimalist aesthetic, this Murphy bed will work for you. It's also on sale for 50 percent off, so if you need something new, now is your chance! A reviewer says, "Easy to set up, and this works wonderful! Was able to assemble solo, with just 5 minutes of assistance. Took me about 5 hours. Read several complaints about the bed not staying down, but happy to say that is not the case. Works exactly as it should. Great buy!"

Some may argue that we're saving the best for last because this Lark Manor find is more than 40 percent off, easy to unfold, and available in five finishes. Our favorite is the gray oak pictured. As for folding and unfolding, there's no multistep process that can go horribly wrong if you accidentally forget one of the steps. In fact, there's only one step. You just open it and close it like you would an oven door. There's no mattress, so you'll have to source that on your own, but we have a few suggestions for the best online mattresses. A reviewer says, "The bed is phenomenal. It was installed on 5/13. I slept on it the entire weekend. My mattress was fire very comfortable. Best purchase I made. Love love love my Murphy bed. I know my guest who visit will love it as well."