If you have you been struggling with limited space in your rooom but still want a comfortable place, then Murphy beds might be exactly what you need to transform your space.
When not being used, these clever beds fold right up against the wall, giving you back that precious floor space while maintaining a stylish home.
I’ve been designing homes for over 15 years, and I can tell you one thing with 100% assurity, that space is always at a premium. About 82% of my clients mention space constraints as their number one concern. Murphy beds solve this problem beautifully by wearing multiple hats in your home.
Let’s look at 10 amazing ways you can use a Murphy bed in practically any room of your house.
Also read: Essential Home Updates to Make Right After You Move In
10 Ways to Use a Multi-Purpose Murphy Bed in Any Room
The beauty of Murphy beds lies in their flexibility. When that bed is tucked away, you’ve got an entire room’s worth of possibilities at your fingertips.
You can create a workout space, a home office, or even a craft room – then at night, pull down a comfy bed and catch some z’s.
Create a Full Home Office Setup
With a multi purpose Murphy bed, you can transform your workspace into a guest room in under a minute.
Many models feature desks that stay level when you lower the bed, meaning your coffee cup and papers stay right where you left them.
I designed a home office for a client in Boston who worked remotely but needed a guest room about once a month.
We installed a queen Murphy bed with a built-in desk, and she tells me it’s the best investment she’s made in her home. During the day, you’d never guess there was a bed hiding behind her Zoom call background!
Design a Home Gym with Open Space
Working out at home requires space to move. A Murphy bed in your home gym means you can have both a place to sweat and a place to rest.
When the bed’s folded up, you’ve got room for a yoga mat, some weights, maybe even a treadmill or stationary bike. According to fitness experts, you need at least 20 square feet for basic exercises – space a traditional bed would completely consume.
I once helped a fitness instructor transform her spare bedroom into a workout studio with a Murphy bed. She records workout videos during the day and sleeps there at night. Talk about making every square inch count!
Crafting Station or DIY Workshop
Are you someone who loves crafting but hates having to put everything away when guests come over? A Murphy bed with a crafting table can be your new best friend.
When folded down, some Murphy bed models offer a stable workspace for sewing, painting, or other DIY projects. When folded up, your supplies can stay organized on built-in shelves, ready for your next creative session.
I worked with a client who makes handmade jewelry as a side business. She needed both a guest room and a place where she could leave projects in progress.
We designed a Murphy bed with a fold-out table and specialized storage for her tools and materials. Her jewelry business actually grew because she could keep working without disruption!
Children’s Daytime Play Area
A Murphy bed in a child’s room can open up the space for building block towers, racing toy cars, or spreading out board games.
About 65% of parents say their kids’ rooms feel cramped. Switching from a traditional bed to a Murphy bed can increase usable floor space by up to 70% during the day.
I designed a room for 7-year-old twins where we installed Murphy beds with chalkboard exteriors. During the day, they have space for their LEGO creations, and they can draw on their “walls” when the beds are up.
Their mom says bedtime is now exciting because pulling down the beds feels like an adventure!
Movie Lounge or Game Room
If you want a dedicated space for movie nights or game tournaments without sacrificing a guest bedroom, a Murphy bed with a built-in sofa is the best way to get it.
When the bed’s tucked away, the sofa provides comfy seating for watching movies or playing video games. When overnight guests arrive, just pull down the bed and you’re good to go.
A client of mine was torn between creating a media room or keeping their guest room. We installed a Murphy bed with a sofa that faces their TV wall.
Now they host movie nights for friends, and when someone’s had a bit too much wine, they just pull down the bed rather than calling a rideshare.
A Gaming Studio
Gamers know the struggle – you need space for monitors, consoles, maybe even a gaming PC. A Murphy bed with a desk setup can create the perfect gaming station that converts to a bedroom when needed.
Studies show the average gamer spends about 8.5 hours gaming each week – imagine having a dedicated space that doesn’t permanently take up a bedroom!
I helped a 30-something couple create a gaming room/guest room combo. The Murphy bed stays up most of the time while they battle it out on their favorite games, but they can quickly transform it when friends visit for weekend-long gaming marathons.
Chill Zone
Everyone wants a spot to chill, have fun, right? A Murphy bed paired with some floor cushions, a small coffee table, and ambient lighting can create the awesome yet space saving relaxation zone for you.
When the bed’s up, you’ve got a meditation space, reading corner, or just a place to sit and enjoy your morning coffee. When it’s down, you’ve got a cozy place to sleep.
One of my favorite projects was creating a zen-inspired chill zone for a stressed-out executive. We designed a Murphy bed with built-in bookshelves and a small fountain feature.
She says it’s become her sanctuary for both daytime relaxation and nighttime rest.
Studio Apartment Superhero Setup
Living in a studio apartment can feel like a constant compromise. A Murphy bed completely changes that equation.
During the day, you can have a living room, dining area, and workspace all in one. At night, lower your bed and you’ve got a proper bedroom. About 43% of studio apartment dwellers say that installing a Murphy bed made their space feel twice as big.
I worked with a client in a 450-square-foot studio in Chicago who needed his apartment to function as both living space and a place to meet with clients. We installed a Murphy bed with a sofa conversion, and he says clients never realize they’re sitting on his bed during meetings!
Closet + Bed Combo
Did you know some Murphy beds come with built-in wardrobes? These dual-purpose units offer clothing storage that remains accessible whether the bed is up or down.
For bedrooms under 120 square feet, this combo can be a real game-changer, giving you both sleep space and storage without cramming the room.
A young professional I worked with had a tiny second bedroom she used as both guest room and clothing storage. We installed a Murphy bed with lateral closets on both sides. Her guests now have a comfortable place to sleep, and she still has access to her seasonal wardrobe.
Why Choose a Murphy Bed Over a Traditional One?
First off, let’s talk space. The average bedroom in American homes is around 132 square feet. A queen bed takes up about 33 square feet – that’s 25% of your room dedicated to a piece of furniture you use only while unconscious!
Murphy beds free up that space when you’re not sleeping. You can use the same room for exercising, working, gaming, or hosting friends without that bed getting in the way.
Quality matters too. Modern Murphy beds aren’t like those creaky contraptions in old movies that fold up and trap people inside the wall! Today’s versions use advanced piston systems that make raising and lowering the bed as easy as lifting the hood of your car.
And comfort? Murphy beds use standard mattresses – the same ones you’d put on a regular bed frame. No more thin, uncomfortable pullout sofa mattresses for your guests.
I had a client who was convinced Murphy beds would be uncomfortable until she stayed at a friend’s house who had one. She called me the next day asking how soon we could install one in her home office.
Conclusion
Murphy beds have come a long way from their early days. They’re now stylish, comfortable, and incredibly versatile additions to any home where space is valued.
Whether you’re creating a multi-purpose guest room, maximizing a studio apartment, or giving your kids more play space, a Murphy bed can transform how you use your home.
And with so many design options available, they can complement any interior style from modern minimalist to classic traditional.
