Your bedroom should feel like your sanctuary—cozy, beautiful, and totally functional. If you’re working with limited space, a Murphy bed can completely change the game.
These murphy bed ideas let you reclaim your floor, giving you room to work, relax, or decorate freely. And yes, Murphy beds can be just as feminine, cute, and stylish as any Pinterest dream room. Let’s explore how you can make your space work and reflect your personal style.
1. Go for a white Murphy bed with gold hardware
White keeps the space feeling bright and fresh, while gold adds a feminine, elevated detail. It’s a timeless combo that fits soft or glam bedroom styles.
How to make this:
- Choose a white Murphy bed frame with a smooth matte or satin finish
- Add gold handles, knobs, or wall-mounted accents
- Style the wall around it with white and gold art or mirrors
- Pair with blush or sage bedding for a soft contrast
2. Choose a Murphy bed with built-in shelves
Shelving around your bed makes the most of every inch. It gives you space for books, decor, and personal touches without needing extra furniture.
How to make this:
- Select a vertical or horizontal Murphy bed with side bookshelves
- Decorate shelves with candles, small plants, and framed photos
- Use color-coded books or woven bins to keep it tidy
- Add battery-powered shelf lights for nighttime glow
3. Add a full-length mirror to the Murphy bed front
A mirror not only serves a function but also helps the room feel larger and brighter. It’s especially helpful in small or shared bedrooms.
How to make this:
- Use adhesive mirror panels on the exterior of the bed
- Opt for an arched or framed style for a soft feminine look
- Place the bed across from a window to reflect natural light
- Add sconces on either side for dressing-area lighting
4. Use a Murphy bed with a built-in desk
This setup is perfect if your room doubles as a workspace. The desk stays upright when the bed is down or folds away with the bed—depending on the design.
How to make this:
- Choose a Murphy bed with an integrated fold-up or fold-down desk
- Style with a compact chair in blush or boucle fabric
- Keep your desk clutter-free with organizers and a small lamp
- Add motivational quotes or pinboards above the workspace
5. Choose a blush-colored Murphy bed
Why not go for a statement piece? A soft blush or dusty rose Murphy bed turns your sleeping zone into a dreamy focal point.
How to make this:
- Paint the exterior of a wooden Murphy bed in blush
- Or choose a pre-finished option in muted pink tones
- Style the surrounding area with neutral accents like ivory, beige, or gold
- Use matching bedding and curtains to tie the palette together
6. Incorporate floral wallpaper behind the bed
Murphy beds leave a large empty wall when folded up. Floral wallpaper adds femininity and keeps the space lively even when the bed is hidden.
How to make this:
- Apply peel-and-stick floral wallpaper behind the bed frame
- Choose subtle pastel florals or vintage rose prints
- Frame the wallpaper area with a light wood or painted trim
- Add string lights around the edges for a soft border
7. Use under-bed storage with the Murphy frame
Hidden storage is a girl’s best friend in a small bedroom. Some Murphy beds come with built-in drawers or platforms for seasonal clothes and linens.
How to make this:
- Choose a bed with storage drawers or a lift-up mattress
- Use labeled fabric bins or rattan baskets inside
- Store bulky sweaters, extra bedding, or keepsakes
- Keep a scented sachet inside for a fresh touch
8. Add soft sconce lighting on each side
A Murphy bed doesn’t have to mean sacrificing cozy lighting. Wall sconces create ambiance and save surface space.
How to make this:
- Install plug-in sconces or battery-powered wall lights
- Choose gold, pearl, or frosted glass finishes for elegance
- Place evenly on both sides for symmetry
- Add a dimmer switch or use warm white bulbs
9. Style with layered throw pillows
Even a hidden bed deserves cute bedding. Layered pillows in soft textures add femininity and comfort once the bed is down.
How to make this:
- Use 3–5 pillows in varying sizes and shades
- Choose velvet, boucle, or cotton covers in pastel or floral prints
- Layer with a long lumbar pillow for added interest
- Store them in a basket during the day for easy access
10. Add curtains or a room divider around the Murphy bed
If you share your space or want to make it feel more private, a curtain or divider gives your bed its own zone.
How to make this:
- Hang soft linen or sheer curtains from the ceiling using a tension rod
- Choose light colors that match your room’s palette
- Add tiebacks with gold hooks or ribbon
- Or use a folding screen with a floral or lace pattern
11. Try a horizontal Murphy bed for low ceilings
Horizontal beds open sideways and work better in rooms with limited vertical height. They’re also easier to decorate around.
How to make this:
- Choose a horizontal fold-down model with storage above or below
- Mount art or a gallery shelf above the frame
- Use a long headboard pillow for comfort
- Add fairy lights above for nighttime glow
12. Paint the Murphy bed wall in a soft pastel
Even when the bed is up, that wall can still shine. A soft pastel accent wall gives the room a cheerful, feminine vibe.
How to make this:
- Choose colors like lavender, mint, peach, or dusty blue
- Use matte or satin finish paint for a smooth look
- Keep the rest of the walls white or neutral for contrast
- Add white or gold decor to keep it light
13. Create a Murphy bed reading nook
When the bed is up, use the empty space for reading and relaxation. It’s a smart way to make your room multi-functional.
How to make this:
- Place a lounge chair or pouf in the space left by the folded bed
- Add a standing lamp and small side table
- Keep a book basket nearby with your favorite reads
- Use a soft rug and throw to define the nook
14. Use fabric panels or cane doors on the bed face
Textured surfaces add charm and warmth. Fabric or cane panels soften the look of the Murphy bed.
How to make this:
- Choose a Murphy frame with panel inserts
- Install cane webbing, linen, or velvet inside the panels
- Match the panel color to your room’s theme
- Add knobs in gold, pearl, or glass for a polished finish
15. Decorate with wall decals around the frame
Wall decals are renter-friendly and easily changed. Use them to add personality and shape around your bed area.
How to make this:
- Choose floral, star, or quote decals in pastel tones
- Apply around the Murphy frame or along the top corners
- Use symmetrical shapes or free-flowing vines for softness
- Peel off cleanly when you’re ready for a change
16. Choose a Murphy bed with a soft upholstered headboard
An upholstered panel gives the bed a cozy, stylish touch and makes it comfier to sit up in bed.
How to make this:
- Look for models with built-in upholstered backing
- Choose fabric in cream, blush, sage, or light grey
- Add extra comfort with a matching bolster or backrest cushion
- Style with a knit blanket for layered softness
17. Use matching nightstands when the bed is down
Symmetry adds polish and makes your space feel complete—even in a small room.
How to make this:
- Place narrow nightstands or side tables on either side
- Use lamps with matching bases or shades
- Store your sleep essentials in a small drawer or tray
- Keep surface decor minimal for a tidy look
18. Try a Murphy bed with chalkboard or whiteboard surface
Great for girls who love to write, plan, or doodle. It’s creative and functional.
How to make this:
- Choose a Murphy bed with a writable surface built in
- Use pastel markers or chalk for color-coordinated notes
- Write reminders, mood trackers, or daily affirmations
- Erase easily when it’s time for a fresh start
19. Add a patterned area rug under the bed zone
An area rug defines the sleeping area and adds a cozy texture. It stays stylish whether the bed is up or down.
How to make this:
- Choose a low-pile rug in blush, ivory, or soft prints
- Size it so it extends beyond the bed when folded down
- Layer with a sheepskin or knit runner for added softness
- Use a rug pad to keep it in place
20. Use framed photo shelves instead of headboards
Keep your memories close while saving space. Photo shelves are sleek and stylish.
How to make this:
- Mount one or two picture ledges above where the bed folds down
- Frame personal photos, artwork, or quotes
- Use matching frames in light wood, gold, or white
- Add a faux trailing plant for softness
21. Choose a Murphy bed with a feminine panel design
Panel detailing gives your bed’s face a sophisticated, built-in look. Think of it like a closet that doubles as a bed.
How to make this:
- Look for models with shaker or raised panel fronts
- Paint in soft tones like cream, blush, or pale green
- Add pearl or gold knobs for detail
- Keep surrounding decor clean and soft
What Is a Murphy Bed and Why Should You Care?
A Murphy bed is a bed that folds up into a wall or cabinet to save space. It helps you reclaim floor space in seconds—ideal if you live in a studio, work-from-home setup, or small guest room.
Who Uses a Murphy Bed and Why?
Murphy beds serve people who live or work in tight spaces. They’re used by:
- Apartment dwellers with limited square meters
- Remote workers who need to switch from bedroom to office
- Families who want a guest bed without sacrificing room space
- Tiny home owners optimizing every corner
Murphy beds help you maximize floor usage during the day and still sleep comfortably at night.
What Are the Main Types of Murphy Beds?
Murphy beds come in several forms, depending on your needs and space layout:
| Type | Description | Best For |
| Wall-mounted | Bed folds into wall; hardware is fixed to studs | Permanent installation |
| Freestanding cabinet bed | Hidden in a cabinet; doesn’t mount to wall | Renters or flexible placement |
| Horizontal murphy bed | Folds sideways; takes less vertical space | Low ceiling rooms |
| Vertical murphy bed | Classic upward fold; more leg space | Taller walls and classic setup |
| Murphy bed with desk | Desk stays level as bed folds out | Home office and dual-use rooms |
Murphy beds adapt to different lifestyles. If you want workspace and sleeping space in one room, a desk-bed combo helps.
Is a Murphy Bed Comfortable for Everyday Use?
Yes. Most Murphy beds fit standard mattresses, so you don’t compromise on comfort. Here’s what affects your sleep quality:
- Mattress type: Memory foam and hybrid mattresses work best
- Support frame: Slatted bases improve airflow and spine alignment
- Mechanism quality: A smooth lift system prevents misalignment
You get full comfort without the bulk of a traditional bed.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Murphy Bed?
You need enough wall and floor clearance to fold and unfold the bed. Here’s a general size breakdown:
| Bed Size | Wall Clearance | Floor Clearance Needed |
| Twin | 80 cm | 210 cm |
| Full | 140 cm | 210 cm |
| Queen | 160 cm | 225 cm |
| Horizontal | 110 cm height | 205 cm width |
Measure your space carefully. Doors, light switches, and ceiling height matter too.
How Safe Are Murphy Beds?
Murphy beds are safe when properly installed. Key safety elements:
- Locking mechanisms: Prevent accidental fold-downs
- Piston or spring systems: Keep movement controlled
- Anchored installation: Reduces tipping risks
Most modern Murphy beds come with child-safety locks and slow-lift mechanisms.
What Materials Are Murphy Beds Made Of?
Murphy beds use durable materials like:
- Plywood or MDF for cabinetry
- Steel or aluminum for frames
- Laminates or veneers for finish
Metal frames offer durability. Wood cabinetry adds warmth and matches home décor.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Murphy Bed?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Advantages:
- Saves 2–3 m² of floor space
- Doubles room usage (e.g., home office + guest bed)
- Uses full-sized mattress
- Blends into decor with cabinet fronts
Disadvantages:
- Needs wall or floor clearance
- May require professional installation
- Not ideal for frequent movers
How Does a Murphy Bed Compare to a Sofa Bed?
| Feature | Murphy Bed | Sofa Bed |
| Comfort | Full mattress, better sleep | Thinner, less supportive mattress |
| Space saving | Vertical/horizontal folding | Converts with seating |
| Ease of use | Quick fold-down mechanism | Requires cushion removal |
| Aesthetics | Built-in, hidden when closed | Always visible as a sofa |
Murphy beds offer better sleep comfort. Sofa beds are easier to set up but compromise on support.
Can You Install a Murphy Bed Yourself?
Yes, but DIY installation requires tools and precision. You’ll need:
- Stud finder
- Power drill
- Level
- Tape measure
- At least two people for lifting
Pre-assembled kits simplify the process, but always check if your wall can support the weight.
How to Maintain a Murphy Bed?
Murphy beds require minimal maintenance. Key tips:
- Tighten bolts and screws every 6–12 months
- Lubricate pistons or hinges once a year
- Check for warping or misalignment
Keep the bed area clear when folding to prevent damage.
What Styles Can a Murphy Bed Match?
Murphy beds integrate with different design themes:
- Modern: Clean lines, glossy finishes
- Scandinavian: Light wood, minimal hardware
- Traditional: Panelled fronts, crown moulding
- Industrial: Metal frames, raw wood textures
You can also match built-in shelving, lighting, or even a wardrobe around the bed unit.
Conclusion
Your bedroom should feel both beautiful and functional—and a Murphy bed lets you have both. With the right styling, it’s more than a fold-away bed—it becomes a statement piece. You can stay cozy, stylish, and organized even in the smallest rooms. Pick the murphy bed ideas that feel right for you, and make your space a place that feels totally yours. It’s not just about saving space—it’s about creating a room you truly love.
