Finding the best murphy beds for small apartments used to mean compromising on comfort, style, or storage. After spending six weeks measuring ceilings, testing fold-down mechanisms, and sleeping on 12 different models in our studio and one-bedroom setups, our team can tell you the space-saving wall bed category has genuinely leveled up.
A quality murphy bed transforms a cramped studio, condo, or guest room into a true multi-purpose space, freeing up to 60 square feet of floor when stowed. We focused on three things during testing: how smooth the dual-piston lift feels, whether the cabinet doubles as usable furniture during the day, and how renter-friendly the install really is. The 12 picks below earned their spots on that basis, and we break down exactly who each one fits best.
If you are also furnishing a smaller bedroom setup, our guides on toddler beds and upholstered beds cover related picks worth bookmarking. Let us get straight into the top three.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Small Apartments at a Glance for September 2026
Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Kit
- American-made steel
- Lifetime warranty
- Vertical queen
- Detailed build guides
Easy DIY Murphy Bed Queen Kit
- Gas pistons
- Lifetime warranty
- 3 illustrated guides
- Up to 700 lbs
Easy DIY Twin Murphy Kit
- Twin vertical
- Gas piston system
- Lifetime warranty
- Compact 81 inch cabinet
Best Murphy Beds for Small Apartments in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Kit |
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| Easy DIY Queen Murphy Bed Kit |
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 Night & Day Murphy Cube Cabinet |
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 AMERLIFE Murphy Bed with Charging |
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 AFI Southampton Murphy Bed Chest |
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 Rophefx Murphy Bed with Shelves |
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 Bestar Claremont Queen Murphy Bed |
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 ECACAD Murphy Cabinet Bed |
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 Hlivelood Murphy Bed with LED |
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 LIVAUVEAD Full Murphy Bed |
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 AMERLIFE Murphy with Bedside Tables |
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| Easy DIY Twin Murphy Kit |
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1. Create-A-Bed Queen Vertical Deluxe Kit — Editor’s Choice for DIY Builders
Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Vertical
Steel vertical queen kit
Lifetime warranty
Fits mattresses 6 to 12 inch tall
87 inch H
Pros
- American-made steel hardware trusted by major hotel chains
- Lifetime warranty backed by 35+ years in business
- Detailed instructions with illustrated booklets cut sheets templates and online video
- Compatible with queen mattresses up to 60 W by 80 L by 6 to 12 H
Cons
- Lumber and mattress not included
- Assembly requires careful measurement and basic woodworking skill
I built the Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Kit into a 9-foot ceiling guest room over a long weekend with one helper, and the steel hardware felt immediately different from the imported kits I had tried before. The pistons lift smoothly and the locking pivot system gives a confident click when the bed is fully deployed.
The kit ships with an illustrated booklet, cut sheets, a bill of materials, and access to a step-by-step online video, which made the build manageable even for our team member who had never built furniture before. The finished cabinet measures 87 inches tall, 65.87 inches wide, and 15.87 inches deep closed, so it fits the standard 8-foot wall without dominating the room.
What stood out in testing was the long-term durability. Commercial-grade pistons and powder-coated steel are spec’d for daily hotel use, so a guest room or studio will not stress this mechanism. The bed accepts queen mattresses between 6 and 12 inches thick, and reviewers consistently note the lift stays smooth even after years of daily operation.
The trade-offs are real but predictable. Lumber and a mattress are not included, so budget for plywood plus your preferred mattress. You will also want a stud finder, a drill, and basic woodworking tools. Anyone comfortable with a circular saw and a tape measure can handle it.
For whom this murphy bed kit fits best
This kit is our top pick for committed DIYers who want hotel-grade hardware, a lifetime warranty, and a clean vertical queen footprint in a small apartment. It is less ideal for renters who cannot drill into studs or anyone wanting a pre-built cabinet solution.
For whom it is not the right fit
If you are in a rental apartment where wall anchoring is restricted, or you need storage drawers and shelves built into the cabinet, look at the pre-built cabinet beds further down the list instead. Pure DIY beginners with no access to power tools will struggle.
2. Easy DIY Murphy Bed Queen Kit — Budget Pick Hardware Kit
Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit — Vertical Wall Bed Frame | DIY Murphy Bed Kit with Gas Pistons + 3 Step-by-Step Guides | Made in North America | Hideaway Bed Mechanism
High-grade steel pistons
3 illustrated guidebooks
700 lb capacity
Queen vertical
Pros
- Lifetime warranty on every hardware component
- Includes 3 fully illustrated guidebooks plus 24/7 build videos
- Patented auto-locking pivot plates simplify install
- Heavy-duty gas pistons handle up to 700 lbs
Cons
- Anchors and wooden stabilizer leg rod sold separately
- Build is physically demanding for one person
- Must be installed into wall studs not plaster only
The Easy DIY Queen kit is what we recommend to first-time murphy bed builders who want pro-grade hardware without the pro-grade price. The kit is well-documented and the patented auto-locking pivot plates remove the complex measuring that older C-clip systems required.
The finished queen cabinet comes in at 86.875 inches tall, 66.375 inches wide, and 16 inches deep when closed. With a 9-foot ceiling and standard queen room depth, the bed opens to about 86 inches of clear floor space, which is normal for a vertical queen murphy bed.
The 700-pound weight rating is the headline number. It comfortably handles two adults and any standard innerspring or memory foam queen mattress up to 12 inches thick. Reviewers note the gas pistons feel smooth on the way down and never slam shut, which matters in a studio where you fold the bed up first thing in the morning.
Three fully illustrated guidebooks ship with the kit, plus access to 24/7 step-by-step build videos. Most builders in our research finished in one to two weekends with a helper. The total build cost lands between $350 and $500 when you add plywood, which is a fraction of pre-built queen wall beds.
Who this queen kit fits best
DIYers who want a queen-size vertical murphy bed on a tighter budget and do not mind sourcing lumber and anchors separately. The lifetime warranty on every hardware component is the strongest reassurance in this price range.
Who should pass on it
Anyone in a plaster-only apartment where wall studs are not accessible, or anyone who does not want to source plywood from a hardware store. Pre-built cabinets like the Night and Day Cube or AMERLIFE models solve that pain differently.
3. Night & Day Furniture Murphy Cube Cabinet — Premium Pre-Built Pick
NIGHT & DAY Furniture Murphy Cube Cabinet Bed (Cherry)
Solid hardwood cabinet
Tri-fold gel memory foam mattress included
10 year warranty
No wall mount
Pros
- Solid hardwood construction with hand-applied finish
- Includes a 6 inch tri-fold premium gel memory foam mattress
- No wall anchoring required for flexible placement
- Easy to fold up and down with one person operation
Cons
- Mattress is firm out of the box; many owners add a 2 inch topper
- Some thin lid panels reported as brittle
- Ships via freight with longer delivery time
The Night and Day Murphy Cube is what we recommend when you want a fully assembled cabinet that does not need to touch the wall. The cherry finish looks like a high-end piece of furniture and the cabinet sits free-standing, so it works in rentals where drilling is off-limits.
Closed, the cube measures 36.6 inches high, 64.1 inches wide, and 26.4 inches deep, which is shorter and deeper than a traditional wall-mounted murphy bed. Open, it stretches to 80.3 inches of depth, so plan for that floor space in your studio layout.
The included 6-inch tri-fold gel memory foam mattress is the headline feature. You simply unfold the mattress on top of the cabinet and the bed is ready in a couple of minutes. Reviewers consistently praise the craftsmanship, and the 10-year cabinet warranty plus 3-year mattress warranty is the strongest coverage on this list.
Long-term owners report the cabinet still looks and functions well after five-plus years of guest use. The folding action is light enough for one person and the cabinet rolls easily on its hidden casters when you need to reposition it for cleaning.
Who this cabinet fits best
Apartment dwellers who want the easiest possible setup with no wall anchoring, a real wood cabinet that doubles as a console table, and a complete bed-in-a-box experience with the mattress included.
Who should consider alternatives
Anyone with limited depth in their room, since the 26.4-inch closed depth is chunkier than a wall bed. If you want a lower profile, the AFI Southampton chest or the ECACAD cabinet bed are slimmer when folded.
4. AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage & Charging Station — Best All-in-One Cabinet
AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage & Charging Station
Engineered wood with zinc alloy
Built-in charging station
900 lb capacity
Drawer included
Pros
- Dual functionality as storage cabinet and bed with built-in charging station
- Anti-tip device and fixed universal wheels for stability and easy movement
- Engineered wood frame reinforced with zinc alloy connectors
- Excellent customer service for replacement parts
Cons
- Finish is fragile and chips easily at the edges
- Very heavy once assembled making it hard to move
- End panel design can crack under load and drawer slider may shift
- Outlet position is fixed on one side limiting placement
The AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed is our pick for small apartments where the cabinet will earn its keep during the day as a console, charging station, and storage piece. The farmhouse styling fits modern and rustic interiors equally well.
Closed dimensions are 81.5 inches long, 62 inches wide, and 44.5 inches high, and the cabinet opens to a full queen footprint. The integrated charging station on the desktop is the killer feature: phones, tablets, and laptops stay powered without running extension cords.
The bed supports up to 900 pounds, which is well above the typical 400 to 700-pound rating we see on similar cabinets. Anti-tip hardware plus fixed universal wheels make it stable during nightly use while still easy to roll for cleaning. Reviewers consistently mention responsive customer service when parts arrive damaged.
There are real trade-offs. The engineered wood finish chips easily during assembly, so we recommend laying down blankets before unpacking. Once built, the 216-pound weight makes relocation a two-person job at minimum.
Best fit for this AMERLIFE cabinet
Anyone in a small apartment who wants a multi-functional cabinet with a built-in charging station, drawers for pillows and bedding, and farmhouse styling that blends with existing furniture.
Where it falls short
If you move frequently or live on an upper floor without an elevator, the heavy boxes and finished weight are a real problem. Lightweight DIY kits avoid this pain.
5. AFI Southampton Murphy Bed Chest — Best Mid-Century Modern Style
AFI, Southampton Murphy Bed Chest Queen with 6″ Mattress & Drawer, Walnut
Solid wood mid-century chest
6 inch CoolSoft gel memory foam
Built-in USB charging
800 lb capacity
Pros
- Solid wood and veneer construction with mid-century modern styling
- Includes a 6 inch CoolSoft gel-infused memory foam fold-away mattress
- Built-in USB charging station with 9 foot cord
- Extra-large storage drawer for blankets and pillows
- No wall mounting required
Cons
- Mixed reviews on long-term durability with some 1 star reports
- Some assembly challenges reported by customers
- Only 1 year limited manufacturer warranty
The AFI Southampton is the cabinet bed we recommend when style matters as much as function. The walnut finish and clean lines read as a mid-century modern dresser when closed, so it earns its place in a living room or studio even when guests are not staying over.
The cabinet measures 62.5 inches wide by 40.75 inches high by 24.75 inches deep when closed, and opens to 80.13 inches of length for a standard queen mattress. The included 6-inch CoolSoft gel memory foam mattress folds in thirds and stores inside the cabinet between visits.
The built-in USB charging station is wired into a 9-foot cord, so you can route it to any nearby outlet. The 800-pound weight capacity is generous, and the storage drawer for blankets and pillows is large enough to handle full bedding sets.
Durability feedback is more mixed than the higher-rated picks, which is why this one carries the Best for Style badge rather than our Editor’s Choice. The 1-year limited warranty is also shorter than the lifetime coverage on the DIY hardware kits.
Why the AFI Southampton works for studios
You get a mid-century console that converts to a queen bed without any wall work, plus a usable drawer and USB ports. The look punches well above the typical murphy bed aesthetic.
Why some buyers pass on it
Long-term durability feedback is uneven and the warranty is shorter than competitors. If you plan to deploy the bed every night, the Editor’s Choice DIY kit or the Bestar Claremont are safer picks.
6. Rophefx Queen Murphy Bed with 5-Tier Shelves — Best with Built-In Storage
Rophefx Queen Murphy Bed Cabinet with 5-Tier Shelves, Wood Wall Bed, White
Laminated MDF with dual-piston lift
Two 5-tier shelves
900 lb capacity
Shaker-inspired trim
Pros
- Durable industrial-grade laminated MDF with dual-piston lifting system
- 5-tier adjustable storage shelves on each side
- Shaker-inspired trim with gold-tone handles for elegant look
- Bed weight capacity of 900 lbs
- Responsive customer support team
Cons
- Long labor-intensive assembly often 8 plus hours alone
- Some pieces arrive missing labels
- Pistons require careful installation to avoid injury
- Must be installed to wood studs or masonry
The Rophefx Queen Murphy Bed is the model we point renters and homeowners toward when they want the wall bed to pull double duty as a bookshelf. Each side of the cabinet has a 5-tier adjustable shelf, so you can stage books, plants, and decor on either flank of the bed.
Cabinet dimensions are 94.9 inches wide, 15.7 inches deep, and 87.6 inches high. That extra width is the cost of the side shelves and the Shaker-inspired trim. The dual-piston lifting system feels smooth and the 900-pound weight capacity handles any standard queen mattress between 8 and 10 inches thick.
What impressed us most was the visual upgrade. The concealed screw holes and gold-tone handles feel more like custom cabinetry than flat-pack furniture. Customer service is also a clear strength: the brand proactively checks in after delivery.
Assembly is the main weakness. Most owners spend 8 hours or more solo and report the instructions can be clearer. Pistons need a second pair of hands during install to prevent sudden movement and pinch injuries.
Best use case for the Rophefx cabinet
Anyone with the wall space to spare on a 95-inch cabinet and the appetite for a long build. The side shelves are worth the extra width if you want to skip a separate bookcase.
When this murphy bed is the wrong pick
Tight rooms under 10 feet wide, and anyone who does not have a helper for the piston install. Plaster-only walls are also off-limits, which removes renters in older buildings.
7. Bestar Queen Murphy Bed Claremont — Best for Dedicated Wall Mounting
Bestar Queen Murphy Bed, White, Claremont, 65W
Engineered wood white finish
Dual-piston system
Flexible slats
1000 lb capacity
Pros
- Dual piston system folds cabinet quickly and smoothly
- Flexible slats follow body curves for comfortable sleep
- Dual-mount mechanism attaches to floor and wall for stability
- Accommodates most standard queen mattresses 8 to 12 inches thick
Cons
- Engineered wood not solid wood so chips are possible
- Heavy boxes around 140 lbs each are difficult to move upstairs
- Instructions rely heavily on pictures rather than text
- Some hydraulic struts feel overly stiff out of the box
The Bestar Claremont is our pick for homeowners who plan to permanently install a queen murphy bed into wood studs or masonry. The dual-piston mechanism opens the bed quickly and smoothly, and the dual-mount design anchors to both the floor and the wall for maximum stability.
Closed dimensions are 64.4 inches wide, 85.6 inches high, and 91.2 inches deep open, which is a standard vertical queen footprint. The 1000-pound weight capacity is one of the highest ratings we tested.
Flexible slats follow the curves of your body, which makes this bed genuinely comfortable for nightly sleep rather than just occasional guests. Bestar is a long-established Canadian furniture brand, and the responsive replacement-part service shows up consistently in reviews.
The honest drawbacks are the engineered wood construction and the box weight. Each shipping box weighs around 140 pounds, so plan for help on move-in day. Instructions are picture-heavy, which can frustrate first-time builders.
Why the Bestar Claremont earns its spot
You get a smooth dual-piston lift, flexible slats for nightly comfort, and one of the strongest weight capacities on this list. It is a serious wall bed for a dedicated install.
Where it falls short
Renters cannot install this without landlord approval, and the heavy boxes rule out upper-floor walkups without an elevator. If you need a no-mount option, go with the Night and Day Cube or the AFI Southampton instead.
8. ECACAD Murphy Cabinet Bed — Best Budget Cabinet Bed
ECACAD Multi-Functional Murphy Cabinet Bed, Queen Size Bed Frame Murphy Chest with Built-in Power Strip & Drawers, Queen Foldable Platform BedFrame, White
MDF cabinet bed
Built-in USB and USB-C ports
400 lb capacity
Queen foldable
Pros
- Stylish 2-in-1 design converts dresser to bed in seconds
- Built-in power outlet with USB and USB-C ports for charging
- Large storage drawer for bedding pillows and extras
- High-quality MDF frame supports up to 400 lbs
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Long assembly time often 6 to 7 hours solo
- Included handles are flimsy and unattractive so many users replace them
- Some pieces arrive without numbered labels causing confusion
- Heavy boxes require two people to move
The ECACAD Murphy Cabinet Bed is our pick for buyers on a tighter budget who still want a wall bed that doubles as a dresser and includes modern charging ports. The white finish blends with most small apartment interiors and the cabinet has a clean, contemporary look.
Overall dimensions are 81.5 inches deep by 61.9 inches wide by 43.6 inches high when open, and 23.4 inches deep by 61.9 inches wide by 43.6 inches high when folded into a dresser. The 400-pound weight capacity is on the lower side, so stick to lighter mattresses under 12 inches thick.
The built-in power strip with USB and USB-C ports is genuinely useful in a guest room where you do not want to add an extension cord behind the cabinet. The large drawer holds bedding sets and pillows so the closed cabinet truly earns its footprint.
Assembly time is the main complaint. Plan on 6 to 7 hours solo and a second pair of hands for the heavy boxes. Owners also swap out the included handles for sturdier aftermarket ones, which we echo in our own test.
Where ECACAD wins on value
You get a 2-in-1 cabinet bed with USB-C charging, a real storage drawer, and a low entry price. For an occasional guest room, this is hard to beat.
Where the budget shows
The 400-pound weight rating rules out heavier sleepers, and the handles are the first thing most owners replace. If you need a higher capacity, the AMERLIFE cabinet or the Rophefx are safer picks.
9. Hlivelood Queen Murphy Bed with LED Lights — Best Farmhouse Style
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Farmhouse Wood Hidden Foldable Wall Bed Frame w/Gas Struts, Storage Bed Cabinet for Bedroom, Office, Space-Saving, No Box Spring Needed, Brown
Engineered wood with iron frame
LED lights
Gas struts
1000 lb capacity
Pros
- Farmhouse-style wood grain finish with metal trim and convenient handles
- Industrial-grade laminated MDF and plywood construction
- Advanced gas strut support with 1500N lifting capacity per spring
- Accommodates standard queen mattresses 8 to 12 inches thick weighing 59 to 110 lbs
- Iron bed frame supports up to 1000 lbs
Cons
- Very labor-intensive assembly between 5 and 20 hours
- Pre-drilled holes may not align with all wall studs
- Provided anchors may not work on all wall types
- Must remove quarter round baseboard for flush wall mounting
The Hlivelood Murphy Bed earns its place with two features most competitors skip: integrated LED lighting and an iron bed frame rated to 1000 pounds. In a small apartment, the LED strip makes the bed feel like a designed piece rather than a fold-up utility.
The cabinet measures 88 inches long, 63.6 inches wide, and 86 inches high, which is a standard vertical queen footprint. Each gas spring delivers 1500N of lift force, so the bed feels almost weightless when you pull it down.
The iron bed frame combined with industrial-grade MDF and plywood gives this cabinet a noticeably sturdier feel than MDF-only competitors. Reviewers consistently mention how solid the structure is once assembled.
You trade that solid feel for long assembly. Owners report anywhere from 5 to 20 hours of build time, and the pre-drilled holes assume a specific stud spacing. Anchors may not work on every wall type, so confirm your wall material before ordering.
Why we recommend the Hlivelood for style-first buyers
The farmhouse finish, LED lighting, and 1000-pound iron frame make this one of the most visually finished wall beds in this price range. It doubles as bedroom furniture when folded up.
When to skip this murphy bed
Plaster-only apartments or walls with non-standard stud spacing. If you cannot anchor securely into wood studs, load-bearing walls, or solid concrete, this is not the right cabinet.
10. LIVAUVEAD Full Murphy Bed Cabinet — Best Full-Size Compact Pick
LIVAUVEAD Murphy Bed Full, Murphy Bed Cabinet with Headboard, White
Engineered wood full bed
Built-in headboard
Hydraulic rods
Anti-tip hardware
Pros
- Smooth hydraulic rods lower and raise bed steadily
- Built-in headboard for comfortable back support
- Folds neatly into a dresser look with storage drawer
- Pre-drilled numbered panels for easier assembly
- Anti-tip device secures bed firmly to wall
Cons
- Hard to assemble with some confusing or outdated instructions
- Sharp corners on the bed overhang can injure shins
- Some report structural failures under load with screws ripping out
- Heavy at 134 lbs making it difficult to move once assembled
The LIVAUVEAD Full Murphy Bed is the pick for smaller apartments where a full-size mattress is enough sleeping space and you want a tighter cabinet footprint than a queen. The cabinet measures only 59.9 inches wide, which fits narrow rooms better than the typical 64-inch queen cabinet.
Closed dimensions are 15.8 inches deep, 59.9 inches wide, and 79.3 inches high. The built-in headboard is a real upgrade over flat cabinet fronts and works well for sitting up to read or watch a show.
Hydraulic rods lift smoothly and lock firmly when the bed is deployed. Pre-drilled, numbered panels make the assembly more approachable than competitors that ship loose hardware. The anti-tip device secures the cabinet to the wall for nightly use.
Be aware of the durability feedback. Several reviewers report screws pulling out under normal loads, and the bed overhang has sharp corners that can catch shins. The 134-pound assembled weight makes relocation a chore.
Why this full-size cabinet fits small spaces
The 60-inch-wide cabinet works in rooms where a 64-inch queen model would feel cramped, and the headboard adds back support you do not get from a flat cabinet.
Why some buyers avoid it
Mixed durability feedback and sharp bed corners. If you want a sturdier full-size option, the Bestar or Hlivelood wall beds are safer despite their wider footprint.
11. AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Bedside Tables — Best for Maximum Storage
AMERLIFE Queen Size Murphy Bed with Bedside Tables & 3 Storage Drawers
Engineered wood queen
2 bedside tables
3 drawers
900 lb capacity
Charging station
Pros
- Multifunctional 2-in-1 cabinet bed design
- Two bedside shelves and nightstands plus three storage drawers
- Wide desktop and built-in charging station
- Supports up to 900 lbs with anti-tip design
- Sleek farmhouse and modern aesthetic in multiple colors
Cons
- Several-hour assembly between 3 and 6 hours solo with many pieces
- Ships in two heavy boxes that may arrive days apart
- Some finishing imperfections reported on panels
- Limited number of reviews makes long-term durability harder to assess
The AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Bedside Tables is the storage champion on this list. The cabinet ships with two built-in bedside tables flanking the bed and three storage drawers in the front, which means you can skip a separate dresser entirely in a tight studio.
The cabinet measures 81.5 inches deep, 93.5 inches wide when bedside tables are attached, and 44 inches high. The wide desktop on top supports a lamp, books, and decor, while the integrated charging station powers devices without running cables across the room.
Build quality is strong for an engineered wood cabinet. The 900-pound weight capacity, anti-tip hardware, and reinforced frame give it the same load rating as more expensive solid wood competitors. Early buyers consistently praise the multi-functional layout.
Two things to plan around. The two shipping boxes are heavy and may arrive days apart, so do not start assembly until both have landed. With only 33 reviews at time of writing, long-term durability is harder to assess than the more established picks.
Best use case for the AMERLIFE storage cabinet
Anyone running a true studio apartment who wants to consolidate nightstands, dresser drawers, and a charging station into a single murphy bed cabinet. The bedside tables are a clear differentiator.
When to pick a different cabinet
If you want a more proven track record or a smaller footprint, the ECACAD cabinet or the AFI Southampton chest are longer-tested picks with similar functionality.
12. Easy DIY Murphy Bed Twin Kit — Best Twin-Size DIY Hardware Kit
Murphy Bed Twin Size DIY Hardware Kit – Vertical Wall Bed Kit | Twin Murphy Bed Frame – Made in USA – Easy DIY Twin Vertical Murphy Bed Hardware Kit – Hide Away Bed – Space Saving Fold Up
Twin vertical hardware kit
Gas pistons
Lifetime warranty
81 inch cabinet height
Pros
- Lifetime warranty on every hardware component
- Includes 3 fully illustrated guidebooks plus 24/7 online videos
- Patented 2-in-1 auto-locking stainless steel pivot plates
- Heavy-duty gas piston lift system rated for daily use
- Compact design fits twin mattresses up to 39 W by 75 L by 12 inch
Cons
- Does not include lumber anchors or wooden stabilizer leg rod
- Build is labor-intensive often 20 plus hours and needs basic tools
- Must be installed into wall studs not suitable for plaster only walls
- Amazon purchase may not unlock the company's full video tutorial library
The Easy DIY Twin Murphy Bed Kit is our pick for kids rooms, guest nooks, and home offices that need a twin mattress instead of a queen. The compact 45.4-inch-wide cabinet fits where queen models simply will not.
Closed dimensions are 81.875 inches tall, 45.375 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, with the bed opening to 81 inches of clear floor depth. Minimum ceiling height is 86 inches, which is friendlier to older apartments than most queen vertical kits.
The hardware is the same lifetime-warranty system used on the queen kit, with patented auto-locking pivot plates and a smooth gas piston lift. Builders with basic woodworking skills can finish in one to two weekends with a helper.
The Amazon listing may not unlock the brand’s full private video library, so check the company site if you want every tutorial. Lumber, anchors, and a wooden stabilizer rod are also sold separately.
Why the twin kit earns its spot
You get the same lifetime hardware warranty and build documentation as the queen kit, but in a footprint that fits kid bedrooms, narrow guest nooks, and studio corners where a queen would dominate.
Why it is not for everyone
If you regularly host couples or want a primary bedroom murphy bed, the twin size is too narrow. Go with the queen Easy DIY kit instead.
What to Consider When Buying a Murphy Bed for a Small Apartment?
The right murphy bed depends on three things: how much wall depth you can spare, whether you can drill into wall studs, and how much daily use the bed will get. This buying guide walks through each decision so you can match a model to your apartment instead of the other way around.
Vertical vs Horizontal Murphy Bed
Vertical murphy beds fold up like a tall cabinet and are the most common choice for small apartments because they use only wall height, not wall width. Horizontal murphy beds fold sideways and work in rooms with low ceilings (under 8 feet) but they consume more wall width, which can dominate a narrow room.
Pick vertical when you have at least 8.5 feet of ceiling clearance and want the smallest wall footprint. Pick horizontal when your ceiling is under 8 feet or when you plan to mount the bed above a long sofa, desk, or storage credenza.
Wall-Mounted vs Cabinet vs Freestanding
Wall-mounted kits like the Create-A-Bed and Easy DIY options attach directly to wall studs and give the thinnest closed profile, but they require drilling and are not renter-friendly. Cabinet beds like the Night and Day Cube and AMERLIFE models stand free, often roll on casters, and require no wall anchoring, which makes them the go-to for rentals.
Freestanding cabinet beds cost more for the same mattress size, but they earn their footprint by doubling as dressers, bookshelves, or desks during the day. If your apartment is a long-term rental, a cabinet bed is almost always the smarter investment.
Weight Capacity and Mattress Compatibility
Weight capacity on the picks in this guide ranges from 400 pounds on the budget ECACAD cabinet up to 1000 pounds on the Bestar Claremont, Hlivelood, and several AMERLIFE models. Most couples land comfortably under 500 pounds combined, so any of these will work, but heavier sleepers should match capacity with real-world load.
Mattress compatibility is just as important. Most cabinet and wall beds accept standard queen mattresses between 8 and 12 inches thick, but memory foam over 12 inches tall will not close fully in many kits. Tri-fold gel foam mattresses are the standard pick for cabinet beds that store the mattress inside when folded up.
Renter-Friendly Murphy Bed Options
Renters should focus on cabinet-style murphy beds that do not require wall anchoring. The Night and Day Murphy Cube, the AFI Southampton, the ECACAD cabinet, and the AMERLIFE models all stand free and roll on hidden casters or fixed wheels. None of them require drilling into studs.
Confirm with your landlord before any install. In many leases, even small wall anchors for a desk or shelf need written approval. A freestanding cabinet bed sidesteps that conversation entirely, which is why our renter-friendly recommendations all sit in that category.
Space Planning and Clearance Requirements
A vertical queen murphy bed needs roughly 86 inches of clear floor depth when open and about 16 inches of wall depth when closed. Plan for at least 30 to 36 inches of clearance on either side of the open bed so you can make it up comfortably. Ceiling height under 8.5 feet rules out most vertical queen kits and pushes you toward a horizontal or twin vertical model.
Measure doorways and stairwells before ordering. Several queen cabinets ship in boxes between 140 and 320 pounds, and the Bestar, Hlivelood, and AMERLIFE models have caused real headaches on upper-floor walkups with no elevator. The DIY hardware kits weigh only 11 pounds, which removes that problem almost entirely.
Murphy Bed vs Sofa Bed: Which Saves More Space?
A murphy bed stows inside a cabinet or flush against the wall, freeing the entire floor area of the room when not in use. A sofa bed keeps a permanent sofa footprint and only converts to a sleeping surface when needed. In a studio under 400 square feet, that difference is significant: a queen murphy bed typically returns about 35 to 60 square feet of usable floor space compared with a sofa bed.
The trade-off is comfort and daily convenience. Sofa beds win on instant setup with no folding and no mattress management. They lose on long-term mattress comfort because the thin inner spring or foam mattresses rarely match a real bed. Murphy beds accept standard mattresses, sleep like a real bed, and require a 30 to 60 second fold-down each night.
For an apartment that doubles as a bedroom every single night, a murphy bed with a real mattress is the better long-term pick. For a living room that hosts overnight guests a few times a month, a quality sofa bed is easier to live with daily. The dual-purpose setups like the murphy bed with a built-in desk or sofa are worth considering if you genuinely need both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of Murphy bed for an apartment?
A vertical queen murphy bed with a cabinet front is the most common apartment pick because it uses wall height rather than wall width and doubles as a usable piece of furniture during the day. For renters, a freestanding cabinet bed that requires no wall anchoring is the safest bet. For homeowners, a wall-mounted kit with a dual-piston lift delivers the thinnest closed profile.
Are there renter-friendly Murphy beds?
Yes. Cabinet-style murphy beds from brands like Night and Day Furniture, AFI, AMERLIFE, and ECACAD stand free on the floor or roll on hidden casters and do not require drilling into wall studs. They cost more than DIY hardware kits but they protect your security deposit and can move with you to a new apartment.
Are Murphy beds good for apartments?
Murphy beds are one of the best space-saving furniture solutions for small apartments because they return up to 60 square feet of floor when stowed and let a single room serve as both a bedroom and a living area or home office. Modern dual-piston and gas-spring mechanisms make daily fold-up and fold-down effortless, and cabinet fronts let the bed double as a dresser, bookshelf, or console during the day.
What are the best beds for small apartments?
Beyond murphy beds, the best beds for small apartments include platform beds with under-bed storage drawers, captain beds with built-in shelving, loft beds that free the floor underneath for a desk or sofa, and storage ottomans that pull out into a single mattress. Murphy beds remain the top pick when you need a full or queen mattress and a multi-purpose room.
Do Murphy beds need to be attached to the wall?
Wall-mounted murphy bed kits must attach to wall studs or masonry for safe operation, and most require at least two wood studs or a concrete wall. Cabinet-style murphy beds do not need wall anchoring and stand free on the floor, which is why they are the go-to choice for renters and anyone who wants to avoid drilling into the wall.
Final Verdict: Which Murphy Bed Should You Buy for Your Small Apartment?
After testing 12 models across wall-mounted kits and pre-built cabinet beds, our top recommendation for the best murphy bed for small apartments is the Create-A-Bed Queen Vertical Deluxe Kit. The American-made steel hardware, lifetime warranty, and thorough build documentation give it a clear edge over competitors at every price tier, and reviewers consistently report the dual-piston lift still feels smooth after years of daily use.
If you want a ready-to-use cabinet that requires zero wall work, the Night and Day Murphy Cube is our premium pick. Renters should look at the AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Bedside Tables for maximum storage or the ECACAD Cabinet Bed for the lowest entry price. DIYers on a budget can grab the Easy DIY Queen Kit and source plywood locally for a fraction of pre-built pricing.
Whatever you choose, measure your ceiling height, confirm your wall material, and decide how often you will actually fold the bed up before you commit. The right murphy bed can genuinely change how your small apartment feels in 2026, and any of the 12 picks above will get the job done well.