A spare room that has to be both a guest room and something else — an office, a gym, a playroom — is one of the most common layout problems we're asked to solve. A built-in Murphy bed is usually the answer.
What a Murphy bed actually solves
A permanent bed makes a room a bedroom full time, even on the 350 days a year no guest is using it. A Murphy bed folds up and out of the way, giving the room back for everyday use without losing the ability to host overnight guests.
Horizontal vs. vertical
A vertical Murphy bed folds up against the wall and takes up less floor width, which works well in a narrower room. A horizontal Murphy bed folds up lengthwise and can work better in a wider, shallower room. We help you pick based on your room's actual dimensions.
Combining with a desk or shelving
Built-in Murphy bed systems can be designed with flanking cabinets, a built-in desk that stays accessible even with the bed down, or shelving above and around the unit — so the room keeps working as an office right up until it's time to fold the bed down.
What to expect from a built-in system
Unlike a stand-alone Murphy bed frame, a built-in system is designed as part of the room — matched to your finishes, fitted to your wall, and installed by the same team that builds it.
See more on our Murphy beds page.