by Murphy beds are among the best options for small houses, studio apartments, guestrooms, campers, and recreational vehicles (RVs). Murphy beds are space-saving beds that attach to a wall, the inside of a cabinet, and you can even use a Murphy bed in a closet. What makes the bed unique and exceptionally handy is that a Murphy bed can be folded up against the wall when not in use, which maximizes floor space during the day.
Along with freeing up space, many Murphy bed options feature stylish designs. This lets you decorate your room and make it look even more aesthetically pleasing. There are dozens of multifunctional Murphy beds available on the market today. 2-in-1 and sometimes even 3-in-1 Murphy beds allow you to make the most of your bed while having much more free space in your room or RV. Murphy beds are also comfortable – did you know that you can even use a Tempurpedic mattress with your Murphy bed too?
As with anything, there are pros and cons to using a Murphy bed. Make sure to take a look at our comprehensive guide for more information. Today, however, to make it easier for you to choose a suitable Murphy bed option for your studio apartment, camper, or RV, we have carefully selected 15 exciting Murphy bed ideas.
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1. Vertical Murphy Bed Hidden in a Cabinet For That Classic Look and Feel
A traditional Murphy bed hidden in a cabinet is an option that saves space and looks classy. Image from Amazon.Approximate Price ~$1200 from Amazon
One of the best Murphy bed options is a Murphy bed which can be hidden in a cabinet when it is in a closed position.
A vertical Murphy bed hidden in a cabinet is a perfect option for creating a contemporary look in a studio apartment. However, it’s a little too large for RVs or campers.
This type of Murphy bed is especially convenient for guest rooms. The bed will look like a regular closet during the day or when no guests are staying over at your place. Despite its handiness, vertical Murphy beds with no additional features might not be practical for campers or RVs. If you’re interested in learning about how to set up a murphy bed, take a look at these murphy bed instructions.
2. Vertical Murphy Bed with Side Cabinets For Extra Storage
Vertical Murphy beds with side cabinets are ideal for studio apartments because of all the storage space! Image from Amazon.Approximate Price: ~$2600 from Amazon
Murphy beds with side cabinets create a luxurious look in your studio apartment or small bedroom.
A vertical Murphy bed with side cabinets is a great idea for studio apartments, due to its additional storage space. Given this bed’s size, a horizontal option may be better for campers or RVs.
The cabinets on either one or both sides include shelves and drawers for storing items. When you fold the bed up against the wall, it is hidden inside a cabinet.
While vertical Murphy beds with side cabinets are ideal for small apartments, they might not be suitable for campers and RVs. The reason for this is that the length of the bed is too long to fit in a typical motorhome when it is folded out.
Make sure to learn more about Murphy bed safety too. Are Murphy Beds Safe? Check out our related article to find out now.
3. Horizontal Murphy Bed with Side Cabinets For Rooms With Low Ceilings
A horizontal Murphy bed with side cabinets is perfect for studio apartments, campers, and RVs. But this one is a bit expensive. Image from Dutch Crafters.Approximate Price: ~$6000 from Dutch Crafters
Horizontal Murphy beds are even more convenient than traditional vertical ones. The horizontal alignment of the bed allows the user to place it in any type of room.
Horizontal Murphy beds with side cabinets are a perfect idea for studio apartments, campers, or RVs, because they are more likely to fit in smaller spaces and they have additional storage.
In the case of studio apartments and guest rooms, you can go with an option that comes without any side units. For campers and RVs, it is better to consider purchasing a Murphy bed with additional storage cabinets, in order to make the most of your space.
Another advantage of a horizontal Murphy bed is that you can use the space above the bed for storage. You can add shelves for storing extra items or you can decorate the wall.
You might find some additional information in our related article, “what is a slide-away bed?” Be sure to check that out as well.
4. Bi-Folding Bookcase Murphy Bed For Lots of Book Storage
A bi-folding bookcase Murphy bed is perfect for small apartments. Look at all that book storage and you can also put in some knick-knacks and portraits like in this image. Image from Stuart David Home Furnishings.Approximate Price: Unknown, call Stuart David
Another multifunctional Murphy bed type for studio apartments and small bedrooms is a bi-folding bookcase Murphy bed. You might be interested in learning about how to install bookcase murphy beds like this one.
A bi-folding bookcase Murphy bed is a great idea for studios because it offers decorative book storage and a practical use of space. Its size when opened makes it a less-suitable option for campers and RVs.
What makes the bookcase Murphy bed so convenient is that the shelves face forward at all times. Opening up the bookcase will reveal the Murphy bed, which can then be easily folded out. Since you might not need a bookcase in a camper or an RV, and the bed would take too much floor space in an opened position, a library Murphy bed might not be the best option for motorhomes.
To learn more about the mechanism of a typical bi-folding bookcase Murphy bed, check out the YouTube video by WWBeds Custom Furniture.
5. Horizontal Murphy Bed Hidden Inconspicuously in a Bed Dresser
Murphy beds can be hidden in a horizontal bed dresser, which looks like a regular storage cabinet when it is closed. Image from Amazon.Approximate Price: ~$2000 from Amazon
Another way to save up some space in a studio apartment or small bedroom is to use a Murphy bed that can be hidden in a horizontal bed dresser. You can use this Murphy bed in guest rooms or in a camper/RV as long as it has enough width, or you do not have any furniture on one side of the van.
Murphy beds hidden in horizontal bed dressers are a great storage option, since they have both internal and external storage space. They can work in studios or motor homes, as long as you have enough horizontal space.
One of the most important advantages of Murphy beds that can be hidden in a bed dresser is that you can use the surface of the cabinet for storage. Since the wall above the Murphy bed is not occupied, you can hang some pictures or add another cabinet for extra storage.
6. Murphy Bunk Bed with a Foldable Bottom Bunk Gives You Advantages of Bunk Beds And Murphy Beds
A Murphy bunk bed with foldable bottom bunk is ideal for kids’ bedrooms and campers. Image from Wall Bed Place. Approximate Price: ~$3500 from Wall Bed Place
If you are looking for a bed for your kids’ bedroom, you might want to consider purchasing a Murphy bunk bed with a foldable bottom bunk. The bed will accommodate two people and you can clear up space during the day by simply folding up the bottom bunk.
Murphy beds with foldable bottom bunks are an excellent option for multi-person RVs and campers or for kid’s bedrooms, since they sleep more than one person.
Another advantage of a Murphy bunk bed with a foldable bottom bunk is that the frame extends horizontally and does not take up much floor space. This feature makes the bed perfectly suitable for campers and RVs.
The only disadvantage of this Murphy bunk bed is that the upper bunk cannot be folded up against the wall; therefore, it has to be unfolded at all times.
7. Murphy Bunk Bed with Foldable Upper and Lower Bunks That Double As Workspaces/Desks During the Day
A Murphy bunk bed with foldable upper and lower bunks is suitable for apartments, campers, and RVs. Image from Wayfair.Approximate Price: $4600 from Wayfair
Another type of Murphy bunk bed is one that features two foldable bunks. Murphy bunk beds with foldable upper and lower bunks take up even less space than the ones with a single foldable bunk. You can even get foldable bunk beds that have desks during the day.
Murphy bunk beds with foldable upper and lower bunks are a perfect option for sleeping multiple people and saving the maximum amount of space. Because both beds can be folded closed, these beds are excellent for studios, RVs, and campers.
Similar to the option discussed in the previous section, this Murphy bunk bed can also be used in kids’ bedrooms and campers. The only difference is that Murphy bunk beds with two foldable bunks might be even handier for motorhomes. The bed will accommodate two people and be almost invisible during the day.
8. Flip-Up Murphy Bed with a Desk Combo to Convert Office Rooms Into Bedrooms
A flip-up Murphy bed with a desk combo gives you a cozy workspace during the day. Image from Amazon. Approximate Price: ~$2200 from Amazon
Flip-up desk Murphy beds are especially useful for studio apartments and bedrooms that are utilized as offices during the day. By folding up the Murphy bed, you will transform it into a cabinet with a desk.
A flip-up Murphy bed with a desk combo is a great idea for converting your bedroom into a home office or vice versa. Given its size, this type of bed is more useful in studio apartments than campers or RVs.
One of the advantages of this Murphy bed is that there is a stay-level desk installed in the bed frame. What this means is that you will not have to remove items from the desk every time you fold out the Murphy bed.
Some of the options include side cabinets on both sides of the bed. This will make the Murphy bed look even more luxurious and nobody will ever have a clue that there is a bed hiding behind the cabinet doors.
You may also be interested to see how to choose the right Murphy bed for your exercise room too.
9. Flip-Up Murphy Bed with a Sofa Combos To Convert Living Rooms into Bedrooms
A flip-up Murphy bed with a sofa combo will create a classy look in your studio apartment. Image from Wayfair. Approximate Price: ~$9900 from Wayfair
A Murphy bed with a sofa combo is ideal for small apartments and minimalist houses. You will get a multifunctional bed with just a single piece of furniture.
A Murphy bed with a sofa combo is a brilliant option for studios, campers, or RVs because it can easily convert your bedroom into a stylish living room.
The bed can be converted into a comfy sofa by folding it up against the wall. While in a closed position, the bed is completely hidden behind the cabinet.
By purchasing a flip-up Murphy bed with a sofa, you will get maximum comfort and save floor space. This option will allow you to make the most of your furniture and living space.
10. Murphy Bed with a Sofa and a Storage Unit Combo So You Can Have Lots of Storage in Your Living Room / Bedroom
A Murphy bed with a sofa and a storage unit combo will let you make the most of your floor space. One piece of furniture to convert your living room into a bedroom. Image from Casa Kids. Approximate Price: Unknown
While some of the Murphy bed sofa combos come with a shelf or two above the sofa, there are Murphy beds that comprise a comfy couch along with storage units above or next to the bed.
Murphy beds with a sofa and a storage unit combo are a great option for maximizing storage space in your studio apartment, but the vertical option may be too large for your camper or RV.
With additional shelves and drawers, the Murphy bed is very aesthetically pleasing when unfolded during the day. At night, you can pull out the bed and store some essential items right next to you.
Vertical Murphy beds with a sofa and a storage unit combo are perfectly suitable for studio apartments, but might not fit into campers and RVs. Therefore, you might want to consider a horizontal version of a Murphy bed with a sofa and a storage unit combo. This will allow you to maximize the floor space in your van.
11. Murphy Cabinet Bed with Underbed Storage Drawers To Maximize Storage in a Horizontal Cabinet Murphy Bed
A Murphy cabinet bed with underbed drawers allows you to store essential items below the bed. Image from Amazon. Approximate Price: ~1850 from Amazon
Some Murphy bed options come with additional storage drawers under the bed. The drawers fill the space between the bed frame and the floor and make the bed look even better during the day.
Murphy cabinet beds with underbed storage drawers are a great option for studios, campers, or RVs. They not only add storage space, but make the space underneath the Murphy bed look more appealing.
In the case of the majority of Murphy beds, the gap between the bed and floor doesn’t look good when the bed is folded out. The presence of underbed drawers solves this issue and looks stylish.
12. Horizontal Murphy Bed with a Closet Above the Bed – Lots of Storage In a Room With a Low Ceiling
A horizontal Murphy bed with a closet is a stylish and practical option. Use lighting to give your room that extra bit of oomph. Image from Wayfair.Approximate Price: $3600 from Wayfair
Purchasing a horizontal Murphy bed with an additional closet above the bed will allow you to store items and make the most of your space.
Horizontal Murphy beds with a closet above the bed are a functional idea for studio apartments, RVs, or campers because they take up less space than other options, even when folded up, and offer storage for clothes, books, and decorations.
Some of the horizontal Murphy beds include sliding-door storage units in the upper part of the bed. The bed can also include a compact wardrobe and a bookshelf. What makes the Murphy bed even more convenient is that the bed is completely hidden while it is folded up.
You may also be interested in seeing more Murphy bed options for rooms with low ceilings.
13. Roll-Out Murphy Bed For A Tiny Home
A roll-out Murphy bed uses minimal floor and wall space and has a really cool design. Image from Tiny House Living. Approximate Cost: Unknown
Another compact Murphy bed option is a roll-out Murphy bed that can be used in any small apartment or camper van. The bed takes up the minimal floor and wall space.
Roll-out Murphy beds are great options when you need to use the minimum-possible space in your RV, camper, or studio apartment. While it uses the least space of all the options, it does require you to replace the mattress and re-make the bed each time you unroll it.
In a typical roll-out bed, there are two boxes. The main box is situated in the front and includes the base for the mattress. The box behind the main one is used for storing mattresses or other items. You only need to roll the bed out and put the mattress on the foundation. The only disadvantage of the roll-out bed is that you have to take the mattresses out of the box and put them on top of the base every time you roll out the bed.
Make sure to take a look at our article on choosing the right Murphy bed for your tiny house and are Murphy beds comfortable in a studio apartment or an RV too.
14. Double Murphy Bed with a Trundle Bed Combo To Sleep One Adult and A Guest
A Murphy bed with a trundle bed combo is a great option for kids’ bedrooms and tiny apartments. Image from Wayfair.Approximate Cost: ~$3200 from Wayfair
This double Murphy bed consists of a floating wardrobe cabinet above the bed and a roll-out desk below the main bed.
A Murphy bed with a trundle bed combo is an ideal idea for kids’ bedrooms and small apartments. Incorporating a sofa bed, cabinet, and desk, this bed maximizes space but may be too large for RVs or campers when fully expanded.
When the bed is in a closed position, it can be used as a sofa bed. This bed can accommodate two people and can be utilized in small guest rooms. You might also find the double Murphy bed with a trundle bed combo useful if your kid has a friend staying over at your place.
15. DIY Murphy Bed for Your Studio Apartment, Camper, or RV
You can always DIY a Murphy bed specifically for your tiny apartment, camper, or RV. Image from Unsplash. If you want a bed that fits your exact specifications, you can consider DIYing your bed.
DIYing your own Murphy bed for a studio apartment, a camper, or an RV is the perfect idea to ensure your bed has the specific design that works best for you. DIYing your bed allows you to design a Murphy bed with all the features that you need and your bed will fit better in your bedroom or camper van than a pre-fabricated bed.
To learn more about how to build a traditional Murphy bed with cheap hardware, check out DIYTyler’s YouTube video. You can also follow the link to the YouTube video by DIY PETE for a step-by-step guide to building a queen-size Murphy bed for your apartment. If you want to DIY a Murphy bed for your camper van, DualEx’s YouTube video will help you get started.