What’s the Difference Between a Murphy Bed and a Wall Bed?

Learn more about what makes each option unique in the wall bed vs. Murphy bed debate and how to decide which is right for you.

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If you search online for “wall bed vs. Murphy bed,” you’ll see many space-saving, bed-hiding products that could help transform your room. There are Murphy beds, wall beds, desk beds, cabinet beds, and bookcase beds, to name a few. With these various products available, it can be tricky to decide which product will be best for your space. 

A few of the first questions that may pop into your head as you begin your research are: what is a wall bed? What is a Murphy bed? Are they synonyms? Which one will work best for my space? The truth is that there are many people, even supposed bed and mattress experts, who don’t know the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed. This is partly because, over time, the two products have evolved into very similar products with only a few key differentiations.

So, what is the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed? Put simply, the differences are in the lifting mechanisms and the construction of the frame that holds the mattress. Murphy beds use springs to help lift and lower the bed, while wall beds typically use pistons. Further, Murphy beds are typically built with a metal bed frame, whereas wall beds are built with a wood frame and mattress surrounds. Some wall beds don’t use any lifting mechanism, but these cheap alternatives aren’t recommended as they require at least two hardy adults to lift and lower the bed–hope you’ve been spending some time at the gym!

To understand how Murphy beds and wall beds are currently classified, it’s helpful to look back at their origins. This is because, over time, they have morphed and evolved, becoming more and more similar and more and more difficult to differentiate. When you look at the first Murphy bed and the first wall bed, they have drastic differences that are easily compared.

Murphy Beds Origin Story

Maybe you have heard the quaint story of the invention of the Murphy bed already. It was the late 1800s in San Francisco, CA. A gentleman named William Lawrence Murphy was in a bit of a bind. You see, at the time, it was against the commonly held social mores to allow a member of the opposite sex into your bed chambers. This put quite the damper on William’s dating life because he lived in a tiny studio apartment in the city. 

William was dating an opera singer he liked, but he could not, in good conscience, allow her into his apartment. This was when he had a stroke of genius: if he could fold his bed into his closet when he had a lady over, he could entertain a woman in his apartment and remain honorable in the community. Eventually, he developed and patented the original Murphy beds: a contraption fabricated from a metal bed frame that used door hinges to fold into his closet on demand.

Wall Beds Origin Story

The origins of wall beds are more vague and certainly less anecdotal. At some point in the late 20th century, cabinet builders decided, rather than using up closet space, they could build a cabinet that would house a mattress, allowing it to cantilever out into the room when it was needed. This cabinet was mounted on a wall, rather than inside of a closet, hence the name “wall bed” came into use.

These beds could produce all of the functionality of a Murphy bed without needing a spare closet. They were also designed more like furniture, with the freedom to build a gorgeous cabinet rather than an unsightly conglomeration of steel and squeaky springs. Since their inception, wall beds have most commonly used gas-charged pistons (bigger, stronger cousins of the pistons that help you open your car trunk, for example.) to help lift and lower the bed. These pistons can effectively reduce the amount you have to lift to 20-30 lbs. rather than the actual weight which is more than 100 lbs.

So What’s the Difference?

As you compare “Murphy bed 1.0” with “wall bed 1.0”, as outlined above, can you see the differences? Murphy beds were spring-driven metal frames designed to be hidden in a closet, whereas wall beds were piston-driven wood cabinets designed to be mounted anywhere in a room. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s muddy the water a little, shall we?

As previously mentioned, Murphy beds and wall beds have grown increasingly similar through the years. This is due mostly to an evolution in Murphy beds, while wall beds have remained unchanged. Murphy beds have gradually evolved from closet-dwelling contraptions to cabinetry similar to wall beds. It’s almost as if Murphy bed manufacturers recognized the aesthetic gap between their products and a nice all-wood wall bed, and they began producing wood-based versions of their beds to compete. 

Today, the terms ‘Murphy bed’ and ‘wall bed’ are nearly synonymous, but there are still differences that serve as throwbacks to their original designs–Murphy beds still tend to use a metal frame with springs, whereas wall beds are built from wood and use an alternative lifting system, usually pistons. Are there some companies that have spring-driven wall beds? Probably. Are there some companies that have pistons with a metal frame? Most likely. But, on average, the differences mentioned above tend to hold true.

Wall beds vs. Murphy beds

Wall beds

Murphy beds

Which Should I Choose?

Now that you know how to classify wall beds and Murphy beds, here comes the important question: which one is better? The answer to that question is not simple and cut-and-dry and it really depends on your needs and preferences. Here’s a more in-depth guide to this question, but there are a few points to note.

Construction materials

Before analyzing the differences between Murphy beds and wall beds, the very first thing you should look for is a real wood product. Some companies build Murphy and wall beds from inferior wood alternatives like particle board. We get calls routinely from customers who purchased a cheap Murphy bed that has broken, and they are trying to find somebody to repair it. The mechanics that power these beds exert high amounts of force on the particle board, and cheap wood alternatives just don’t cut it.

Weight Limits

Both wall beds and Murphy beds have more than sufficient weight limits. For example, at Wilding Wallbeds, our all-wood wall beds have been tested to 4,000 lbs, and our Murphy beds have been tested to 2,500 lbs. In either case, unless you are looking to park your car on your bed, the difference is inconsequential.

Assembly

When considering the differences in assembly, there are some pros and cons to consider. Wall beds are shipped partially assembled, so the assembly time is typically 1-2 hours. Murphy beds, on the other hand, ship broken down and require 3-4 hours to assemble. However, because Murphy beds ship broken down, the heaviest piece to lift and maneuver is typically about 30 lbs. compared to 100+ lbs. on a wall bed. So, if you’re carrying this bed up multiple flights of stairs, through tight corners, or on a small elevator, a Murphy bed is probably the right way.

Style

Both wall beds and Murphy beds offer attractive style options, so you are sure to find a style that you love either way. To highlight a couple of the differences, it should be noted that some customers have an issue with the wooden legs that are visible on the face of wall beds. These legs are usually hidden within the design and style of the bed, but they are still visible. On the other hand, Murphy beds have drastically more metal components visible when used, which some consider unsightly.

Sizes

The vast majority of Murphy beds or wall beds sold are queen-sized. However, depending on individual needs and space availability, sometimes other sizes are necessary. Wall beds are usually available in twin, twin XL, full, and queen sizes. Murphy beds are usually available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes. So, if you need a king-size bed, you will want to find a Murphy bed you like.

Comparing Wilding Wallbeds Murphy beds and wall beds*

Find the Right Murphy or Wall Bed for Your Space

Choosing between a Murphy bed and a wall bed can feel like a challenge, especially with all the options available. With a little guidance, you can find the ideal space-saving solution for your home. From studio apartments to multipurpose guest rooms, the right bed choice can maximize functionality and style, transforming any room into a dual-purpose space.

Assessing Your Space and Storage Needs

If you’re short on closet space or want a bed that blends in with your room’s design, a wall bed might be a perfect fit. These beds have versatile and furniture-like cabinets, often with built-in shelves, drawers, or even desks that provide additional storage. In a wall bed vs. Murphy bed comparison, the wood cabinetry of wall beds is an attractive choice for rooms where aesthetics matter. Wall beds also come with gas-charged pistons, making them easy to open and close with minimal effort—a great advantage if you plan on using the bed regularly.

Considering Tight Corners and Narrow Spaces

For rooms with narrow hallways or tight corners, a Murphy bed can be a great choice. With metal frames and a spring-based lifting mechanism, Murphy beds are often lighter and easier to install in confined spaces. Shipped in smaller parts, a Murphy bed can be assembled piece by piece, making it easier to manage in tricky layouts. The difference between Murphy bed and wall bed assembly times is also worth considering; Murphy beds generally require a bit more setup but can be ideal for compact spaces where larger furniture pieces are difficult to maneuver.

Room Size and Bed Dimensions

Room size is another essential factor. Murphy beds are usually available in a wider range of sizes, including twin, full, queen, and even king, making them suitable for compact guest rooms and larger bedrooms. Wall beds, however, are commonly found in twin, twin XL, full, and queen sizes, making them a practical choice for tighter spaces where every inch matters. When thinking about wall bed vs Murphy bed options, consider your room’s primary function. If you’re furnishing a multipurpose room, such as a home office, that doubles as a guest room, the bed size and placement are key.

Primary Bed Usage and Design Preferences

Think about how you plan to use the bed. If you want a piece that integrates well with other furniture, wall beds often feature cabinetry that doubles as storage or a media center, keeping the room organized and helping you maintain a clutter-free environment. Murphy beds, on the other hand, are streamlined and practical for spaces where the bed will be tucked away more often than used, providing a clean, minimalist look when folded.

Upgrade Your Space with a Wilding Wallbed

Find the perfect Murphy or wall bed for your home at Wilding Wallbeds. With unmatched craftsmanship, a wide range of style options, and dedicated customer support, our beds bring style and functionality to any room. Whether for a guest room, home office, or studio, our high-quality beds are built to last. Explore our collection at Wilding Wallbeds and make the most of your space today!