When you think of a Murphy bed, you likely picture the classic, vertical model that folds straight up into the wall. It’s a timeless space-saving hero. But its clever, lesser-known cousin—the horizontal Murphy bed—offers a unique set of advantages that often go unnoticed. These side-fold beds are more than just a solution for low ceilings; they are a masterclass in functional design, aesthetics, and user-friendly engineering.
If you're designing a multi-functional room, optimizing a small apartment, or simply looking for a more integrated wall bed solution, it’s time to look sideways. Let’s explore ten underappreciated perks that make **horizontal Murphy beds** a superior choice in many modern homes.
1. Perfect for Low Ceilings and Easier Operation
A standard vertical Murphy bed requires significant overhead clearance, often needing ceilings of eight feet or more. This makes them impractical for basements, attics, or rooms with soffits. Horizontal Murphy beds solve this problem elegantly, as their landscape orientation requires minimal vertical space. Furthermore, the side-pivot mechanism is often easier to operate, requiring less upward lift and making it more accessible for shorter individuals, older adults, or even children in a playroom.
- Supporting Stat: With nearly 15% of finished basement conversions having ceiling heights under 7.5 feet, the horizontal model is often the *only* viable wall bed option for these spaces.
2. Unlocks Overhead Wall Space for Storage
Because a horizontal Murphy bed occupies the lower portion of a wall, it leaves the entire upper section free. This is a game-changer for storage. You can install a full bank of overhead cabinets, floating shelves for books and decor, or even mount a piece of statement art. This transforms a single-function wall into a complete storage and sleeping system, a crucial advantage in compact urban living where vertical space is prime real estate.
3. Superior Stability and Weight Distribution
The mechanics of a side-fold design distribute the bed's weight across a wider horizontal axis. This means the load is spread over more wall studs, often resulting in a more stable and secure feel both during operation and when the bed is in use. This enhanced stability reduces long-term strain on the pivot hardware and wall anchors, contributing to the system's overall durability and safety.
4. Blends in as Stylish Furniture
When closed, the low, wide profile of a horizontal Murphy bed can beautifully mimic a credenza, a media console, or a chic sideboard. Unlike the tall, monolithic look of a vertical bed, this design invites you to use its top surface for lamps, plants, or decorative objects. This allows the unit to blend seamlessly into a living room or studio apartment as a functional piece of furniture, rather than just a hidden bed.
5. Promotes Better Mattress Health and Airflow
In a vertical Murphy bed, the mattress is compressed and stands on its end, which can trap moisture and restrict airflow. The horizontal orientation allows the mattress to rest in a more natural position against the wall, promoting better air circulation around it. This ventilation is key to preventing mildew and dust mite accumulation, which can extend the life of your mattress and create a healthier sleeping environment, especially in humid climates.
6. Creates a More Versatile Room Layout
The lower profile of an open horizontal bed doesn't dominate a room in the same way a vertical one can. When folded down, it feels more like a daybed or a divan, allowing for more flexible furniture placement around it. This is ideal for home offices or dens, where you can have a desk or seating area that remains functional even when the guest bed is in use, creating a truly dynamic, multi-purpose space.
7. Potentially Lower Installation Costs
Because the forces are distributed more laterally, some horizontal Murphy bed systems require less intensive wall reinforcement than their vertical counterparts. While professional installation is always recommended for safety, the process can sometimes be simpler and faster, especially on interior, non-load-bearing walls. This can translate into reduced labor costs, making it a more budget-friendly choice for certain home renovations.
8. Quieter, More Discreet Operation
The smooth, gliding motion of a side-pivot mechanism is often noticeably quieter than the spring-loaded systems in many vertical beds, which can sometimes close with a loud thud. This whisper-quiet operation is a significant perk in apartments with thin walls or in a shared space, like a child’s room or a studio. It allows for late-night or early-morning transitions without disturbing others.
9. Fits in Awkward or Shallow Spaces
Have a narrow room, a long hallway nook, or a shallow alcove? A horizontal Murphy bed is your answer. These beds can be designed with incredibly slim profiles, some protruding as little as 12 inches from the wall when closed. This makes them perfect for installation in spaces where a deeper vertical model would be an awkward obstruction, opening up design possibilities in architecturally challenging homes.
10. Offers a “Built-in Daybed” Vibe
When opened, a horizontal Murphy bed naturally creates the feeling of a built-in daybed, with the wall acting as a headboard along the long side. Add a few plush pillows, and it instantly becomes a cozy spot for lounging, reading, or watching a movie—not just sleeping. This dual functionality enhances the room’s comfort and usability far beyond that of a simple guest bed.
Horizontal Murphy Bed Benefits at a Glance
To help you quickly see how these perks might apply to your space, here’s a summary of the key advantages of a horizontal Murphy bed.
| Underappreciated Perk | The Core Advantage | Ideal For |
| 1. Low Ceiling Compatibility | Fits perfectly in rooms with ceilings under 8 feet where vertical models can't. The side-pivot is also easier to pull down. | Basements, attic rooms, and spaces with soffits or bulkheads. |
| 2. Unlocked Vertical Space | Frees up the entire wall area above the bed for cabinets, shelving, or artwork, maximizing storage potential. | Studio apartments and anyone needing to make the most of wall space. |
| 3. Enhanced Stability | Distributes weight more evenly across wall studs, providing a sturdier feel and reducing long-term wear on hardware. | Homes where the bed will be used frequently or for safety-conscious buyers. |
| 4. Stylish, Furniture-Like Look | When closed, its low profile mimics a console or credenza, allowing it to blend seamlessly into a living room's decor. | Multi-functional living areas and design-forward interiors. |
| 5. Better Mattress Health | Promotes better airflow around the mattress compared to vertical models, helping to prevent moisture and extend its lifespan. | Humid climates and users concerned with hygiene and mattress longevity. |
| 6. Versatile Room Layouts | Its lower profile when open doesn't dominate the room, allowing for more flexible furniture placement around it. | Home offices, home gyms, and playrooms that double as guest rooms. |
| 7. Potential for Lower Costs | The mechanism can sometimes require less intensive wall reinforcement, potentially saving on installation labor costs. | Budget-conscious renovations and DIY installations on standard walls. |
| 8. Whisper-Quiet Operation | The side-hinge mechanism is typically smoother and quieter, avoiding the "thud" of some spring-loaded vertical beds. | Apartments with thin walls, light sleepers, and shared spaces. |
| 9. Fits in Awkward Spaces | Can be designed with a very slim profile, making it perfect for installation in shallow nooks, alcoves, or narrow rooms. | Historic homes, hallways, and rooms with irregular shapes. |
| 10. "Built-in Daybed" Vibe | When open, the wall acts as a long headboard, making it perfect for daytime lounging and reading, not just sleeping. | Dens, media rooms, and creating cozy, multi-use guest areas. |
Conclusion
While the classic vertical wall bed will always have its place, the unique and often overlooked benefits of horizontal Murphy beds make them an incredibly powerful tool for modern design. From their ergonomic advantages and storage potential to their aesthetic flexibility, they offer sophisticated solutions that can elevate any small or multi-purpose space.
Have you considered a horizontal Murphy bed for your home? Share your thoughts or questions with us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main difference between a horizontal and a vertical Murphy bed?
A horizontal Murphy bed folds out sideways (landscape orientation), while a vertical bed folds down from the top (portrait orientation). This fundamental design difference makes horizontal models ideal for rooms with low ceilings or narrow layouts.
2. Are horizontal Murphy beds a good choice for rooms with low ceilings?
Absolutely. They are the perfect solution for spaces with ceilings under 8 feet, such as basements, attics, or rooms with soffits, where a vertical model wouldn't have enough clearance to open fully.
3. Can I install storage cabinets above a horizontal Murphy bed?
Yes, this is one of their biggest advantages. Since the bed folds out from the lower half of the wall, the entire space above it remains free, allowing you to install a full bank of custom shelves or cabinets.
4. Do I need a special mattress for a horizontal Murphy bed?
Most modern horizontal Murphy beds are designed to accommodate a standard mattress up to a specific thickness (usually 10-12 inches). You typically do not need a special mattress, but always check the manufacturer's specifications.
5. Is it difficult to open and close a horizontal Murphy bed?
No, they are often considered easier to operate than vertical models. The side-pivot mechanism requires less direct lifting force, making it more user-friendly for people of all heights and physical abilities.
6. How does a horizontal Murphy bed look when it's closed?
When closed, its low and wide profile allows it to blend in as a stylish piece of furniture like a credenza, console table, or sideboard. You can place lamps, plants, or decor on top to integrate it into your room.
7. Are horizontal models more or less expensive than vertical ones?
The cost is generally comparable and depends more on the brand, materials, and features. However, they can sometimes lead to lower installation costs because their weight is distributed across more wall studs.
8. What kind of wall do I need to install one?
Like any wall bed, a horizontal Murphy bed must be securely anchored to wall studs (wood or metal) for safety. Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure it is properly supported.
9. How much floor space does it need when it's open?
You need to account for the width of the mattress (e.g., approximately 60 inches for a Queen) extending out from the wall. Ensure you have enough clear floor space in front of the unit for it to open without obstruction.
10. Is a horizontal Murphy bed better than a vertical one?
"Better" depends on your space and needs. If you have low ceilings, want to maximize overhead storage, or prefer a piece that looks more like a credenza, the horizontal model is superior. If you have high ceilings and a narrow wall, a vertical one might be a better fit.