A horizontal Murphy bed is the ultimate space-saving solution, transforming from a sleek, low-profile cabinet into a comfortable bed.
Its strength lies in its subtlety and functionality. The key to successful integration is choosing a decor style that celebrates clean lines, multi-purpose design, and an uncluttered aesthetic.
Here are 12 distinct styles, each tailored to make your horizontal Murphy bed a natural and beautiful part of your room.
1. Minimalist Zen
Description: This style embraces the "less is more" philosophy. The horizontal Murphy bed[^1] becomes an architectural element, disappearing into a handle-less, flat-panel wall system. The focus on negative space[^2] and uncluttered surfaces makes the room feel larger and more serene. The bed's low profile when closed maintains the room's clean horizontal lines, enhancing the feeling of calm and order.
- Color Palette: Optic White, Soft Gray, Black.
- Materials & Finishes: Matte lacquer finishes, light oak or maple wood, seamless push-to-open hardware, polished concrete floors.
- Key Furnishings: A single floating shelf above the bed cabinet, a low-profile armless sofa, one sculptural accent chair.
- Lighting: Recessed ceiling lights on a dimmer and a single, discreet LED reading light integrated into the bed's headboard.
- Scenario: A compact city apartment studio where the living area must also serve as a tranquil, clutter-free bedroom.
2. Scandinavian Comfort
Description: Emphasizing light, functionality, and natural simplicity (hygge), this style is a perfect match. The horizontal Murphy bed cabinet, often in a pale wood like birch or ash, adds warmth without visual weight. The design prioritizes clever storage and a bright, airy atmosphere, making even the smallest guest room feel welcoming and spacious.
- Color Palette: Warm White, Light Gray, Natural Wood, Dusty Blue.
- Materials & Finishes: Light woods (birch, ash, pine), wool textiles, felt, matte white finishes, simple ceramic accents.
- Key Furnishings: A sheepskin throw, a simple wooden stool as a nightstand, tapered-leg furniture, and open-backed shelving.
- Lighting: A simple pendant light with a natural shade and adjustable wall-mounted sconces for reading.
- Scenario: A child's bedroom where a cozy sleep space needs to transition into a wide-open, sunlit playroom during the day.
3. Sleek Modern
Description: This style is defined by clean lines, geometric forms, and a sophisticated, high-tech feel. The horizontal Murphy bed integrates flawlessly into a glossy, custom-built media unit. The emphasis on smooth surfaces and integrated technology makes the bed's mechanical nature a celebrated feature rather than something to hide, perfect for an upscale urban aesthetic.
- Color Palette: Charcoal Gray, High-Gloss White, Chrome, a bold accent color like Cobalt Blue.
- Materials & Finishes: High-gloss lacquer, brushed stainless steel or chrome, smoked glass, polished stone.
- Key Furnishings: A leather low-profile sectional, a glass coffee table, abstract metal wall art.
- Lighting: Integrated LED strip lighting along the top or bottom of the bed cabinet, and a striking arc floor lamp.
- Scenario: A multi-functional living room in a modern condo that doubles as a high-tech guest suite.
4. Rustic Retreat
Description: Warm, rugged, and inviting, this style uses natural textures to create a cozy atmosphere. The horizontal Murphy bed is encased in reclaimed or knotty wood, resembling a rustic sideboard or hope chest when closed. This allows it to blend into a space that values handcrafted charm and a connection to the outdoors, feeling both practical and authentic.
- Color Palette: Warm Brown, Forest Green, Burnt Orange, Cream.
- Materials & Finishes: Reclaimed barn wood, wrought iron or oil-rubbed bronze hardware, natural stone, chunky knit fabrics.
- Key Furnishings: A distressed leather armchair, a jute or wool area rug, plaid or flannel bedding.
- Lighting: An iron chandelier or antler-style fixture, and table lamps with raw linen shades.
- Scenario: A cabin guest room or basement den with low ceilings, designed to be a cozy escape for family and visitors.
5. Industrial Loft
Description: Celebrating raw materials and mechanical ingenuity, the industrial style perfectly suits the functional nature of a Murphy bed. The bed's frame and cabinet can feature matte black steel, exposed hardware, and unfinished wood, complementing brick walls and concrete floors. The low, horizontal form provides a grounding element amidst the high ceilings of a loft.
- Color Palette: Black, Charcoal Gray, Brick Red, Warm Cognac (leather).
- Materials & Finishes: Matte black steel, raw pine or fir wood, exposed bolts and hardware, conduit piping.
- Key Furnishings: A worn leather sofa, a metal rolling cart as a side table, gear-based wall decor.
- Lighting: Exposed Edison bulb pendants and adjustable metal task lamps bolted to the wall or shelving.
- Scenario: An open-plan artist's loft where a designated sleeping zone needs to be carved out without building walls.
6. Mid-Century Modern
Description: This style is characterized by organic shapes, clean lines, and the seamless integration of form and function. A horizontal Murphy bed with a warm teak or walnut finish and tapered legs (on the cabinet) feels right at home. The bed's clever engineering echoes the innovative spirit of the era's most iconic furniture designers, making it a stylish and smart addition.
- Color Palette: Teak Brown, Olive Green, Mustard Yellow, Off-White.
- Materials & Finishes: Walnut or teak wood veneer, brass hardware, tweed upholstery, curved plywood.
- Key Furnishings: A classic Eames-style lounge chair, a kidney-shaped coffee table, sunburst wall clock.
- Lighting: A Sputnik-style chandelier or a sculptural table lamp with a drum shade.
- Scenario: A home office that needs to convert into a stylish guest room, maintaining a cohesive, design-forward aesthetic.
7. Modern Farmhouse
Description: A blend of rustic charm and clean, modern lines. The horizontal Murphy bed can be designed with a shiplap front or "barn door" style cabinet panels, painted in a soft white or gray. It provides practical, space-saving function while reinforcing the style’s cozy, welcoming, and uncluttered vibe.
- Color Palette: Greige (Gray + Beige), Creamy White, Black, Sage Green.
- Materials & Finishes: Painted shiplap, matte black hardware, butcher block wood surfaces, galvanized metal.
- Key Furnishings: A linen-slipcovered armchair, a wire storage basket, a chunky knit blanket, cotton-striped rug.
- Lighting: A simple schoolhouse pendant light or gooseneck wall sconces.
- Scenario: A craft room or home office that also serves as a charming and comfortable guest bedroom.
8. Coastal Breeze
Description: Light, airy, and relaxed, the coastal style aims to bring the feeling of the seaside indoors. A horizontal Murphy bed painted in a crisp white or soft blue, with beadboard paneling on its front, mimics the look of classic coastal cabinetry. When closed, it maintains the room’s open, uncluttered feeling, enhancing natural light and flow.
- Color Palette: Soft White, Sandy Beige, Seafoam Green, Navy Blue.
- Materials & Finishes: Painted wood with beadboard detail, rope or brushed nickel hardware, light linen fabrics, rattan, weathered oak.
- Key Furnishings: Rattan chairs, woven sea grass baskets, coral or seashell decor, light-filtering linen curtains.
- Lighting: A pendant light with a woven shade or a simple glass lamp with a white base.
- Scenario: A sunroom or small guest cottage where maximizing light and creating a relaxed vacation vibe is essential.
9. Bohemian Spirit
Description: Free-spirited, eclectic, and rich with texture, the Bohemian style is surprisingly well-suited for a hidden bed. The horizontal cabinet can be painted in a deep jewel tone or covered in a patterned decal, serving as a backdrop for a collection of plants and textiles. It allows a room to be a creative, multi-layered living space by day and a cozy den by night.
- Color Palette: Terracotta, Deep Teal, Mustard Yellow, Cream.
- Materials & Finishes: Macramé, rattan, worn velvet, natural woods, a variety of patterned fabrics.
- Key Furnishings: Piles of floor cushions, a vintage Moroccan rug, hanging plants in macramé holders, and collected art.
- Lighting: A rattan pendant lamp, fairy lights, and lanterns to create a warm, magical glow.
- Scenario: A creative studio or lounge space that needs a sleeping option without sacrificing its eclectic, personality-driven vibe.
10. Transitional Grace
Description: A harmonious blend of traditional comfort and modern simplicity. This style uses neutral colors and timeless furniture pieces to create a look that is both elegant and comfortable. A horizontal Murphy bed with a classic shaker-style cabinet front in a sophisticated neutral like greige or taupe fits perfectly, offering modern function with classic appeal.
- Color Palette: Taupe, Vanilla White, Charcoal Gray, Soft Blue.
- Materials & Finishes: Light-grained oak, brushed nickel hardware, linen and soft cotton textiles, simple crown molding details.
- Key Furnishings: A comfortable sofa with classic lines but no skirt, a simple dark wood coffee table, abstract art with a traditional frame.
- Lighting: A simple drum pendant chandelier and classic shaded table lamps.
- Scenario: A formal sitting room or library that needs to accommodate overnight guests without disrupting its polished, sophisticated design.
11. Cozy Nook
Description: This style is less about specific rules and more about creating a feeling of ultimate comfort and security. The horizontal Murphy bed is built into a "nook" with surrounding bookcases and a low ceiling, creating a cave-like retreat. Soft textures, warm lighting, and deep colors turn the bed area into a snug hideaway, perfect for reading and relaxing.
- Color Palette: Deep Navy, Charcoal Gray, Plum, Warm Cream.
- Materials & Finishes: Plush velvet, chunky cable knits, dark-painted wood or wallpapered nook, soft-touch fabrics.
- Key Furnishings: An oversized plush rug, an abundance of throw pillows and blankets, built-in bookshelves filled with books.
- Lighting: Dimmable, recessed "nook" lighting, and a small, warm-toned reading lamp.
- Scenario: Transforming an under-eaves attic space or a small den into the ultimate cozy guest retreat or reading corner.
12. Eclectic Collector
Description: A celebration of personality, this style is a curated mix of different periods, colors, and textures. The horizontal Murphy bed cabinet acts as a neutral stage for a vibrant life. Paint it a bold color or keep it simple to let the surrounding art and objects shine. It provides a practical, hidden sleeping space that doesn't compete with a dynamic gallery wall or cherished collections.
- Color Palette: Any combination that reflects personality—e.g., Emerald Green, Hot Pink, Gold, Black and White.
- Materials & Finishes: A mix of everything: high-gloss lacquer next to rustic wood, metal next to plastic, velvet next to linen.
- Key Furnishings: A vintage Chesterfield sofa, an antique Persian rug, a modern acrylic table, and shelves displaying personal artifacts.
- Lighting: A dramatic chandelier, vintage floor lamps, and spotlights to highlight specific pieces of art.
- Scenario: A one-of-a-kind living space that serves as a personal gallery and needs a guest bed that can disappear on command.
Conclusion
The true brilliance of a horizontal Murphy bed lies not just in its ability to solve a spatial problem, but in its potential to elevate a room’s design. As these 12 distinct styles demonstrate, this versatile piece of furniture is not a compromise; it’s a canvas. Whether your taste is Minimalist, Rustic, or anything in between, the low-profile cabinet can be a seamless architectural element or a bold statement piece. By choosing materials, colors, and hardware that align with a cohesive vision, you transform a practical necessity into a deliberate and beautiful design feature, proving that even the most challenging spaces can be both highly functional and deeply stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main advantage of a horizontal Murphy bed over a vertical one?
The primary advantage is its lower clearance requirement. Horizontal beds are ideal for rooms with low ceilings (under 8 feet), sloped attic roofs, or obstructions like beams and ductwork where a vertical bed wouldn't have enough height to open. They also create a long, low surface when closed, which can be used as a credenza or display shelf.
2. What kind of mattress can I use with a horizontal Murphy bed?
Most horizontal Murphy beds are designed to be used with a standard innerspring or memory foam mattress. The key limitations are thickness and weight. Typically, the mattress should be no thicker than 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) to allow the bed to close properly. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the maximum recommended mattress weight and thickness.
3. Do I have to remove the bedding and pillows every time I close the bed?
No. Modern horizontal Murphy beds are designed for convenience. They come equipped with integrated straps or elastic harnesses that hold your mattress, sheets, blankets, and even low-profile pillows securely in place, allowing you to fold the bed away neatly made.
4. How much floor space do I need for the bed to open?
You will need clear floor space equal to the width of the mattress plus a few extra inches. For example, a Queen-size horizontal Murphy bed (which is 80 inches long) will project about 64-66 inches into the room when open. It's crucial to measure your room and ensure no furniture will obstruct the bed's path.
5. Can I place a TV or heavy decor on top of the closed cabinet?
Yes, many horizontal Murphy bed cabinets are designed to function as credenzas or media consoles and can support a television and other items. However, you must verify the weight capacity of the cabinet's top surface with the manufacturer. Also, ensure any cables for electronics are managed properly so they do not interfere with the bed's operation.
6. Are modern Murphy beds safe?
Absolutely. Reputable modern Murphy beds are engineered with advanced safety features. These include counter-balanced spring or piston lifting mechanisms that make opening and closing the bed nearly effortless, as well as safety latches or locking systems to prevent the bed from accidentally opening or closing.
7. What is the typical weight capacity of a Murphy bed?
Weight capacity varies by model and manufacturer, but most quality Murphy beds are designed to support a total weight of around 1,000 lbs (approx. 450 kg), which includes the mattress and occupants. Always confirm the specific weight rating for the model you are considering.
8. Is professional installation necessary for a horizontal Murphy bed?
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended. Murphy beds are heavy and their safe operation depends on being securely anchored to the wall studs. A professional will ensure the unit is perfectly level, securely mounted, and that the lifting mechanism is properly tensioned for smooth, safe, and reliable use for years to come.
9. How durable is the lifting mechanism?
The lifting mechanisms in high-quality Murphy beds are built for longevity. Piston and spring systems are tested for thousands of cycles, often equivalent to decades of regular use. Most reputable brands offer a long-term warranty (sometimes a lifetime warranty) on the mechanism itself.
10. What is the general cost of a horizontal Murphy bed system?
The cost can vary widely based on size, material, finish, and whether it includes additional cabinetry like side piers or a desk. A basic, high-quality horizontal Murphy bed system typically starts around $2,000 to $4,000, while more complex, custom-built units can exceed $7,000. This price often does not include the mattress or installation fees.
Relate
[^1]: Explore this link to discover how a Murphy bed can maximize space and enhance the functionality of your home →
[^2]: Learn about the importance of negative space in design to create a serene and spacious environment →