Hello, I’m a lead designer at Yechen, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless people reimagine their living spaces. The most common challenge I encounter is the universal need for more flexibility. We ask our homes to be offices, gyms, guest rooms, and personal sanctuaries—often all within the same four walls. This is where my passion for transformative furniture truly comes alive, and there is no piece more transformative than the Murphy bed.
While many are familiar with the classic vertical Murphy bed, I find that its sibling, the horizontal Murphy bed, offers a unique and often superior design advantage. By folding out sideways, it requires less vertical clearance, making it perfect for rooms with lower or sloped ceilings. More importantly, when closed, its low, wide profile mimics a stylish credenza, a floating shelf, or a built-in media console, allowing it to blend into your decor with an elegance that a tall cabinet simply can’t match.
A Murphy bed is no longer just a clever space-saving mechanism; it's a powerful design tool. At Yechen, we believe it should be a seamless and beautiful part of your room’s aesthetic. To show you what’s possible, I’ve curated 12 modern design styles that pair exceptionally well with a horizontal Murphy bed, turning function into high-end form.
1. Minimalist Zen
The Philosophy: Minimalism isn’t about emptiness; it’s about intentionality. A Minimalist Zen space is a sanctuary from the visual noise of the outside world, promoting tranquility through clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and a serene, neutral palette. It’s about creating breathing room for the mind.
Why It Works: The horizontal Murphy bed is the ultimate minimalist statement. When closed, it can be designed as part of a completely flat-panel, handle-less wall system. It doesn’t just hide a bed; it erases it, contributing to a monolithic, unbroken plane that calms the eye. The strong horizontal line reinforces a sense of stability and spaciousness, making the room feel wider and more grounded. This is where we at Yechen see function and philosophy merge perfectly.
Get the Look: Envision a compact city studio. The Murphy bed cabinet is finished in a soft, matte white or light oak lacquer, with touch-latch hardware for a handle-free facade. Above it, a single, long floating shelf in the same finish holds a curated selection of just three items: a small plant, a ceramic vessel, and a single book. Opposite, a low-profile, armless sofa in a light gray fabric maintains open sightlines. The entire space is illuminated by recessed ceiling lights on a dimmer, allowing you to control the mood from bright and functional to soft and serene.
2. Scandinavian Comfort
The Philosophy: Rooted in the Danish concept of hygge (a feeling of cozy contentment), Scandinavian design prioritizes light, functionality, and a deep connection to nature. It combines clean lines with natural materials and soft textures to create spaces that feel bright, airy, and deeply comforting.
Why It Works: A horizontal Murphy bed with a cabinet made from pale wood—like birch, ash, or white oak—adds warmth and organic texture without visual weight. It embodies the Scandi principle of beautiful utility. When closed, it reads as a simple, elegant wooden cabinet, fitting perfectly alongside light-colored walls and simple, functional furniture. Its practicality is celebrated, not hidden.
Get the Look: Picture a child's bedroom that needs to double as a playroom. The horizontal Murphy bed cabinet has a light birch finish. When the bed is folded away, the expansive floor is free for play. To enhance the hygge, drape a soft sheepskin throw over a nearby chair. Instead of a traditional nightstand, use a simple, solid wood stool. Flank the unit with open-backed shelving to display beloved books and toys, keeping the room feeling open and bright while providing essential, accessible storage.
3. Sleek Modern
The Philosophy: Sleek Modern design celebrates the beauty of technology, precision, and polished surfaces. It’s an urban, sophisticated aesthetic characterized by high-gloss finishes, geometric forms, and integrated technology. It’s less about hiding function and more about showcasing it as a feature.
Why It Works: The horizontal Murphy bed can be the star of a high-tech media wall. Integrated into a custom-built unit with a high-gloss finish (in black, white, or gray), its clean lines and smooth mechanical operation become part of the aesthetic. At Yechen, we often design these systems to house a flat-screen TV, soundbar, and concealed storage, creating a multi-functional hub that looks intentional and luxurious.
Get the Look: In a multi-functional living room, the Murphy bed is part of a glossy black media unit that spans the entire wall. Integrated, dimmable LED strip lighting runs along the top or sides of the bed cabinet, casting an ambient glow. Pair this with a low-profile sectional sofa in rich black or cognac leather and a minimalist glass coffee table. The interplay of reflective surfaces, clean lines, and integrated light creates a high-end, futuristic feel perfect for urban living.
4. Rustic Retreat
The Philosophy: This style is about bringing the raw, honest beauty of the outdoors inside. It relies on natural, rugged textures, handcrafted elements, and a sense of cozy, lived-in comfort. Think mountain lodges, lakeside cabins, and country homes.
Why It Works: A horizontal Murphy bed encased in reclaimed or knotty wood becomes a substantial, grounding piece of furniture. When closed, it doesn't try to disappear; instead, it presents as a handsome, handcrafted sideboard or credenza. The natural imperfections of the wood—the grain, knots, and saw marks—add character and warmth, making the room feel instantly inviting and connected to nature.
Get the Look: Design a guest room in a cabin or a basement den. The Murphy bed cabinet is crafted from reclaimed barn wood with simple, hand-forged iron hardware. When closed, place a decorative tray or a few rustic lanterns on top. Complement it with a well-worn, distressed leather armchair, a thick jute or wool area rug to add texture underfoot, and a bold wrought-iron chandelier overhead to complete the cozy, retreat-like atmosphere.
5. Industrial Loft
The Philosophy:
Industrial design[^1] finds beauty in raw, utilitarian materials[^2]. It’s defined by exposed brick walls, visible ductwork, concrete floors, and metal accents. It’s an aesthetic born from converting warehouses and factories into living spaces, celebrating the building’s structural honesty.
Why It Works: The low, wide form of a horizontal Murphy bed is ideal for grounding the vast, high-ceilinged spaces of a loft. Choose a model with a matte black steel frame and exposed hardware (like oversized bolts or visible pistons) to complement the raw, mechanical aesthetic. Instead of blending in, the bed becomes a deliberate part of the industrial landscape.
Get the Look: In an open-plan artist's loft with a warm brick accent wall, the black steel frame of the Murphy bed provides a stark, graphic contrast. Pair it with a comfortable but worn-in leather sofa. Instead of a nightstand, use a metal rolling cart on casters—a nod to factory utility. Hang a series of exposed Edison bulb pendants from the high ceiling, casting a warm, inviting light on the space.
6. Mid-Century Modern
The Philosophy: Emerging in the mid-20th century, this style is known for its clean lines, gentle organic curves, and a deep appreciation for natural materials. Designers like Charles and Ray Eames championed furniture that was beautiful, functional, and innovative—a perfect philosophical match for a Murphy bed.
Why It Works: A horizontal Murphy bed captures the Mid-Century Modern spirit perfectly. A cabinet crafted from warm woods like teak or walnut, featuring iconic details like tapered, splayed legs, makes the bed feel like a vintage discovery. Its multi-functionality is a direct echo of the era's innovative ethos. When closed, it looks like a classic credenza that could have been designed by a mid-century master.
Get the Look: Convert a home office into a stylish part-time guest room. The walnut Murphy bed cabinet stands on elegant tapered legs. In the room, place a classic Eames-style lounge chair and ottoman in the corner for reading. A kidney-shaped coffee table and a show-stopping Sputnik-style chandelier complete the scene, creating a space that is both a functional office and a design-forward guest retreat.
7. Modern Farmhouse
The Philosophy: Modern Farmhouse blends the cozy, unpretentious charm of traditional farmhouse style with the clean lines and neutral palettes of modern design. It’s comfortable, practical, and inviting, with an emphasis on shiplap, natural textiles, and a soft, uncluttered feel.
Why It Works: The horizontal Murphy bed becomes an extension of the room's charming architecture. By finishing the cabinet doors with shiplap-style paneling or X-brace details reminiscent of barn doors, the bed integrates flawlessly. Painted in a soft white, greige, or pale gray, it reinforces the style's cozy, clean, and practical nature.
Get the Look: This style is perfect for a craft room or home office that needs to accommodate guests. The shiplap-paneled Murphy bed is painted a soft off-white. A comfortable armchair with a simple linen slipcover sits nearby, along with a chunky knit blanket for texture. Use a wire storage basket for magazines or craft supplies, leaning into the practical, slightly rustic charm of the farmhouse aesthetic.
8. Coastal Breeze
The Philosophy: Coastal design is all about capturing the light, airy, and relaxed feeling of being by the sea. It uses a palette of crisp whites, soft blues, and sandy neutrals, combined with natural textures and materials that evoke a beachfront cottage.
Why It Works: A horizontal Murphy bed can be designed to look exactly like classic coastal cabinetry. A cabinet painted in a crisp white or a pale sea-glass blue, featuring beadboard paneling and simple nickel hardware, enhances the room's open, breezy flow. The low profile keeps the upper part of the wall free, maximizing the travel of natural light and contributing to the airy atmosphere.
Get the Look: In a sunroom or a small guest cottage, the beadboard-paneled Murphy bed feels right at home. When the bed is away, the room is an open space for relaxing. Incorporate natural textures with rattan armchairs, woven sea grass baskets for storage, and a large pendant light with a woven shade. The final effect is a relaxed, light-filled space that feels like a permanent vacation.
9. Bohemian Spirit
The Philosophy: Bohemian design is a free-spirited, eclectic, and deeply personal style. It rejects rules in favor of layers of pattern, texture, and color. It's a traveled, artistic look that's all about self-expression, filled with plants, textiles, and unique objects.
Why It Works: In a maximalist Bohemian space, the Murphy bed can play one of two roles. It can be a bold statement piece, painted in a deep jewel tone like emerald green or sapphire blue, or covered in a vibrant wallpaper pattern. Alternatively, it can be a simple, neutral cabinet that serves as a calm, textured backdrop for an explosion of plants, art, and textiles. Either way, its hidden function is key for a style that values lounging and creative floor space.
Get the Look: Imagine a creative studio that needs a hidden sleeping spot. The Murphy bed cabinet is painted a deep teal. When closed, it’s adorned with hanging plants and macrame wall hangings. The floor is covered with a vintage Moroccan rug and piles of colorful floor cushions. String fairy lights across the ceiling for a magical glow. The room is a multi-layered, free-spirited lounge by day and a cozy den by night.
10. Transitional Grace
The Philosophy: Transitional design is the sophisticated middle ground between traditional and modern. It blends the elegance and comfort of classic design with the clean profiles of contemporary style. It’s timeless, serene, and balanced, relying on a neutral color palette and a mix of textures.
Why It Works: A horizontal Murphy bed with a Shaker-style cabinet front is the epitome of Transitional grace. The simple, clean lines of Shaker design are a classic motif, but when placed on a modern, functional piece like a Murphy bed, it feels fresh and current. Finished in a sophisticated neutral like greige, taupe, or charcoal gray, it offers timeless appeal with modern practicality.
Get the Look: This is ideal for a formal library or sitting room that needs to offer guest accommodations. The Shaker-style Murphy bed cabinet, in a soft greige, looks like elegant, custom built-in cabinetry. Pair it with a comfortable sofa with classic lines but upholstered in a modern, neutral fabric. Add a simple dark wood coffee table and a large drum pendant chandelier to complete a space that feels both classic and completely up-to-date.
11. Cozy Nook
The Philosophy: This isn't a style so much as an architectural concept focused on creating a feeling of refuge and ultimate comfort. It’s about building a space within a space—a cave-like retreat that feels safe, enclosed, and incredibly cozy.
Why It Works: The horizontal Murphy bed is perfect for building into an existing or custom-built nook, especially in an attic room with sloped ceilings or under a staircase. Flanked by built-in bookcases and with a lower "ceiling" created by the nook itself, the bed becomes a deliberate destination for rest. The enclosed feeling enhances psychological comfort. At Yechen, we find these nook projects are among the most satisfying, as they create a truly special feature in the home.
Get the Look: In an under-eaves attic space, build a nook around the horizontal Murphy bed. Line the back wall of the nook with a soft, upholstered panel or a dark, moody paint color. Install dimmable recessed lighting within the nook for a warm glow. Layer the bed with an abundance of soft throw pillows and blankets, and place an oversized plush area rug on the floor just in front. The result is an irresistible, cave-like retreat for sleeping or curling up with a book.
12. Eclectic Collector
The Philosophy: The Eclectic Collector’s home is a personal gallery, a vibrant mix of art, antiques, and travel finds from different eras and styles. The key to success is a confident mix and finding a common thread—be it color, shape, or texture—to tie it all together.
Why It Works: In a room brimming with personality, the Murphy bed must play a strategic supporting role. Its job is to provide essential function without adding to the visual noise. A horizontal Murphy bed with a simple, flat-front cabinet in either a bold, solid color pulled from an artwork or a simple neutral finish acts as a neutral stage. It provides the hidden practicality of a bed while allowing the owner's vibrant collection to remain the undisputed star of the show.
Get the Look: In a living space that doubles as a personal art gallery, the Murphy bed cabinet is finished in a simple, matte charcoal gray. This neutral foundation allows a vintage Chesterfield sofa, a richly patterned antique Persian rug, and a gallery wall of assorted art to shine. Use gallery-style spotlights to highlight specific pieces. The Murphy bed offers its invaluable function quietly, proving that even the most practical items can exist beautifully in a highly curated space.
Summary: Horizontal Murphy Bed Design Styles at a Glance
For a quick reference, here is a summary of how each design style adapts to a horizontal Murphy bed, including its core concept, key features, and ideal application.
| Design Style | Core Vibe / Concept | Key Horizontal Murphy Bed Features | Essential Decor Elements | Ideal Application |
| Minimalist Zen | Serene & Uncluttered | Handle-less, flat-panel system that disappears into the wall. | Floating shelf, low-profile armless sofa, recessed lighting. | Compact City Studio |
| Scandinavian Comfort | Bright, Airy & Hygge | Pale wood cabinet (birch, ash) that adds warmth without visual weight. | Sheepskin throw, simple wooden stool, open-backed shelving. | Child's Bedroom / Playroom |
| Sleek Modern | High-Tech & Urban | Integrated into a glossy, custom media unit with LED strip lighting. | Leather low-profile sectional, glass coffee table, metallic accents. | Multi-functional Living Room |
| Rustic Retreat | Cozy & Handcrafted | Encased in reclaimed or knotty wood; looks like a rustic sideboard. | Distressed leather armchair, jute/wool rug, iron chandelier. | Cabin Guest Room / Basement Den |
| Industrial Loft | Raw & Utilitarian | Matte black steel frame with exposed hardware to complement raw materials. | Worn leather sofa, metal rolling cart, exposed Edison bulbs. | Open-Plan Artist's Loft |
| Mid-Century Modern | Organic & Innovative | Warm teak or walnut finish with iconic tapered legs. | Eames-style lounge chair, kidney-shaped coffee table, Sputnik chandelier. | Home Office / Guest Room |
| Modern Farmhouse | Charming & Uncluttered | Shiplap or barn door-style panels in soft white or gray. | Linen-slipcovered armchair, wire basket, chunky knit blanket. | Craft Room / Home Office |
| Coastal Breeze | Light & Relaxed | Painted white or soft blue with beadboard paneling to mimic cabinetry. | Rattan chairs, woven sea grass baskets, woven pendant light | Sunroom / Small Guest Cottage |
| Bohemian Spirit | Free-Spirited & Layered | Painted in a deep jewel tone or patterned to act as a backdrop. | Floor cushions, Moroccan rug, macrame, fairy lights, plants. | Creative Studio / Lounge |
| Transitional Grace | Timeless & Elegant | Shaker-style cabinet in a sophisticated neutral (greige, taupe). | Comfortable sofa with classic lines, dark wood table, drum pendant. | Formal Sitting Room / Library |
| Cozy Nook | Enclosed & Comforting | Built directly into a nook, often flanked by bookcases. | Oversized plush rug, abundant pillows, dimmable nook lighting. | Under-Eaves Attic / Small Den |
| Eclectic Collector | Personal & Curated | A simple, neutral cabinet that acts as a quiet stage for art and objects. | Vintage Chesterfield sofa, antique Persian rug, art spotlights | Personal Gallery / Living Space |
Your Space, Redefined
The horizontal Murphy bed is a testament to the fact that you never have to choose between style and function. It’s a design chameleon, ready to adapt to your aesthetic and unlock the hidden potential in any room. I hope these ideas have sparked your imagination and shown you that your home can be as flexible, beautiful, and dynamic as you are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why choose a horizontal Murphy bed over a vertical one for design purposes?
A horizontal Murphy bed's low, wide profile is more versatile. When closed, it can mimic a stylish sideboard, media console, or low shelf, integrating more seamlessly into a room's decor than a tall vertical cabinet, especially in spaces with lower ceilings.
2. Can a Murphy bed truly look like high-end custom furniture?
Absolutely. By choosing finishes like flat-panel lacquer (Minimalist), reclaimed wood (Rustic), or Shaker-style fronts (Transitional), and integrating it into a larger system of shelves or cabinets, a Murphy bed can look like a deliberate and expensive piece of bespoke furniture.
3. Which design style works best for a very small studio apartment?
The Minimalist Zen style is ideal. A handle-less, flat-panel design allows the bed to completely disappear into a wall, maximizing the sense of space and creating an uncluttered, serene environment essential for small-space living.
4. How can I make a Murphy bed fit into a more traditional or classic home?
The Transitional Grace style is the perfect solution. Opt for a Murphy bed with Shaker-style cabinet doors in a timeless neutral like greige or taupe. This blends classic elegance with modern function, allowing it to fit beautifully in a library or formal sitting room.
5. Is a Murphy bed a good choice for an open-plan industrial loft?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice. A horizontal model with a matte black steel frame and exposed hardware complements the raw, utilitarian aesthetic. Its low form helps ground the high-ceilinged space without visually dividing the open plan.
6. I love the Bohemian style. Won't a Murphy bed look too plain?
Not at all! A Murphy bed can be a centerpiece of your Bohemian decor. You can paint the cabinet a deep jewel tone, cover it in a bold patterned wallpaper, or use a neutral finish as a backdrop for a vibrant collection of plants, textiles, and art.
7. How do you accessorize a room with a horizontal Murphy bed?
Treat the closed Murphy bed like a piece of furniture. If it resembles a credenza or sideboard (like in the Rustic or Mid-Century Modern styles), you can place decorative objects on top. For integrated wall units, focus on the surrounding furniture, like a statement sofa or coffee table, to complete the look.
8. Can a horizontal Murphy bed be installed in a nook or under a sloped ceiling?
Yes, this is one of its greatest strengths. The "Cozy Nook" concept is built around this idea. Its lower clearance requirement makes it the perfect solution for creating a built-in bed in an attic, under stairs, or within a custom architectural nook.
9. What is the most important consideration for making a Murphy bed look seamless?
Integration is key. The most seamless looks are achieved when the Murphy bed is part of a larger built-in system, sharing the same finish and hardware as adjacent bookshelves, media cabinets, or storage units to create a cohesive, unified wall.
10. Does the Yechen brand offer designs that fit these different styles?
Yes, at Yechen, we specialize in creating customizable Murphy bed systems. We offer a wide range of finishes, hardware, and configurations that can be tailored to perfectly match any of these 12 design styles, ensuring your Murphy bed is a beautiful and integral part of your home's aesthetic.
Relate
[^1]: Explore this link to understand the core principles of Industrial design and how it shapes modern aesthetics →
[^2]: Discover how utilitarian materials enhance functionality and style in design by exploring this informative resource →