As a product expert and space-saving consultant here at Yechen, my passion is helping people like you reclaim valuable square footage without sacrificing style or comfort. One of the most common questions I get from clients designing a guest room is, "Should I choose a full or a queen-size horizontal Murphy bed?"
It’s a fantastic question. Horizontal Murphy beds are game-changers, especially in rooms with lower ceilings or narrower layouts, because they fold along the longer side. They transform a room from a dedicated bedroom into a home office, gym, or playroom in seconds.
At Yechen, we've engineered our beds to be the perfect blend of form and function. Let’s walk through the decision process together so you can choose the perfect fit for your home.
The Tale of the Tape: A Yechen Dimensions Comparison
First, let's look at the numbers. I've put together a table based on our popular Yechen models. While these are standard industry dimensions, we build our cabinets to be as sleek as possible, so always double-check the specs for the specific model you love.
Remember, "projection" is the key number for floor space—it's how far the bed extends from the wall when it's open and ready for sleep.
| Aspect | Full-Size Horizontal Murphy Bed | Queen-Size Horizontal Murphy Bed |
| Mattress Size | 54" wide x 75" long | 60" wide x 80" long |
| Cabinet Height | Around 62–64 inches | Around 68–70 inches |
| Cabinet Width | Around 80–85 inches | Around 85–90 inches |
| Cabinet Depth | A slim 16–20 inches | A slim 16–20 inches |
| Projection When Open | 58–60 inches (from the wall) | 64–66 inches (from the wall) |
| My Room Recommendation | Perfect for rooms as small as 9x10 ft | Best for rooms 10x11 ft or larger |
As you can see, the biggest difference is in the width and height of the wall cabinet. The queen needs about 5-10 more inches of wall space. It seems small, but in a tight room, every inch counts! That's why I always tell my clients: measure your wall first.
My Breakdown: Pros and Cons for Your Guest Room
This isn't just about size; it's about the experience you want to create for your guests. Here’s how I advise my clients.
Full-Size Bed
What I love about our full-size model is its incredible efficiency. It’s the ultimate space-saver.
Pros I Always Highlight:
- Maximum Space Savings: It requires less wall and floor space, making it my go-to recommendation for smaller guest rooms (under 100 sq ft) or true multi-purpose areas.
- Budget-Friendly: Generally, this model is a more accessible investment, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to a high-quality mattress.
- Perfect for Most Guests: For single guests or shorter stays, a full is plenty of room. Our sturdy frames ensure it’s just as comfortable and secure as a traditional bed.
Considerations:
- It can feel a bit snug for couples or for guests who are over 6 feet tall. If you regularly host couples, this is a key factor to consider.
Queen-Size Bed
Our queen is the undisputed champion of guest comfort. It’s our most popular seller for a reason.
Pros I Always Highlight:
- A True Upgrade in Comfort: Those extra 6 inches in width and 5 inches in length make a huge difference. I always say it’s the difference between a good night's sleep and a great night's sleep, especially for couples.
- Feels Like a "Real" Bed: It offers a more luxurious, hotel-like experience. Guests feel more at home and less like they're in a temporary setup.
- Better for Frequent Use: If you host family for extended periods or have guests often, the queen is an investment in their comfort and your peace of mind.
Considerations:
- The larger cabinet can feel dominant in a very small room. It requires that extra bit of wall space and clearance.
- While our advanced piston mechanisms make every Yechen bed easy to lift, the queen is slightly heavier due to its size.
What I Tell Every Client Before They Buy
Beyond the basic dimensions, here are a few other expert tips I share to ensure you’re completely happy with your choice.
- Comfort is Non-Negotiable: Both our full and queen frames are designed to support a standard mattress up to 12 inches thick—no special "Murphy bed mattress" needed! I personally recommend a good memory foam or hybrid mattress, as they provide excellent support and hold their shape perfectly within our securing straps.
- Prioritize Safe Installation: This is the most important piece of advice I can give. A Murphy bed must be anchored securely to your wall studs. We design our beds with clear instructions for DIY installation, but I always recommend hiring a professional installer for ultimate safety and peace of mind. It’s a small cost for a lifetime of security.
- Think About Alternatives: If even a full-size bed feels too tight for your space, we also offer beautiful twin-size horizontal models. They are fantastic for kids' rooms or very narrow office spaces.
My Final Verdict: Which Yechen Bed is Right for You?
After helping hundreds of clients, I've developed a simple framework to help you decide.
Choose our Yechen Full-Size if:
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Your guest roo[^1] is less than 100 square feet.
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The room needs to function primarily as an office, gym, or playroom.
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You mostly host single guests or couples for short stays.
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Your budget[^2] is the primary driver of your decision.
Upgrade to our Yechen Queen-Size if:
- You have the wall space (at least 90 inches) and floor clearance.
- You frequently host couples or taller family members.
- Guest comfort is your absolute top priority.
- You want to create a premium, hotel-like guest experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both options will beautifully transform your space. The choice comes down to balancing the needs of your room with the needs of your guests.
Ready to take the next step? Browse the full Yechen collection on our website or reach out to our design team for a complimentary consultation. We’d love to help you find the perfect solution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between a full-size and queen-size horizontal Murphy bed?
The primary differences are in mattress dimensions (full: 54" x 75"; queen: 60" x 80"), cabinet size, and space requirements. The queen offers more sleeping space for comfort, while the full is more compact for smaller rooms.
2. How much wall space do I need for a Yechen Home full-size horizontal Murphy bed?
You'll need around 80–85 inches of wall width and 62–64 inches of height for the cabinet. Always measure your wall first to ensure a proper fit.
3. Is a queen-size horizontal Murphy bed better for hosting couples?
Yes, the extra 6 inches in width and 5 inches in length make it more comfortable for couples or taller guests, providing a hotel-like experience compared to the full-size.
4. What are the pros of choosing a full-size horizontal Murphy bed for a guest room?
It's budget-friendly, saves maximum space in rooms under 100 sq ft, and is ideal for single guests or multi-purpose areas like offices or gyms.
5. What are the cons of a queen-size horizontal Murphy bed?
It requires more wall space (85–90 inches wide) and floor clearance when open (64–66 inches), and the larger size makes it slightly heavier, though modern pistons ease operation.
6. Can I use a standard mattress with Yechen Murphy beds?
Absolutely—both full and queen sizes support standard mattresses up to 12 inches thick. Memory foam or hybrid options are recommended for optimal support and shape retention.
7. How does the projection when open impact my room layout?
For a full-size, it extends 58–60 inches from the wall; for queen, 64–66 inches. This affects floor space, so ensure your room (at least 9x10 ft for full, 10x11 ft for queen) has enough clearance.
8. Are horizontal Murphy beds suitable for rooms with lower ceilings?
Yes, they're ideal for lower ceilings because they fold along the longer side, requiring less vertical arc than vertical models.
9. What should I consider for safe installation of a Yechen Murphy bed?
Anchor it securely to wall studs. While DIY instructions are provided, hiring a professional installer is recommended for safety and longevity.
10. What if my guest room is too small for a full-size Murphy bed?
Consider Yechen Home's twin-size horizontal models as an alternative, which are perfect for very narrow or kids' spaces while still offering space-saving benefits.
Relate
[^1]: Explore innovative design ideas to maximize space and functionality in your guest room →
[^2]: Discover tips and tricks for furnishing your guest room without breaking the bank →