Understanding Horizontal Murphy Beds
Here at Yechen, one of the most common questions we help our customers with is choosing the right size for their horizontal Murphy bed, especially for couples. Horizontal Murphy beds, which we also call side-tilt wall beds, are ingeniously designed to fold into the wall along their length. We find they are the perfect solution for rooms with lower ceilings or narrower layouts where a vertical model might not fit.
When guiding couples between our twin and king-size options, we focus on four key factors: mattress dimensions, the final cabinet size, your room's available space, and of course, sleeping comfort. While our twin beds are wonderfully compact, they are typically too narrow for two adults. Our king-size beds, on the other hand, offer luxurious space but naturally require a larger footprint.
Standard Mattress Sizes We Use
To start, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference in the mattress sizes we build our Yechen beds around:
- Twin: 38 inches wide x 75 inches long. Excellent for one person, but we find it's quite cramped for couples.
- King: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long. This provides ample room for two adults to sleep comfortably without disturbing each other.
Cabinet Dimensions for Yechen Horizontal Murphy Beds
When you choose a Yechen Murphy bed, you're getting a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. To help you plan, here are the approximate measurements for our closed cabinets (wall units). Keep in mind that exact sizes can vary slightly depending on the specific Yechen model and any custom features you add, like shelving. Our standard depths are usually between 16-20 inches, and the bed projects about 80-85 inches from the wall when open.
Here is a table for a quick comparison of our models:
| Size | Cabinet Height (inches) | Cabinet Width (inches) | Cabinet Depth (inches) | Open Projection (inches) | Typical Room Fit |
| Twin | 45-48 | 80-85 | 16-20 | 45-48 | Small bedrooms, studios, or guest rooms with limited space. |
| King | 82-85 | 85-90 | 16-20 | 82-85 | Larger bedrooms or multipurpose rooms needing comfortable space for couples. |
These dimensions reflect our popular Yechen designs; for instance, our twin cabinets are typically 47.5" high x 80" wide, while our kings can be around 84" high x 84" wide.
Our Recommendation for Couples
So, which size do we recommend for couples? For our team at Yechen, the answer is straightforward.
- Twin Size: We almost never recommend a twin size for couples who will be sharing the bed regularly. At just 38 inches wide, it’s truly designed for a single sleeper. Sharing one would feel restrictive and likely lead to poor sleep. However, it's a fantastic, budget-friendly option if you need a solution for an occasional solo guest in a tiny space.
- King Size: Our king-size horizontal Murphy bed is what we consider the ideal solution for couples. The generous 76-inch width provides freedom of movement, reduces sleep disturbances, and the 80-inch length is great for taller individuals. We recommend this if you want to prioritize comfort, especially in a home office or living room that doubles as your primary or guest bedroom. You can explore our gallery to see stunning examples of Yechen king beds transforming spaces.
Pros and Cons for Couples: The Yechen Breakdown
To make the decision even clearer, here’s how we break down the pros and cons for our clients.
Twin Size
- Pros: Maximizes floor space with a smaller cabinet, comes at a lower price point, and our designs are easy to install in rooms with low ceilings.
- Cons: The width is insufficient for comfortable couple sleeping. From our experience, it's not a practical choice for daily use by two people.
King Size
- Pros: Offers luxurious, comfortable space for couples. It's also great if you occasionally share the bed with pets or kids. Our Yechen king beds truly enhance a room's versatility without sacrificing sleep quality.
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Cons:
The larger cabinet requires more wall space[^1] (you'll need at least 85-90 inches of width and a bit more ceiling height[^2]), it comes at a higher price, and the unit is heavier to operate.
Yechen's Tips for Choosing
Before you make your final decision, our team at Yechen put together this quick checklist to guide you:
- Measure Your Room: Make sure you have at least 7-8 feet of clearance for the bed when it's open, plus some walking space around it.
- Consider Your Usage: For daily or frequent use by a couple, we always recommend the king if your space allows. For an occasional guest, a twin is perfectly fine.
- Explore Add-ons: Many of our Yechen models can be integrated with sofas, desks, or shelving. These hybrid options are brilliant space-savers but remember to check the specific dimensions with us.
- Check Mattress Thickness: Our horizontal Murphy beds are engineered to support comfortable mattresses, often up to 12 inches thick, so you don't have to compromise on comfort.
- Factor in Your Budget: Our twin models are more budget-friendly, while our premium king models are an investment in long-term comfort and style.
If your space falls somewhere in between, don't worry! At Yechen, we have a fantastic compromise: the queen horizontal Murphy bed. It's our most popular model for couples, offering a great balance of comfort and space efficiency (typically with a cabinet around 66-70" high x 85" wide). Feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to help you find the perfect Yechen bed for your home.
FAQs
1. What is a horizontal Murphy bed and why would I choose one?
A horizontal Murphy bed is a wall bed that folds down from the side (along its length) rather than from the top. It's the ideal choice for rooms with low ceilings (under 8 feet) or narrow spaces where a taller, vertical Murphy bed wouldn't fit.
2. Is a twin size horizontal Murphy bed big enough for a couple to sleep on regularly?
No, a twin size bed is not recommended for a couple. At only 38 inches wide, it is designed for a single person and would be very cramped and uncomfortable for two adults for regular sleeping.
3. What are the main advantages of a king size horizontal Murphy bed for couples?
The main advantage is comfort and space. A king size bed offers a generous 76 inches of width, allowing two adults to sleep without disturbing each other. This makes it the ideal choice for couples who will use the bed frequently.
4. Is there a size between twin and king for a horizontal Murphy bed?
Yes, the queen size horizontal Murphy bed is a very popular compromise. It provides ample space for most couples while having a slightly smaller cabinet height and footprint than a king, making it a great fit for medium-sized rooms.
5. How much ceiling height and wall space do I need to install a horizontal Murphy bed?
It depends on the size. For a twin, you'll need a wall width of about 80-85 inches and a ceiling height just over 48 inches. For a king, you'll need about 85-90 inches of wall width and a ceiling height of at least 85 inches. Always measure your space carefully.
6. What is the key difference between a horizontal and a vertical Murphy bed?
The key difference is the orientation and how they fold. A horizontal bed is wider than it is tall and folds down sideways, requiring less ceiling height. A vertical bed is taller than it is wide and folds down from the top, requiring more ceiling height but less wall width.
7. How much space does a horizontal Murphy bed take up when it is open?
The open bed will project from the wall by roughly its height when closed. For example, a twin size projects about 45-48 inches, while a king size projects about 82-85 inches. You should ensure you have this much floor clearance plus extra room to walk around.
8. What kind of mattress can I use in a horizontal Murphy bed, and how thick can it be?
Most horizontal Murphy beds are designed to accommodate a standard innerspring or memory foam mattress. The thickness is important; many models support a mattress up to 12 inches thick, but you should always check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure a proper fit and function.
9. Are king size horizontal Murphy beds significantly harder to open and close than twin models?
While king size beds are heavier due to their larger size, modern Murphy beds use advanced piston or spring lifting mechanisms to make them feel lightweight and easy to operate. There may be a slight difference, but they are engineered to be safely and easily handled.
10. Can a horizontal Murphy bed be customized with features like a desk or a sofa?
Absolutely. Many manufacturers, including Yechen, offer "hybrid" models that integrate a sofa on the front of the cabinet or a desk that cleverly folds away when the bed is opened. These are excellent options for maximizing the functionality of a room.
Relate
[^1]: Understanding wall space requirements can help you choose the right cabinet size and ensure proper installation →
[^2]: Exploring ceiling height considerations will guide you in selecting cabinets that fit your space perfectly →