Maximizing Space with Murphy Beds: 33 Ideas to Transform Your Home

Are you looking to optimize your living space and create the illusion of more room in your home? Murphy beds are the perfect solution to make small spaces feel bigger and add functionality to hybrid spaces. These innovative beds can be popped open when it’s time to sleep and stowed away during the day, making them a clever way to save space while still ensuring comfort and style in your home.

Why Choose a Murphy Bed?

Murphy beds come in a variety of styles and designs, ranging from DIY projects and kits to custom-built options that blend seamlessly into your home decor. Whether you’re space planning a tiny studio, outfitting an office guest room, or adding functionality to an ADU or pool house, a Murphy bed can be the perfect solution to maximize square footage. Here are some key reasons to consider incorporating a Murphy bed into your home:

Saves space in small rooms
Creates the illusion of more space
Adds functionality to hybrid spaces
Can be customized to match your home decor

Transforming Your Space with Murphy Beds

Let’s explore some creative Murphy bed ideas in different settings and styles to help you choose the perfect space-saving sleeping solution for your home:

1. Pink Murphy Bed

Carter Design bathed this built-in Murphy bed in a vibrant pink paint, making it a feature rather than something to be disguised. Built-in shelving serves as a combination nightstand and bookshelf, adding a decorative touch to the room.

2. Small Murphy Bed

Designer Natalie Papier of Home Ec. incorporated a small Murphy bed that opens lengthwise to save space in a rectangular-shaped room. The back of the bed surround is wallpapered in black-and-white, adding graphic interest to the space.

3. Studio Murphy Bed (Open)

In a ground floor Brooklyn brownstone studio, Sonya Lee Architect designed a flexible bedroom office space separated by a vertical white oak screen. A built-in niche serves as a nightstand for added convenience.

4. Studio Murphy Bed (Closed)

When closed, the Murphy bed from Sonya Lee Architect virtually disappears, creating an airy and spacious feel in the studio apartment layout. The focus shifts to the built-in floating desk and open shelving that define the home office workspace.

5. Built-In Murphy Bed

Marie Flanigan Interiors incorporated a clean white built-in Murphy bed into a guest house, blending seamlessly into the background whether open or closed.

6. Murphy Bed Niche (Closed)

Australian firm Tsai Design transformed a 538-square-foot studio into an elegant and functional space with a dedicated niche for a queen-sized Murphy bed and matching wardrobes. A vaulted timber ceiling adds visual interest to the space.

7. Murphy Bed Niche (Open)

When open, the Murphy bed in the Melbourne studio from Tsai Design transforms the windowless kitchen area into a cozy sleeping corner. Customizable shelving and integrated lighting make it a comfortable space for reading in bed.

8. Custom Murphy Bed

San Francisco-based Niche Interiors designed a custom Murphy bed cabinetry painted the same color as the room walls for a cohesive look. Brass railings on the top create a ledge for displaying art and decorative objects.

9. Murphy Bed Lighting

The interior of the Murphy bed from Niche Interiors features warm natural wood and integrated lighting for a built-in reading light that highlights the wood interior.

10. Murphy Bed With Headboard

Interior designer Corine Maggio of CM Natural Designs added a colorful upholstered headboard on the inside of a freestanding Murphy bed cabinet, matching the room’s draperies for a coordinated look.

Creating Functional Living Spaces with Murphy Beds

Murphy beds can be a game-changer in transforming your living spaces into multi-functional areas that work for you. Whether you’re looking to add a guest room to your home, optimize a small studio apartment, or create a cozy reading nook, a Murphy bed offers endless possibilities. Let’s take a look at some more creative Murphy bed ideas to inspire your home design:

11. Hidden Murphy Bed (Closed)

In a private writer’s retreat and guest cottage designed by Olson Kundig, a Murphy bed is hidden behind cabinetry and can be closed to secure the space when not in use. A painting hung on the closed bed adds a decorative touch to the room.

12. Hidden Murphy Bed (Open)

When open, the Murphy bed in the writer’s retreat seamlessly blends into the space, maintaining a light and airy feel.

13. Murphy Bed Kit

François et Moi assembled a Murphy bed kit along the far wall of a home office guest room, providing open floor space for working on projects when guests are not in town.

14. Murphy Bed Shelving

Incorporating open floating shelving to one side of a Murphy bed can add functionality and a built-in look to the room. Wall hooks with decorative items and a small stool for a side table provide balance to the space.

15. Loft-Style Murphy Bed (Open)

French interior designer Geraldine Laferté created a custom Murphy-style loft bed in a Paris apartment, accessed by a wood ladder and folded away when not in use to maximize space.

16. Loft-Style Murphy Bed (Closed)

When closed, the wooden base of the Murphy-style loft bed becomes a feature wall, adding warmth and texture to the small space.

Choosing the Right Murphy Bed for Your Home

When selecting a Murphy bed for your home, consider factors such as design, functionality, and integration with your existing decor. Whether you opt for a custom-built model or choose a DIY kit, a Murphy bed can transform your living space and provide added convenience for both you and your guests.

Key Considerations:

Design: Choose a model that complements your existing decor.
Functionality: Look for features such as integrated lighting and storage options.
Integration: Ensure the Murphy bed blends seamlessly into your living space when not in use.

By incorporating a Murphy bed into your home, you can maximize space, create a multi-functional living area, and enhance the overall functionality of your space. Explore different designs and styles to find the perfect Murphy bed that suits your needs and enhances your home decor.

Conclusion

Murphy beds are a versatile and innovative solution for optimizing space in your home and creating a multi-functional living area. Whether you’re looking to save space in a small studio apartment, add a guest room to your home, or transform a hybrid space into a cozy reading nook, a Murphy bed offers endless possibilities for enhancing your living space.

With a wide range of design options and customization features available, you can choose a Murphy bed that seamlessly integrates into your home decor and provides added convenience for you and your guests. Explore different styles, materials, and functionalities to find the perfect Murphy bed that meets your needs and transforms your home into a versatile and stylish living space.