Design Smarter: Murphy Bed Room Layout Tips and Floor Plans

When space is tight, a traditional bed can feel like a permanent obstacle. Enter the Murphy bed: a clever space-saving solution that transforms any room from a functional living area into a comfortable sleeping space in seconds. 

Do you have a studio apartment? A small guest room? A multifunctional home office? Smart Murphy bed room layouts can unlock the full potential of your space. 

In this guide, we’ll explore practical Murphy bed floor plans, offering tips for furniture placement, bed orientation, and design features that make your room both stylish and functional.

1. Guest Room Flexibility: Vertical Murphy Bed with Side Storage

For homeowners who occasionally host overnight guests, a guest room with a Murphy bed can be a game-changer. Opt for a vertical Murphy bed that folds neatly against the wall, freeing floor space for seating or a small table.

Layout tips:

• Place the Murphy Bed where it will lower into the main living area with plenty of clearance.
• Keep a 3-foot walkway in front of the bed and to the sides (when open) for easy movement.
• Add side cabinets or shelves to store linens, books, or decorative items.
• Incorporate a small armchair or ottoman for a cozy reading nook when the bed is folded up.

This arrangement ensures the room functions as a home office or hobby space most of the time, transforming instantly into a welcoming guest retreat. Some of our favorite options for a guest room include the Arcadia Murphy Bed with side storage or the Newport Murphy Bed. 

2. Studio Apartment Efficiency: Sofa Murphy Bed from Day-to-Night Living

In a studio apartment, every square inch has to pull double duty. Studios demand smart multifunctional layouts that a room design with a Murphy bed can offer. A Sofa Murphy Bed offers the perfect solution by combining seating and sleeping in one smart design. By day, you have a stylish sofa for lounging or hosting friends; by night, the bed folds down effortlessly without having to move the sofa.

Layout tips:

• Place the Sofa Murphy Bed where it will maximize clearance when it’s open.
• Use a coffee table on casters that can roll out of the way at bedtime.
• Balance the layout with a small dining table or workstation opposite the sofa.
• Add wall-mounted shelves or cabinets for vertical storage and an uncluttered look.

This setup lets you transform your studio from living room to bedroom in seconds. And with its seamless design options, no one will even know your sofa transforms into a bed (if you can keep yourself from showing it off every time someone comes by).

3. Home Office Transformation: Horizontal Murphy Bed with Desk Integration

A dedicated home office often needs to double as a guest room. That’s where a Murphy Desk Bed shines. It integrates a full desk into the front panel of the bed and is especially useful if ceiling height is limited. The configuration allows the bed to fold out sideways or horizontal, giving you a layout that can work better for a small office. 

Layout tips:

• Add task lighting near the desk, sconces near the bed, or a light bridge above the desk for dual-purpose use.
• Integrate floating shelves or hidden compartments in the bed frame for maximum storage.
• Use lightweight, modular furniture that can easily be moved when the bed is in use.
• Add framed photos or artwork behind/inside the Murphy bed, giving the room bonus decor when the bed is unfolded.

This flexible design keeps your office professional during the day while being ready to host overnight visitors at a moment’s notice. Bonus: thanks to its smart hinge system, the Murphy Desk Bed keeps the desktop level as it lowers, so you don’t need to clear it off. 

4. Compact Room Maximization: Murphy Bed in a Small Room

When space is at a premium, a Murphy bed can be the answer you’re looking for to make a small room useful. Instead of dedicating the entire room to a traditional bed, a Murphy bed lets you reclaim valuable floor space for other uses without sacrificing comfort. 

Layout tips:

• Use a vertical Murphy bed on the shortest wall to free up as much open floor space as possible.
• Choose compact, functional furniture like nesting tables or rolling nightstands.
• Mount sconces or corner lighting to save space on small bedside tables.

Even in rooms under 120 square feet, a Murphy bed makes it easier to incorporate essentials like a dresser, small desk, or extra seating. With thoughtful planning, a tiny bedroom feels larger, more organized, and far more inviting.

Murphy Bed Orientations: Vertical vs. Horizontal

Choosing the right orientation for your Murphy bed is critical to making your layout work.

• Vertical beds: Ideal for rooms where ceiling height is greater than the bed’s length. They fold upward, freeing floor space for walking and other furniture. 
• Horizontal beds: Best for rooms with low ceilings but ample width. These beds fold sideways, making them perfect for studios or wide guest rooms.

Clearance space is always essential. Always allow enough room for the bed to open fully without hitting other furniture, doors, or windows. Make sure to measure before installation.

Have a lower ceiling, but a room where a vertical bed would fit best? Try a Murphy Cabinet Bed or Chest Bed. These innovative beds fold into stylish chests with the top remaining stationary, perfect to place a TV or display items. 

Enhance Your Murphy Bed Room Layout

Just because you’re short on space doesn’t mean you have to give up style or functionality. Maximize your space with these thoughtful additions:

• Side cabinets and shelves: These can be added to the sides of any Murphy bed, particularly vertical designs. They’re great for storing books, decor, or bedding.
• Desks or workstations: Whether you choose a Murphy Desk Bed, a fold-out desk, or a regular desk, these can double as a workspace and a centerpiece of your decor. Add a plant in a bold pot, a stack of beautiful books, or a decorative sculpture.  
• Lighting: Don’t forget the power of a well-placed light. Many Murphy beds have lighting options, but you can also add wall sconces, task lighting, or under-shelf lighting to enhance usability and ambiance. 
• Seating: If a Murphy Sofa Bed doesn’t work for your layout, consider chairs, small benches, or ottomans that can easily be moved when the bed is open. Look for options with wheels on the bottom or add felt pads to legs to slide on wood floors.

These elements transform your Murphy bed from a simple sleeping solution into a dynamic centerpiece of your room design.

Inspiration from Wilding Wallbeds

At Wilding Wallbeds, our goal is to help homeowners and apartment dwellers make the most of every square foot. Whether you need a Murphy bed floor plan for a guest room, home office, or studio apartment, our products offer smart design features that help you stay organized without sacrificing style.Explore Murphy beds that bring your room layout to life.