When it comes to space-saving furniture, the Murphy bed is the undisputed champion. Murphy Beds are where clever space-saving meets the comfort of a real mattress—everybody wins! However, many homeowners are only familiar with the traditional “vertical” orientation where the bed pulls out from the head down. At Wilding Wallbeds, we believe in providing solutions for every unique floor plan. That is why all of our standard Murphy beds and wall beds are available in a horizontal orientation—what we call the Side Mount.
Whether you are outfitting a narrow guest room, a studio apartment, or a home office with low ceilings, the Side Mount might just be the secret to unlocking your room’s potential.
Why Choose a Horizontal Wall Bed?
The primary advantage of a Side Mount is space optimization. By rotating the bed 90 degrees, the cabinet sits wider along the wall but occupies significantly less depth when the bed is in use.
1. Less Protrusion into the Room
The greatest benefit is how far the bed extends into your living space. A standard vertical Queen bed can protrude quite far into a room, often blocking walkways or requiring furniture to be moved. In contrast, a Queen Side Mount protrudes much less—typically around 70 1/2 inches from the wall—making it ideal for narrow rooms. In fact, there are many rooms where a standard Murphy Bed simply will not work but a Side Mount fits with no problem.
2. Solving Low Ceiling Challenges
If you are working with a basement or an attic space with very low ceilings, a vertical unit may simply not fit. Side Mount units have a much lower cabinet height. For instance, a Queen Side Mount is only 71.5 inches tall, whereas a vertical unit requires significantly more vertical clearance.
3. Navigating Ceiling Fans and Fixtures
While rare, there are occasions where a ceiling fan or a hanging light fixture is positioned right where a vertical bed would need to swing down. A Side Mount bypasses this issue entirely by keeping the “arc” of the bed much lower to the ground.
Which Styles are Available in Side Mount?
Beyond the functional benefits, choosing a Side Mount doesn’t mean compromising on style. At Wilding Wallbeds, side mounts are available in nearly every standard murphy bed and wallbed style we offer. This means you can get the ideal space-saving orientation without sacrificing the design or finish that perfectly matches your home’s decor.
If you love the Mission Street Wall Bed, but you don’t have the space for the vertical bed, simply order it as a Side Mount instead!
Comparative Dimensions
To help you visualize the footprint, here are the dimensions for our Edge Wall Bed in Side Mount orientation model:
| Size | Width | Height | Depth | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 80.5″ | 46.25″ | 16″ | 43″ |
| Full | 80.5″ | 61.25″ | 16″ | 58″ |
| Queen | 84.5″ | 67.25″ | 16″ | 64″ |
The Trade-Off: Side Entry
While the Side Mount is a powerhouse for space-saving, it is important to consider how you will use the bed. Because the bed is mounted horizontally, you sleep parallel to the wall. This means if two people are using the bed, the person sleeping on the “inside” (closest to the wall) must climb over the other person to get out. For a single guest or a child’s room, this is rarely an issue, but for a primary guest bed, it is worth keeping in mind.
American-Made Quality
Regardless of the orientation you choose, every Wilding Wallbed is built with the same commitment to excellence. We use sustainably sourced solid wood and custom-engineered plywood to ensure your bed lasts a lifetime. Our commercial-rated mechanisms are tested for daily use and backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring that your space-saving solution is as durable as it is beautiful.
Ready to see how a Side Mount Murphy bed can transform your home? Visit one of our Place or book a free virtual demonstration today!