I once toured a condo in downtown Toronto that had everything going for it—high ceilings, great light, and a killer view. But the bedroom? Let’s just say, you could open the closet door or get out of bed—not both. My client was ready to give up on the place entirely until I said two words: Murphy Beds.
That moment stuck with me. Because in real estate—and in design—space is always in demand, and Murphy beds are one of the most clever, underused solutions for getting more from a small room. So if you’re hunting for Murphy bed ideas for small rooms, I’ve got a few stories and strategies that might just change the way you think about square footage.
The Guest Room That Wasn’t—Until It Was
A couple I worked with had a home office they insisted doubled as a guest bedroom. Technically, it had a futon. Realistically, it had a storage crisis and a barely usable workspace.
We swapped the futon for a sleek, vertical Murphy bed with built-in bookshelves on either side. When it was up, it looked like a custom cabinet wall. When it was down, it revealed a full-size mattress, a reading sconce, and even a little shelf for guests’ phones and water glasses.
Lesson: You don’t need a separate room to host guests. You just need furniture that knows how to multitask.
See how real homeowners make smart space-saving swaps in our DreamLine Closet System Installation in Vacaville, CA.
The Teen Bedroom That Finally Grew Up
Another client was battling with her teen’s room. It was full of books, hobbies, and a twin bed that made the space feel more like a hallway than a haven. We went with a horizontal Murphy bed—a smart option when ceiling height is limited—and paired it with a fold-down desk.
During the day, her son had room to create, read, and stretch out. At night? Down came the bed, with the bedding already in place.
Bonus: He actually wanted to make his bed in the morning. (His mom cried. True story.)
Looking to elevate function and feel? Explore our Custom Closets to tailor smart systems for teens, guests, or you.
The Studio That Lives Large
In small apartments or studios, your furniture needs to earn its keep. One of the best Murphy bed ideas I’ve seen—and used—is the Murphy bed with integrated sofa.
When the bed is up, you’ve got a modern couch. At night, the back of the couch folds flat as the mattress lowers down over it. It’s functional, sleek, and ideal for urban living.
And yes, real estate agents like me love showing units like this. It instantly makes a small space feel bigger, smarter, and more valuable.
For compact solutions that shine, see Why Murphy Bed Cabinets Are a Must-Have for Small Spaces.
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Murphy Bed Design Tips That Matter
If you’re thinking about installing one, here are some quick pro tips:
✅ Choose the right orientation
Vertical for traditional rooms
Horizontal for lower ceilings or narrow walls
✅ Add built-ins
Side cabinets, lighting, or open shelves make the bed feel intentional—not like an afterthought
✅ Hide the hardware
Go for flush, handle-free doors or soft-close panels for a streamlined look
✅ Use neutral tones and high-quality materials
The more it looks like real furniture, the more elevated the space will feel
Maximize your options with our Custom Kitchen Pantry ideas—many of which apply to smart closet and wall systems beyond the kitchen.
The Takeaway: A Bed That Works Harder Than You Do
In small spaces, every piece of furniture has to justify its footprint. A Murphy bed isn’t just a bed—it’s a design decision, a space-saver, and sometimes the reason someone falls in love with a home they almost passed over.
Whether you’re designing for guests, teens, or yourself, these Murphy bed ideas turn “not enough room” into “just right.” And if you ask me? That’s real estate done right.
✅ Call to Action:
Looking to make the most of your space? Our design and renovation team specializes in Murphy Bed installations and custom storage solutions that elevate even the smallest rooms. Book your consultation today—and let’s make your square footage smarter.
