How to Choose the Right Murphy Cabinet Bed for Your Home

Choosing the right Murphy cabinet bed is easier when you start with how the room will actually be used rather than beginning with a particular style or finish.

After helping customers with space-saving furniture since 2003, we have found that a few practical questions can quickly narrow the choices.

### 1. Decide Who Will Use the Bed

Start with the sleeper.

Will the bed normally accommodate one person or two? Will it be used by children, adults, occasional visitors or someone sleeping on it frequently?

These questions can help determine whether a Twin, Full or Queen cabinet bed makes the most sense.

### 2. Measure the Room in Both Positions

Don't choose a cabinet bed based only on whether the closed cabinet fits against the wall.

Check the manufacturer's closed and fully open dimensions and make sure the room provides enough space to operate the bed comfortably.

Also consider doors, closets, desks, chairs and other furniture that could interfere when the bed is extended.

### 3. Think About What the Room Does During the Day

One of the main reasons to choose a cabinet bed is to make a room useful for more than sleeping.

If the room normally serves as a home office, studio, exercise room or hobby space, consider how much floor space you want available after the bed is closed.

For a home office, a cabinet bed with an integrated desk may offer additional functionality.

### 4. Pay Attention to the Mattress

If the bed will be used frequently, don't treat the mattress as a minor detail.

Consider the sleeper's comfort preferences and how often the bed will be used. Mattress construction and support can become especially important for frequent or everyday sleeping.

Select Queen Night & Day cabinet-bed models also offer a 6-inch pocket coil mattress with gel-infused memory foam as an upgrade for customers who prefer a coil-supported feel.

### 5. Choose Features You Will Actually Use

Storage drawers, folding side trays, built-in power and USB connections, and desk configurations can all add useful functionality—but not every customer needs every feature.

Think about the room itself.

A storage drawer may be valuable when closet space is limited. Side trays can reduce the need for separate nightstands. Built-in power can be convenient for guests, while an integrated desk can transform a home office into a guest room when needed.

### 6. Consider How Often the Bed Will Be Opened

An occasional guest bed and a frequently used sleeping solution may lead to different priorities.

For occasional use, compact size and simplicity may be most important.

For frequent use, mattress comfort, ease of operation, sleeping height and convenient everyday setup may deserve greater consideration.

### 7. Look Beyond the Photograph

Two cabinet beds that appear similar online may have different dimensions, features, mattress options, finishes and operating configurations.

Review the specifications for the exact model you are considering rather than assuming that all cabinet beds work or fit the same way.

### Start With the Room, Not the Bed

One of the most useful pieces of advice we can give is simple:

**Choose the cabinet bed around the room and the people who will use it—not the other way around.**

Start with your available space, sleeping needs and everyday use of the room. Once those questions are answered, choosing the appropriate size, mattress, features and style becomes much easier.

If you're uncertain, bring your room measurements when visiting Gala Futons & Furniture in Alexandria, Virginia. We can help you compare the available cabinet-bed options based on the space you're working with and how you plan to use it.