Murphy Cabinet Bed Features – Storage, Side Trays, Power & Desk Options

Murphy cabinet beds have evolved beyond simply providing a bed that folds into a cabinet. Depending on the model, today's designs can include storage, bedside surfaces, electrical connections and even built-in desks.

The most useful features depend on how you plan to use the room. Rather than choosing a model simply because it has the longest feature list, consider which features will actually make the space more functional for you.

### Storage Drawers

Some Murphy cabinet beds include a large storage drawer built into the lower portion of the cabinet.

This can provide convenient space for items such as sheets, pillows or other guest-room necessities while keeping them close to the bed.

Built-in storage can be particularly useful in apartments, home offices and smaller guest rooms where adding another dresser or storage cabinet would take up valuable floor space.

### Folding Side Trays

Folding side trays provide convenient bedside surfaces when the bed is open.

Depending on the model, they can provide a place for a phone, glasses, book, small lamp or other personal items without requiring separate nightstands.

When the additional surface isn't needed, the trays can fold away as part of the cabinet's compact design.

Remember to consider the additional width required when side trays are extended when planning the bed's location.

### Built-In Power and USB Connections

Select cabinet beds include built-in electrical power and USB connections.

For overnight guests, this can make charging a phone or powering a bedside device more convenient without adding extension cords around the sleeping area.

The location and type of power connections vary by model, so review the specifications of the particular cabinet bed you are considering.

### Cabinet Beds with Built-In Desks

For rooms that need to function as both a workspace and sleeping area, a desk-bed design can provide another level of flexibility.

Models such as the **Siesta Twin Desk Cabinet Bed** and **Olympia Queen Cabinet Bed Desk** combine a working surface with a convertible sleeping solution.

This type of design can be especially useful in home offices, guest rooms and multi-purpose spaces where keeping a permanent conventional bed would interfere with everyday use of the room.

Rather than choosing between having an office or having a guest room, a desk-bed design can allow the same space to serve both purposes.

### Different Sleeping Heights and Cabinet Designs

Features aren't limited to storage and electronics.

Cabinet-bed models can also differ in sleeping-platform height, cabinet depth, overall dimensions, styling and finishes.

These differences may seem small when looking at photographs online, but they can affect how the furniture feels and functions in an actual room.

### Which Features Do You Really Need?

Before choosing a model, think about how the room will be used.

**Need extra storage?** Consider a model with an integrated storage drawer.

**Don't have room for nightstands?** Folding side trays may be useful.

**Guests frequently charge phones beside the bed?** Built-in power and USB connections can add convenience.

**Need the room to remain a working home office?** A desk cabinet bed may provide the most useful combination of functions.

At Gala Futons & Furniture, we recommend choosing features based on how they improve the room rather than simply choosing the cabinet bed with the greatest number of extras.

The best space-saving furniture is furniture that helps the room perform the jobs you actually need it to perform.