If you’re dealing with low ceilings or a cramped studio apartment, a horizontal murphy bed might just be the most practical furniture purchase you’ll ever make. Unlike a standard vertical wall bed that swings up along its length, murphy beds pivot sideways—which means ceiling height isn’t nearly as much of a concern. They work really well in narrow rooms, home offices, or anywhere you need a bed that doesn’t dominate the space 24/7. Wall beds aren’t cheap, and shipping costs alone can sting.
During the holiday sales season though, a lot of retailers either waive freight fees or fold them into a bundle deal. Here’s what you can typically expect on Black Friday:
- 20–40% off regular prices from both big-box furniture sites and specialty manufacturers
- Bundle deals pairing the bed frame with side cabinets, shelving units, or built-in desks
- Free or discounted shipping on heavy freight items, plus occasional credits toward professional installation
Top Horizontal Murphy Beds Worth Watching
When you’re shopping for a horizontal wall bed, the mechanism matters a lot. A bed that doesn’t fold smoothly or feels wobbly when anchored to the wall is going to drive you crazy long-term. These are some of the better options currently on the market:
Gracie Oaks Wilkinson Farmhouse Murphy Bed:
A good pick if you like that rustic farmhouse look. It comes with embossed barn-door detailing, a large storage drawer at the bottom, and a built-in charging station with standard outlets and USB ports. Folds up into something that honestly looks like a dresser—guests probably won’t even realize it’s a bed.
MERITLINE Queen Horizontal Murphy Bed:
Solid wood construction, built-in LED strip lighting, USB charging, and a listed weight capacity of 750 lbs. It folds flush against the wall and works well in both bedrooms and home office setups. Decent value for what you’re getting.
Freestanding Cabinet Beds — A Better Option for Renters
If you’re renting and can’t bolt anything into the walls, a freestanding cabinet bed is worth considering instead. You don’t get the same flush-against-the-wall look, but they’re genuinely functional and easy to move.
Queen Murphy Bed with Desktop and Shelves:
This one folds away into a cabinet with a full-length desktop, two side shelves, and a large bottom drawer. The charging station includes USB-A, USB-C, and a standard outlet. Farmhouse-style paneling, Roman column details, and a 1,000 lb frame rating round it out nicely.
Mjkone Murphy Bed Cabinet with USB Charging Station:
A solid wood queen-size cabinet bed with a tri-fold mattress. The rolling base holds up to 600 lbs on its own, making it easy to reposition when folded up. Frame supports up to 880 lbs total. Good option if you need something you can move around occasionally.
KEIKI Queen Size Horizontal Cabinet Murphy Bed:
Similar setup to the MERITLINE but with a built-in desk, under-desk storage, and a crisscross finish that leans more modern. Folds flat against the wall and is a solid pick for studio apartments pulling double duty as an office.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Murphy Bed vs. Sofa Bed
People get confused about this a lot, so here’s a quick breakdown:
- Horizontal Murphy beds pivot sideways and need a longer wall run, but they work in rooms with ceilings under 84 inches. When folded up they look like a low-profile sideboard—you can put a TV on top or use the surface as a desk.
- Vertical Murphy beds are the classic style. They fold up along the length of the mattress, so they need more ceiling clearance (84–90 inches minimum) but take up less wall space. Great for a standard spare bedroom with higher ceilings.
- Sofa beds are familiar and easy, but they eat up floor space all the time, not just when someone’s sleeping over. The mattresses also tend to be thinner and less comfortable than what you’d get with a wall bed.
Honestly if your ceiling is on the lower side, go horizontal. If you’ve got the height and the wall space, vertical works fine. Sofa beds are convenient but I wouldn’t rely on one as a primary sleeping solution for guests.
What Materials Should You Look For?
- Engineered wood (MDF or particleboard): Most common and most affordable. Modern versions are more durable than you’d expect and come in a wide range of finishes—oak, walnut, white gloss, etc. Slight risk of warping in very humid environments, but for most homes it’s totally fine.
- Solid wood: Heavier and more expensive, but it looks better and lasts longer. Some brands like Lori Beds use real wood throughout, and the difference in feel and finish is noticeable.
- Metal frames: Found mostly in industrial-style designs or folding cabinet beds. Lightweight, rust-resistant, and structurally solid. No risk of splitting the way wood can over time.
Final Thoughts
A horizontal murphy bed is one of those purchases that takes some research upfront but pays off every time you have a guest staying over or need to reclaim your home office. Black Friday is genuinely a good window to buy—these are heavy, expensive items and the shipping discounts alone can save you a few hundred dollars.