Murphy Bed for Tall Sleepers: Length and Comfort

Mattress Length and Bed Size

The first thing to check when choosing a Murphy bed for a tall sleeper is the mattress size the bed is built for. Standard mattress lengths vary: a twin is typically 75 inches, a full is 75 inches, a queen is 80 inches, and a king is 80 inches. Twin XL, often used in college dorms, is 80 inches long but only 38 inches wide. For a tall person, the extra 5 inches of length in a queen or king can make a significant difference in comfort.

When you read a Murphy bed listing, look for the stated mattress size. Many wall beds and cabinet beds are designed for a specific size, such as twin, full, queen, or king. If you are over 6 feet tall, a queen or king size is usually the better choice because the 80-inch length provides more room to stretch out. A full size, at 75 inches, may be too short for someone who is 6 feet 2 inches or taller.

Some Murphy beds, especially cabinet beds, come with a tri-fold mattress included. These mattresses are often thinner than standard mattresses, typically around 6 inches, and are designed to fold into the cabinet. The length of a tri-fold mattress matches the bed size, so a queen cabinet bed will have a queen-length mattress. Check the listing to confirm the mattress size and whether it is included.

• Twin: 75 inches long, 38 inches wide
• Twin XL: 80 inches long, 38 inches wide
• Full: 75 inches long, 54 inches wide
• Queen: 80 inches long, 60 inches wide
• King: 80 inches long, 76 inches wide

Frame Clearance and Mattress Thickness

The bed frame must have enough clearance to accommodate the mattress and the sleeper. Murphy beds are designed to fold up into a cabinet or against the wall, so the mattress thickness is limited by the cabinet depth. A thicker mattress, such as a 12-inch model, may not fit in a cabinet that is only 24 inches deep. Most cabinet beds from Wilding Wallbeds are 24 to 27 inches deep when closed, and they include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Wall beds, like those in the Studio Series, can accommodate thicker mattresses, but you should check the listing for the maximum mattress height. For more on how thickness relates to fit, see this explanation of mattress thickness.

For tall sleepers, mattress thickness also affects comfort. A mattress that is too thin may not provide enough support, while one that is too thick may raise the sleeping surface too high, making it harder to get in and out of bed. The Wilding Murphy Desk Bed page notes that with a 10-inch mattress, the sleeping surface sits at approximately 32 inches from the floor. This is a comfortable height for most people, but if you are very tall, you might prefer a slightly lower or higher surface depending on your needs.

When comparing beds, look for the stated mattress height or the cabinet depth. If the listing does not specify a maximum mattress thickness, contact the maker to ask. The site cannot tell you whether a specific mattress will fit; only the maker's specifications can confirm that.

Choosing a Size for Your Room

The size of the Murphy bed also depends on the room where it will be used. A guest room that doubles as a home office might benefit from a full or queen size bed, while a studio apartment might need a twin or full to save space. For a tall sleeper, a queen size is often the best compromise between length and footprint. The open footprint of a queen Murphy bed is larger than a twin, so measure your room before buying. The site's guide on measuring a room for a Murphy bed explains how to account for the bed's open and closed dimensions. You can also compare queen Murphy beds and full size Murphy beds to see which size fits your space.

If you are furnishing a home office that occasionally hosts guests, a Murphy bed with a desk, like the Wilding Murphy Desk Bed, can be a smart choice. The desk folds down to reveal the bed, and the desk surface remains level when the bed is open, with 17 inches of clearance for items left on the desk. This bed is available in twin, full, and queen sizes, so you can choose the length that fits your tallest guest. Browse Murphy beds with desks for similar options.

For a small apartment or a kid's room, a twin XL might be a good option because it offers the same length as a queen but takes up less floor space. However, twin XL mattresses are less common, so you may need to buy one separately. Check the listing to see if the bed is designed for a twin XL or if it only fits a standard twin.

What to Check in a Listing

When you read a Murphy bed listing, look for these details to ensure it will work for a tall sleeper:

The mattress size the bed is designed for. This is often stated in the title or the bullet list. If the bed comes with a mattress, the size is usually included.

The maximum mattress thickness. This is sometimes listed as a specification, especially for wall beds. If it is not stated, ask the maker.

The open dimensions of the bed. This tells you how much floor space the bed will take up when it is down. For a tall person, the length of the sleeping surface is what matters most.

The closed dimensions of the cabinet. This affects where you can place the bed in the room and whether it will fit through doorways.

• Look for the mattress size in the title or description.
• Check the maximum mattress height or the included mattress thickness.
• Verify the open length of the bed to ensure it matches the mattress size.
• Consider the room's dimensions and the bed's closed footprint. See general Murphy bed guidance for an overview.

Mattress Options for Tall Sleepers

If the Murphy bed does not come with a mattress, you will need to buy one separately. For tall sleepers, a queen or king size mattress provides the most length. Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice for Murphy beds because they are flexible and can stand on end without sagging. Wilding Wallbeds offers a range of foam core mattresses, including Serta PerfectSleeper models in 10, 11, and 12-inch heights, and they are designed to be used with Murphy beds. Compare premium Murphy beds that often include higher-end mattresses.

When choosing a mattress, consider the thickness. A 10-inch mattress is a good balance of comfort and fit for most Murphy beds. Thicker mattresses, like 12-inch models, may be too tall for some cabinets. The Wilding Murphy Bed Mattress page lists several options, but the site cannot tell you which one is best for your specific bed. Check the bed's specifications and the mattress's dimensions to ensure a proper fit.

For a cabinet bed that includes a tri-fold mattress, the mattress is usually 6 inches thick. This is thinner than a standard mattress, but it is designed to fold and store inside the cabinet. Some people find a 6-inch mattress less comfortable than a thicker one, but it is a trade-off for the space-saving design. If you prefer a thicker mattress, consider a wall bed instead of a cabinet bed. See cabinet bed comparisons for options.

What to Pick for Your Situation

The right Murphy bed for a tall sleeper depends on the room, the bed's size, and the mattress. For a guest room that is used occasionally, a queen size wall bed with a 10-inch mattress is a solid choice. For a home office that needs a desk, a Murphy desk bed in queen size offers both a workspace and a comfortable sleeping surface. For a small apartment, a twin XL or full size might be more practical, but check the length to ensure it fits your tallest guest.

Use the table below to match your situation to a guide that compares beds on stated details. The guides list the sizes, features, and mechanisms of each bed, so you can compare options without relying on subjective claims.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is the longest mattress size for a Murphy bed?

Queen and king mattresses are both 80 inches long, which is the longest standard length. Twin XL is also 80 inches long but narrower. For a tall sleeper, a queen or king provides the most length.

Can I use a regular mattress in a Murphy bed?

Yes, many wall beds are designed for standard mattresses. However, the mattress must be thin enough to fit in the cabinet when the bed is folded. Check the bed's maximum mattress height in the listing.

Do Murphy beds come with a mattress?

Some do, especially cabinet beds. For example, Wilding Wallbeds' Murphy Cabinet Beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Wall beds often do not include a mattress, so you buy one separately.

How thick should a Murphy bed mattress be for a tall person?

A 10-inch mattress is a common choice because it balances comfort and fit. Thicker mattresses may not fit in some cabinets. The Wilding Murphy Desk Bed page notes that a 10-inch mattress results in a sleeping surface about 32 inches from the floor.

Is a twin XL mattress available for Murphy beds?

Some Murphy beds are designed for twin XL, but it is less common. Check the listing to see if the bed supports twin XL, or consider a full or queen for more length.

What should I measure before buying a Murphy bed for a tall person?

Measure the room's floor space for the open bed, the ceiling height for vertical beds, and the doorway width for delivery. Also check the bed's open length to ensure it matches the mattress size.