How to Fit Sheets on a Murphy Bed Easily

Why sheet fitting is different on a Murphy bed

A Murphy bed folds the mattress upright into the wall or a cabinet when it is not in use. That single detail changes how you fit sheets. On a regular bed the mattress stays flat and the fitted sheet only has to hold its corners. On a Murphy bed the same fitted sheet has to stay on the mattress while the bed stands vertically and again when it comes down.

Makers describe Murphy bed mattresses as designed to stand on end. Wilding Wallbeds states that its Murphy bed mattresses are specially engineered to stand on-end in a Murphy bed. That upright position is exactly what the sheet has to survive. A sheet that is too loose or too shallow can bunch up and make the bed harder to close.

For this reason, the best starting point is to read the listing for the bed you are considering. Look for what the maker says about the mattress and about keeping bedding in place. If the listing does not mention mattress thickness, that is a detail to ask about before you buy. The mattress thickness guide explains what thickness means for a Murphy bed.

Deep-pocket sheets and mattress thickness

Deep-pocket sheets are fitted sheets with extra fabric at the corners, made for thicker mattresses. The pocket depth is the part of the sheet that wraps under the mattress. A deeper pocket can cover a thicker mattress, and a shallow pocket may slip off a thick mattress when the bed is folded upright.

Murphy bed mattresses come in different heights. On its mattress page, Wilding Wallbeds lists options from 8 inches to 12 inches in height. The height of the mattress decides how deep the sheet pocket needs to be. A mattress that is 12 inches tall needs a deeper pocket than an 8-inch mattress.

Cabinet beds often include a tri-fold mattress, and the thickness is stated in the listing. Wilding Wallbeds states that its Murphy cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Night and Day Furniture lists trifold gel memory foam and trifold gel pocket coil mattresses in its cabinet collection. Read those figures, then choose sheets that match the stated thickness.

Securing sheets for a clean fold

A Murphy bed holds the mattress in place when it is folded upright. Makers may describe this with terms like retention straps or a retention system. The sheet has to stay smooth while the mattress is vertical, so the fitted sheet and the mattress work together.

To keep sheets from slipping, tuck the fitted sheet evenly around all four corners before folding. Bunching at one corner can make the mattress sit unevenly inside the cabinet. Start at the corners, then smooth the sides, then fold the bed according to the maker's instructions.

The maker's instructions come first. Each bed has its own mechanism and its own way of holding the mattress. The mattress retention straps article explains what these straps do and how they relate to the mattress. If a strap needs attention, the replacement guide covers what to ask the seller.

Faster bed changes with the bed open

Changing sheets on a Murphy bed goes fastest when the bed is open. Bring the bed down, strip the old sheets, and put the new ones on before folding the bed back up. That way the fitted sheet is on the mattress when the bed closes, and the next person who uses the bed finds it ready.

Keep a spare set of sheets near the bed. Many cabinet beds include a drawer for linens. Wilding Wallbeds states that most of its cabinet bed models include a drawer for linens, pillows, or other guest essentials. If the bed does not have a drawer, keep the spare set in a nearby closet or shelf.

Using a mattress protector under the fitted sheet can make changes easier by keeping the mattress clean between uses. The mattress protector article explains what a protector does for a Murphy bed mattress.

Reading the listing before you buy

Before you buy a Murphy bed, read the listing for the details that decide how you will fit sheets. Look for the mattress that comes with the bed, the stated thickness, and whether the maker describes how the mattress is held in the closed position.

For a wall bed, the mattress is usually separate, and the listing may not include one. For a cabinet bed, the listing often states that a tri-fold mattress is included. Wilding Wallbeds states that all its Murphy cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Night and Day Furniture lists trifold gel memory foam and trifold gel pocket coil mattresses in its cabinet collection. Those details tell you what sheet depth to plan for.

If the listing does not state the mattress thickness, treat that as a question to ask the seller before buying. The answer changes what sheets you need. The mattress compatibility article covers how the mattress and the bed frame work together.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Are deep-pocket sheets necessary for a Murphy bed?

It depends on the mattress thickness. A thinner mattress, such as a 6-inch tri-fold mattress in some cabinet beds, may sit fine under a standard-depth sheet. A thicker mattress, such as a 10-inch or 12-inch foam mattress, is a better match for a deep-pocket sheet.

Do sheets stay on the mattress when the bed folds?

Makers design Murphy bed mattresses to stand on end inside the cabinet. A fitted sheet that is smooth and evenly tucked has the best chance of staying in place. Read the maker's instructions for how the mattress is held when the bed is closed.

Can regular sheets be used on a Murphy bed?

Regular sheets can work if the pocket depth matches the mattress thickness. Check the stated mattress height and compare it with the sheet pocket depth. The sheet has to stay tucked while the bed is vertical.

What is a tri-fold mattress in a cabinet bed?

A tri-fold mattress folds into three sections and stores inside the cabinet when the bed is closed. Wilding Wallbeds states that its cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress designed to store inside the cabinet.

What keeps sheets from slipping when the bed is folded?

Tuck the fitted sheet evenly around all four corners, smooth the sides, and follow the maker's instructions for closing the bed. The fit of the sheet and the way the mattress is held in the closed position work together to keep the mattress and bedding in place.

Should the bed be made before folding it up?

The sheet has the best chance of staying in place if you smooth it while the bed is open, then fold the bed closed. That keeps the sheets in place for the next use. A mattress protector under the fitted sheet can also keep the mattress clean between uses.