Vertical vs. Horizontal Murphy Bed: Mattress Sizes

Vertical vs. Horizontal: What Changes for Mattress Size

The fold direction of a Murphy bed determines how the mattress is stored inside the cabinet. A vertical Murphy bed folds down from the wall, so the mattress stands upright when closed. A horizontal Murphy bed folds sideways, so the mattress lies flat and the cabinet is wider than it is tall. To compare the two types, see the vertical vs horizontal overview.

Because of this difference, the mattress sizes available for each type are not the same. Vertical beds can often fit longer mattresses like queen or king, since the cabinet height can accommodate the mattress length. Horizontal beds are limited by the cabinet width, which must match the mattress length, so they typically work with twin or full sizes.

When you read a listing, the stated mattress size is the first thing to check. If the listing says 'queen' and the bed folds horizontally, that is a strong signal the bed is vertical. If it says 'twin' or 'full' and folds sideways, the bed is likely horizontal. For more on reading listings, see the best Murphy bed guide.

Vertical Murphy Bed Mattress Sizes

Vertical Murphy beds are the most common type. They fold down from the wall, and the mattress stands on end inside the cabinet when closed. This design allows for longer mattress sizes because the cabinet height can match the mattress length.

Wilding Wallbeds, for example, offers Studio Series Murphy beds in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. Their HomeFront Series wall beds also come in queen and other sizes. Cabinet beds, like those from Wilding and Night and Day Furniture, are typically queen size and include a tri-fold mattress. For queen options, see the best queen Murphy beds.

If you need a queen or king mattress, a vertical Murphy bed is usually the right choice. The cabinet will be taller than it is wide, and the mattress will stand upright when stored. Check the listing's dimensions to confirm the cabinet height matches the mattress length.

Horizontal Murphy Bed Mattress Sizes

Horizontal Murphy beds fold sideways, so the mattress lies flat inside the cabinet. This means the cabinet width must be at least as long as the mattress. As a result, horizontal beds are typically limited to twin or full sizes, because a queen or king mattress would require an extremely wide cabinet.

For example, a twin mattress is about 75 inches long, and a full mattress is about 75 inches long as well. A queen mattress is 80 inches long, and a king is 80 inches long. Horizontal beds for queen or king sizes are rare because the cabinet would be too wide for most rooms.

If you are considering a horizontal Murphy bed, plan for a twin or full mattress. This type is often chosen for guest rooms or kids' rooms where a smaller bed is sufficient. The cabinet will be wider than it is tall, which can fit under a window or along a long wall. See the best horizontal Murphy beds for options.

Cabinet Bed Mattress Sizes

Cabinet beds, also called Murphy chests, are a type of vertical Murphy bed. They fold down from the front of a freestanding cabinet, and the mattress is stored inside. Most cabinet beds are queen size and include a tri-fold mattress.

Wilding Wallbeds states that all their Murphy cabinet beds are available in queen size and include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Night and Day Furniture also offers cabinet beds in queen size, with some models in twin or full, like the Orion Twin and Orion Full. For a range of cabinet beds, see the best Murphy cabinet beds.

The tri-fold mattress is designed to fold into three sections so it fits inside the cabinet when closed. This is different from a standard mattress, which would not fold. If you buy a cabinet bed, the mattress is usually included, so you do not need to buy a separate one.

How to Check the Listing for Mattress Size

The most reliable way to know which mattress size fits is to read the listing carefully. Look for the stated mattress size, the fold direction, and the cabinet dimensions. If the listing says 'queen' and the bed folds vertically, that is consistent. If it says 'twin' and folds horizontally, that is also consistent.

For cabinet beds, the listing will often state the mattress size and whether a mattress is included. Wilding Wallbeds, for example, lists the dimensions of each cabinet bed model, such as the Clover at 41.1 inches high, 63.5 inches wide, and 23.7 inches deep. These dimensions help you confirm the mattress size.

If the listing does not state the mattress size, contact the seller or maker before buying. The mattress size is a critical detail, and guessing can lead to a bed that does not fit your needs. For more on measuring a room, see the room measuring guide.

Mattress Thickness and Fold Direction

Mattress thickness matters for Murphy beds because the mattress must fit inside the cabinet when closed. Thicker mattresses may not fold properly or may make the cabinet too deep. Most Murphy beds are designed for mattresses up to a certain thickness, often around 10 to 12 inches.

Wilding Wallbeds offers mattresses in heights from 8 to 12 inches for their wall beds. Their cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. The thickness affects how the mattress folds and how much space it takes in the cabinet. For more on thickness, see the mattress thickness guide.

When choosing a mattress, check the listing for the maximum thickness. If you buy a mattress separately, make sure it is compatible with the bed's design. A mattress that is too thick may not allow the bed to close properly.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Room

The mattress size you choose depends on the room and how you plan to use the bed. For a guest room, a queen or full size is often comfortable for two people. For a home office that occasionally becomes a guest room, a full or twin may be enough.

Vertical Murphy beds offer more size options, so they are a good choice if you need a queen or king. Horizontal Murphy beds are limited to twin or full, so they work well for smaller rooms or children's rooms.

Consider the open footprint as well. A queen mattress is wider and longer than a twin, so the bed will take up more floor space when open. Make sure the room can accommodate the open bed without blocking doors or windows. If you are combining a bed with a desk, see the Murphy beds with desk guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can a horizontal Murphy bed fit a queen mattress?

Rarely. Horizontal Murphy beds fold sideways, so the cabinet width must match the mattress length. A queen mattress is 80 inches long, which would require a very wide cabinet. Most horizontal beds are twin or full. See the horizontal Murphy bed guide.

Do cabinet beds come with a mattress?

Many cabinet beds include a tri-fold mattress. Wilding Wallbeds states that all their cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Night and Day Furniture also offers mattresses with their cabinet beds.

What mattress thickness is best for a Murphy bed?

Most Murphy beds are designed for mattresses up to 10 to 12 inches thick. Thicker mattresses may not fold properly. Check the listing for the maximum thickness. For more, see the mattress thickness guide.

Can I use a regular mattress in a Murphy bed?

Yes, for vertical and horizontal wall beds, a standard mattress can work if it is the right size and thickness. Cabinet beds require a tri-fold mattress because the mattress must fold to fit inside the cabinet.