Space-Saving Beds Compared: Loft, Murphy, or Storage – Which Is Best for You?

You’ve moved into a tiny apartment and need to make more space. So you watch videos of collapsible apartments that turn 150 square feet into 600. In reality, though, the solutions to create more space are simpler, and they often begin with your bed.

If you’ve lived in a big city for any amount of time, or browsed the Clutter blog, you’ve seen these three types of beds: a loft bed, a Murphy bed, and a storage bed. 

Learn more: Apartment Size Guide: How Much Space Do You Need?

Pack, Move, Store—We’ve Got Your Entire Journey Covered!

All claim to accomplish the same thing, which is creating more space so you can enjoy your small apartment more. Structurally, financially, and practically, they are certainly not all the same, but all do have some benefits (and detriments) to consider. If you’re planning to buy a space-saving bed, this guide should help you decide between loft beds, pull-down beds for small rooms, Murphy beds, and storage beds.

The Ultimate Guide to Space-Saving Beds: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Tiny Apartment

First things first: the cost

If budget is your biggest concern, go ahead and narrow your choices down to two types of space-saving beds: a loft bed or a bed with storage. Each of these beds has inexpensive options, some as cheap as $150 for a new twin frame, or even less if you’re willing to buy second-hand on Craigslist.

Of course, at those price points, you’re getting what you pay for. The cheapest lofts are made of flimsy metal while the cheapest storage beds are likely made of particleboard, which means they’re probably not as secure as you’d like to feel at night.  And since Murphy beds have to fold up into the wall, they need to be much sturdier, making it harder to find a new Murphy bed for less than $1,000.

Beautiful lofts like the custom-built bed above come with a much higher price tag, as will any antique storage bed that’s full of character.

If you’re willing to pay more and focus on the aesthetics, the sky’s the limit, especially for loft style beds and Murphy style beds. Designers and space-saving furniture companies like Resource Furniture and Clei sell incredible pieces for an incredible price. Realize, though, even in a city where space-saving beds are in high demand, these beds are hard to resell (and harder to move).

In the event of moving

Obviously, you can’t see into the future, but given your lease, location, and job, ask yourself, “Do I plan to live here for a while?”

Ruling out the $150 loft beds and storage beds, which are basically disposable after a year, any bed that saves you space comes with some degree of hassle. Most good loft beds require more construction than a regular bed, and depending on their material, storage beds can be as heavy and bulky as a piano. Murphy beds certainly are. If you live in a walk-up, you won’t want to move Murphy or storage beds twice in 12 months. If you expect to live in your small apartment indefinitely, it’s less of a problem.

In terms of resale value, storage beds are the most practical of the bunch, popular in city apartments of every size, and in suburban homes beyond. There won’t be as many potential buyers for loft beds, and even fewer who would want a used Murphy bed. Given their size and cost, they’re long-term investments, usually purchased by small-apartment dwellers who don’t plan to move anytime soon.

Which bed creates more space?

No reason to drag this point out: loft beds create more space.

Yes, you could argue that Murphy bed are the actual winner since they make the whole bed disappear into a box that juts out from the wall less than a mount of antlers. Still, loft beds legitimately create space in your apartment, essentially adding a second floor to your studio. If you live in a tiny, tiny place like Grayson Altenberg’s 100-square-foot apartment, a loft bed would double the livable area, while a Murphy bed would require you to stack everything you own against the wall each night. (And, spoiler alert, it wouldn’t have room to fold down anyway.)

Storage beds aren’t even a contender in this fight. They do supplement or replace the storage of a dresser, but if that’s all you’re after, boxes under your bed might be more effective. Then again, you should be sending that stuff to storage because, according to feng shui, you’re not supposed to put things underneath your bed in the first place. But hey, that’s entirely up to you.

Learn more: 15 Best Space-Saving Furniture Ideas for Small Apartments

Feng shui, and other things to consider

One of the primary principles of feng shui is allowing energy to flow under your bed. Translation: you can’t store anything there. So if you want to practice this ancient philosophy, forget about storage beds, and maybe lofts too, because you probably can’t resist the sudden expanse of floor space that would be perfect for a table or couch.

Other considerations, like the height of your ceilings, the amount of entertaining you expect to do, and how much time you spend in your apartment, should also guide you through the buying process.

Learn more: 9 Easy Ways To Feng Shui Your Tiny Apartment

Wait. What about futons?

All right, so we didn’t include maybe the most popular space-saving bed: the futon, or sleeper sofa. Sure, you can find these throughout any city, and many people do sleep on them every night, but most are made for guests or as a last resort, not for regular use.

The best futons in the world can give you at least one great night of sleep. The worst will twist a crick in your neck as soon as you’ve switched off the light. Truth be told, we love any piece of furniture that saves space through dual use, but night after night, we’ll take a real mattress and a different space-saving bed.

Functional furniture comes in various forms:

More specifically, Murphy furniture pairs with other functions, such as sofas or shelves, to add a secondary usage.

• Hidden Bed Furniture: Murphy bed, Loft Murphy bed can disappear quickly in case it is not needed. It is ideal for rooms that serve multiple purposes.
• Extra Storage: Storage space is available with the Murphy bed, where bedding and other belongings are placed inside the storage compartment provided in the mattress.
• Modern Style: Not only functional but also trendy designs range from the oldest, space-saving Murphy bed designs in classic styles to cool Murphy beds, which offer space-saving with new designs for the modern tastes of homes.

Types of Space-Saving Beds

1. Murphy Bed

• Description: This is popularly known as a wall bed and folds vertically into a cabinet or closet, making it an ideal space-saving solution. Murphy beds for small spaces are especially popular as they maximize floor space and offer additional functionality. Various types of Murphy beds can be customized with features like shelves, desks, or even a couch, such as a Murphy bed with couch and shelves. These beds often include clever Murphy bed storage options to help organize and declutter your space efficiently.
• Ideal Use: Perfect for studios or multi-purpose rooms, where changing the character of the room will require a quick change of functions.
• Pros: Completely hidden bed furniture when it is not in use; available in a wide selection of designs, from antique to modern Murphy beds. It may be available in add-ons, such as a Murphy bed with a couch and shelves.
• Cons: Needs a wall installation. Therefore, flexible placement will not be possible. This is more expensive than most other types of space-saving beds

2. Storage Bed

• Description: Storage beds are designed with built-in drawers or compartments under the mattress, providing much storage without consuming extra floor space.
• Ideal Use: Suitable to add more storage in bedroom rooms without the addition of any extra furniture pieces
• Pros: It has a big storage capacity for clothes, bedding, and other items. Accessible items without great struggle.
• Cons: It may limit the underflow of air underneath it. Heavier than a regular bed, thus making it hard to shift

Learn more: 6 Smart Storage Ideas for Small Apartments

3. Loft Bed

• Description: Loft beds leave a space under the bed and elevate the mattress upwards thus leaving space under for placing a desk, small seating area, or use of storage space. There are strong frames holding up the bed, and the ladder can access most lofts.
• Ideal Use: For children’s bedrooms where sometimes a study area might be needed or in smaller bedrooms where a small lounge is required.
• Pros: Makes good use of vertical space. Underbed space is multi-functional for different uses.
• Cons: Not as practical for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Some of the floors in this room are not that high.

4. Murphy Bed w/ Storage and Sofa

• Description: This Murphy bed type is available in a package-style sofa bed for storage purposes. This folds for placement as a cabinet with three main uses, wherein, when unfolded, it makes a couch suitable for easier sitting and reclining postures.
• Ideal Use: This furniture is very apt for small apartments or for guest rooms where there is both a need for sitting space and a sleeping space.
• Pros: Having the bed, the sofa, and the storage all in one place is very functional. As a result, one can use it for sitting and sleeping.
• Cons: It is very expensive because the feature is added. For its installation, one might require professional help.

5. Loft Murphy Bed

• Description: Loft Murphy bed is a foldable wall-mounted bed sitting elevated with free space underneath for other uses. It is a combination of the loft bed and Murphy bed.
• Ideal Use: This is ideal for homes with high ceilings to maximize vertical space in a small room.
• Pros: It saves both vertical and hidden spaces. Leaves the floor space clear for other furniture or activities.
• Cons: Ceiling height requirements are necessary for safety and functionality. Installation is quite tricky and has to be done only with the help of a professional

How to Choose the Best Space-Saving Bed

Selecting the right space-saving bed can be achieved in three main ways: First, determine the main purpose of your room, second is the available floor space in your room, and third is how much storage you need.

Multi-purpose rooms, high ceilings, and space for personal items require the perfect Murphy beds. Storage beds are best for those people who need a little extra space for personal items. But while making the final decision, don’t forget budget and installation flexibility. All of them have special advantages in different types of beds. So make a decision according to your lifestyle and daily needs.

 Pro Tip: Space-Saving Bed Alternatives

Futons, daybeds, or sleeper sofas can be very good options for alternative beds. These are excellent if you need to have a seating arrangement during the day and a bed at night. They are very comfortable and efficient in use. They are best utilized in studio apartments where they provide a different character and efficiency in shared living areas.

Pack, Move, Store—We’ve Got Your Entire Journey Covered!

Conclusion

Space-saving beds have a transformational benefit in that they provide style options that may suit most of the needs and tastes that people have for their small homes.

Be it the multifunctional Murphy bed with storage or the raised loft bed meant to maximize floor space or the practical storage bed, each one of them does something a little differently.

So when you decide, think about the space you need, the style you like, and the functionality you require, and find a bed that fits right into your lifestyle. The right decision could bring you a spacious and well-organized space that looks nice and comfortable and makes maximum use of every square foot.

FAQs for Space-Saving Beds :

Q: What is the best small bed for small studio apartments?

A: In a small studio setting, Murphy beds or wall beds are often very favorable because they fold against a wall when not in use. This opens up free-floor space. Built-in features with Murphy beds or such shelves can add a very high level of functionality because space maximization is needed for compact spaces.

Q: Is a Murphy bed too much to install and use?

A: Actually, it’s not that hard to use the new Murphy bed since most of the modern types are equipped with gas or spring lift mechanisms that make raising and lowering easy. Installing a Murphy bed is usually a professional job, especially when mounting to the wall, but most come with very straightforward instructions that make it pretty easy to install.

Q: Are loft beds for kids only, or do adults also have an alternative for using them?

A: Loft beds can be a great option and certainly fit adult needs, particularly when there are high ceilings. Many designs feature solid frames supporting adult weights and providing clear floor space underneath for a desk, chair, or storage, so loft beds can be a functional alternative for adult rooms or studio apartments.

Q: Sofa bed vs. a real bed: which is comfier?

A: Modern sofa beds are significantly more comfortable than the models used earlier and are increasingly being equipped with memory foam or coil mattresses, providing user support similar to that offered by an actual bed. High-end sofa beds do not match the comfort offered by a regular bed, but they are suitable for occasional use or by occasional guests. 

Q: Which of the following bed options will save space better in a guest room?

A: Murphy beds, sofa beds, or trundle beds are the best for a guest room. Murphy beds provide a snuggly sleeping space that can easily be folded when not being used. Sofa beds and trundle beds can be excellent sources of seating or even storage. Each one can give the benefit of transforming your guest bedroom into another extra working room when it’s not available for sleeping

This article was written by David Michael McFarlane, a writer from Texas and Oregon who lives in New York and loves smart design and organization.