Choosing a Murphy bed is about more than selecting a size, finish, or mattress. The orientation of the bed can have a major impact on how well it fits your room. When comparing horizontal vs. vertical Murphy beds, consider your ceiling height, available wall space, furniture arrangement, and how you plan to use the room.
Both designs provide a convenient way to turn a sleeping area into usable living space. However, they fold against the wall differently and can work better in different room layouts.
What Is the Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Murphy Beds?
The primary difference is the direction the mattress and bed frame move when the bed is stored.
A vertical Murphy bed is typically hinged along the bottom edge of the bed frame. When opened, the bed extends outward from the wall with the head positioned close to the wall. When closed, the mattress and frame stand upright against the wall. This configuration is often considered the traditional Murphy bed orientation.
A horizontal Murphy bed rotates along its side. Instead of standing tall against the wall, the bed folds sideways into its cabinet or wall-mounted structure. When opened, the bed extends across a wider portion of the room while requiring less height.
This structural difference can affect everything from furniture placement to how much clearance is needed around the bed.
Consider Your Ceiling Height
Ceiling height is one of the first measurements to consider.
Vertical Murphy beds generally require more wall height because the mattress and frame are stored upright. In rooms with standard or higher ceilings, this may not present a problem. However, a vertical configuration may be less practical in spaces with unusually low ceilings, sloped ceilings, or architectural features that limit vertical clearance.
Horizontal Murphy beds can be useful in rooms where height is limited. Because the bed folds sideways, the stored unit is wider and generally does not extend as high up the wall.
For example, a room with a lower ceiling may have plenty of usable wall width but not enough height for a tall bed cabinet. In that situation, a horizontal design may make better use of the available dimensions.
Think About Wall Dimensions
The available wall area is just as important as ceiling height.
Vertical beds use less horizontal wall space but require more height. This makes them potentially useful in narrower rooms where wall width is limited.
Imagine a small apartment bedroom with a relatively narrow wall. A vertical Murphy bed can take advantage of the available height without consuming as much wall width when it is stored.
Horizontal beds take the opposite approach. They generally need more wall width but less height. This can make them a practical option for wider rooms where a long wall is available.
Before choosing an orientation, measure the wall where the bed will be installed. Consider doors, windows, electrical outlets, baseboards, vents, and other permanent features that could affect installation.
When Horizontal Murphy Beds Make Sense
Horizontal designs can be especially useful for rooms with low ceilings or generous wall width.
For example, a guest room with a wide wall and relatively low ceiling may accommodate a horizontal bed more naturally than a tall vertical unit. The sideways-folding design can also work well when you want to maintain open sightlines across the room.
You can explore horizontal Murphy beds when looking for configurations that make efficient use of wider walls.
Horizontal beds can also be helpful in multifunctional rooms. A home office may need a desk, chair, shelving, and other equipment during the day. A horizontal Murphy bed can allow the sleeping surface to be stored along a wide wall while leaving much of the room available for other activities.
When Vertical Murphy Beds May Be a Better Fit
Vertical beds can be a good choice when wall width is limited, but there is sufficient ceiling height.
Consider a narrow guest room in an apartment. A vertical Murphy bed can provide a full sleeping area without requiring as much horizontal wall space when folded. This can leave more room for narrow furniture, shelving, or a walkway.
Vertical designs may also suit traditional bedroom layouts where the available wall is tall and relatively narrow.
A home office with a limited footprint can benefit from this arrangement as well. When the bed is stored vertically, the room can be used primarily as an office while still providing a dedicated sleeping area for overnight guests.
Match the Bed to the Room's Function
Think about what you need the room to do when the bed is not in use.
For a guest room, either orientation may work. A vertical bed can suit a narrow room, while a horizontal model can work well when the room has a wide wall and limited ceiling height.
For a home office, consider where your desk will sit and how much clearance you need to move around the room. The bed should be able to open without interfering with essential office furniture.
For an apartment, wall dimensions can be particularly important because smaller rooms often have limited floor space. Measure carefully before selecting an orientation.
For a multifunctional living area, consider how the bed will interact with sofas, tables, storage furniture, entertainment centers, and other furnishings. The best orientation is the one that allows the room to transition smoothly between its different purposes.
Measure Before Choosing Your Murphy Bed
There is no universal answer when comparing horizontal vs. vertical Murphy beds. The right orientation depends on the physical characteristics of your room and how you intend to use it.
Start by measuring the available wall, ceiling height, floor clearance, door swings, windows, and nearby furniture. Then consider whether your room benefits more from conserving wall width or reducing the amount of vertical space required.
Murphy Bed Depot offers different Murphy bed configurations designed for a variety of room layouts and needs. By matching the bed orientation to your available space, you can create a sleeping area that works comfortably without sacrificing the room's everyday function.