We get this question all the time: Are Murphy beds comfortable?
The answer is yes, but only when you get the right setup.
We’ve been setting up Murphy beds in small NYC apartments for years, and here’s what we’ve learned about comfort, sleep quality, and what actually matters when you’re considering one.
Do Murphy Beds Feel Like Regular Beds?
The honest answer: pretty much, yes.
Murphy beds support any standard mattress up to 12 inches thick, so your sleep surface stays exactly the same. The wall-mounting mechanism doesn’t compress your mattress or change how it feels.
What’s different, though, is the psychological aspect. For the first week or two, your brain knows you’re sleeping on something attached to the wall. Some people find this weird initially, but most adjust completely within two weeks.
What Makes Murphy Beds Comfortable?
The comfort level depends entirely on three things:
- The quality of the frame you’ve chosen
- The mattress you’ve chosen
- The quality of the installation
Cheap frames flex and move during sleep, some mattress types work better than others, and poor mounting creates instability. If you can get these right, you won’t notice any difference from a traditional bed. Mess up any of these, and you’ll be uncomfortable every night.
What are the Best Mattress Types for Murphy Beds?
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam returns to shape quickly after vertical storage, and medium-density foam provides the best comfort balance without creating pressure points against the frame backing. It’s particularly good for side sleepers and couples.
2. Hybrid Mattresses
Coil systems provide bounce and breathability while foam layers add comfort without too much softness. They offer excellent edge support within Murphy bed frames and work well for all sleep positions.
3. Latex
Latex maintains consistent support in any position and is naturally antimicrobial for enclosed storage. There are no off-gassing issues when stored vertically, and it’s long-lasting and durable.
We recommend our clients to avoid innerspring-only mattresses and cheap foam that doesn’t recover its initial shape quickly.
Comfort of Murphy Beds Compared to Regular Beds
- Better Motion Isolation: Murphy beds actually reduce motion transfer between partners. The rigid wall-mounting system doesn’t transmit movement like traditional frames sitting on floors.
- Edge Support: Since your mattress sits within a frame rather than on top of one, you get better edge support and more usable sleeping surface.
- Improved Airflow:Wall-mounted beds allow better air circulation around the mattress perimeter, which helps with temperature regulation.
- Same Sleep Quality: In blind comfort tests, people can’t tell the difference between sleeping on quality Murphy beds vs traditional setups.
Common Complaints We’ve Heard and What to Do About Them
It Feels Wobbly
If your Murphy bed feels wobbly, it’s likely due to poor installation or a cheap frame. To solve this, make sure to get professional installation into wall studs and choose only high-quality frames that can eliminate all wobbliness.
The Mattress Feels Too Firm
Mattresses feeling too firm is usually because of the rigidness of the frame backing. You should ideally choose a medium-firm mattress with comfort layers. Get a mattress topper if the issue persists.
It Makes Noise When You Move
That’s the sign of cheap mechanisms, since they tend to bind and squeak. Make sure to Invest in quality hardware with proper bearings. Regularly lubricating the mechanisms also prevents these noise issues.
What to Consider When Getting a Murphy Bed?
Always Test Before Buying
Visit showrooms to try different systems, making sure to lie down for at least 10-15 minutes to properly test each one. While you’re there, test the opening and closing mechanism to see if it operates smoothly and works well for you.
Consider Your Sleep Habits
Consider how often you’ll use it and whether you move around a lot during sleep. Think about any specific comfort requirements you might have as well.
Factor in Your Space
Make sure there’s room for a comfortable mattress thickness and adequate ceiling clearance. You’ll also want to check that your walls are strong enough for proper mounting.
Also Read: Furniture Assembly Tips for Small Spaces and Apartments
Getting Maximum Comfort from Your Murphy Bed
1. Choose Quality Components
We always tell our clients to think of their Murphy beds as a long-term investment in your sleep and living space.
When you invest in heavy-duty frame construction, you’re getting a bed that won’t wobble, creak, or develop issues over time. Look for frames made from solid wood that can handle nightly use without wearing down. Whatever you do, don’t compromise on installation quality, even if it costs a bit more upfront. A poorly installed Murphy bed can be dangerous and will never feel quite right.
2. Match Mattress to Your Needs
Shopping for a Murphy bed mattress should follow the same criteria you’d use for a regular bed. Take time to consider your sleep position preferences, do you sleep on your side, back, or stomach?
Each position benefits from different levels of firmness and support. If you share the bed with a partner, factor in their needs too.
3. Professional Installation
Professional installation is one of those things that’s absolutely worth the investment. A trained installer will make sure your Murphy bed is properly mounted to the wall studs, not just the drywall, which is crucial for safety.
They’ll also guarantee correct alignment so your bed opens and closes smoothly without binding or sticking.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Are Murphy beds comfortable? Yes, absolutely, with the right setup.
Quality Murphy beds provide sleep comfort identical to traditional beds while maximizing your living space. The key is not cheaping out on the frame, choosing the right mattress, and having it installed correctly.
When you’re ready for professional Murphy bed installation, Furniture Assembly NYC provides expert setup services throughout New York City. Our team makes sure of proper mounting, mechanism adjustment, and optimization that maximizes your sleep quality in your home. Give us a call today!
