You're staring at that spare room. It’s currently a graveyard for half-finished hobbies and boxes you haven’t opened since 2022. You want a guest room, but you also need an office. Naturally, you think of a Murphy bed. It’s the classic "now you see it, now you don't" solution. But then you start looking at price tags and the confusion sets in. Why is one $600 while another is $6,000?
Price tags are weird. Honestly, the world of wall beds is a bit of a Wild West. You've got particle board boxes from big-box stores on one end and hand-carved mahogany masterpieces on the other.
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The Real Numbers: How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost?
If you want the quick and dirty answer, a Murphy bed generally costs between $1,500 and $4,000 for a decent, mid-range setup. But that’s like saying a car costs $30,000. It depends on whether you're buying a used sedan or a brand-new truck.
At the bottom of the barrel, you can find DIY hardware kits for about $300 to $500. This gets you the springs, the hinges, and a "good luck" from the manufacturer. You still have to buy all the wood, cut it, and hope your measurements are better than your middle school geometry grade. On the flip side, high-end custom units with integrated desks, wardrobes, and LED lighting can easily blow past $10,000.
Breaking Down the Size Factor
Size matters. Not just for your sleeping comfort, but for your wallet.
- Twin Murphy Beds: Usually the cheapest entry point. You’re looking at $1,000 to $2,200 for a complete unit.
- Full/Double: A slight jump, typically landing between $1,500 and $3,000.
- Queen: This is the most popular size. Most people pay between $2,000 and $4,500.
- King: These are actually somewhat rare. Because king mattresses are heavy, the mechanisms have to be heavy-duty. Expect to pay a premium—anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000+.
Why the Price Swing? It's the "Guts" and the "Skin"
The "guts" of the bed—the mechanism—drive a huge portion of the cost.
Cheap beds often use a spring-lift system. They work fine, but they can be a bit jerky. Sometimes they make a "sproing" sound that reminds you of a cartoon.
Higher-end models use piston-lift mechanisms. These are gas-filled cylinders, similar to what holds up the trunk of your car. They are smooth. They are silent. They also cost more. Brands like Wilding Wallbeds or Murphy Wall-Beds often use these because they’re safer and last longer.
Then there’s the "skin"—the material of the cabinet.
Solid wood (oak, maple, cherry) is the gold standard but will hurt your bank account. Most mid-range beds use MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or plywood with a wood veneer. Avoid the super-cheap particle board if you plan on using the bed more than once a year. Particle board doesn't handle the tension of a Murphy bed mechanism very well over time. It can literally pull apart.
Hidden Costs People Usually Ignore
The price on the website is almost never the price you actually pay.
- The Mattress: Most Murphy beds don't come with one. And you can't just use any mattress. Most units have a "thickness limit"—usually 10 to 12 inches. If you buy a fancy 14-inch pillow-top, the bed won't close. Expect to spend another $500 to $1,200 here.
- Shipping: These things are heavy. Some companies offer "free shipping," which really just means the cost is baked into the price. Others might hit you with a $200 to $500 freight fee.
- Installation: Unless you’re very handy and have a patient friend, you probably shouldn't do this alone. A professional installer will charge between $200 and $600. Considering this thing is bolted to your wall and holds a 100-pound frame over your head, it’s probably money well spent.
Is a Cheap Murphy Bed Worth It?
Sorta. It depends on your goal.
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If this is for a rental property or a kid's room where it's going to get beat up, a $1,200 model from Amazon or Wayfair might be fine. Just know that the finish might chip and the movement won't feel "luxurious."
But if this is for your home office and you want it to look like a library when it's closed? You’ll want to look at the $3,500+ range. Custom cabinets allow you to match your existing trim and flooring, which adds real value to your home.
Practical Next Steps
Check your wall first. Most Murphy beds must be anchored to wooden studs. If you have metal studs or a masonry wall, you'll need special hardware. Also, measure your ceiling height. Vertical beds are tall, and there's nothing worse than getting a bed halfway up and realizing it hits your ceiling fan.
Before you buy, decide if you need "extra" features. A built-in desk or sofa adds about $1,000 to $2,500 to the price, but it might save you from buying separate furniture.
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Start by measuring your space and determining if you want a Vertical (pulls out from the wall) or Horizontal (opens sideways) model. Horizontal beds are better for low ceilings or narrow rooms. Once you have your dimensions, look for a manufacturer that uses real plywood or solid wood rather than particle board to ensure the bed stays on the wall for the next decade.