Honestly, the traditional Murphy bed is a giant pain. You’ve probably seen them in old movies or high-end lofts—the massive wooden slabs that require you to bolt a heavy frame directly into your wall studs. If you’re a renter, that’s a non-starter. If you’re not handy with a power drill, it’s a weekend-ruining project. That is exactly why the murphy bed in chest has basically taken over the "I need a guest room but have zero space" market.
It’s a cabinet. It’s a bed. It doesn't require you to ruin your drywall.
But let's be real for a second: not all of these things are built the same. I've spent years looking at space-saving furniture trends, and while brands like Arason Enterprises or Night & Day Furniture have turned this into an art form, there are some serious trade-offs people rarely mention before they drop $1,500.
What a Murphy Bed in Chest Actually Is (and Isn't)
Think of it as a low-profile credenza. It usually stands about 38 to 42 inches high. Unlike the vertical wall beds that reach the ceiling, these stay at waist height. You flip the top up, open the front panels, and pull out a tri-fold mattress.
Simple.
The biggest win here is the "freestanding" nature of the beast. You don't need to find studs. You don't need a mounting kit. You just push it against a wall, and you're done. This makes it a "mobile" piece of furniture, though "mobile" is a generous term for something that weighs 200 pounds of solid hardwood or MDF.
The Mattress Reality Check
Here is the thing most people get wrong. You cannot put a standard, 12-inch pillow-top mattress inside a murphy bed in chest. It won’t fit. Physics says no.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
Most of these units come with a 6-inch tri-fold memory foam mattress. If you’re thinking, "Ugh, a thin mattress sounds like a nightmare," you’re half right. Modern high-density foam has actually gotten pretty decent. Brands like Afoly or Atlantic Furniture use a multi-layer foam that keeps you from feeling the floor, but it’s never going to feel like a Westin Heavenly Bed. It’s a guest bed. It’s for your mother-in-law for three nights, not for a permanent sleeping situation unless you really love firm surfaces.
Why the Setup Changes Everything
Installation is where the traditional wall bed loses. If you buy a classic Murphy bed, you better hope your floor is level and your walls are straight. If they aren't, the door won't close right. It’s a nightmare of shims and frustration.
The chest version? You just need a flat spot on the floor.
Most people use these in home offices. You have a desk, a bookshelf, and then this nice-looking cabinet. When the guests arrive, you move the rolling chair, and within about 60 seconds, the bed is out.
The Storage "Hidden" Benefit
One cool feature you'll find on models like the Arason Fuel or the Clover Murphy Cabinet Bed is the built-in storage drawer. Usually, there’s a large drawer at the base. Here is a pro tip: that drawer is where the pillows go. Most people forget that while the mattress folds into the chest, the pillows usually don’t. Having that extra drawer space means you aren't hunting through closets for linens at 11:00 PM when you're tired.
Also, many of these now come with built-in USB ports and power outlets on the side of the cabinet. It’s a small detail, but when your guest is lying there and realizes their phone is at 4%, they won't have to crawl under the cabinet to find a wall plug.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
Let’s Talk About the "MDF vs. Solid Wood" Debate
Price points for a murphy bed in chest vary wildly. You'll see some on Amazon for $600 and some at specialty furniture stores for $2,800.
Why? Material.
- MDF/Particle Board: These are the budget options. They look fine from a distance, but the hinges are the weak point. Since the bed relies on a flip-top mechanism, the screws in cheap MDF tend to pull out over time. If you plan on using this bed once a year, budget is fine.
- Solid Hardwood/Plywood: If this is for a rental property or a room that gets heavy use, go for the real stuff. Rubberwood or Birch plywood holds screws much better. The Night & Day Poppy series is a great example of a solid wood build that doesn't feel like it's going to wobble apart after three uses.
Weight capacity is also a factor. A solid wood chest bed can usually support around 500 lbs. The cheaper ones might start creaking at 300 lbs. If you have two adults sleeping on it, you really don't want to play "will the slats snap tonight?"
Common Misconceptions and Annoyances
People think these are "easy" to move.
Nope.
They arrive in a massive box, often on a pallet. Even though they don't attach to the wall, they are incredibly heavy. If you live on the third floor of a walk-up, God bless you. You’ll need two or three people to get it up the stairs. Once it's in the room, it's there to stay.
📖 Related: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
Another annoyance? The "Gap."
Because the mattress is a tri-fold, there are two seams. Most people don't feel them through the sheets, but if you’re a "princess and the pea" type sleeper, those seams will bother you. A thick quilted mattress protector usually fixes this. It smooths out the surface and adds a bit of loft.
The Verdict: Is It Right for You?
You should buy a murphy bed in chest if:
- You are a renter and can’t drill into the walls.
- You have a room with low ceilings or lots of windows (where a tall wall bed won't fit).
- You want a piece of furniture that serves a purpose (like a TV stand) when the bed isn't in use.
- Your budget is under $2,000 but you want something that looks "real."
Skip it if:
- You need a daily sleeper. The tri-fold mattress will eventually wear at the folds.
- You have severe back issues. You need a real box spring for that.
- You have zero floor space to "pull out" the bed. Remember, a Queen size extends about 80 inches into the room.
How to Shop Like a Pro
- Measure the "open" footprint: Don't just measure the cabinet. Measure the floor space when it’s fully extended. Leave at least 12 inches on the sides so your guests can actually get out of bed without doing gymnastics.
- Check the mattress type: Look for "gel-infused foam." It sleeps cooler. Standard memory foam can get incredibly hot, and in a small room, that’s a recipe for a sweaty, miserable guest.
- Hinge Quality: If you can see the floor model, look at the hinges. They should be heavy-duty steel. If they look like the ones on a cheap kitchen cabinet, walk away.
- The "Top" Weight: Most of these allow you to put a TV on top (up to 50-60 lbs). However, you have to move everything off the top to open the bed. If you plan on putting a bunch of decor on there, you’re going to hate the setup process. Keep the top clear or use it for things that are easy to move.
A murphy bed in chest isn't a perfect piece of furniture, but it’s a brilliant compromise. It solves the "where does the guest sleep" problem without making your home office look like a dorm room.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pull the trigger, start by measuring your target wall. Ensure there is a power outlet nearby, as many cabinet beds have integrated power strips that need to reach a plug.
Check the "Last Mile Delivery" options when ordering. These units are heavy; paying the extra $50 for "Room of Choice" delivery is the best money you will ever spend. Once it's in the room, assembly usually takes about an hour—mostly just attaching the base and handles.
Lastly, buy a high-quality, deep-pocket fitted sheet. Even though the mattress is thin, a deep-pocket sheet stays tucked under the foam folds better than a standard one, preventing the "sheet bunching" that happens with tri-fold mattresses.