Space is getting expensive. If you’ve looked at rent prices in cities like Vancouver, New York, or London lately, you know exactly what I’m talking about. People are living in smaller boxes than ever before. This is exactly why the double size murphy bed has transitioned from a niche "grandma’s guest room" relic into a genuine design powerhouse for modern apartments. Honestly, it’s about survival. You can’t fit a home office, a yoga studio, and a sleeping area into 400 square feet without getting a little creative with the floor plan.
A double size murphy bed—often referred to as a "full" in North America—strikes a weirdly perfect balance. It’s bigger than a twin, so you don't feel like a kid at a sleepover, but it doesn't swallow the entire room like a queen or king might. It’s the Goldilocks of hidden furniture.
The Engineering Reality: It’s Not Just a Hinge
Most people think a wall bed is just a piece of plywood and a heavy-duty hinge. If you try to build one that way, you're going to have a bad time. Modern systems usually rely on either a piston lift or a spring mechanism. Piston systems are generally smoother and quieter; they use gas pressure to counterbalance the weight of the mattress. This means you can basically lift the bed with one hand. Companies like Murphy Wall Beds Hardware or the Italian brand Clei have spent decades perfecting the tension so the bed doesn't just slam into the floor or, worse, fly back into the wall while you're trying to put sheets on it.
Spring-based systems are the "old school" version, but they're surprisingly durable. They allow for more fine-tuning. If you buy a heavier memory foam mattress, you can add a spring to compensate. If you go with a light poly-foam, you take one out. It’s tactile. It’s mechanical.
Why Double Over Queen?
You’d be surprised how much those extra six inches of width in a queen bed matter when the bed is down. In a standard 10x10 bedroom, a queen bed leaves you with narrow "walking paths" on either side that feel like a tightrope walk. A double size murphy bed measures roughly 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. That saved space allows for side cabinetry or even just the ability to open your closet door without hitting the mattress. If you’re a single sleeper or a couple that doesn't mind being cozy, the double is the smart play for tight square footage.
Materials Matter More Than You Think
Don’t buy a bed made entirely of cheap particle board. Just don't. When you are constantly cycling a bed up and down, the stress on the screw points is intense. Solid wood is great but heavy. Most high-end manufacturers use a mix of Baltic birch plywood or high-density furniture-grade MDF with a laminate finish.
The frame itself—the part that actually holds the mattress—is the soul of the thing. Some use a wooden slat system, much like an IKEA bed, which provides a bit of "give" and airflow. Airflow is a big deal. When a mattress is pressed against a flat board and then folded into a cabinet, it can't breathe. Over time, that leads to moisture buildup. If you're looking at a double size murphy bed, check if the platform has ventilation holes or a slatted base.
The Myth of the "Bad Mattress"
There is this persistent rumor that you have to use a thin, crappy mattress with a murphy bed. That’s total nonsense. Most modern cabinets are designed to accommodate a mattress up to 10 or even 12 inches thick.
The real constraint isn't thickness; it’s weight and "slumping."
If you get a mattress that is too soft or lacks edge support, all the internal components will sag toward the floor when the bed is in the vertical position. After a few months, your mattress will have a weird lump at the bottom. You want something with a solid core—either a dense foam or an encapsulated coil system. Brands like Tempur-Pedic or certain hybrid models work well, provided you check the manufacturer's weight limit for the lift mechanism. If the mattress is too heavy, the pistons won't keep the bed closed, and it might "creep" open a few inches.
Integration with the "Work From Home" Life
The pandemic changed how we use our homes, obviously. But even years later, the "cloffice" (closet office) is still a thing. A double size murphy bed that features a fold-down desk on the front is the peak of utility.
Here is how the mechanics usually work: The desk is attached to the front panel with a parallel linkage. When you lower the bed, the desk stays level to the floor. You don't even have to take your monitor or your coffee cup off the desk. It just tucks underneath the bed while you sleep. It’s brilliant.
But be careful with the "all-in-one" kits you see online for $500. Quality hardware for a desk-bed combo is expensive because the tolerances have to be perfect. If the linkage is off by half a degree, your laptop is sliding off onto the floor at 11:00 PM.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Honestly? If you aren't comfortable finding a stud and using a hammer drill, hire a pro. A murphy bed is basically a giant lever. If it’s not anchored to the wall properly, the tension of the springs can literally pull the cabinet off the wall and onto your head. Most kits require anchoring into at least three studs with heavy-duty lag bolts. If you have metal studs or lath-and-plaster walls, you need specific toggles or even floor-mounting kits.
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Practical Insights for Small Space Living
If you are ready to pull the trigger on a double size murphy bed, keep these specific things in mind. First, measure your ceiling height. It sounds stupid, but some "vertical" models are taller than standard 8-foot ceilings once you account for the crown molding and the arc of the bed as it opens. Second, consider the "swing" of your door. There is nothing more frustrating than installing a $3,000 bed only to realize you can't open your bedroom door when the bed is down.
- Check the Warranty: Look for at least 5 years on the piston or spring mechanism.
- Weight Capacity: Most double beds support around 1,000 lbs (including the mattress), but cheap ones cap out at 400.
- Lighting: Many people forget that once the bed is down, your bedside lamps are gone. Look for models with recessed LED strips or "puck" lights built into the cabinet.
- The "Gap": There is always a small gap between the head of the mattress and the wall. Buy a "pillow wedge" or a bolster to keep your phone and pillows from falling into the abyss.
A Real-World Perspective on Longevity
I’ve talked to interior designers who have seen these things last 20 years and others that fall apart in two. The difference is almost always the frequency of use and the quality of the pivot points. If this is your primary bed, you are "cycling" it 365 times a year. Metal-on-metal pivot points will eventually squeak. A drop of dry silicone lubricant once a year does wonders.
Also, think about the floor. A double size murphy bed puts a lot of pressure on two specific points when it’s open. If you have soft hardwood or cheap laminate, the "legs" of the bed might leave indentations over time. Using felt pads or a thin rug can save your security deposit.
Setting Up Your Space
The best way to approach a murphy bed project is to treat it as a "built-in" rather than a piece of furniture. If you just stick a big wooden box against a wall, it looks like... well, a big wooden box.
- Paint the cabinet the same color as your walls. This makes it "disappear" visually.
- Add flanking shelves. Placing bookshelves on either side of the bed unit makes it look like a custom library wall.
- Mind the bedding. You can’t use a massive, fluffy down comforter and three layers of duvets. The bed won't close. Stick to a fitted sheet, a thin quilt, and use the "elastic strap" method to keep the mattress and bedding in place during the flip.
The double size murphy bed isn't just a gimmick. It’s a legitimate solution for the "missing middle" of furniture—big enough for real life, small enough for real apartments. When you get the hardware right and the mattress right, you basically gain an extra room for free.
To get started, measure your available wall width and depth. A standard double cabinet needs about 60 inches of horizontal wall space and will project about 80 to 85 inches into the room when open. If you have that, you have a guest room. Or an office. Or a gym. All in the same four walls.