10 Game-Changing Murphy Bed Designs That Will Transform Your Studio Apartment

By /
"Sunlit, modern studio apartment showcasing transformation of concealed Murphy bed setup to lowered queen bed setup, furnished in minimal Scandinavian style with natural tones."
Spread the love

Hey there! I’m Sarah, an interior designer who’s spent years helping people maximize small spaces, and let me tell you – Murphy beds are absolute game-changers for studio apartments.

The Vertical Space-Saver

Nothing beats a classic wall-mounted Murphy bed when you’re working with limited square footage. I installed one in my first 400-square-foot studio, and it was like gaining an extra room!

Pro tip: Leave at least 7 feet of clearance when the bed is down.

Sunlit studio apartment with a white Murphy bed on a grey accent wall, shown both up and down, surrounded by minimal Scandinavian furniture, oak floors, potted plants, and woven baskets; morning light streams through tall windows, highlighting vertical space and clean lines.

The Storage Superstar

This is my personal favorite – a Murphy bed with built-in storage drawers and shelving. Think of it as your bedroom and closet rolled into one sleek unit.

Key features:

  • Deep drawers for bulky items
  • Adjustable shelving
  • Hidden compartments for valuables

Close-up of a walnut Murphy bed unit with illuminated glass display shelves, brass drawer pulls, and custom storage, softly lit in an elegant evening setting.

The Living Room Hero

Remember Jane, my client with the tiny Greenwich Village studio? We transformed her space with a Murphy bed-sofa combo. By day, it’s a chic living room. By night, down comes a comfy queen bed.

Wide-angle view of a Greenwich Village studio with a grey Murphy bed-sofa, golden hour light on herringbone floors, showcasing both living room and bedroom setups, with accent chairs, coffee table, and artwork in place.

The Work-From-Home Wonder

As someone who’s designed countless home offices, I can’t recommend the desk Murphy bed enough.

Must-have elements:

  • Built-in LED lighting
  • Cable management system
  • Sturdy desk surface that stays level when stored

Modern home office with white Murphy bed-desk combo, ergonomic workspace, Eames-style chair, built-in LED lighting, and minimalist decor in soft morning light.

The Hidden Gem

The Murphy bed niche design is pure magic for visual decluttering. It’s like having a secret bedroom!

Expert tip: Add soft-close mechanisms to prevent wall damage.

Low-angle shot of a sage green Murphy bed niche with floor-to-ceiling paneled doors, brushed nickel hardware, and matching built-in cabinetry, highlighted by moody directional lighting.

The Space Maximizer

Horizontal Murphy beds are perfect for those tricky low-ceiling situations. Plus, they create fantastic opportunities for flanking storage.

Contemporary bedroom with matte black horizontal Murphy bed flanked by storage, warm LED cove lighting, textural white bedding, geometric pillows, and dramatic side lighting highlighting parallel lines and symmetry.

The Style Chameleon

Custom Murphy beds with hutches let you match your existing décor perfectly. I recently designed one in a gorgeous walnut finish with brass hardware – absolutely stunning!

Custom walnut hutch Murphy bed with brass hardware, vintage books and ceramics on shelves, highlighted by afternoon light and detailed textures.

The Multi-Tasker

Need options? These beds can include:

  • Multiple bed sizes
  • Built-in desks
  • Additional storage
  • Sofa configurations

Murphy bed system in white against deep blue wall, shown in bed, desk, and storage modes; wide-angle, eye-level series with studio lighting highlighting its transformation.

The Art Gallery Bed

Turn your Murphy bed into a statement piece! I love using:

  • Custom artwork panels
  • Mirrors
  • Textured surfaces
  • Metallic finishes

Close-up of a Murphy bed facade designed as a gallery wall with large abstract canvas panels in cream, rust, and navy tones, highlighted by professional lighting and styled with modern sculptural accents.

The Room Divider

This clever design creates distinct zones in your studio while maintaining flow. It’s perfect for those who work from home and need separation between work and rest spaces.

Studio apartment with freestanding grey Murphy bed dividing living and sleeping areas, morning light streaming through sheer curtains, viewed from above for space layout.

Remember: Quality matters! Invest in a well-made system that’ll last years. Trust me, I’ve seen enough DIY disasters to know the difference.

Happy decorating!

Sarah

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top