How much weight can a Murphy bed hold? You're in the right place for the answer! Actually, you're in the right place for answers because there isn't one single answer to this question.
In short, Murphy bed weight capacity depends on these factors:
- Frame sizes
- Quality of material
- Mattress weight
How Much Weight Can a Murphy Bed Hold?
Murphy beds are the perfect solution for saving space in a small apartment or a guest room. However, one important consideration when choosing a Murphy bed is its weight capacity.
The maximum weight capacity of a Murphy bed depends largely on its size. Most Murphy bed and wall bed manufacturers carry twin-size and full/queen-size models, though there are king-size and custom sizes available. These sizes can generally accommodate as much weight as a comparable traditional bed frame.
Here are the weight capacities and dimensions for different Murphy bed sizes.
Twin Size Murphy Bed
Twin-size Murphy beds are typically designed to sleep children or one adult. As such, they can support the least amount of weight due to their size. On the whole, the weight capacity of a twin-size Murphy bed is about 250 to 400 lbs.
Full (Double) and Queen Size Murphy Bed
Queen and full-size Murphy beds are pretty equal in how they hold distributed weight, according to Go Downsize. The weight capacity of a full/queen-size Murphy bed is between 800 and 1,000 lbs for most models found on the market. That’s enough to support two adults in most cases.
King-Size Murphy Bed
A king-size Murphy bed usually exceeds a maximum weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. Some manufacturers report that their king-size Murphy beds can support up to 2,500 lbs, but that weight capacity is rare. Mattress Nut also points out that Murphy bed models with a built-in sofa are typically able to support extra weight because the sofa serves as a supportive base under a portion of the bed when the bed folds down.
Like all furnishings, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to get an accurate number for a particular model. While some weight capacities listed may be a warning and not a true capacity, it is highly recommended that you don’t push the boundaries of what the manufacturer lists as the weight capacity of your Murphy bed, notes Mattress Nut.
The full/queen-size Lori Bed can hold a maximum of 800 lbs and can comfortably sleep two average adults.
Murphy Bed Weight Capacity & Bed Frame Material
Materials make a difference in a Murphy bed's weight capacity. High-quality materials are sturdier and, therefore, able to bear more weight.
Most Murphy beds you’ll find on the market are made from particle board, plywood, solid hardwood, or metal. Murphy beds made from particle board are the least expensive because of their thin, low-quality material.
(We share reasons to buy a real wood wall bed in this post)
Particle board Murphy beds have the lowest weight capacities. They also have a tendency to wear down quickly, making it harder for the frame to support weight. Weight capacity can decrease over time as the particle board wears down.
Murphy beds crafted from high-quality wood, like the Lori Bed, can support much more weight. Metal frames can also support quite a bit of weight. Both solid wood and metal frames are considered durable and retain their weight capacity compared to a particle board option.
(Check out this post next for important things you should know about buying a Murphy bed)
Murphy Bed Mattress Weight Considerations
Lastly, mattress weight matters for Murphy beds. When buying a Murphy bed, you should ask what the recommended range of mattress weight is for the frame. Most manufacturers do not provide a mattress with a wall bed frame but will provide mattress recommendations for options readily available in stores or online.
A traditional Murphy bed with a metal spring or piston lifting mechanism naturally applies a certain amount of force to assist with the opening and closing action. If your mattress is too light or heavy, it may make the Murphy bed mechanism a bit erratic, opening and closing the bed either too quickly or too slowly.
Because the Lori Bed doesn’t use a mechanical lifting mechanism, we recommend using as light-weight of a mattress as you’d find comfortable, such as a conventional inner-spring or latex foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses are heavy and will make lifting more difficult.
The lighter your mattress, the easier the bed will be to lift. Note: It’s required that two able-bodied adults operate the Lori Bed together and it's never recommended to be operated alone.
(Browse the many options you have to choose from with Lori Beds here)
At the heaviest point (lifting off the floor), you and your partner will be lifting about 60 lbs plus half the weight of your mattress for a queen/full and about 45 lbs plus half the weight of your mattress for a twin bed. For example, if you have a queen mattress that weighs 80 lbs on a queen/full bed, you and your partner will be lifting 100 lbs at the heaviest point. Conclusion
Frame size, quality of material, and mattress weight all influence the weight capacity of a Murphy bed. On the whole, a Murphy bed’s weight capacity is comparable to that of a traditional bed frame of equal size. Just be sure to check the guidelines of the model for the most accurate weight capacity calculation.
Measure Your Space for a Lori Bed
When planning to install the Lori Bed, accurate measurement of your available space is essential. Ensure you have sufficient room for both the closed and open positions of the bed.
Here are the steps to measure your space correctly:
- Measure Wall Height: Ensure your wall height accommodates the bed when it's closed.
- Measure Wall Width: Ensure there is enough width for the bed frame.
- Measure Floor Space: Check that the floor space allows for the Murphy bed to be fully extended.
Understanding these dimensions and requirements will help you select the perfect Lori Bed for your space. This ensures comfort and functionality in your sleeping area without compromising on style.
Need help choosing if a Murphy bed is right for you? Contact us, and we’ll walk you through the options.
Did you enjoy reading about how much weight a Murphy bed can hold?
Here are three more posts to read next:
- Does a Murphy Bed Need to be Mounted to a Wall?
- Murphy Bed Guide: Can a Wall Bed Ruin a Mattress?
- How to Choose a Murphy Bed Mattress
This article was updated in 2022 just for you.
