Living in a small apartment or a home with limited space is challenging. You want a comfortable sleeping option for yourself or guests, but you also need room for daily activities. A regular bed takes up too much space, and futons can be uncomfortable. So, what’s the best space-saving solution? Murphy bed or sofa bed?
Whether you’re outfitting a small apartment, guest room, or home office, you must choose the right space-saving bed. With city apartments shrinking—averaging just 600-800 sq. ft. in urban areas—choosing the right bed matters.
Read on to learn more about the following:
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Features, benefits, and downsides of Murphy beds vs. sofa beds
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Key considerations based on space, comfort, and budget
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Expert recommendations for different living situations
Discover the superior space-saving functionality and comfort of Murphy beds.
INDEX
Why Choosing the Right Bed Matters
What Is a Murphy Bed?
What Is a Sofa Bed?
Murphy Bed vs. Sofa Bed: Key Comparison Factors
Which One Is Right for You?
Why The Lori Bed is Your Best Choice
Final Verdict
Why Choosing the Right Bed Matters
We all wish we had more space. Whether you live in a small apartment, a studio, or a house where every square foot counts, space is precious. Traditional beds take up too much room, making it hard to use your space efficiently.
According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average size of new homes is decreasing. This makes space-saving furniture more necessary than ever.
Does this sound familiar? Your guest room is never used because it’s occupied by a bulky bed. Your home office could use more room, but that queen-sized bed is in the way. You want a functional space, but you don’t want to compromise on comfort.
A sofa bed seems like the obvious choice. It’s a pull-out couch by day and a bed by night—perfect, right? Not so fast! Sofa beds often come with thin, uncomfortable mattresses that leave you tossing and turning. Plus, opening and closing them can be a hassle.
On the other hand, a Murphy bed offers a queen-size mattress and saves space, but is it the best choice for you?
What Is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed (otherwise called a wall bed) folds vertically into a cabinet or wall unit, freeing up floor space when not in use. This design makes it a great choice for maximizing living space in small homes and multipurpose rooms.
Benefits of a Murphy Bed
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Saves space – Perfect for small apartments, guest rooms, and home offices.
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Comfortable – Uses a standard mattress, unlike sofa beds.
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Customizable – Many models include built-in storage, shelving, or a desk.
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Long-lasting – Murphy wall beds typically last 15+ years with proper use.
Downsides of a Murphy Bed
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Requires installation – Wall mounting is needed, which isn’t ideal for renters.
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Higher upfront cost – A bit more expensive than a sofa bed.
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No daytime seating – Unlike sofa beds, it doesn’t serve as a couch.
Experience incredible savings with our current offer.
What Is a Sofa Bed?
A sofa bed is a couch that converts into a bed if you pull out the hidden mattress or fold down the cushions. It’s a dual-purpose piece of furniture designed for small spaces and temporary sleeping arrangements.
Benefits of a Sofa Bed
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Multi-purpose – Functions as both a seating area and a bed.
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No installation required – Simply unfold when needed.
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Budget-friendly – More affordable than a Murphy bed.
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Great for guests – Works well for occasional use.
Downsides of a Sofa Bed
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Less comfortable – Thin mattresses and metal bars can cause discomfort.
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Setup takes time – Unfolding and putting away the bed daily can be inconvenient.
Murphy Bed vs. Sofa Bed: Key Comparison Factors
|
Factor |
Murphy Bed |
Sofa Bed |
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Space Efficiency |
Frees up valuable floor space when not in use and bed |
Doubles as a couch |
|
Comfort |
Uses a real mattress for better sleep |
Thin mattress with metal bars |
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Ease of Use |
Simple fold-down mechanism |
Can be heavy to pull out |
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Installation |
Requires wall mounting |
No installation required |
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Multi-Functionality |
Can include shelves, desks, or storage |
Works as a couch during the day |
|
Best For |
Home offices, guest rooms, long-term use |
Small apartments, occasional guests |
|
Price Range |
$$$ – More expensive |
$$ – More affordable |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose a Murphy Bed If…
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You need a comfortable, long-term sleeping solution.
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You want to maximize floor space without sacrificing mattress quality.
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You’re furnishing a multipurpose room (guest room, home office, etc.).
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You’re okay with installation and a higher upfront cost.
Murphy beds offer superior comfort, durability, and space efficiency, making them ideal for long-term use and multipurpose rooms.
Choose a Sofa Bed If…
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You need a versatile seating and sleeping area.
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You’re working with a tight budget.
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You have guests only occasionally and don’t need a permanent bed.
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You live in a rental or small apartment where wall installation isn’t an option.
Sofa beds are great for budget-conscious buyers who need a temporary sleeping solution with daytime seating.
Looking for a high-quality Murphy bed?
Why The YouLift Bed is Your Best Choice
Here are the top reasons why The YouLift Bed by Lori Beds is your best choice:
Features
Solid wood construction. Unlike Murphy beds made with particleboard or MDF, The YouLift Bed uses 100% real wood, ensuring durability, strength, and a high-end finish.
No heavy lifting mechanism is required. The YouLift Bed’s unique design eliminates the need for expensive metal springs or lifting pistons. Instead, it uses a gravity-assisted manual operation that makes setup and takedown smooth and hassle-free.
Customizable finishes and sizes. Our YouLift Bed is available in two colors and sizes (Twin and Queen) to fit any space and design preference. Choose from natural and white finished options to match your home’s aesthetic.
Easy assembly. Comes with pre-drilled holes and a straightforward instruction manual, making it simple for homeowners to set up without professional help. We also provide step-by-step assembly videos to simplify the process.
Advantages
Sturdy and built to last for years. The use of solid wood ensures long-term durability, preventing sagging or structural weaknesses over time. Unlike particleboard Murphy beds, The YouLift Bed withstands daily use.
Safer and easier to operate. With no metal springs or lifting mechanisms, there’s no risk of sudden snaps or mechanical failures. The manual lifting system provides better control, reducing potential accidents.
Matches various home aesthetics. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist, or classic interior, our sleek and customizable finishes seamlessly integrate into any room.
Benefits
It provides a full night’s rest without discomfort. Though the sturdy frame supports a regular mattress, we recommend getting it together with The Lori Mattress to ensure a comfortable sleep experience. Compared to a standard bed, there are no uncomfortable sofa cushions or flimsy fold-out mechanisms.
Frees up floor space for daily activities. Perfect for studio apartments, home offices, or guest rooms, our Lori Beds selection allows you to reclaim space during the day while offering a great sleeping solution at night.
Enhances home décor while being functional. Unlike bulky fold-out beds, Lori Beds double as an attractive furniture piece, adding style to your home while serving a practical purpose.
Real Customer Reviews & Testimonials
The YouLift Bed has garnered significant positive feedback from customers, boasting thousands of five-star reviews. Users frequently commend its high-quality materials, aesthetic appeal, and straightforward assembly process.
Here’s what our customers are saying:
Pricing & Special Offers
In terms of pricing, Lori Beds offers various configurations to suit different needs:
Queen Size:
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Base Model: $3,499
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With Desk and Shelf: $4,399
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With Two Shelves: $4,299
Twin Size:
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Base Model: $3,049
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With Desk and Shelf: $3,799
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With Two Shelves: $3,749
These figures reflect the regular prices of our Murphy Beds. It may vary based on the finish and additional features. Take advantage of our current Spring Sale and enjoy 20% off plus free shipping!
We stand behind our Murphy beds with a lifetime warranty and provide a dedicated customer experience team that is available seven days a week. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to visit the official Lori Beds website or contact our customer service directly.
FAQs
Which one is better for everyday sleeping – a Murphy bed or a Sofa Bed?
A Murphy bed is the better choice because it supports a standard mattress.
Which one is more affordable?
A sofa bed is generally cheaper but may not last as long.
Can I install a Murphy bed myself?
Some Murphy beds come with DIY-friendly assembly, but professional installation is recommended for wall-mounted models.
Which one is better for a home office/guest room combo?
A Murphy bed with a desk or storage is the best choice for dual-purpose rooms.
Are Murphy Beds comfortable?
Yes! Murphy beds use standard mattresses, so you don’t have to compromise on comfort. Lori Beds allows you to use any mattress up to 12 inches thick.
How difficult is it to install a Lori Beds Murphy Bed?
Lori Beds designs their Murphy beds for easy DIY installation. With clear instructions and no complicated spring mechanisms, the setup is simple.
Do Murphy beds damage walls?
Not at all! Lori Beds’ Murphy Beds are designed to be securely mounted while minimizing wall impact.
Can I use a Murphy bed every night?
Yes! Many people use them as their primary bed because they’re just as comfortable as traditional beds.
What sizes are available?
Lori Beds offers Murphy beds in Twin and Queen sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for any space.
Final Verdict
If comfort, space efficiency, and durability are your top priorities, a Murphy bed is the clear winner. And if you’re looking for a high-quality option, Lori Beds offers an excellent selection to meet your needs.
Ready to upgrade your space? Check out our Murphy beds today.
