Vertical Murphy Beds – Space-Saving Wall Beds for Narrow Rooms
Vertical Murphy beds are designed for rooms where width is limited but ceiling height allows for a bed that folds up vertically against the wall. This orientation is perfect for narrow bedrooms, small apartments, home offices, and guest rooms where floor space is at a premium.
When closed, a vertical wall bed creates maximum floor space, allowing the room to function as a living area, workspace, or play area during the day. With just a simple pull, the bed unfolds to provide a comfortable full-size sleeping surface at night.
Why Choose a Vertical Murphy Bed?
Vertical Murphy beds are ideal when:
• Your room is narrow with limited wall width
• You have sufficient ceiling height (typically 2.4m or higher)
• You want to maximize usable floor space during the day
• You need a multifunctional room that serves different purposes
• You prefer a clean, minimalist look when the bed is stored
Available Configurations
Our vertical Murphy bed collection includes various configurations to suit different needs:
Solo Vertical Murphy Beds – Simple wall bed units that fold vertically, perfect for guest rooms and small bedrooms
Vertical Murphy Beds with Desk – Combines a fold-up bed with an integrated desk, ideal for home offices and studio apartments where you need both sleeping and working space
Vertical Murphy Beds with Sofa – Features a sofa in front of the bed mechanism, creating a comfortable seating area when the bed is closed, perfect for studio flats and multifunctional living spaces
Vertical Murphy Beds with Wardrobes – Includes wardrobe units on one or both sides, providing essential storage while maintaining the space-saving benefits
Genius and Basic Collections
All vertical Murphy beds are available in both our premium Genius collection (featuring 25mm reinforced construction, gas lift mechanism, and integrated LED lighting) and our functional Basic collection (featuring 18mm solid construction and spring-assisted mechanism).
Both collections support mattresses and provide reliable everyday comfort, with load capacities up to 220 kg.
Perfect for UK Homes
Vertical Murphy beds are particularly well-suited for UK apartments and homes where rooms tend to be narrower. They allow you to maintain a comfortable bedroom without sacrificing valuable living space, making them an excellent investment for modern urban living.
Frequently Asked Questions – Vertical Murphy Beds
What is the difference between a vertical and horizontal Murphy bed?
A vertical Murphy bed folds up in portrait orientation — the long side of the mattress runs from floor to ceiling. A horizontal Murphy bed folds in landscape orientation — the long side of the mattress runs along the wall. The key practical differences are:
Vertical Murphy bed: requires less wall width (103–180 cm depending on bed size) but needs a minimum ceiling height of 230 cm. When open, the bed extends approximately 241 cm from the wall. Cabinet depth is approximately 50 cm.
Horizontal Murphy bed: requires more wall width (133–183 cm for mattress sizes 90–140 cm) but needs less ceiling height, making it suitable for rooms with lower ceilings. When open, the bed extends 133–183 cm from the wall depending on the mattress size. Cabinet depth is 41 cm. This orientation is a good choice when ceiling height is a limiting factor but wall width is available.
For most UK homes with standard ceiling heights of 240 cm or more, the vertical orientation is the most popular and space-efficient choice.
What ceiling height do I need for a vertical Murphy bed?
As a general rule, you need a minimum ceiling height of 230 cm for a vertical Murphy bed. Most UK homes with standard 240 cm ceilings are suitable. Before ordering, check for any light fittings, cornices or ceiling beams that could reduce the usable height near the wall.
How much wall width does a vertical Murphy bed require?
This depends on the bed size. A single (90 cm) requires approximately 103 cm of wall width, a small double (120 cm) requires approximately 140 cm, a double (140 cm) requires approximately 160 cm, and a king (160 cm) requires approximately 180 cm. These measurements include the cabinet frame on either side of the bed.
How much floor space does a vertical Murphy bed free up?
When folded up, a vertical Murphy bed takes up only the depth of the wall cabinet — approximately 50 cm from the wall. The entire floor area in front of the unit becomes usable living space. When open, the bed extends approximately 241 cm from the wall, so you need sufficient clearance in front of the unit.
Is a vertical Murphy bed suitable for everyday use?
Yes. Our vertical Murphy beds are engineered for daily use. The Genius Series uses a gas-lift mechanism for smooth, effortless operation, while the Basic Series uses a spring-assisted mechanism. Both support up to 220 kg and accept full-size mattresses — up to 24 cm thick in the Genius Series and up to 21 cm in the Basic Series.
Can I install a vertical Murphy bed on a plasterboard wall?
Yes, but the bed must be fixed to the wall studs — the structural timber frame behind the plasterboard — not to the plasterboard panel itself. Fixing directly into plasterboard without hitting the studs will not provide sufficient load-bearing strength. If you are unsure about your wall construction, contact our team before ordering and we will advise on the correct fixings.
Can a vertical Murphy bed be combined with wardrobes or a desk?
Yes. The Genius Series is a fully modular system. You can add matching wardrobe units and open shelving on either side, or choose a configuration with an integrated fold-down desk or sofa. This allows you to create a complete, built-in wall system that maximises both storage and functionality in a single room.
