Vertical vs. Horizontal: Choosing the Right Orientation for Your Murphy Twin Bed

A Murphy twin bed is one of the smartest space-saving pieces of furniture you can have, especially in smaller rooms or multi-use spaces. But before you pick a design, you’ll need to answer an important question: vertical or horizontal? The orientation of your Murphy bed plays a huge role in how it fits into your room, how it functions, and even how it looks.

At WWBeds Custom Furniture, we help customers find the perfect fit—not just in size but in layout, too. Let’s break down the differences to help you make the right call.

Vertical Murphy Twin Bed: Classic and Tall

A vertical Murphy twin bed folds down from the top, so the mattress head is near the wall and the foot faces you. This is the more traditional option and works well in rooms with higher ceilings. It creates a taller cabinet and feels like a standard bed when pulled down.

Pros:

• Feels more like a regular bed

• Easier to add shelves or lighting inside the cabinet

• Looks sleek and symmetrical in taller spaces

Best For: Guest rooms, bedrooms with extra ceiling height, or anyone wanting that familiar bed layout

Horizontal Murphy Twin Bed: Low and Wide

This option folds out sideways, with the long side of the mattress running along the wall. It takes up more wall space horizontally but less height overall. If your room has a low ceiling or a window where a vertical bed would block it, this layout makes more sense.

Pros:

• Ideal for rooms with low ceilings

• Doesn’t block windows or wall decor

• Can double as a display surface or cabinet top

Best For: Small apartments, basement rooms, offices, or rooms with sloped ceilings

Design Flexibility

At WWBeds, we build murphy twin bed units that match your exact needs. Whether you want extra shelves, custom finishes, or unique trim styles, we’ve got you covered. Our horizontal and vertical beds are both built with durable materials, smooth functionality, and a sleek, modern feel.

And no need to worry about overly complicated parts. Our beds don’t use locks or remote-controlled mechanisms—just smart, simple design that’s built to last.

FAQs

1. Will either orientation affect mattress comfort?

Not at all. As long as you use a standard mattress (we’ll guide you on size), the comfort stays the same.

2. Can I use a Murphy twin bed in a kid’s room?

Absolutely. Just make sure there’s enough space to pull it down safely, and it can be a great solution for playroom/sleeping combos.

3. Do I need to bolt the bed to the wall or floor?

Yes, Murphy beds are safely secured to the wall to keep them stable and functional. We’ll take care of those details during installation.

Conclusion

Choosing between a vertical and horizontal murphy twin bed depends on your room’s shape, ceiling height, and how you want the space to flow. At WWBeds Custom Furniture, we’ll walk you through every detail and customize the design so it works exactly how you need it to. Whether you're maximizing space in a guest room or creating a dual-purpose home office, we make sure your furniture fits both your space and your style.