Living space in Singapore doesn’t come easy. Whether you’re in an HDB flat, a compact condo, or a small studio apartment, every square metre counts. You’ve probably felt the frustration of trying to fit a bed, a wardrobe, a study desk, and maybe even a sofa into a single room, while still leaving some space to move around. That’s where Murphy beds, also called wall beds, hidden beds or pull-down beds, come in as a real game-changer.
A Murphy bed can transform a bedroom, living room, or even a multi-purpose space into something flexible and functional. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know: what a Murphy bed is, the types available in Singapore, costs, installation and space planning tips, and practical advice to make sure your investment works beautifully in your home.
What Exactly Is a Murphy Bed
A Murphy bed is designed to fold neatly into a wall or cabinet when it’s not being used. This makes it easy to free up valuable floor space during the day, which is a big advantage in Singapore homes where rooms are often compact. Unlike sofa beds or futons that still take up space even when folded, a Murphy bed can be completely tucked away, giving you more room to move, work, or relax.
Small room with an installed Murphy bed.
Imagine converting your bedroom into a home office during the day, a yoga space in the afternoon, and a cosy bedroom at night. That’s the appeal of Murphy beds. Many Singaporean buyers have embraced them because they combine space efficiency, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for HDB flats, compact condos, and even studio apartments.
Why Murphy Beds Are So Relevant in Singapore
In Singapore, where every square meter counts, making the most of your living space is essential. Murphy beds offer a clever, stylish way to save space without sacrificing comfort.
Space is always at a premium.
Singapore homes, especially HDB flats and smaller condominiums, are compact compared to Western standards. Floor space is valuable, and homeowners are constantly thinking about how to maximise it. A Murphy bed literally folds away the part of the room you only need at night and returns it to you during the day.
Room with a Murphy bed — floor space maximised for work, study, and relaxation.
Room with a Murphy bed — floor space maximised for work, study, and relaxation.
Multipurpose Rooms Are the Norm.
With more Singaporeans working from home, having rooms that can serve multiple functions is essential. Murphy beds allow one room to double as a bedroom and a workspace without compromising on comfort.
Modern Interiors Love Smart Design.
Contemporary Singapore homes lean towards minimalism and open layouts. Murphy beds fit seamlessly into this style. Sleek finishes, hidden mechanisms, and custom cabinetry make these beds appear as part of the room rather than bulky furniture taking up valuable space.
Types of Murphy Beds Available in Singapore
Murphy beds come in a range of styles and features. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types available to Singapore buyers:
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Standard Vertical Murphy Beds
These fold upwards into the wall or cabinet. They are the most common type and are ideal for rooms where you want to keep as much floor space free as possible. -
Horizontal Murphy Beds
Instead of folding up vertically, these beds fold sideways. They work well for rooms with lower ceilings or wide walls where a vertical bed might be impractical. -
Beds with Built-in Desks or Shelves
Some Murphy beds come with desks or shelves that remain level as the bed folds. This is perfect for home offices or study spaces, a growing need in Singaporean households. -
Beds with Storage
Many suppliers offer custom builds with drawers, cabinets, or shelving integrated into the bed frame, giving you more room for books, clothes, or toys. -
Sofa and Murphy Bed Combos
These designs combine a sofa and a bed, making them perfect for studio apartments or small living rooms. By day, you have a living area; by night, a comfortable bed.
Murphy Bed Sizes and Choosing the Right One
Murphy beds come in standard mattress sizes, and choosing the right one depends on your room size and who will be sleeping on it:
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Single: Perfect for children’s rooms, small studios, or very compact spaces.
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Super Single: Slightly wider than a single, ideal for older children, teenagers, or slightly bigger rooms.
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Double (Full): Suitable for a single adult who wants extra space or for smaller guest rooms.
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Queen: The most popular choice for adult bedrooms or master studios, comfortably fits couples.
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King: Offers luxury and maximum sleeping space, ideal for couples if your room is large enough.
Some Murphy beds are designed as bunk beds, making them perfect for siblings sharing a room or for families with children. These combine space-saving convenience with the practicality of bunk beds, while still using standard mattress sizes for each bed.
Important Tip: Mattress thickness matters. Most Murphy beds accommodate mattresses up to 8–25 centimetres thick. Anything thicker may prevent the bed from folding smoothly. Always measure your wall width, room depth, and clearance before deciding.
Murphy Bed Prices in Singapore
Understanding the cost helps set expectations. Here’s a realistic overview of what you can expect in Singapore:
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Budget/Entry-Level: Around S$2,000 to S$3,000 for basic models, usually super single or single beds with minimal features.
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Mid-Range Models: Around S$3,000 to S$5,000, often including integrated shelves, cabinets, or higher-quality materials.
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Premium/Feature-Rich Designs: S$5,000 to S$10,000 or more for beds with desks, sofa combos, and custom finishes.
Prices vary depending on size, materials, features, and whether installation is included. Many suppliers provide free on-site consultation and measurement, which can help you choose the perfect fit.
What to Check Before Buying a Murphy Bed
Shopping for a Murphy bed isn’t like picking out a regular bed—you’re not just looking for comfort, but also clever engineering, smart design, and long-term reliability. In Singapore, where space is precious and homes tend to be compact, choosing the right Murphy bed can completely transform how a room feels and functions. Here’s what you should prioritise:
Material & Build Quality
A Murphy bed has to be durable. It’s going to be folded up and down daily, and the frame and cabinet need to withstand regular use. Look for beds made of high-grade particleboards.
Avoid low cost and thin chipboards, which might warp, bend, or even collapse over time—especially in Singapore’s humid climate. Humidity can affect weaker materials, and warped frames can cause the bed to jam or the mechanisms to fail. Investing in quality materials might seem more expensive upfront, but it pays off in longevity, safety, and overall user experience.
Mechanism & Ease of Use
The magic of a Murphy bed is its folding mechanism. A bed that’s hard to open or close defeats the purpose entirely. Modern Murphy beds typically use hydraulic lifts or gas pistons. These mechanisms allow you to pull down or push up the bed effortlessly, without straining your back or worrying about the bed suddenly dropping.
Cheap or poorly constructed beds may require brute force to operate and can feel unsafe, especially for families with children or elderly members. Always test the mechanism during consultation or showroom visits. A smooth, silent, and secure operation is non-negotiable.
Integrated Features
One of the biggest advantages of Murphy beds is how they can do more than just sleep. By design, a Murphy bed already “doubles up” as a space-saver: the bed folds neatly into the wall when not in use, freeing up floor space during the day. But many modern models go even further. Some come with built-in shelves, desks, or bookcases, and in some clever designs, the bed can be combined with a wardrobe integrated on the side, creating a single, multifunctional unit.
For homes in Singapore, where every square metre counts, this is a real game-changer. Instead of buying separate pieces of furniture for sleeping, studying, and storing clothes or toys, you can have one unit that triple-ups on functionality—a bed, storage, and wardrobe, sometimes even a study area—all in one. It’s a smart, space-saving solution that keeps the room organised and versatile, turning a compact space into a fully functional living area.
Warranty & After-Sales Support
A Murphy bed isn’t just a one-time purchase; it’s a long-term investment, so it’s important to think beyond just the price. Check whether the bed comes with a multi-year warranty covering both the frame and the lifting mechanism. In Singapore, many reputable suppliers offer 2–5 year warranties, which is a good indicator of confidence in their product.
After-sales support is equally crucial. If something goes wrong with the mechanism or hardware, you want to know that help is just a call away. Another factor to consider is the seller’s track record. Look for companies that have been in the business for several years, as this increases the likelihood they’ll still be around in the future to honour warranties, provide replacement parts, and assist with any maintenance. A Murphy bed from a reliable, established supplier is a peace of mind that your investment will continue to serve you well for years to come.
Custom Build vs Pre-Made Murphy Beds
When buying a Murphy bed in Singapore, you’ll generally have two options:
Custom Built
A custom Murphy bed is designed specifically for your space. It’s ideal if you have an unusual wall, angled ceilings, or need extra storage options. The supplier will measure your room and create a tailored solution that fits perfectly and blends seamlessly with your existing décor. While it may cost more upfront, it ensures a perfect fit and long-term satisfaction.
Pre-Made
Pre-made, off-the-shelf beds are quicker to obtain and often cheaper. They’re designed to fit standard wall dimensions, making them suitable if you have a typical layout. However, pre-made options may not perfectly match irregular spaces, and you might have to compromise on size or features.
Installation and Space Planning Tips for Singapore Homes
Installing a Murphy bed isn’t just about securing screws—it’s about thinking through how the bed will function in your home, how it interacts with other furniture, and ensuring maximum safety.
Measure Your Room Accurately
Before placing an order, measure:
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Wall width and height – Ensure the bed can fully fold up without hitting the ceiling or other furniture.
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Floor clearance – Check that there’s enough room for the bed to unfold comfortably.
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Furniture spacing – Make sure it doesn’t block doors, walkways, or access to other essential areas.
Even small measurement errors can cause headaches later. For example, a bed that’s too long could block a doorway, and a top-heavy cabinet might reduce safety.
Professional Installation vs DIY
While some Murphy beds claim to be “DIY-friendly,” professional installation is strongly recommended, especially in Singapore where wall materials vary. Most flats have concrete or mixed-structure walls, and incorrect installation could risk both the bed’s stability and your safety. A professional installer ensures that the bed is securely anchored, functions smoothly, and complies with safety standards.
Plan the Room Flow
Think beyond the bed. Where will you place furniture when the bed is down? Will it block windows or pathways? Will the bed interfere with ceiling fans or lighting fixtures? Proper planning ensures your room remains usable and comfortable, even with a large Murphy bed in place.
Create Functional Zones
One of the biggest perks of Murphy beds is freeing up floor space. With the bed folded up, you can designate zones for:
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Work or study
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Relaxation or lounge areas
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Exercise or play
This flexibility is especially valuable in compact Singapore homes, where multifunctional spaces are a necessity.
Making the Most of Your Murphy Bed
Once your bed is installed, there are ways to optimise its convenience and efficiency:
Blend with Your Décor
Choose finishes and colours that complement your interiors. A Murphy bed should feel like part of the room, not an awkward addition. Sleek, neutral colours often work best in modern Singapore homes, but bold designs can create a striking statement in smaller spaces.
Utilise Built-In Storage
Many Murphy beds come with shelves, drawers, or side cabinets. Use these intelligently to store bedding, books, or daily essentials. A well-organised Murphy bed keeps your room clutter-free and makes daily routines smoother.
Maximise Light
Positioning your Murphy bed near a window allows natural light to flow into the room, making it feel larger and more open. Even when the bed is down, light can brighten the area and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Bedding Storage
Keep sheets, pillowcases, and blankets neatly stored. Consider small baskets, under-bed storage drawers, or adjacent cupboards. Having a dedicated storage system makes converting your room from “bedroom” to “living space” seamless.
Flexible Furniture
Pairing your Murphy bed with lightweight chairs, foldable tables, or small modular furniture ensures the room remains adaptable. When the bed is folded up, you can instantly convert the space for work, exercise, or play.
Common Misconceptions About Murphy Beds
Murphy beds often get unfair reputations. Let’s debunk the myths:
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“They’re uncomfortable.”
Not true. Modern Murphy beds support standard mattresses, so comfort isn’t compromised. Choosing a mattress of appropriate thickness (usually 8–10 inches) ensures restful sleep. -
“They’re only for guest rooms.”
Many Singaporeans use Murphy beds daily. Studios, HDB flats, and multifunctional rooms often rely on them as primary sleeping solutions. -
“They’re unsafe.”
Professional installation and quality lifting mechanisms make Murphy beds just as safe as conventional beds. Hydraulic lifts, proper anchoring, and smooth operation reduce risk, even with frequent use.
Final Thoughts: Are Murphy Beds Worth It in Singapore?
Murphy beds are more than a clever space-saving solution—they’re a lifestyle upgrade for compact homes. They allow you to reclaim floor space, create multifunctional rooms, and enhance comfort without sacrificing style.
When shopping for one, remember:
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Prioritise Safety: Ensure proper mechanisms, sturdy frames, and professional installation.
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Plan Your Space: Consider ceiling height, floor clearance, and room flow.
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Think Long-Term: Invest in durable materials that will last for years.
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Budget Wisely: Include costs for installation, storage features, and potential customisation.
When chosen carefully and installed correctly, a Murphy bed doesn’t just save space—it transforms your home, making it feel smarter, larger, and more versatile, all while keeping your everyday life smooth and organised.