Buying Guide
The Best Horizontal Murphy Beds with Desks, Compared
We looked at 8 horizontal murphy beds with desks side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read8 products evaluated
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A horizontal murphy bed folds sideways along the wall instead of standing up vertically, and it solves a specific problem: rooms with ceilings under 88 inches (7 feet 4 inches), ceiling fans, sloped ceilings, or ductwork that a vertical cabinet cannot clear.
This guide focuses specifically on horizontal orientation: the wall-width requirement, the ceiling height threshold where horizontal becomes the right call, how the lower stowed cabinet profile of 65-70 inches changes desk height, and room layout clearance for adjacent furniture. Below are the 8 picks we compared based on product specs and buyer feedback, and we flag honestly which listings actually confirm horizontal orientation versus those that do not state it at all.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Confirmed Horizontal Kit
Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Horizontal
Buyers who have confirmed their room has enough clear wall width and want a proven horizontal mechanism to build a cabinet around
Our take Check price for Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Horizontal (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact Horizontal Cabinet
SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed, Wood Hideaway Cabinet with Metal Legs
Small rooms with limited wall width where a twin horizontal cabinet is the best fit
Our take Check price for SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed, Wood Hideaway Cabinet with Metal Legs (opens in a new tab)
Best Horizontal Twin with Drawers
SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed with Drawers, Walnut Top
Small rooms wanting a twin horizontal cabinet with added drawer storage on a tight budget
Our take Check price for SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed with Drawers, Walnut Top (opens in a new tab)
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Brown
Buyers who have confirmed vertical orientation actually works for their ceiling height, despite finding this in horizontal searches
Our take Check price for Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Brown (opens in a new tab)
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Rustic White
Buyers who have confirmed vertical orientation actually works for their ceiling height and prefer a white finish
Our take Check price for Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Rustic White (opens in a new tab)
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering
Yoobure Queen Murphy Bed with Charging Station, Rattan Cabinet Bed with Storage Drawers
Buyers who have already confirmed vertical orientation works and want charging convenience over a confirmed horizontal design
Our take Check price for Yoobure Queen Murphy Bed with Charging Station, Rattan Cabinet Bed with Storage Drawers (opens in a new tab)
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering
AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station
Buyers who have already confirmed vertical orientation works and want a solid review base over a confirmed horizontal design
Our take Check price for AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station (opens in a new tab)
Orientation Mismatch: This Is Vertical, Not Horizontal
Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit, Vertical Wall Bed Frame with Gas Pistons
Buyers who realize their ceiling is actually tall enough for vertical and do not need horizontal after all
Our take Check price for Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit, Vertical Wall Bed Frame with Gas Pistons (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Confirmed Horizontal Kit1 of 8
Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Horizontal on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is the only pick in this guide whose listing title explicitly confirms horizontal orientation on a queen-size mechanism, making it the clearest choice if you have already confirmed your room needs horizontal rather than vertical.
Best for
- Buyers who have confirmed their room has enough clear wall width and want a proven horizontal mechanism to build a cabinet around
Why we like it
Like its vertical counterpart, it is a bare hardware kit, not a finished cabinet, so any desk surface is your own build.
For horizontal orientation, plan for 84-92 inches of clear wall width rather than the ceiling clearance a vertical unit needs.
Key dimensions & specs
- Horizontal queen size mechanism
- Gas piston operation
- Hardware kit, cabinet not included
- Made in North America
Pros
- Only pick here with confirmed horizontal orientation in the listing title
- Smooth, controlled piston operation
Cons
- No desk surface included, bed-only mechanism
- Requires 84-92 inches of clear wall width, which some rooms lack
- Full cabinet and desk build is on you
Best Compact Horizontal Cabinet2 of 8
SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed, Wood Hideaway Cabinet with Metal Legs on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SOFTSEA's listing confirms horizontal orientation on a twin size cabinet, the smallest footprint in this guide, which requires the least wall width of any pick here.
Best for
- Small rooms with limited wall width where a twin horizontal cabinet is the best fit
Why we like it
Metal legs support the folded cabinet, and it is explicitly marketed for home office small spaces. It is a mid-range price for an assembled twin cabinet. 7 stars, feedback is limited but positive, so this is a reasonable choice for a small room where minimizing wall width demand matters more than sleeping capacity.
Key dimensions & specs
- Horizontal twin size cabinet
- Wood construction with metal legs
- Foldable wall bed frame
- White finish
Pros
- Confirmed horizontal orientation
- Smallest footprint requires the least wall width
Cons
- No desk surface, bed-only cabinet
- Twin size limits sleeping capacity
Best Horizontal Twin with Drawers3 of 8
SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed with Drawers, Walnut Top on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is SOFTSEA's twin horizontal cabinet with added drawers and a walnut top, which can double as a small surface for a laptop or lamp when the bed is stowed, though it is not a true fold-down desk.
Best for
- Small rooms wanting a twin horizontal cabinet with added drawer storage on a tight budget
Why we like it
Horizontal orientation is confirmed directly in the listing title. It is the lowest price confirmed-horizontal pick in this guide. 7 stars, the rating is lower than its drawer-less sibling above, so weigh the added storage against the slightly weaker feedback. Drawers add storage the drawer-less SOFTSEA sibling lacks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Horizontal twin size cabinet
- Built-in drawers
- Walnut top surface
- Foldable wall bed frame
Pros
- Confirmed horizontal orientation
- Drawers add storage the drawer-less SOFTSEA sibling lacks
- Lowest price among confirmed-horizontal cabinets here
Cons
- No true fold-down desk, walnut top is a surface accent, not a work desk
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering4 of 8
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Brown on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Flagging this honestly: the listing title does not state horizontal or vertical orientation, and based on the cabinet proportions in the product photos, it appears to be a standard vertical queen cabinet, not horizontal.
Best for
- Buyers who have confirmed vertical orientation actually works for their ceiling height, despite finding this in horizontal searches
Why we like it
We include it here because it surfaces in horizontal murphy bed searches, but verify orientation directly with the seller before assuming it fits a horizontal-only room.
If your room needs horizontal orientation due to low ceiling height, do not rely on this listing without confirming orientation first.
Key dimensions & specs
- Queen size murphy bed (orientation not stated)
- 2 built-in LED lights
- Gas strut mechanism
- Brown finish
Pros
- Built-in LED lighting
- Gas strut mechanism for controlled fold
Cons
- Orientation not confirmed in the listing, appears vertical based on photos, not horizontal
- No desk surface, bed-only unit
- Risk of ordering the wrong orientation for a low-ceiling room
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering5 of 8
Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Rustic White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Flagging this the same way as the brown variant above: this listing does not state horizontal or vertical orientation, and it appears to be the same vertical-profile cabinet in a rustic white finish rather than a confirmed horizontal design.
Best for
- Buyers who have confirmed vertical orientation actually works for their ceiling height and prefer a white finish
Why we like it
Do not assume it fits a low-ceiling room without confirming orientation directly.
Choose based on finish preference only if you have already separately confirmed vertical orientation works for your ceiling height.
Key dimensions & specs
- Queen size murphy bed (orientation not stated)
- 2 built-in LED lights
- Gas strut mechanism
- Rustic white finish
Pros
- Built-in LED lighting
- Gas strut mechanism for controlled fold
Cons
- Orientation not confirmed in the listing, appears vertical based on photos, not horizontal
- No desk surface, bed-only unit
- Risk of ordering the wrong orientation for a low-ceiling room
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering6 of 8
Yoobure Queen Murphy Bed with Charging Station, Rattan Cabinet Bed with Storage Drawers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This listing does not state orientation either, and no desk feature is mentioned.
Best for
- Buyers who have already confirmed vertical orientation works and want charging convenience over a confirmed horizontal design
Why we like it
Treat this as an unconfirmed-orientation storage cabinet with a charging station, not a verified horizontal pick, and confirm directly with the seller if your room specifically requires horizontal clearance.
If your ceiling height requires horizontal orientation, prioritize the confirmed-horizontal SOFTSEA or Create-A-Bed picks above over this one.
Key dimensions & specs
- Queen size foldable platform (orientation not stated)
- Built-in charging station
- Storage drawers included
- Rattan cabinet finish
Pros
- Built-in charging station
- Storage drawers add functional space
- Fully assembled cabinet
Cons
- Orientation not confirmed, do not assume horizontal fit
- No desk surface despite home office marketing
Orientation Not Confirmed, Verify Before Ordering7 of 8
AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Another unconfirmed-orientation pick: AMERLIFE's listing does not specify horizontal or vertical, and it should not be assumed to fit a low-ceiling horizontal-only room without direct confirmation.
Best for
- Buyers who have already confirmed vertical orientation works and want a solid review base over a confirmed horizontal design
Why we like it
No desk surface is included either.
Confirm orientation with the seller before ordering if you specifically need horizontal clearance.
Charging station and storage built in.
Key dimensions & specs
- Queen size murphy bed (orientation not stated)
- Built-in storage compartments
- Charging station included
- Assembled cabinet design
Pros
- Charging station and storage built in
- Fully assembled cabinet
Cons
- Orientation not confirmed, do not assume horizontal fit
- No desk surface, bed-only unit
- Requires a separate desk purchase for actual desk work
Orientation Mismatch: This Is Vertical, Not Horizontal8 of 8
Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit, Vertical Wall Bed Frame with Gas Pistons on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Flagging this clearly: this listing title explicitly says Vertical, which directly contradicts this guide's horizontal focus.
Best for
- Buyers who realize their ceiling is actually tall enough for vertical and do not need horizontal after all
Why we like it
It appears in this guide's underlying data because it is commonly cross-shopped alongside horizontal searches, but it is not a horizontal product and will not solve a low-ceiling clearance problem.
If your room's ceiling height is the reason you are shopping for horizontal, skip this pick entirely and choose the Create-A-Bed Horizontal kit or a SOFTSEA horizontal cabinet instead.
Key dimensions & specs
- Vertical queen size mechanism (not horizontal)
- Gas piston operation
- Hardware kit, cabinet not included
- Made in North America
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Well-regarded piston mechanism
Cons
- Orientation mismatch: this is vertical, not horizontal, and will not solve a low-ceiling problem
- No desk surface included
- Not a genuine fit for this guide's horizontal focus
How We Chose These Horizontal Murphy Beds with Desks
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Verified orientation claim against the listing title
- Checked whether each listing title explicitly states horizontal or vertical orientation, since only 3 of 8 picks in this guide's underlying data confirm horizontal, 4 do not state orientation at all, and 1 explicitly states vertical.
- Clear wall width requirement for horizontal units
- Weighed the 84-92 inches of clear, unbroken wall width a horizontal cabinet needs, since this can be a harder requirement to meet in a small room than the ceiling clearance a vertical unit needs.
- Ceiling height threshold for choosing horizontal over vertical
- Considered the roughly 88 inch (7 foot 4 inch) ceiling height threshold below which horizontal becomes the practical choice, along with sloped ceilings, ceiling fans, or ductwork that rule out vertical regardless of height.
- Stowed cabinet profile and desk height impact
- Noted that a horizontal cabinet's lower 65-70 inch stowed profile changes any adjacent desk or surface height compared to a taller vertical cabinet, which affects ergonomics if you place a desk beside it.
- Room layout and adjacent furniture clearance
- Factored in the roughly 80 inches of clear floor space needed perpendicular to the wall when a horizontal bed is open, since this affects where adjacent furniture like a desk or dresser can be placed.
What to Look for in a Horizontal Murphy Bed with Desks
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Verify the desk surface is real and usable, not just marketing alongside a plain murphy bed
Some products marketed alongside desk-focused search terms are actually plain murphy beds with no integrated desk surface at all, just a folding cabinet bed that happens to show up in these results, while others build a fold-down or fixed desk into the cabinet face.
This distinction matters directly if desk integration is the actual reason you're buying, discovering after purchase that a "murphy bed with desk" has no real desk surface is a common and entirely avoidable disappointment.
Check the listing photos and description specifically for a described, dimensioned desk surface, not just the presence of desk-related keywords in the title.
Check the desk surface's weight limit for items left sitting when the bed folds down
A fold-down desk built into a murphy bed cabinet has a real weight limit on what can safely sit on it when the bed mechanism operates, and unlike a standalone desk, that weight isn't just about the desk holding items, it's about whether those items interfere with or get damaged by the folding motion itself.
This matters directly for anyone planning to leave a monitor, laptop, or other equipment on the desk regularly, some cabinet beds require clearing the desk completely before folding, while others accommodate lighter items left in place.
Check the listing specifically for the desk's stated weight capacity and whether it requires being cleared before folding, not just the bed's own mattress weight rating.
Plan outlet and monitor arm placement before installation, not after
A murphy bed with desk changes position between folded-up and folded-down states, meaning any outlet you'll use for a monitor, lamp, or charger needs to remain accessible in both positions, and a monitor arm clamped to the desk edge needs clearance to move with the mechanism without hitting the wall or cabinet frame.
This matters because retrofitting outlet access or monitor arm clearance after installation is far more difficult than planning it beforehand, especially if the unit is wall-mounted.
Check the listing for outlet cutout or pass-through details, and measure your intended monitor arm's clearance needs against the cabinet's fold range before ordering.
Match room ceiling height and wall space to your specific model's clearance requirements
Murphy bed cabinets require specific minimum ceiling height and wall clearance to operate the folding mechanism safely, and these requirements vary between models and mattress sizes, a queen-size unit needs meaningfully more clearance than a twin, and horizontal-mounted units have different wall-width requirements than vertical ones.
This matters because a unit that doesn't fit your room's actual ceiling height or wall dimensions simply can't be installed safely regardless of how good the desk integration looks in photos.
Check the listing's specific minimum ceiling height and wall clearance requirements against your room's actual measured dimensions before ordering, not just the general size category.
Consider professional installation versus DIY assembly for a mechanism you'll operate daily
A murphy bed's folding mechanism sees repeated daily stress if used as a genuine daily-fold desk-bed combo, and installation quality directly affects long-term safety and smooth operation, a mechanism installed slightly out of alignment can bind, sag, or wear unevenly over time.
This matters more for a unit that folds daily as part of an active desk-bed routine, less for one that stays in one position most of the time.
Check whether the listing includes or recommends professional installation, and factor that cost and time into your total decision if you're not confident assembling a wall-mounted mechanical system yourself.
How to Choose a Horizontal Murphy Bed with Desks
By Rating Confidence: Highest Rated vs Most Reviewed
| SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed | |
| Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit | |
| Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights |
- Adds shelving or cabinet space beyond just the desk, useful in a smaller room. In this comparison: SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed with Drawers, Yoobure Queen Murphy Bed with Charging Station, AMERLIFE Queen Murphy Bed with Storage and Charging Station.
- Simpler, focuses cabinet space on the fold-down desk itself. In this comparison: Create, SOFTSEA Twin Size Horizontal Murphy Bed, Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights, Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit.
Default to desk-only unless extra built-in storage solves a real space problem for you.
Check each pick's listed minimum ceiling height and wall clearance against your room's actual measured dimensions before buying, not just the general size category.
For a Studio Apartment Specifically
- Verified real desk integration with a stated weight limit, plus confirmed ceiling height and wall clearance for your specific room.
- You'll fold the unit daily as part of an active desk-bed routine, where Hlivelood Queen Size Murphy Bed with 2 LED Lights's build quality and mechanism give real headroom over the cheaper picks.
- The bed stays in one position most of the time, where Queen Size Murphy Bed Hardware Kit covers the same job at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many of these picks actually confirm horizontal orientation?
Only 3 of the 8 products in this guide's research explicitly confirm horizontal orientation: the Create-A-Bed Queen Horizontal kit and both SOFTSEA Twin Horizontal cabinets. Four other picks do not state orientation at all, and one, the Queen Murphy Bed Hardware Kit, is explicitly vertical, not horizontal. Always verify orientation directly before ordering an unconfirmed pick.
When should I choose horizontal instead of vertical?
Choose horizontal when your ceiling height is under about 88 inches (7 feet 4 inches), or when you have a sloped ceiling, a ceiling fan, or exposed ductwork that a vertical cabinet cannot clear. If your ceiling is clear and above 93 inches, vertical is usually simpler to source and install.
How much wall width does a horizontal murphy bed need?
Plan for 84-92 inches of clear, unbroken wall width for a horizontal murphy bed, free of windows, outlets, or doorways. This requirement can actually be harder to satisfy in a small bedroom than the ceiling clearance a vertical unit needs, so measure your wall before assuming horizontal is the easier fit.
Does a horizontal murphy bed change how I can use a nearby desk?
A horizontal cabinet's stowed profile is typically 65-70 inches tall, lower than most vertical cabinets, which changes sightlines and shelf reach if you place a desk directly beside it. Also plan for about 80 inches or more of clear floor space perpendicular to the wall when the bed is open, since that area becomes unusable for a desk during that time.
Are horizontal murphy bed mechanisms more sensitive to mattress weight than vertical ones?
Horizontal mechanisms are often more complex and more sensitive to mattress weight calibration than vertical ones because the fold geometry distributes weight differently. Confirm the manufacturer's mattress weight range closely, especially if you plan to use a thicker or heavier mattress.
What should I do if a listing doesn't say whether it's horizontal or vertical?
Contact the seller directly or check for updated listing specs before ordering. Several picks in this guide's underlying data, including the Hlivelood, Yoobure, and AMERLIFE cabinets, do not state orientation in their titles, and product photos alone are not a reliable way to confirm this if your room requires horizontal due to ceiling constraints.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Horizontal — best confirmed horizontal kit pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all horizontal murphy beds with desks on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.