Space-Saving Wall Beds: Your Guide to Compact Living

Table of Contents

• What Are Space-Saving Wall Beds and Murphy Cabinet Beds?
• Wall Bed and Cabinet Bed Options Available
  • Traditional Wall Beds: Monte Carlo and Aspen
  • Cabinet Beds: Compact Solutions That Don't Require Wall Installation
  • Desk Beds: Combining Workspace and Sleep in One Piece
• Wall Bed Mattress Thickness: What Fits and What Works
• Wall Bed Clearance Requirements: Measuring Your Space
  • Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
  • Cabinet Bed Clearance (Freestanding Alternative)
  • When to Contact Best Sleep Centre
• Wall Beds for Home Offices and Guest Rooms
• Murphy Bed Delivery Across Canada: Shipping and Installation
  • Cabinet Bed Delivery and Setup
  • Wall-Mounted Murphy Bed Installation and Costs
  • What to Expect During Installation
  • Shipping to Other Regions
• How to Choose the Right Wall Bed for Your Space
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: October 11, 2026

What Are Space-Saving Wall Beds and Murphy Cabinet Beds?

Space-saving wall beds fold against or into a wall, transforming a bedroom or guest room into open living space when not in use. A traditional wall bed, also called a Murphy bed, mounts directly to the wall and folds down when needed.

Wall beds require structural assessment and professional installation, while cabinet beds offer flexibility to move between rooms. Both allow a small space to do double duty without sacrificing comfort or style.

Wall Bed and Cabinet Bed Options Available

Best Sleep Centre offers traditional wall beds, cabinet beds, and desk beds to match different needs and budgets.

Traditional Wall Beds: Monte Carlo and Aspen

Traditional wall beds mount directly to a wall and fold down when you need to sleep. The Monte Carlo Murphy Wallbed and Aspen Wallbed both feature plywood construction on the sides, delivering durability at a mid-range price point.

These wall beds feature solid construction with real wood quality at a practical price point.

Both models can be customer-installed if you prefer, though professional setup is recommended. They accommodate mattresses up to about 12 inches thick, giving you flexibility in mattress choice for comfort and support.

Cabinet Beds: Compact Solutions That Don't Require Wall Installation

Cabinet beds eliminate the need for wall anchoring, making them ideal for renters. These freestanding units occupy roughly 10 square feet when closed and transform into a full bed in under a minute.

The Murphy Cube Solid Hardwood Cabinet Bed starts at $1,799 and includes a mattress, offering an affordable entry point for space-saving furniture. The Express Murphy Cabinet Bed at $3,199 adds practical features: a built-in dual power and USB module, an integrated LED reading light, and a tri-fold premium gel memory foam mattress. The Louvre Murphy Cabinet Bed at $3,199 includes folding trays, a large rolling storage drawer accessible whether open or closed, a higher sleep platform, and the same power and USB module.

All cabinet beds use solid hardwood construction with quality hinges that won't develop play or wobble over time, a higher sleep platform, and a rolling storage drawer accessible whether open or closed.

Desk Beds: Combining Workspace and Sleep in One Piece

Desk beds function as a professional workspace during the day and convert to a bed at night. The Olympia Murphy Desk Bed at $3,579 folds from a queen-size bed into a handsome desk with mid-century modern styling. The Artisan Desk Bed at $2,929 offers the same concept in a twin size, with a built-in power socket and USB module on the desk surface.

Both desk beds are crafted from solid hardwood and come with a 10-year warranty, converting in less than a minute.

Wall Bed Mattress Thickness: What Fits and What Works

Mattress thickness is critical when selecting a wall bed or cabinet bed, as it affects whether the unit closes properly.

For cabinet beds, a gel memory foam or tri-fold pocket-coil mattress around 6 inches thick fits best.

For wall-mounted Murphy beds, mattresses up to about 12 inches thick work well. Wall beds offer more flexibility because the bed folds against the wall rather than into an enclosure.

Wall Bed Clearance Requirements: Measuring Your Space

Proper clearance and structural assessment ensure your wall bed functions smoothly and safely. Before purchasing, measure your room carefully and inspect your walls using this checklist.

Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

1. Measure wall width

• Wall beds typically require 60 inches (full ) to 66 inches (queen) of uninterrupted wall space to install.
• Confirm there are no windows, doors, or permanent fixtures (radiators, outlets, switches) within this span

2. Measure ceiling height

• A queen-size wall bed requires approximately 88/90 inches of vertical clearance ; a twin-size bed requires about 82 inches.
• Account for crown molding, ceiling fans, or light fixtures that might interfere

3. Measure floor clearance in front of the bed

• Measure at least 85 inches of clear floor space in front of the wall where the bed will mount so it can be opened and used..
• Confirm that nightstands, dressers, desks, or other furniture won't block the bed's path when open

4. Measure bed projection into the room

• When fully open, a wall bed extends into the room like a standard bed (approximately 85 inches for a queen, 78 inches for a twin or double)
• Confirm that the open bed won't block doorways, closets, or other access points
• Check that there's enough space to walk around the bed once it's open

5. Assess wall structure and condition

• Wall beds must be anchored into solid wall studs, typically 16 inches apart
• Inspect the wall for plumbing, electrical conduit, or HVAC ducts that might interfere with mounting brackets
• Check for drywall damage, water stains, or soft spots that indicate structural issues

6. Check for obstacles above the wall

• If you plan to mount a TV, artwork, or shelving above the bed unit, confirm it won't be blocked when the bed is open

Cabinet Bed Clearance (Freestanding Alternative)

If your wall doesn't meet the requirements above, a cabinet bed may be a better fit:

• Cabinet beds occupy roughly 10 square feet of floor space when closed (approximately 5 feet wide by 2 feet deep)
• When open, they extend into the room like a standard bed, so confirm your room is large enough to accommodate both the closed cabinet and the open bed
• Measure doorways to ensure the cabinet can be delivered and positioned in your space; most cabinet beds are 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep when closed

When to Contact Best Sleep Centre

Once you've completed these measurements, contact Best Sleep Centre with:

• Your room dimensions (width, length, ceiling height)
• The wall where you plan to install the bed (and whether it's an exterior or interior wall)
• Any obstacles (windows, doors, outlets, fixtures)

A Best Sleep Centre specialist can confirm whether your space is suitable for a wall bed, or a Murphy Cabinet bed, recommend the right size and model, and provide an accurate installation quote. If your wall requires reinforcement or your space is too small, they can suggest cabinet bed alternatives that will work better for your needs.

Wall Beds for Home Offices and Guest Rooms

A wall bed or cabinet bed transforms a home office into a guest room without sacrificing workspace, especially valuable in condos and smaller homes.

The Olympia Murphy Desk Bed and Artisan Desk Bed excel in this role. During work hours, they function as a full desk with power and USB access.

Cabinet beds without a desk component also work well for guest rooms.

Murphy Bed Delivery Across Canada: Shipping and Installation

Best Sleep Centre ships wall beds and cabinet beds across Canada, with professional installation and delivery available in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. We can even arrange set up in your area. Allow us to do the logistics for you.

Cabinet Bed Delivery and Setup

Cabinet beds arrive with minimal or no assembly required. The Express, Louvre, Clover, and Sagebrush models are packed inside their cabinet base, ready to use once delivered.

For areas outside Winnipeg, delivery fees apply based on distance. Contact Best Sleep Centre directly for a quote specific to your postal code. Cabinet beds do not require professional installation since they are freestanding. But most customers want white glove service to the room with removal of packaging and whatever minor assembly may be needed. This can get pricy in remote areas, but we can do it for you if desired.

Wall-Mounted Murphy Bed Installation and Costs

Wall-mounted Murphy beds like the Monte Carlo and Aspen require professional installation to ensure the bed is anchored securely to wall studs and operates smoothly. If you have this skill set there are savings to be had but again it’s not easy until you have done it a few times. You need at least two strong ppl and you need patience as if you do it yourself it takes time and thought.

Installation pricing for wall beds in Canada is set at $4,900 and includes the Wall bed unit itself plus professional setup. Delivery is not included.

Lead time for wall-bed installation typically ranges from 3-6 weeks after order. Make sure if your in a condo the condo board will allow installation of permanent fixtures to the wall.

What to Expect During Installation

A professional installer will:

• Locate and mark wall studs to ensure secure anchoring
• Install as need to do a proper job.
• Assemble and hang the bed unit

The installation process typically takes 3-5 hours. You should be present to confirm the bed's position, clearance, and operation before the installer leaves.

Shipping to Other Regions

For customers outside Winnipeg, Best Sleep Centre ships cabinet beds and wall beds country wide. Wall beds are shipped disassembled and require professional installation at your location; Best Sleep Centre can recommend installers in your area or coordinate remote setup guidance.

Shipping costs and timelines vary by destination. Request a quote with your postal code to receive accurate delivery and installation estimates.

How to Choose the Right Wall Bed for Your Space

Budget: Cabinet beds range from $1,799 to $3,199, while wall-mounted beds start at $4,900 with installation.

Room size: Wall beds require 3 feet of clearance when folded down.

Rental vs. ownership: Renters should choose cabinet beds to avoid permanent wall modifications. Homeowners with solid walls can consider wall-mounted beds.

Function: If your space needs to serve as both a bedroom and workspace, a desk bed like the Olympia or Artisan is ideal.

Conclusion

Space-saving wall beds and cabinet beds solve the challenge of living well in compact spaces. Best Sleep Centre offers a large selection of these solutions in Canada, with options ranging from $1,799 to $4,900. Cabinet beds provide flexibility for renters, while traditional wall beds maximize floor space for homeowners. Desk beds bridge the gap for anyone balancing work and sleep in a single room.