Living in Calgary often means making the most of your space. Condos are smaller. Guest rooms double as offices. Basements turn into rentals. That is why the cabinet Murphy bed is showing up in more homes in 2026.
This guide breaks it all down in plain English. What a cabinet-style Murphy bed actually is. How it differs from wall-mounted versions. What sizes exist. Who it works best for. No fluff. Just real information to help you decide if it fits your life.
The True Nature of a Cabinet Murphy Bed
A cabinet Murphy bed is exactly what it sounds like. A bed that lives inside a freestanding cabinet. When closed, it looks like a piece of furniture. Think of a sideboard or a tall console. When opened, it folds out into a real bed.
Unlike wall-mounted cabinet beds, a Murphy cabinet bed does not attach permanently to the wall. You do not need construction. You do not need studs. You do not need permits or installers. It arrives as furniture.
In plain English, a cabinet bed is a bed that hides in a box and comes out when you need it.
Wall-mounted Murphy beds fold down from the wall and often require professional installation. They look sleek but feel permanent. Cabinet beds feel flexible. You can move them. You can take them with you. That difference matters in Calgary homes, where layouts often change.
Why cabinet beds are popular in Calgary homes
Flexibility is the main reason. Calgary homeowners are using rooms for multiple purposes. A guest room today. A home office tomorrow. A rental space next year.
A cabinet Murphy bed lets a room work hard without looking like a bedroom all the time. When the bed is closed, the room feels open and usable. When guests arrive, you pull the bed out and you are done.
They are also renter-friendly. No drilling. No damage. This makes them popular with condo owners, Airbnb hosts, and basement suite landlords.
Comfort matters too. Modern cabinet beds use real mattresses. Not thin fold-outs. People sleep well on them, which is why guests stop calling them “the spare bed.”
Sizes and typical footprints
Cabinet Murphy beds come in familiar mattress sizes. Twin, full, queen, and sometimes king depending on the model.
Here is what that means for your space.
A queen cabinet murphy bed is the most popular in Calgary. It fits couples and feels like a proper guest bed. The cabinet width is typically 65-70 inches.
When opened, most cabinet beds extend about 85 inches into the room. It is important to measure before buying. Ceiling height matters less than with wall-mounted Murphy beds, which is another advantage.
Choose your size based on how you live
If the bed is for occasional guests, go queen if you have the space. Guests sleep better and stay happier.
If the room is mainly an office or studio, a full-size or twin keeps the footprint smaller and the room more flexible.
For rentals and Airbnb units, queen cabinet beds perform best. They photograph well. They feel intentional. Guests understand them instantly.
Think about who uses the bed most often. Not who might use it once a year.
Real pros and honest limitations
The biggest pro is simplicity. A cabinet Murphy bed is furniture, not a renovation.
It is easy to use, easy to move, and easy to resell if your needs change.
It also adds storage and visual presence. The cabinet visually anchors the room rather than disappearing into the wall.
The trade-off is depth. Cabinet beds extend farther than wall-mounted beds when closed.
For most Calgary homes, that trade-off feels worth it.
Where to find the right Cabinet Murphy bed
Buying locally matters. A store that understands Calgary homes will guide you on size, mattress comfort, and room fit.
Showhome Furniture carries cabinet bed models designed for real everyday use. If you are looking for an affordable furniture store in Calgary to furnish your home or rental property, Showhome Furniture offers options that work well in condos, guest rooms, and multi-use spaces.
You can see the cabinet Murphy bed models in person, open them, close them, and test how they feel. That confidence matters.
A good cabinet bed should make your space feel bigger, not busier.
When you look at your spare room today, could it be doing more without becoming complicated?
FAQs About the Cabinet Murphy Bed:
What is the difference between a cabinet Murphy bed and a wall-mounted Murphy bed?
A cabinet Murphy bed is a freestanding piece of furniture that does not attach to the wall. It arrives as a cabinet and folds out into a bed when needed. A wall-mounted Murphy bed is fixed to the wall and usually requires professional installation. Cabinet beds offer more flexibility because they can be moved, relocated, or taken with you if you move. This makes them ideal for renters and multi-use rooms.
Does a Murphy cabinet bed use a real mattress?
Yes, modern cabinet Murphy beds are designed to hold real mattresses. Most models accommodate standard foam or hybrid mattresses, providing a feel similar to a regular bed. This is one reason they have become popular for guest rooms and rentals. Guests can sleep comfortably without feeling like they are using a temporary solution.
How much space do I need for a Murphy cabinet bed?
When closed, a cabinet Murphy bed typically takes up about 25 inches of depth. Width depends on the size of the mattress. When opened, the bed extends roughly 85 inches into the room. Measuring your space before buying is important to ensure there is enough clearance for walking and furniture placement.
Which size cabinet Murphy bed is best for Calgary homes?
Queen cabinet beds are the most popular in Calgary because they work well for guests and couples. Full-size and twin models are better for offices, kids’ rooms, or smaller spaces. The best size depends on how often the bed will be used and who will be sleeping on it most frequently.
Are cabinet Murphy beds suitable for rentals and Airbnb properties?
Yes, cabinet Murphy beds are very popular in rental and Airbnb spaces. They do not require wall installation and are easy for guests to understand and use. They also photograph well and help rooms feel open when the bed is not in use. This makes them a practical choice for short-term and long-term rentals.
Where can I shop for a cabinet Murphy bed in Calgary?
Showhome Furniture carries cabinet Murphy bed models designed for everyday use. If you are looking for an affordable furniture store in Calgary to furnish your home or rental property, Showhome Furniture offers options you can see, test, and compare in person. This helps ensure the bed fits your space and lifestyle before you buy.
