Murphy Bed for Airbnb Hosts: Is It a Good Idea?
As an Airbnb host, you're constantly looking for ways to maximise your listing's appeal and income potential. One upgrade that smart hosts are increasingly turning to is the Murphy bed — and for good reason. Here's an honest look at whether a Murphy bed is a good idea for your Airbnb property.
The Core Benefit: More Usable Space
In a standard Airbnb listing, a bedroom with a static bed is just a bedroom. But with a Murphy bed, that same room can also be photographed and listed as a studio, a workspace, or a flexible living area — potentially allowing you to market the property to a wider range of guests.
For studio apartments or smaller properties especially, a Murphy bed can be the difference between feeling cramped and feeling genuinely functional. Guests notice the difference, and it shows up in reviews.
What Do Airbnb Guests Think of Murphy Beds?
Generally, very well — as long as the bed is comfortable. The key is using a quality mattress. Guests who arrive to find a solid, supportive mattress in a well-built Murphy bed will often mention it positively in their reviews. Guests who find a thin, uncomfortable mattress will mention that instead.
Invest in a decent mattress (foam or pocket spring, up to 30cm thick) and make the bedding hotel-quality — good pillows, a proper duvet, clean white linen — and guests will have no complaints about sleeping in a Murphy bed.
Is It Practical for Short-Stay Hosting?
Yes. Murphy beds are very easy to operate — guests can fold the bed up or down themselves with minimal instruction. Include a brief note in your welcome guide explaining the mechanism, and most guests will have no trouble at all.
From a cleaning and changeover perspective, a Murphy bed that folds away makes the room much easier to clean and set up between stays. Cleaners have better access to the floor, and the room photographs better when the bed is raised.
Will It Affect My Airbnb Listing?
Potentially positively. A room that shows well in photos is crucial on Airbnb, and a space photographed with the Murphy bed raised — showing the full open room — can look significantly more appealing than a room dominated by a static bed.
Be transparent in your listing description: mention that the space uses a Murphy bed (also called a wall bed). Most guests are familiar with the concept, and those who aren't will appreciate the honest description. Avoid any surprises.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For most Airbnb hosts, yes. A DIY Murphy bed kit from Easy Fold Murphy Bed is a relatively modest investment compared to most property upgrades. The potential return — more bookings, better reviews, broader appeal, and a more pleasant space for guests — more than justifies the outlay in most cases.
For hosts in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, or London where properties are smaller and guests are accustomed to compact, well-designed spaces, a Murphy bed is a natural fit.
Tips for Airbnb Hosts Installing a Murphy Bed
• Choose a mattress that's comfortable but not too heavy — you want the mechanism to operate smoothly for years
• Invest in good quality bedding — it photographs beautifully and guests notice
• Include simple instructions for the mechanism in your welcome guide
• Photograph the room with the bed both raised and lowered — show guests both configurations
• Consider a wall-mounted light above the bed area for practical guest use
• Make sure the room has storage for at least one bag — a hook, shelf, or small chair works fine