Are Wall Beds Worth It? An Honest Cost-Benefit Breakdown (With Examples)
If you’re short on space or trying to get more out of your home, you’ve probably asked yourself: Are wall beds worth it? Once considered old-fashioned or gimmicky, wall beds—also known as Murphy beds—are making a serious comeback in Australian homes, particularly in apartments, studios, and multi-use spaces.
In this post, we’ll unpack the real-world pros and cons of wall beds, including actual cost comparisons, resale value impacts, and how they fit into different lifestyles—from home offices to tiny homes.
What Exactly Is a Wall Bed?
A wall bed is a bed that folds up vertically against the wall or into a cabinet when not in use. Unlike a sofa bed, a wall bed usually supports a full mattress and frame, making it more comfortable for regular sleep while freeing up floor space during the day.
The Cost of a Wall Bed (And What You Get)
Wall beds can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000+ in Australia, depending on the design, cabinetry, and whether it’s a DIY install or professionally fitted.
What’s Included in the Cost?
• Bed frame and fold mechanism
• Cabinetry or wall mount system
• Optional shelving or desk combo
• Installation (if not DIY)
It’s not a small investment—but it’s a lot less than the cost of adding a new room or renting a bigger home.
Wall Bed Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Space-Saving Superpower
The biggest drawcard. You can reclaim 3–4 square metres of floor space instantly, turning a bedroom into an office, gym, or playroom.
2. Everyday Use Is Easy Modern wall beds fold down with a light touch, and most allow you to leave your bedding on—making setup as fast as 30 seconds.
3. Guest-Ready Without Sacrificing Rooms Perfect if you don’t want a full-time guest room. Just fold the bed away when not in use.
4. Can Add Resale Value Buyers love functional storage and multi-use spaces. A good-quality, built-in wall bed can be a value-add, especially in smaller homes.
5. Customisable to Match Your Décor From minimalist white cabinets to timber joinery with shelving and desks, wall beds can blend into almost any room style.
Cons
1. Upfront Cost
There’s no way around it—wall beds aren’t cheap, especially when custom cabinetry is involved but treat it as an investment.
2. Installation May Require Floor or Wall Fixing Some models (like the NeXt Bed system) need to be attached to a floor or skirting board, which might limit placement or require permission in rentals.
3. Not Move-Friendly Unlike freestanding beds, many wall beds are semi-permanent. If you move house, you may not take it with you easily – it still can be done but you will need handy man skills.
Lifestyle Examples: When a Wall Bed Really Makes Sense
Small Apartment in Melbourne
A couple in a one-bedroom inner-city apartment added a wall bed to their office. Now they have a full guest room and work-from-home setup in one.
Tiny Home in Tasmania
A retired couple installed a vertical wall bed with cabinetry, gaining back nearly half their living space for dining and yoga during the day.
Teenage Retreat in Geelong
Parents turned a spare room into a hangout space for their teenager. With the wall bed folded up, it’s now a music room and media space. But when Grandma visits? Bed’s down and ready.
Do Wall Beds Add Resale Value?
In many cases, yes. Especially in smaller homes, a professionally-installed wall bed is viewed as smart storage. Buyers increasingly want multi-functional spaces, and a wall bed can help your home stand out in competitive real estate markets like Melbourne, Sydney, or the Gold Coast.
That said, value is influenced by:
•Quality of the cabinetry
•Ease of use
•How well it integrates into the room
So, Are Wall Beds Worth It?
If you want to make better use of your space—whether for work, hobbies, guests or growing families—a wall bed is often a smart, long-term investment. The upfront cost pays off in daily functionality and can even add property appeal down the track.
They’re not for everyone, but for many Australians, the answer is a clear yes.
Thinking about adding a wall bed to your space?
Contact Leigh Robinson, Mr Wall Bed Australia, for tailored advice or explore our range of modern, space-saving wall bed systems today.
