Murphy beds (also known as rollaway beds) nominally share a common feature of being able to save space by virtue of having a compact storage setup when not in use. But this one common and well-known feature belies the fact that camp beds vary greatly in size, style, quality, cost, and construction. Therefore, choosing the right one implies thinking a little not only about the bed itself, but also about the details of the decoration that surrounds it and the circumstances of use. Here we discuss five types.

A “wall bed” is unique among rollaway beds in that it completely hides a bed. But despite their suggestive name, these beds do not fit into a wall, but fold down to form part of a wardrobe, desk or other piece of furniture. Desk beds convert to desks and the writing surface becomes the bottom of the bed when unfolded. In the same way, a bed with a wardrobe has a double identity of wardrobe by day and bed by night. They are an excellent option for residences with little space that need doubled functionality in each piece of furniture.

Murphy beds also come in sofa or loveseat forms that have greater portability than wall beds. They are available in the same sizes as the standard beds. Also, they serve a secondary purpose as seating furniture when not in use as beds. To aid in their portability, most have wheels that make it easy to get in and out of storage areas. The seating surface and the sleeping surface are different, as the latter is tucked inside the sofa when it is in its storage configuration.

The futon, ubiquitous in college student apartments, serves a dual purpose just like the sofa or double bed. The difference is that for the futon the sleeping surface is the same as the sitting surface. Futons range in price, largely determined by the quality of the layers and padding. The padding has a big effect on the level of comfort, whether it functions as a seat or a bed. High-quality filling means that the futon stands firm but does not lose its shape in a short period of time.

The simplest type of folding bed for the home is the free-standing folding crib. It consists of a metal frame that closes in a clam shell configuration. The mattress may or may not also fold depending on the model. The advantage of this type of folding bed is that it is straightforward, simple and easy to roll out of sight. There is no need to contemplate whether its unfolded state fits in with the decoration of the house. On the other hand, you have to find specific storage space for the independent crib.

The last folding bed we consider is the travel cot, used by people who are on extended camping or road trips and have a vehicle to transport light furniture. The travel cot usually has a very simple and thin mattress, or in the case of camping air beds, an air-filled mattress. It is the simplest, valued primarily for its portability rather than its comfort level. Travel cots have a lightweight construction, so their dimensions are more limited, so before you buy, confirm that it will support the height and weight of the people who might use it.