AFI Charleston Queen Murphy Bed Chest Review
A Queen size Murphy bed chest from AFI that converts between a compact 22 inch deep chest and a full bed, with a 6 inch tri-fold mattress included and an 800 pound weight capacity.
| Brand | AFI |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Size | Queen (U.S. Standard) |
| Construction | Solid wood and veneer |
| Weight capacity | 800 pounds |
| Mattress thickness | 6 inches (1 in topper, 2 in gel memory foam, 3 in support foam) |
| Best for | Guest rooms, studios or multipurpose spaces wanting a Queen bed that folds away into a chest when not in use |
Product Overview
AFI designs this piece to function as a decorative chest with 3 bronze library pulls when closed, then unfold into a full Queen size bed when needed, aimed at guest rooms, small studios or multipurpose rooms. Closed, the unit measures 22 inches long by 62.56 inches wide by 36.67 inches tall; open, it extends to 79.3 inches long at the same width and height.
A 6 inch tri-fold mattress is included rather than sold separately, combining a 1 inch memory foam topper, 2 inches of cooling gel memory foam and 3 inches of support foam under a soft knit cover with side tabs for folding.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
Folds from a 22 inch deep chest into a full Queen bed.
Memory foam topper, cooling gel layer and support foam with a knit cover.
Solid wood and veneer construction rated for this load.
3 decorative pulls add a vintage furniture look when closed.
Ships with assembly hardware and the mattress, no separate purchase needed.
Design and Build Quality
The frame is built from solid wood and veneer, which the listing states supports up to 800 pounds. At about 83 pounds for the unit itself, it still requires careful handling and likely more than one person during assembly and placement, even though the chest form factor is designed to be compact when closed.
All hardware needed for assembly, along with the mattress itself, ships in the box, so no separate mattress purchase is required.
Performance in Everyday Use
The tri-fold mattress design is built around side tabs specifically for folding the mattress along with the bed frame, rather than using a standard one-piece mattress that would not collapse with the chest mechanism.
AFI backs the piece with a 1 year limited manufacturer warranty, and the listing frames the included hardware and mattress as making the set ready to use without additional purchases.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conversion design | 22 inch chest folds to a full Queen bed | Listing states the piece converts from a beautifully crafted chest into a queen-size Murphy bed | 8.4 | The fold mechanism is the core function that makes this a space saving piece |
| Mattress construction | 6 inch tri-fold, memory foam topper and gel layer | Listing states the included mattress features a 1 inch memory foam topper, 2 inch cooling gel memory foam and 3 inch support foam | 8.3 | Mattress layering affects comfort since it is included rather than user supplied |
| Weight capacity | 800 pounds | Listing states the solid wood and veneer construction supports up to 800 pounds | 8.6 | Weight capacity determines how many users and mattress combinations the frame safely supports |
| Open footprint | 79.3 inches long when open | Listing states the open dimensions are 79.3 inches long by 62.56 inches wide by 36.67 inches tall | 7.2 | Open length determines how much floor clearance is needed to use the bed |
| Decorative detail | 3 bronze library pulls | Listing states the chest features three decorative bronze library pulls | 7.9 | Decorative hardware affects how convincingly the piece reads as furniture when closed |
| Item weight | 83 pounds | Listing's item dimensions state a weight of 83 pounds | 7.0 | Unit weight affects how manageable delivery and assembly will be |
Who Should Buy It
- Guest rooms needing an occasional bed that stores away as a chest
- Small studios or multipurpose rooms with limited floor space
- Buyers wanting the mattress included rather than purchased separately
- Rooms with a clear 79.3 inch swing path for opening the bed
- Buyers wanting a permanent, fixed bed frame rather than a fold down convertible piece
- At about 83 pounds, this still requires careful handling and likely more than one person during assembly and placement
- Closed footprint is 22 inches deep, but the open bed extends to 79.3 inches long, so the full swing path needs to be clear of nearby furniture
- Only one color, black, is offered in this listing
- Backed by only a 1 year limited manufacturer warranty
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | AFI | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Chest that folds into a full bed | Fixed, non-folding bed frame | Wall mounted Murphy bed panel |
| Mattress inclusion | 6 inch tri-fold mattress included | Mattress sold separately | Mattress included |
| Weight capacity | 800 pounds stated | Lower stated weight capacity | Lower stated weight capacity |
| Decorative hardware | 3 bronze library pulls | Plain, unadorned chest front | Simple modern pulls |
| Warranty | 1 year limited manufacturer warranty | No stated warranty | Shorter stated warranty period |
Alternatives Worth a Look
This is a Queen size Murphy bed chest from AFI that folds between a 22 inch deep chest and a full bed, including a 6 inch tri-fold mattress and rated to support up to 800 pounds. It suits guest rooms and multipurpose spaces needing a bed that disappears into furniture, with the main planning point being the 79.3 inch swing path needed when opening it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bed include a mattress?
Yes, a 6 inch tri-fold mattress is included, per the listing.
What is the weight capacity?
Up to 800 pounds, per the listing.
How much space does it need when open?
The listing states open dimensions of 79.3 inches long by 62.56 inches wide.
What does the chest look like when closed?
A 22 inch deep chest with 3 decorative bronze library pulls, per the listing.
What is the frame made from?
Solid wood and veneer construction, per the listing.
What warranty is included?
A 1 year limited manufacturer warranty, per the listing.