Abstract: A folding cabinet bed is described for providing a piece of furniture that opens to a full-length bed in an attractive chest with a small footprint. The invention comprises a cabinet that houses a mattress, such as a futon, and allows the mattress to be deployed as a bed. The cabinet is deep and tall enough to enclose a folded mattress and of sufficient width to accommodate standard sizes of mattresses. Hinges on the bottom of the front wall of the cabinet enable the cabinet to be opened vertically so that the front wall folds down to a sleeping position. A separate extension panel attached to the front wall further folds out to create a sleeping platform of desire length to accommodate a mattress. Dampers, springs, or other mechanical devices can be installed to assist in raising or lowering the front cabinet wall.