How To Build A Murphy Bed | DIY | Horizontal | Full Size | Queen Size | With Desk | Without a Kit | Cabinet | Closet

Building a DIY Murphy Bed: A Comprehensive Guide

• Find out how to construct a Murphy bed step-by-step. Make the most of your available space with our professional advice and thorough recommendations for a chic fix.

• A Murphy bed is an excellent way to save space, particularly for people who live in apartments or smaller homes. It lets you free up floor space during the day and have a cosy bed when needed. The good news is that you don't need to buy a pricey kit to create a DIY Murphy bed from scratch. Following this tutorial, you will learn how to make a Murphy bed with a desk, a Murphy bed that is horizontal, and how to create a Murphy bed within a closet.

Why Build a DIY Murphy Bed?

There is no denying a Murphy bed's versatility and usefulness. In addition to saving money, building it allows you to alter it to suit your needs precisely, such as adding a desk or more storage. You can confidently take on this job with a few basic carpentry skills, a few tools, and a strong will.

Essential Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before beginning construction, collect the required equipment and supplies:

Tools

• Circular saw or table saw

• Drill and drill bits

• Measuring tape

• Carpenter’s square

• Wood glue

• Pocket hole jig

• Level

• Screwdriver

• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)

• Clamps

Materials

• ¾-inch plywood sheets for the frame and cabinetry

• 1x4 boards for supports

• Heavy-duty hinges

• Gas springs or piston lift mechanisms

• Screws (variety of sizes)

• Wood screws

• Wood stain or paint (optional)

• Hardware for handles and knobs

How to Build a DIY Murphy Bed From Scratch?

Step 1: Planning the Bed Frame

Determine the size of bed you need (twin, full, or queen) before you begin cutting wood. Make sure the bed will fit in your room when folded down by taking measurements of the area. A Murphy bed requires enough room to open both vertically and horizontally.

• Mattress widths: (Twin: 38", Full: 54", Queen: 60").

• Height: Take into account the mattress's height as well as additional space needed for covers and linens.

• Depth of the frame: The frame's depth is normally 16 to 20 inches to fit the majority of mattresses.

Step 2: Building the Bed Frame

The component that will hold the mattress in place is the bed frame. It is composed of a ¾-inch plywood rectangular box. The plywood should be cut to the exact dimensions of your mattress. For example, the frame measurements of a queen-size bed will be roughly 60" by 80".

• For the frame, cut two long and two short sides.

• Using wood glue and screws, attach the sides. If necessary, reinforce the joints by using corner brackets.

• To support the mattress, add slats or plywood and space them equally along the frame's breadth.

Step 3: Constructing the Cabinet

The bed will fold into the Murphy bed cabinet. Consider installing a piston lift system to make lifting the bed easier, but more on that later. Now concentrate on constructing the framework.

• Assemble the Cabinet Sides: For the cabinet's side panels, measure and cut two sizable pieces of plywood. When folded up, these should reach the height of the bed.

• Construct the Top and Bottom: For the cabinet's top and bottom sections, cut plywood.

• Fasten the Components: Using wood glue and screws, assemble the cabinet to create a solid box that will hold the bed. To sustain the weight of the bed, reinforce the inside with supports composed of 1x4 boards.

How to Build a DIY Horizontal Murphy Bed?

If you have more horizontal than vertical room, a horizontal Murphy bed is a great choice. The bed folds out sideways instead of downward, which is the main difference between the technique and making a normal Murphy bed.

• Frame Orientation: To fit your room's horizontal orientation, the frame should be broader than tall. The frame of a full-size horizontal Murphy bed would be 80 inches in width and 54 inches in height.

• Cabinet Modifications: To make room for the bed's folding mechanism, the cabinet will be widened and lowered. Make sure there is adequate room on both sides of the bed.

• Hinges and Support: Make sure the bed frame folds horizontally by using sturdy, long-lasting hinges to fasten it to the cabinet. To make it simple to open and close, fasten the bed frame to the cabinet base using gas springs or a piston lift system.

How to Build a Murphy Bed With Desk?

A Murphy bed with a desk is an excellent example of multipurpose furniture. It enables you to utilize the area as a sleeping quarters at night and as a home office during the day.

• Design the Desk: Construct a straightforward desk that is fastened to the bed frame's bottom with two legs. The desk will lie flat against the bed's bottom when the bed is folded up. Upon lowering the bed, the desk stays level and functional.

• Fasten to the Frame: Make sure the desk legs won't interfere with the mattress when the bed is folded and that they are securely fastened to the bed frame.

• Weight-Related Issues: Consider the weight of the desk; if possible, use thinner MDF or plywood to make it both lightweight and practical.

How to Build a Murphy Bed Without a Kit?

It is definitely possible to build a Murphy bed without a kit, but it will take careful planning. The following is what you should remember:

• Custom Hinges: You will need to find heavy-duty hinges on your own that can hold the weight of the mattress and bed frame. For a neat appearance, look for a piano or hidden hinges.

• Lift Mechanism: You might not have a pre-made lift mechanism if you don't have a kit. To make raising and lowering the bed easier, gas springs or counterweights are still an option.

• Customized Design: You are in complete control of the design when there is no pre-made kit involved. This is the ideal time to customize the Murphy bed to the exact size and design of your room.

How to Build a Queen Size Murphy Bed?

The general procedure for building a queen-size Murphy bed is the same as for any other size bed, but you will need to make adjustments for the larger mattress.

• Frame Size: To accommodate a queen-size mattress, the frame's measurements should be roughly 60 by 80 inches.

• Strong Hinges: Use extra-strong hinges and reinforcing because of the increased size and weight.

• Lift Mechanism: To make it simpler to fold up and down, a gas piston lift system is particularly crucial for larger beds.

How to Build a Full-Size Murphy Bed?

The procedure for constructing a full-size Murphy bed is nearly the same as that of a queen size, albeit with somewhat smaller measurements.

• Frame Size: To accommodate a full-size mattress, the bed frame should measure roughly 54 by 75 inches.

• Space Requirements: Because full-size Murphy beds are frequently smaller, they are perfect for smaller spaces.

How to Make a Murphy Bed Cabinet?

An essential component of the project is the Murphy bed cabinet, which stores the bed while it's not in use. Here's a little explanation of how to create one:

• Measure and Cut the Panels: Cut the plywood panels on top, bottom, and sides. These panels' width and height have to line up with the bed frame's folded measurements.

• Strengthen the Framework: To provide additional support along the inside of the cabinet, use 1x4s. When the bed is folded away, this aids in keeping it steady.

• Final Details: To give the cabinet a professional appearance that complements the design of your area, add trim, handles, and even décor moulding.

How to Build a Murphy Bed in a Closet?

For small areas, a Murphy bed integrated into a closet can transform your space, adding functionality without compromising style.

• Measure the Closet Space: To guarantee that the Murphy bed will fit when folded, measure the closet. A minimum of 16 inches of depth is required to fit the mattress.

• Make Your Own Frame: As mentioned in the previous parts, assemble the cabinet and frame, but make sure the proportions match the closet.

• Set Up the Mattress in the Closet: Using brackets and screws, fasten the cabinet inside the closet. From the closet area, the bed should fold down easily into the room.

Final Thoughts

Although it may seem difficult to build a DIY Murphy bed from scratch, the effort will be worthwhile in the long run in terms of useful space savings and personal fulfillment. The options are unlimited when it comes to building a Murphy bed: you may make one that fits neatly in a closet, one that is horizontal, or one that includes a desk. You can design a stunning, personalized Murphy bed that elevates your house with meticulous planning, close attention to detail, and perseverance.