25+ Creative Diy Murphy Bed Ideas And Plans

The Murphy bed, also known as a fold-down or wall bed, is a unique sleeping solution that has been around since the early 20th century. Invented by William Lawrence Murphy, this type of bed features a hinge on one end, allowing it to be lifted up and stored against a wall or inside a cabinet or closet when not in use. While earlier versions of fold-up beds were available in catalogs like Sears, Rosebuck & Co.

, Murphy’s design introduced counterbalanced and pivot mechanisms that have since become standard features in modern Murphy beds. With its versatility and space-saving capabilities, it’s no wonder that the Murphy bed has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to optimize their living spaces.

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10 Best DIY Murphy Bed Plans and Ideas

For those who value space efficiency and a touch of elegance, creating a DIY Murphy bed is an excellent way to optimize their home’s layout. With a few simple steps and some basic materials, anyone can transform a standard room into a functional haven.

#1. Know Your Limits and When to Use Kits

For those new to woodworking, creating a commercial-grade bed can be a daunting task. If you’re a DIY novice looking for guidance, consider investing in a DIY Murphy bed kit designed specifically for beginners with limited budgets. The ‘Woodworking for Mortals’ kit is an excellent choice, as it comes equipped with all the necessary components to assemble the lifting mechanism and includes comprehensive plans for building the bed frame and storage cabinet.

With clear instructions and a little patience, you’ll be able to create a functional and stylish Murphy bed that meets your needs.

#2. The DIY Murphy Bed Office Combo

Discover the ultimate DIY solution with the Murphy bed office combo from ‘Addicted 2 DIY’. This innovative furniture storage system not only provides a sleek and modern bed but also includes a desk and bookcases. By incorporating this design, you’re significantly enhancing your DIY Murphy bed investment. The bed cabinet cleverly transforms into a storage wall when closed, ensuring that the presence of a mattress remains hidden from view.

Much like a Transformer toy, this clever design turns a ordinary space into an extraordinary one, seamlessly switching between a functional workspace and a cozy sleeping area.

#3. Using Rockler Hardware for Your Basic DIY Murphy Bed Needs

The ‘Make Something TV’ DIY project, utilizing Rockler’s Side Mount Deluxe Murphy Bed Hardware, is designed for novice builders. The kit comes with detailed construction instructions, but David Picciuto’s accompanying video tutorial provides an even more comprehensive guide. With this setup, you can create a horizontal queen-sized Murphy bed, perfect for small spaces or guest rooms. As long as you have sufficient room to spare, the project should be manageable and enjoyable.

#4. Making a Petite Murphy Bed for Children

Another ingenious IKEA hack has emerged, this time transforming a storage system into a child-sized Murphy bed complete with built-in shelving. By repurposing leftover parts from the IKEA Ivar system, you can create a cozy home study for your grade school child. Martin Vester is the mastermind behind this clever design, which utilizes plywood sheets to craft a bench that doubles as storage for bedding and linens.

#5. DIY Guestroom Murphy Bed for Tiny Spaces

Transform your craft room into a versatile guestroom by incorporating a DIY Murphy bed design onto a nearby wall. The choice of material for construction depends on your budgetary constraints, with MDF, plywood, or hardwood being viable options. For a premium finish and added strength, consider using PureBond hardwood plywood. This high-quality material boasts Forest Stewardship Council certification, ensuring not only a sustainable product but also one that is free from Formaldehyde emissions.

#6. A DIY IKEA Bed Hack You’re Sure to Love

While traditional hacking may still be about manipulating computer systems, the term has also taken on a new meaning in everyday life. People are now looking for ways to simplify and streamline their daily routines through creative solutions – known as ‘life hacks.’ These clever tricks can be applied to even the most mundane tasks, such as repurposing IKEA furniture to create a unique DIY project.

For instance, instead of purchasing an entire Murphy bed set from IKEA, you can combine pieces from the PAX series to design a custom floor-mounted frame and spring mechanism, effectively building your own pull-down or pull-up bed without breaking the bank – all for a fraction of the cost, which typically starts at around $3,000.

#7. Lowering The Costs for Your DIY Murphy Bed

A Murphy bed’s mechanical system, typically involving pistons or springs, elevates and lowers the bed platform with ease. While this aspect of DIY construction can be daunting for beginners, the hardware simplifies the opening and closing process. However, it does come at a higher cost, essentially doubling the expense of building the bed independently.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, consider the Lori wall beds kit, which employs counterbalances and rocker edges to achieve smooth operation without the added mechanical complexity.

#8. The Case of the Disappearing Murphy Bed

While many Murphy beds are designed to be installed on walls or floors, you can create one that seemingly disappears from view with the right instructions and materials. The ‘Junk in Their Trunk’ project provides a comprehensive guide to building such a bed. However, keep in mind that a key component of this design is an advanced lifting mechanism, which may require a significant investment.

To complete the project, you’ll need basic door hinges, finish-grade plywood for the frame, wafer board for the platform, and standard framing lumber. With careful planning and execution, you can create a Murphy bed that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

#9. The DIY Transforming Sofa and Murphy Bed

Imagine a space-saving solution that not only saves room but also serves two purposes. This innovative idea combines the functionality of a Murphy bed with that of a sofa, providing an ideal compromise between comfort and practicality. By repurposing IKEA’s Soderhamn series as both an ottoman and sofa base, you can create a seamless transition from day to night.

To streamline the DIY building process, consider incorporating The Next Bed mattress frame, which features a built-in lifting mechanism that anchors the bed to the floor or wall. This clever design ensures the bed opens smoothly over the sofa, providing a comfortable sleeping area without sacrificing living space.

#10. Building a “Faux” Murphy Bed for the Tiniest Spaces

#11. Cabinet with fake door and drawers

#12. Rustic Queen Sized Wall Bed

#13. DIY Murphy Bed for Home Office

#14. DIY murphy bed for guests

#15. A Murphy Bed with plan

#16. Murphy Bed Plans for a Studio Flat

#17. DIY Murphy Bed Dresser

#18. Wilding Wall Bed DIY

#19. DIY Wall Bed

#20. Cheap Wall Bed Under $50

#21. DIY Side-Fold Murphy Bunk Bed

#22. Modern Farmhouse Murphy Bed

#23. Murphy Bed with IKEA Cabinets

#24. Murphy Bed and Bookcase

#25. Murphy Bed in IKEA closet

Can You Use Your Own Mattress For A Murphy Bed?

While it’s possible to create a DIY pull-up bed, it’s crucial to ensure the design accommodates the desired mattress size. A common approach is to base the bed’s dimensions on the mattress itself, guaranteeing a snug fit. Alternatively, you can purchase a mattress that complements your DIY Murphy bed’s specifications and the available space in your bedroom, striking a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

What Kind Of Mattress Do You Need For A Murphy Bed?

When considering a Murphy bed, it’s essential to note that any mattress measuring 10 to 12 inches in thickness can be used as the foundation. To ensure proper balance and functionality, measure the mattress size and use it as a reference point when designing or selecting your Murphy bed frame. This crucial step will guarantee a smooth operation and prevent any potential issues.

How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Murphy Bed?

For a premium fold-up bed, homeowners can expect to spend around $3,000. This price point reflects the cost of purchasing the bed itself, as well as the labour required for professional installation. The final cost will depend on factors such as the location and tightness of the space where the bed is to be installed.

Can A Murphy Bed Kill You?

While accidents can’t be completely ruled out, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure safety when dealing with Murphy beds. The frequency of such incidents may not be high, but they do occur, and the consequences can be severe. One effective way to mitigate this risk is to invest in a professionally installed Murphy bed, rather than attempting to build one yourself. Without proper expertise, a DIY project can easily go awry, putting you and others at risk of injury or harm.

Does IKEA Have Murphy Beds?

While purchasing a custom-made Murphy bed from the manufacturer may be an option, it comes with a hefty price tag. A more budget-friendly approach is to upcycle the company’s PAX series floor beds by transforming them into Murphy beds rather than simply following the assembly instructions for a standard IKEA kit.

How Deep Is A Murphy Bed?

Regardless of the size – twin, full, double, extra-large twin, queen, or king – Murphy beds generally maintain a consistent depth across the board. Typically, they measure between 16⅝ inches (horizontal) and 18¾ inches (vertical), with minimal variation in height and width. The depth remains relatively constant, making it easier to plan and design around these space-saving sleeping solutions.

Conclusion

As a DIY enthusiast, you can leverage these techniques to install a space-saving Murphy bed at a fraction of the cost. The appeal of a Murphy bed lies in its ability to seamlessly transform into alternative furniture when not in use, allowing your living room to adapt to various activities beyond sleeping and relaxation.

References:

The concept of a Murphy bed has been around for decades, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. This space-saving sleeping solution has evolved over time, and today it’s more popular than ever. But where did this innovative idea come from? One possible answer lies in the work of William Lawrence Murphy, an American inventor who patented his design in 1909.

According to historical records, Murphy created a bed that could be folded up against the wall, freeing up valuable floor space for other uses. This early prototype was reportedly designed for Murphy’s own use in his San Francisco home. As people became more aware of Murphy’s invention, it quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple in many homes around the world.

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