Murphy Bed How To Without Affixing To Floor

A murphy bed is more than just your average bed frame it’s a lifesaver when you have limited space but need to fit in some extra sleeping space. With just a push of the bed, it can open up and provide you with extra seating in your living room, or be tucked away to save room if you have company over or even if you just don’t want the clutter on display in your bedroom all the time.

Follow these steps to learn how to make your own murphy bed without having to affix it to the floor like some other models may require.

A Look at Murphy Bed Systems

First, if you’ve never heard of Murphy beds and aren’t sure what they are, they’re exactly what they sound like: a bed that folds into a cabinet that’s built into your wall. A murphy-bed system includes more than just a Murphy bed; it includes all of the necessary hardware (like brackets and hinges), which makes installing a murphy bed in your room (or wherever else you’d like) much simpler.

Installing your own Murphy-bed system isn’t difficult if you have basic carpentry skills. Follow these simple instructions to install your own wall-mounted murphy bed or other hidden storage space.

Benefits of Murphy Beds

The murphy bed was invented in 1889 by a man named William Lawrence Murphy. His idea was born when he stumbled upon a need for additional space in his furniture shop, and ultimately solved that problem by inventing something that has become an American standard.

 Although many of us don’t have large shops, we all need extra space; whether it’s storing blankets and winter clothes for those who live in cold climates, or keeping books and games out of sight so your living room doesn’t become cluttered, murphy beds can solve these problems for you.

Another great benefit is their price: although they are more expensive than some other types of furniture, their practicality makes them worth every penny!

Tools and Materials Needed

You’ll need a few simple tools and materials for assembly, but most can be found in your garage or basement. Basic hand tools include a hammer, screwdriver, wrenches and a tape measure. You’ll also want gloves so you don’t cut your hands on metal edges. The most important tool is a drill – it makes all steps easier.

Step 1: Measure the wall space

Measure your wall space for height, width, and depth. Make sure you know what kind of headspace and walk space you’ll have in front of and behind your Murphy Bed when it’s installed. Double check that it won’t bump into a closet or any other furniture in your room as well.

Once you have those measurements figured out, write them down on a sheet of paper along with additional information about doorframe placement, electrical switches/outlets, light fixture placement (if there is one), etc. You’ll use these notes later on to be sure everything works with your plans.

Step 2: Construct the Cabinet

In order to hang a Murphy Bed from wall studs, you will need to construct a cabinet using plywood or heavy-duty cardboard. The cabinet should have built in hinges so that it can be swung open easily for entry. It also needs to be as light as possible for ease of transport and swinging open, although it should still be solid enough not to collapse under its own weight. If you are building with cardboard, use small hinges and no lock mechanisms on them.

Step 3: Prepare the Outer Frame Section

The last step of your Murphy bed assembly is preparing a section of your wall for mounting. This can be accomplished in several ways. You can either purchase a mounting kit or, if you’re handy with woodworking, use a series of jigs or adhesives and wall anchors to create an invisible mount.

If you use a jig kit, you need two pieces of plywood at least 15 inches long by 18 inches wide and one piece at least 20 inches long by 32 inches wide. Cut grooves into both ends of these boards so they fit snugly against each other when placed upright on a flat surface.

Step 4: Position Wall Components Section

The first step of building a Murphy bed involves measuring for your wall components and placing them in position. For example, place one end of each board on a straight edge (like a table) and mark where it hits; then make sure all of your boards are going to fit perfectly together. As you do that, don’t forget to leave space for hooks if you’re hanging your headboard up!