- Free up floor space
- Make room for kids
- The room can be used for multiple purposes
- Easy and safe to use
- Can fit into tiny spaces
- Cheaper than traditional beds
- Comfortable to sleep in
Benefits Of Murphy Beds
- Free up floor space
- Make room for kids
- The room can be used for multiple purposes
- Easy and safe to use
- Can fit into tiny spaces
- Cheaper than traditional beds
- Comfortable to sleep in
Is A Murphy Bed Safe For You?
Murphy beds are not placed on the floor like the traditional beds we have in our homes. These beds fold up against the wall and save you a lot of space. However, many people are concerned about the safety of having this furniture in their homes, as there is a risk of it falling down when not in use.
The safety factor of any item depends on how it is used. A murphy bed can be dangerous only when it has not been installed properly or if it is being used in the wrong way. There are chances of the bed dropping down suddenly when the installation is improper. However, murphy beds have hinges that ensure the bed descends slowly if it happens to fall accidentally. The chances of the bed folding up randomly when in use is very rare.
Thus, we can conclude that the odds of being hurt by a murphy bed are low and that they are safe to use. However, some safety tips can always help you avoid any chances of an accident.
Space Requirements
Buy a bed that is right for your space. In the case of built-in sofas, drawers, or other features, make sure your extendables have enough space.
Purchase
Purchase the bed from a well-known brand/company. Their beds pass safety tests and are reliable. Avoid buying second-hand murphy beds.
Installation
Get the bed installed by a professional. They have experience and are well aware of the process. You can do it yourself if you follow instructions properly, use the correct tools, and sincerely follow the safety guidelines.
Proper Anchoring
Anchor the bed properly after every use to avoid the bed falling down abruptly, which can damage the bed and hurt you as well. When using, make sure to leave no gap between the wall and bed. This will reduce the shearing force on the joints. Also, the wall should be strong enough to support the bed’s weight.
Pinch Points
Look out for the pinch points in the bed. These are areas where you can get your finger or clothes trapped between the bed and the wall. With children around, you need to be extra careful about these points, especially points around the hinges.
IKEA Murphy Bed Built
At the moment of writing this article, the brand IKEA does not sell murphy beds. They sell only components with which you can build your murphy bed. To make your own IKEA murphy bed, you need the following items:
A Lightweight Foam Mattress MINNESUND For $90 Only
Foam mattress, firm, white twin size (Twin size dimensions are approx. 38 in x 75 in). Check out the availability on IKEA’s page.
Murphy Frame Hardware
- Includes step-by-step DVD, illustrated instruction booklets, cut sheets, bills of materials and templates.
- TOLL-FREE number provided throughout the printed material if you need immediate expert assistance.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
- Made in the USA.
Bed Frame For $579
Once you get these items, you can call for a professional and get the bed made.
You can also use an IKEA PAX/FORSAND wardrobe (39 3/8×23 5/8×93 1/8″) and convert it into a bed frame. With the Pax cabinets and a murphy bed kit, there are two ways to get your murphy bed built.
Assembly
With the following simple steps, you can get this bed ready in your room:
- Assemble IKEA wardrobe – excluding doors and hinges.
- Assemble the door into one piece using 2×4 lumber from a hardware store near you. This will be your mattress base.
- Assemble the murphy bed hardware (Amazon) by following the instructions of the hardware manufacturer.
- Secure the frame to the wall structure.
The cost of executing the above idea can range from $1,000 to $1,200, depending on the materials you choose.
Cheap Murphy Beds
IKEA can be a costly affair for some. Since they don’t sell ready-to-use murphy beds, you might have to spend some extra bucks. Here are some affordable options for you:
BESTAR Nebula Full Wall Bed
Budget-friendly products have a stylish design that appeals to customers and suits all types of décor. You can get beds with both vertical and horizontal orientations, where the vertical ones have the space of a traditional bed and the horizontal ones can be space efficient. Some assembly is required. It is a safe, Dual Piston System that makes opening and closing user friendly. It is very easy – use the handle to pull the bed towards you to lower the bed and flip the leg down onto the floor.
Check the current price on Amazon.
Queen Murphy Bed
Made of QUALITY MATERIALS: The Queen Murphy Bed is made from quality laminated, high-density commercial-grade particle board compliant with Carb phase 2. Chrome handles. No box spring required.
It’s COMFORTABLE: Sleep on it every day! The Euroslat mattress foundation increases sleepers’ comfort. It accommodates most standard Queen mattresses (80 x 60 in) with a thickness between 8 and 12 inches and weighing between 60 and 90 lbs.
SPACE SAVER: Ideal for small spaces, multifunctional rooms, and guest rooms. When the bed is folded up, the cabinet measures 64.6” W x 20.3” D x 89.1” H. When opened, the bed extends 91.5” from the wall.
CONVENIENT: Thanks to the dual-piston lift mechanism, the murphy bed folds up and down safely in seconds, without heavy lifting.
Check the current price on Amazon
Cube Cabinet Murphy Chest Bed
Check the current price on Amazon.
If you prefer the compact version and fully assembled version of the bed – here is an option for you!
- Fully Assembled
- Includes Open Sleep Enclosure
- Solid Hardwood Construction
- Tri-Fold 6-Inch Memory Foam Queen Mattress
Modern Design, White Bed
This is a great choice for a murphy bed. The bottom is strong and comfortable. The foot that lets you lower the bed is stylish and nice. The height, width, and length of the bed are 88.9 inches, 63.35 inches, and 20 inches, respectively. The queen size has a larger width and length. The bed is available in white and bark gray colors.
It’s a stylish bed, perfect for fitting into small spaces.
It is available at $1,249.99
Fold Platform Bed - Queen
This bed is a great space-saving alternative. And you cannot beat the price on Amazon. Just add IKEA Minnesund $90 mattress described above – and voilà! Your guest won’t have to sleep on the porch… again!
Check the current price on Amazon.
Cheap Murphy Bed Alternatives
There are many great alternatives to a homemade murphy bed that one can opt for. The alternatives are also efficient when it comes to saving space. They can be cost-effective too.
Bed On A Shelving System/Platform
This is a smart way to use a shelf for multiple purposes. A shelf with a flat top can be easily turned into a sleeping area with a mattress on it. It can be completely built at home, and the task is easy for most. The shelf/platform serves its purpose of holding things and also gives you a nice place to rest at night. This won’t cost you much. Just make sure the shelf top is big enough for you to sleep on it. A small staircase on the side can help you climb up and also add an interesting look to the shelf.
Bed On The Top Of A Closet
Many of us have closets with space on the top. With the help of a simple staircase resting on the top edge of the closet and the floor, you can easily climb up. Fit a nice soft mattress in the space and your bed is ready. This will save you lots of space if in a small house.
Bed Under A Staircase
This is another smart idea in which you can fit a sliding bed under the staircase inside your house. You can pull it out when needed and push it back to clear the space. This has to be built during house construction. It can be slightly more expensive than the other alternatives.
How Can I Make A Cheap Murphy Bed?
There are many interesting and smart ways in which you can make your own murphy bed and cut down the cost of ordering a readymade one with a shipping fee attached. A brand-new bed can easily cost you $3000, including shipping and installation charges. The mattress charges will also add to this. Here are a few ideas that can be used to make a murphy bed at home with simple materials easily available.
Murphy Bed For A Small Space
You can use plywood, hardwood, or MDF to build this murphy bed on one side of a small room. Open it only when needed. You can get the affordable cabinetry grade hardwood plywood for the best quality.
Murphy Beds With Lori Bed Kits
Spring- and piston-lifting mechanisms are the most expensive part of the murphy beds on the market. If you are ready to do away with this facility, go get a Lori Wall Bed kit. No complicated mechanism is needed, and you can save on cost.
Murphy Beds For Mere Mortals
This is for people with tight budgets and no experience in building. You can get the kit from Murphy Bed Hardware. The kit has everything to make the lifting mechanism work. Construction plans will help you easily build the bed and cabinet.
Sofa Transformation
IKEA sofa and ottoman are assembled with a Murphy mattress. A lifting mechanism will let you anchor the bed to the wall and floor. All of this can be assembled easily.
Disappearing Murphy Bed
These beds can be bolted to the wall or floor to clear up space when not needed. Framing lumber, wafer board for a platform, thin sheets of plywood, and door hinges can be used instead of the expensive lifting mechanism.
Faux Murphy Bed
The roll-out bed is a smart way to accommodate a bed in a tiny space. It is a two-box design. The front box holds an accordion-style bed frame on castors, while the second box has the foam mattress from IKEA.
DIY Plans To Build A Murphy Bed
What You Will Need To Build Murphy Bed Yourself
Time Required
Less than a day
Materials Required
- Plywood sheets
- Solid wood
- Screws
- Finishing nails
- Cabinet handles
- Wood glue
- Clamps
Tools Needed
- Tape measure
- Safety goggles
- Pencil
- Screw Driver
- Hammer
- Circular saw
Simplified Process
- Create the struts first
- Assemble the sub-frame
- Make the corners round
- Attach the head and foot rails
- Next, attach the side rails
- Connect the panels after proper positioning
- Next, the header and cabinet should be assembled
- After attaching the veneer, mount the cabinet on the wall
Conclusion
Murphy beds are a clever and cheap option that can save a load of space in small apartments and studios. Customizations of the appearance and features can also be done. With an investment in the range of $1,000 to $6,000, you can have a nice bed by night and a cabinet, desk, or sofa by day.
