Murphy beds, often called wall beds, have been around since the beginning of the 1900s. William Lawrence Murphy invented the fold up bed to provide more space in his tiny apartment. Over the years, much has changed about these beds, yet their foundational design premise remains. These beds are ideal for any home without space or where owners prefer a minimalistic design. Fold them away during the day to use the space, and they easily fold down when it is time to sleep.
To install a Murphy bed in your home, you must carefully measure your space. This guide will help you measure your space and prepare for murphy bed installation.
Understand the Basics of Installation
Before starting the measuring and installation process, it helps to know some basics. Murphy beds fold horizontally or vertically into their wall-mounted cabinets. You will need ample floor and wall space for the installation. Consider the room's ceiling height, nearby furniture, and wall studs. You can hire a professional if you are not confident in measuring and installing your new bed.
Measure the Ceiling Height
You need to measure the room's ceiling height first because it will determine if you can fit a vertical bed. The bed will require at least eight feet of ceiling height to extend fully. There are some models for lower ceilings, including horizontal options, if your room lacks ceiling height.
Measure the wall with a measuring tape from the floor to the ceiling. You should measure at least three points, right, center, and left, to ensure you get an accurate measure in case the wall is not plumb. Add two to three inches to your ceiling height measurement for clearance issues with baseboards and molding.
Measure the Wall Width and Height
Once you have measured the ceiling and determined it is high enough to install a bed, you need to measure the wall width and height to ensure they are the right size for installing the Murphy bed cabinet. Murphy beds come in standard sizes, such as twin, full, and queen. Knowing the dimensions will help you choose a bed that will fit.
Measure the full width of the wall, or at least from one obstacle to the next. Ensure at least 30 to 36 inches of space on either side of the bed. Next, use a measuring tape to measure the height of the wall. You need enough space to ensure the cabinet or shelving units fit securely.
Measure for Bed Depth
One of the most important measurements you will take is the bed depth. The bed depth is how far the bed will extend from the wall when folded into the cabinetry or shelving. Depending on the bed and cabinetry, you will need at least 12 to 20 inches. Note that some beds have more shelving units or cabinetry space and may require more space. You should leave at least two feet of space in front of the folded bed to ensure you have room to move around easily.
Measure for Bed Extension
You need enough floor space to extend the bed. Although you may fold the bed away often, you will still need to ensure adequate space for the unfolded bed. It is wise to wait for this measurement until you shop for Murphy beds. Refer to the manufacturer's dimensions for the beds you like. Standard queen Murphy beds typically extend 80 inches long when unfolded.
Measure from the mount point to the end of the bed. Mark the bed length on the floor using a carpenter's pencil or tape. When extending the Murphy bed, ensure at least two feet around the end to account for the walking room. You should also factor in any accessories or furniture you plan to use with the bed, such as nightstands.
Check Wall Stud Placement
You will need to find the wall stud placement in the room because these are essential mounting points for attaching the bed cabinetry to the wall. Wall studs offer vertical support to your walls and allow for dry-wall attachment. By mounting the bed cabinetry directly to the studs, you can ensure the wall can support the bed's and cabinetry's weight.
The easiest way to find the studs is using a stud finder, which is inexpensive. You can also knock on the wall. You will hear hollow sounds if there is no stud. Once you reach the stud, the sound will become lower and less hollow. The standard spacing is 16 inches, though older homes may have studs up to 24 inches apart. Mark the studs with a pencil.
Measure for the Additional Features
Some Murphy beds come with additional features that may require more room. You should check the additional feature measurements and include them in your room measurements. Some Murphy beds also come with lighting and other electrical components, so ensure ample electrical outlets are available for installation.
Check for Other Furniture Clearance
Finally, it would be best to account for other furniture in the room. You must ensure enough space for the bed to unfold fully without bumping into other furniture, such as chairs, televisions, and bookcases. You may need to rearrange your current furniture to make room for a new Murphy bed.
Final Measurement Considerations
Double-check all the above measurements to ensure the Murphy bed and all its components will fit in your room. Keep the stud locations marked until you complete the installation process. You will need a drill, screwdriver, and wrench to install the bed. Make sure to follow all the manufacturer's instructions so you can install the bed safely and effectively.
Murphy beds are attractive bed options for small spaces. Whether attempting to optimize your space or create a dual-purpose guest room, a Murphy bed is a great option. Proper installation is critical for the safe function of your new bed. Consider hiring a professional to take care of the installation chores when in doubt. With your new bed folded away, you will have added space to move around.
Image credit: https://murphydoor.com/
