Plan the space for a Murphy (wall) bed. Pick the bed size and orientation to see the wall width, floor projection, and ceiling height it needs.
Room Depth When Open
— in.
Floor space the open bed needs.Usage Tip
Measure ceiling height before anything else — it decides vertical versus horizontal. Leave room for a nightstand or to walk past the foot of the open bed.
THE MATH
Vertical: opening ≈ mattress width + 18 in; projects ≈ mattress length + 12 in
Horizontal: opening ≈ mattress length + 18 in; projects ≈ mattress width + 12 in
Min ceiling ≈ the projection dimension + about 16 in
Horizontal: opening ≈ mattress length + 18 in; projects ≈ mattress width + 12 in
Min ceiling ≈ the projection dimension + about 16 in
A vertical Murphy bed folds down head-first and needs ceiling height roughly equal to the bed length; a horizontal one folds sideways and suits low ceilings and lofts.
Mattress sizes used: twin 38×75, twin XL 38×80, full 54×75, queen 60×80, king 76×80 in.
Mattress sizes used: twin 38×75, twin XL 38×80, full 54×75, queen 60×80, king 76×80 in.
Add walking clearance beyond the open bed — at least 24 to 36 in to move around it.
Horizontal beds project less and need far less ceiling but take more wall width; vertical beds take less wall but need height.
Wall beds must be anchored to studs or the floor per the manufacturer instructions; the cabinet and mechanism are heavy and tip-prone.
Horizontal beds project less and need far less ceiling but take more wall width; vertical beds take less wall but need height.
Wall beds must be anchored to studs or the floor per the manufacturer instructions; the cabinet and mechanism are heavy and tip-prone.