How Much Space Is Needed For A Murphy Bed

How Much Space Is Needed For A Murphy Bed?

Murphy beds, also known as wall beds or fold-down beds, are a great space-saving solution for small apartments, guest rooms, or any room where space is at a premium. They fold up into a cabinet when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.

But how much space do you actually need for a Murphy bed? Here's a breakdown of the essential space requirements:

Width

The width of the Murphy bed will depend on the size of the mattress you choose. Standard mattress sizes are twin, full, queen, and king. The width of the cabinet will need to be at least 6 inches wider than the mattress on each side to accommodate the hinges and mechanisms.

Height

The height of the Murphy bed will depend on the height of the mattress and the height of the cabinet. The cabinet should be tall enough to accommodate the mattress when it is folded up. A standard mattress is about 10 inches thick, so the cabinet should be at least 12 inches taller than the mattress.

Depth

The depth of the Murphy bed will depend on the depth of the mattress and the depth of the cabinet. The cabinet should be deep enough to accommodate the mattress when it is folded up. A standard mattress is about 8 inches deep, so the cabinet should be at least 10 inches deep.

Clearance

In addition to the dimensions of the Murphy bed itself, you also need to consider the clearance required around the bed. You need to have enough space to walk around the bed when it is folded down, and you need to have enough space to access the cabinet when the bed is folded up.

As a general rule of thumb, you should allow for at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of the Murphy bed. This will give you enough space to move around comfortably and to access the cabinet easily.

Example

Let's say you want to install a queen-size Murphy bed in your guest room. A queen-size mattress is typically 60 inches wide, 80 inches long, and 10 inches deep. Using the guidelines above, you would need a cabinet that is at least 66 inches wide, 82 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. You would also need to allow for at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of the bed.

If you have a small room, you may want to consider a smaller Murphy bed, such as a twin-size or full-size bed. You may also want to consider a Murphy bed with a shallower depth. This will help to save space in your room.

Conclusion

Murphy beds are a great way to save space in your home. By understanding the essential space requirements, you can choose the right Murphy bed for your needs and make the most of your space.