Looking for a smart way to save space in your home? A Murphy bed with a built-in closet might be just what you need. These beds fold up into the wall when you’re not using them, giving you more room to move around.
Even better, they can be combined with closet space for extra storage. That means you can sleep comfortably at night and have plenty of space for clothes, shoes, or other items during the day. It’s a great solution for small apartments, guest rooms, or any space where you want to get more use out of every square foot.
In this blog, I’ll explain Murphy beds, how they work with closets, and why they’re such a great idea. Whether you’re planning a DIY project or just curious, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
Understanding Murphy Beds
A Murphy bed, also called a wall bed, is a bed that folds up into the wall or a cabinet when you’re not using it. It’s a smart way to save space, especially in small rooms like apartments, guest rooms, or even home offices. Instead of having a bed take up floor space all day, you can fold it up and have more room to walk around or do other things.
Murphy beds come in a few different styles. Some fold down from the wall, while others fold out sideways. You can even find Murphy beds with built-in desks or couches, so your furniture can do double duty. They use special hinges and lifting systems to make it easy to open and close safely.
If you want more space without losing a comfy bed, a Murphy bed is a great choice that’s both useful and stylish!
Benefits of Combining Murphy Beds with Closets
Putting a Murphy bed and a closet together is a smart way to get the most out of your space.
1. Saves a Ton of Space: When you fold the bed up into the wall, you free up the whole room. That means more space for walking, working, or playing during the day.
2. Adds Extra Storage: Murphy bed closets often come with built-in shelves, drawers, or hanging rods. You can store clothes, shoes, blankets, and more.
3. Keeps the Room Neat: Everything has a spot, so it’s easier to keep your room clean and organized. You can close the bed and closet and instantly tidy up the space.
4. Great for Small Rooms: If you live in a studio apartment or have a small guest room, this setup gives you both a bed and storage without taking up much space.
5. Looks Clean and Stylish: Murphy bed closets come in many designs. When the bed is folded up, it just looks like a nice cabinet or built-in closet—very sleek and tidy.
6. Smart Long-Term Investment: This combo makes your home more useful and adds value, especially if you plan to sell or rent later.
Overall, combining a Murphy bed with a closet gives you comfort, storage, and a lot more room to enjoy your space!
Types of Murphy Beds to Consider
Murphy beds come in several styles, so you can pick one that fits your space and how you plan to use it.
1. Vertical Murphy Bed
This is the classic style that folds down from the top. It works well in rooms with high ceilings and takes up less wall space side to side. It’s great for bedrooms, guest rooms, or any space where you want a full-length bed.
Best for: Standard rooms with plenty of ceiling height.
2. Horizontal Murphy Bed
This one folds down from the side instead of the top. It’s wider across the wall but doesn’t stick out as far into the room when opened. Perfect for low-ceiling spaces like basements or rooms with slanted ceilings.
Best for: Small or low-ceiling spaces.
3. Murphy Bed with Sofa
These beds fold down over a built-in sofa. During the day, you’ve got a cozy place to sit. At night, just pull the bed down over the couch—no need to move anything.
Best for: Living rooms, studios, or multi-use spaces.
4. Murphy Bed with Desk
This clever design has a desk on the front. When the bed folds down, the desk stays level or tucks underneath. It’s perfect for a room that doubles as an office or study space.
Best for: Students, remote workers, or home offices.
5. Murphy Bed with Storage
These beds include shelving, drawers, or closet space built around them. Thus, you get both sleeping space and tons of storage in one unit.
Best for: Anyone who wants extra storage without taking up more space.
6. Freestanding Murphy Bed Cabinet
This bed hides inside a large cabinet and doesn’t need to be attached to the wall. It’s easy to move and doesn’t require any installation.
Best for: Renters or temporary setups.
7. DIY Murphy Bed Kits
If you’re handy, you can build your own Murphy bed with a kit. It comes with the parts and instructions—you just add the wood and tools.
Best for: DIY lovers who want to save money or customize the design.
Each type of Murphy bed has its pros and cons, but they all help save space and make your room more useful. Think about your room size, ceiling height, and how you’ll use the bed to find the best one for you!
Custom vs. Pre-Made Murphy Bed Units and Closets
When it comes to choosing a Murphy bed, you’ll find two main options: custom-built or pre-made. Both can look great and save space, but they have some big differences.
Custom Murphy beds are built just for your space. That means you can design everything—from the size and layout to the color and storage options—the way you want.
The downside? Custom beds usually cost more and take longer to build and install. You may also need to hire a carpenter or professional installer. But in the end, you get exactly what you want, made to match your home.
Pre-made Murphy beds come in set sizes and styles. You can buy them online or in stores, and many are easy to assemble yourself. They’re great if you want something simple and quick that still looks nice.
They’re also more affordable than custom beds. However, you’ll have fewer choices when it comes to layout and design. If your space is small or oddly shaped, it might not fit just right.
Both options can give you a stylish, space-saving solution that makes your room more useful. Just pick the one that fits your needs, your space, and your budget!
Installing Murphy Beds with Closet
Installing a Murphy bed with a closet might sound tricky, but with the right steps and a little patience, you can make it happen. You can hire a pro, or if you’re feeling handy, you can do it yourself.
Step 1: Choose a Spot and Measure the Space
First, pick the best wall in your room for the Murphy bed. Make sure it’s a flat, open space with no windows, vents, or outlets in the way. Then, grab a measuring tape and check:
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Width of the wall and height from floor to ceiling
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Depth (how far the bed will stick out when closed and open)
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Space in front of the wall for the bed to fold down
Step 2: Get All Your Parts and Tools Ready
If you bought a Murphy bed kit or closet system, check that all the pieces are included. You’ll need basic tools like:
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A power drill
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Screwdrivers
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Stud finder
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Measuring tape
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Level and pencil
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Wood glue (for extra hold)
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Safety gear (like gloves and goggles)
Step 3: Find the Wall Studs
- Murphy beds need to be safely attached to wall studs (the wooden beams inside your wall).
- Use a stud finder to locate them and mark their location with a pencil. This step is super important—studs will hold the bed in place and keep it from tipping over.
Step 4: Build the Bed Frame
- Lay out the parts on the floor and start building the bed frame by following the instructions.
- If your bed uses a piston or spring system, follow the guide carefully to attach those parts the right way. It’s best to have someone help hold pieces while you screw them together.
- Use a level to keep everything straight as you go.
Step 5: Mount the Bed Frame to the Wall
- Once the frame is built, lift it and place it against the wall where you marked the studs. Use your drill to screw the frame into the wall.
- Make sure it feels strong and secure. Don’t skip any screws or bolts—each one helps keep the bed safe.
Step 6: Attach the Closet Units
- If your Murphy bed comes with closet cabinets, build those next.
- Most closets go on either side of the bed, and some even go above.
- Put the pieces together like you did with the bed frame. Then, attach them to the wall and to the bed frame using screws or brackets.
- Make sure the closets are straight and flush (even) with the bed frame.
Step 7: Add the Mattress and Test It Out
- Place your mattress on the bed base. Most Murphy beds work with regular mattresses, but check the height limit to be sure.
- Now, gently pull the bed down and push it back up a few times to make sure everything moves smoothly.
- If it feels heavy or uneven, check the lifting mechanism and make sure all screws are tight.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Once everything is installed, you can add extras like:
- Handles for opening the bed
- Trim or molding for a built-in look
- Lighting inside the closet or above the bed
- Decorative panels or doors to conceal the bed when closed
Installing a Murphy bed with a closet takes some time, but it’s totally worth it. When you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful, space-saving setup that works great and looks amazing. Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the results!
Innovative Design Ideas for Murphy Beds with Closets
A Murphy bed with a closet is already a smart way to save space—but with a little creativity, you can make it even better.
1. Add Cabinets or Drawers: Instead of hanging clothes in the closet, add drawers and cabinets. You can store everything from socks and shoes to books and blankets.
2. Use Open Shelves: Closets with open shelves make your room feel bigger and lighter. You can place decorations, books, plants, or baskets on the shelves, making the space feel cozy and personal without being too bulky.
3. Sliding Door System: If you want to hide the Murphy bed when it’s folded up, add sliding doors in front of it. These doors can look like part of the closet. You can use wood, mirrors, or even chalkboard panels.
4. Install Built-in Lights: To make the space more useful, add lights inside the closet or above the bed. LED strip lights or touch lights are easy to install and give your space a cozy glow. Some Murphy beds even have built-in reading lights.
5. Custom Colors and Finishes: Choose colors and finishes that match your room. You can go for modern white, cozy wood tones, or even bold colors like navy or dark green. Add some stylish handles or knobs for an extra special touch.
6. Mix It with a Bookshelf Wall: Build a bookshelf around your Murphy bed. With your bed right in the center, you can make a mini-library. It’s a great way to make the room feel warm and lived-in.
7. Add a Fold-Down Table or Drop-Leaf Shelf: For even more function, you can add a small table or shelf that folds down when the bed is up. Use it as a breakfast bar, a craft table, or a spot to hold your coffee or books.
8. Decorate the Front Panel: When your Murphy bed is folded up, it looks like a big cabinet. Use that space to add decorations! You can paint it, add wallpaper, stick on decals, or frame it with trim to make it look like part of the wall.
These design ideas will help you get the most out of your Murphy bed and closet setup. It’s not just about saving space—it’s about creating a room that looks great and works for your life.
Decor Tips to Match Your Murphy Bed Closet
Want your Murphy bed and closet to blend perfectly with your room? With a few simple design tricks, you can make your setup look stylish and feel like part of the space.
- Choose matching colors: Use the same paint or wood finish as other furniture in the room.
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Add trim or molding: Give your Murphy bed a built-in look by adding decorative trim.
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Use stylish handles or knobs: Pick hardware that matches your room’s vibe (modern, classic, etc.).
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Add wallpaper or decals: Decorate the front panel to make it stand out or match your walls.
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Keep the look simple: A clean, minimal design makes your space feel open and calm.
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Add cozy touches nearby: Think rugs, throw pillows, or a small lamp to warm up the area.
With just a few decor updates, your Murphy bed closet can look like it’s always been part of your home!
Murphy Bed Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your Murphy bed and closet setup helps it last longer and work better. Luckily, maintenance is easy if you follow a few simple steps.
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Inspect the lifting mechanism (springs or pistons) to be sure it’s working smoothly.
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Lubricate moving parts once or twice a year if they start to squeak or feel stiff.
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Don’t overload the shelves or bed, especially if it has weight limits.
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Use handles properly and avoid slamming the bed when opening or closing it.
With just a little care, your Murphy bed and closet system will stay safe, smooth, and stylish for years to come!
Conclusion
A Murphy bed with a closet is one of the smartest ways to make the most of your space. If you live in a small apartment, have a guest room that needs to do more, or just want a cleaner, more organized home, this setup gives you both comfort and storage in one neat package.
You can choose from many styles—simple, modern, rustic, or custom-built—and even add features like desks, shelves, or sofas to match your needs.
With good planning, the right design, and a bit of care, your Murphy bed and closet combo can last for years and make your room feel bigger and more useful. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to save space without giving up style or function.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your space, a Murphy bed with a closet might just be the perfect solution.