Introduction: DIY Modern Murphy Bed
Since schooling is going to be hybrid for many places for a bit, I wanted to transform a guest room space in my parents' house into a combination home office and guest room for my mom, who is a physical therapist for children with disabilities. So, I built the best space-saving guest room project on the planet… a DIY modern murphy bed!
Want to see this build in action? Check out my my video on YouTube & please subscribe!
For full details about the printable plans and cut list I used, please visit my website!
Supplies
Tools
Murphy Bed Hardware Kit
Track Saw/Table Saw
Miter Saw
Jig Saw
Drill & Driver
Nail Gun
Sander & Sandpaper
Iron (For Edgebanding)
Chisel
Staining Materials
Forstner Bits *
Materials
¾” Birch Plywood *
¼” Birch Plywood *
1 x 2 Pine * Edgebanding *
Birch Veneer Sheets
1 ¼” Wood Screws
1 ½” Wood Screws
3” Lag Screws
Wood Glue
Special Walnut Stain
Black Spray Paint
* Indicates materials and tools that are specific to the particular DIY Murphy bed hardware kit I used. Please refer to your particular Murphy bed kit’s plans for your specific materials list.
Step 1: Cut Your Plywood Pieces
After collecting my materials and reviewing the plans, I cut all of my plywood pieces using my track saw. If you don’t have a track saw you can use a circular saw with a guide or a table saw. I only needed my jig saw for one cut (to round the outside edges of the bed frame).
Step 2: Build the Bed Frame
Next, I cut all of my pine pieces for my queen-sized bed frame using my miter saw. I trimmed any specialty pieces with my table saw.
Step 3: Add Edgebanding
Once my pieces were cut, I applied edge banding to all of the exposed edges of plywood using a hot iron.
Step 4: Stain
Next, I pre-stained all of my bed pieces.
Step 5: Assemble Bed Frame & Cabinet
I then assembled the bed frame using the plans to guide me. I installed any hardware that needed to be placed in the bed frame according to the plans as well. I had to do this in the final space because the stairway was too narrow to fit the assembled frame.
Once the bed frame was assembled, I began to assemble the other cabinet pieces and install hardware according to my specific set of plans.
Step 6: Build Doors
Next, I focused my energy on the Murphy bed doors (I had to wait to do this because of spacing issues in my shop). I decided to use pressure-sensitive, adhesive birch veneer to create a chevron effect on the front of the cabinet. I seriously loved this stuff – it was so easy to trim with a box cutter and apply using some pressure.
I then stained the doors to match the cabinet.
Step 7: Install Doors
I then installed the doors to the back end of the bed frame using the plans to guide me.
Step 8: Cut Cabinet Pulls (Optional)
Next, I cut and installed custom cabinet pulls using 2 x 2” poplar. I cut them to 1 ½” square and used my table saw to cut a groove for my fingers to grip (you can see this in action in my video).
Step 9: Close Up Bed Frame
Next, it was time to close up the bed frame using the ¼” plywood.
Step 10: Add Headers, Pistons, and Anchors
I then installed the headers for the cabinet according to the plans and I then enlisted the help of my family to help install the pistons to the bed frame and the cabinet. I also used their help to anchor the bed to the wall (but, it's best to follow your specific plans for anchoring placement).
Step 11: Add False Bottom (Optional)
Instead of applying a piece of trim to the outside of the cabinet, I opted for a removable piece of flush trim that I can move out of the way when folding the bed up and down (you can see this in action in the video).
Step 12: Customize & Admire!
I absolutely love how this Murphy bed space turned out! It not only looks awesome, but allows for so much room for activities!
And those shelves!? You can find the tutorial for those in the full Guest Room Makeover on my YouTube channel!
If you liked this project, please watch the full video and subscribe to my YouTube channel!
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23 Comments
1 year ago
Wow I bought one a few years back and it doesn't look half as nice as yours. I bought a pretty expensive model from https://murphybedsupply.com/ - it works nicely but doesn't have the look I want to it. You did a fantastic job of putting your bed together and making it look fantastic. Congrats! I am considering starting a similar project to build one out how I want it to look now that all my kids will be out of the house starting in the fall for college. You have inspired me!
Question 1 year ago on Step 11
Hello, it looks amazing such a nice job and I like the tones, congrats.
I´am looking to build a Murphy Bed to, but unfortunately I cannot find the system kit in my country. Must have it from USA and to bring to Europe its a bit expensive. So im thinking to build it here, but I don't find any sketch or 3D plan of it. The manual of the kit bring all the measures of the articulated structure?
Thank You
2 years ago
Excellent. I really like it. It takes up little space and looks so innocent when it is folded uo. I voted this it was so cool.
Question 2 years ago on Step 12
Excellent job! Quick question, it looks like you removed the ceiling fan in the room and replaced it with another ceiling fixture. Was this necessary for clearance when the bed goes up or down?
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you! I thought it would be, but it wasn't. I just wanted to do something different.
Reply 2 years ago
.
2 years ago
very nice. does all the bedding stay in place over time?
2 years ago on Step 12
This is amazing! Great Job!!
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you!
2 years ago on Step 12
Great Job thanks for sharing.
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you!
2 years ago
wow this looks amazing! :D
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you!
2 years ago
Thanks for sharing, you did an amazing job... Your Mom must be pleased with her new office!
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you! She loves it!
2 years ago
That looks great! Thanks for posting it. I'm sure it'll be helpful as so many people need to work from home.
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you!
2 years ago
Good job!! Love the detail of your build. I didn't have time to watch the video. Can you give a rundown of what it cost for this project? Thanks.
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you! Kit + materials were just shy of $600. My parents were getting quotes for over $10,000 when looking for something custom!
2 years ago
This is so amazing! I have the same (or very similar) hardware kit lying in my guest bedroom waiting for me to start building a Murphy bed.
Perfect timing haha! Thanks for the instructions!