How To Build Faux Dresser Murphy Bed DIY
What do you do when space is limited but you need an extra bed? A murphy bed is the perfect solution. This credenza cabinet bed plan is magic for tight spaces.
If you are short on space, you might have considered building a murphy bed. But many murphy beds are oriented so that the length rather than the width folds down into the room. But if you have a small room or are living in a one-room home that is small, that option may not work for you. In this post we show you how you can make a dresser look, sideways oriented, twin sized murphy bed, that gives you a great surface for decor or display on top with plenty of wall space for a tv or mirror above, which really helps to maximize space in a small room.
Another idea for using this bed is adding it as an extra bed to a guest room. It could possibly fit nicely opposite a king size bed. Giving a perfect location for TV viewing, on the available space above it on the wall. This means a small room could fit anywhere from 1-3 guests. This idea is great for guest rooms, vacation homes, airbnb’s and many other places you are tight on space.
If your room has a little more space, this could be done with a bigger bed, a Queen size bed for example however, for safety reasons, if you do a bigger mattress, I would add a spring mechanism to help control the weight transfer when opening. These murphy bed kit hardware will help to assist the person opening the bed with the weight and safety when bringing it down to the ground.
Today we will show you how to build this project easily without expensive equipment. Of course, if you wanted these could be added for extra safety.
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Submitted By Joy2Journey
M … is for Murphy Bed and it is finally finished and installed! Can I get a Woo Hoo?!
I have been asked quite a few times if I had finished my Murphy Bed, and the resounding answer is … Yes!
Let me take you back in time, if I may. I found a Murphy Bed plan on Ana White’s website (Ana-White.com) and thought, “I can make that!” I need an extra bed in the guest room for the little ones that come visit and this seemed to be the perfect solution. I love how this looks like a beautiful freestanding piece of furniture. So began the “journey”…
Building the DIY Murphy Bed:
Supplies:
- Plywood
- Pine or Hardwood 1×2’s for face frame
- Pine 1×4 cleat for attaching to the wall
- MDF or pine trim- for front to create drawer divider look.
- Screws
- Door Hinges( the type you need is called a Butt hinge, try not to laugh)
- Additional hardware (murphy bed hardware kit optional if concerned about weight of mattress)
- Glue
- Nails
- Bolts for wall
- Door Lock
Tools:
- Circular saw or Tables saw (or have the width cut at the lumber store when you buy the sheet goods if available)
- Screw driver
- Hammer
- Clamps (especially these amazing corner clamps to keep things square)
Instructions:
We are making this murphy bed without a murphy bed kit, spring mechanism to keep cost down, however, if you would like to add springs or a dual-piston system they are available on Amazon.
Build the Bed Frame
Start by building the dresser frame. This is a simple 4 sided rectangle. Built to fit the twin bed mattress inside. Place the bottom piece on its side and predrill holes into the side pieces through the bottom piece.
In order for the bed to fold out and not catch on the top shelf you will need a face frame on the dresser body. This face frame will also cover the raw edges of the plywood body, so that is a good bonus.
with a small face frame on the top and 2 sides (but no face frame along the bottom) We recommend adding a 1×4 brace along the back wall attached to the top shelf and sides of the dresser. Drill through this board into the studs of your wall to secure the bed to the wall.
Bed platform
The platform for the bed is simply a plywood sheet with the addition of some decorative moldings on the front for that can be glued and nailed in place.
You can add a small 1×2 face frame on the frame sides to hold mattress in place; with triangular side rails, this will help when folding out the mattress.
No foot rail on this bed.
Making the frame was the easiest part of the process for me, even though I had to adjust the plans to make it sideways instead of up and down.
Before I could attach it to the wall, I needed to paint the room. I had been wanting to do it since we moved in 3 years ago. It was a Salmon color … but I will tell you all about that later in another post 🙂
This is the step that everything fell apart for me! I had this amazing idea (I thought I was going to wow the web world with my brilliance … HA!) I was going to do a decoupage of Paper bags and these really pretty napkins for the added color. I had the bags already and the napkins I got on sale. Woo Hoo, watch me go!
It seemed like a good idea at the time. If you look at this picture… you might even be impressed. Briefly. In a small area it was really pretty. This process by the way … takes FOREVER! I cannot tell you the amount of time that it took! Wrinkle up the paper just to lay it out flat again. Ugh! I try not to think of it as wasted time but, “as a learning experience”. 🙂
This bed front wasn’t turning out as I had hoped. I had in my mind’s eye what it would look like and this was not it! So I changed plans. DIY people need to think on their feet and change ideas when needed. At least that is what I do 🙂 I found this upholstery fabric at Goodwill for $1.99 and it was just what I wanted. It had that Chevron feel and the colors were perfect for the Guest room.
Decoupage to the rescue again … This time to adhere the fabric to the bed front.
I wanted this bed to look like a dresser as it was going to be on it’s side, and there isn’t a dresser in the room. I will show you the whole room later … but the short version is, I have a luggage rack for guests. (Just like a Hotel) 🙂 I attached drawer handles on the top two spaces to look like drawers. It also helps with opening and closing.
I stenciled the corners of the top “drawers” and then added the
lock. I do not want little ones getting hurt. (I still need to spray paint the lock a bronze color so that it matches the room.)
I attached the front portion of the bed with 4 door hinges.
I ended up getting a twin mattress and of course covered it with a mattress cover. Waterproof!
Are you ready for the big reveal?!
I love it! And it works too. I kid you not!!! I already used it just to see, and it is so comfortable.
So thoughts on this credenza cabinet bed plans … comments? questions? observations? Share your thoughts with me.
Q and A Murphey Bed Style
What is the point of a murphy bed?
The primary purpose of a murphy bed is to save floor space in a small room where you need a bed occasionally. Or if you need the space to be available during the day when the bed is not in use. Having a murphy bed can help you make the most of a small room at all times of the day or night.
How many deaths are caused by Murphy beds?
All household appliances or furniture pieces when not used properly can be dangerous and result in injury. For example, neglecting cords maintenance, proximity to water, can make any household appliance dangerous. Death by Murphy bed is extremely unlikely. However, be sure to take precautionary steps to make sure little children are safe while playing around this murphy bed. Please be sure to attach it properly to studs in the wall when installing, keep it locked at all times when not in use and keep the key away from access by little children.
Does a Murphy bed need to be attached to the wall?
Our version shown in the post must be attached to the wall. If you purchase a more modern kit they have options for wall or floor mounted beds. Some wall beds require wall mounting because of their gas piston lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the bed platform the frame structure must be secured.
Do Murphy beds use box springs?
Murphy beds do not have box springs. Instead, the mattress attaches to the bed frame with a retention system, like an elastic strap to hold the mattress in place when it is in the upright position.
What wood is used for Murphy beds?
Most carpenters build Murphy beds from ¾-inch hardwood plywood, like these plans. Birch is a good option since it’s readily available and tends to be less expensive than other hardwoods. If you go this route, you’ll want to finish exposed edges with wood strips glued and nailed in place or with iron-on edge banding or cover the raw edges with a face frame.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a Murphy bed?
In the case of this plan that doesn’t have expensive hardware, it is most definitely cheaper to build. However for bigger beds and more elaborate beds with shelving, build from hardwoods like oak or cherry the cost can go up and may be more cost effective to buy a kit or prebuilt piece.
Are Murphey beds available at IKEA?
Currently no, but they are available at many online furniture retailers such as Walmart, Overstock, Wayfair, and even including Amazon and can be shipped directly to your home. There are also specialty retailers that specialize in very cool options for murphy beds.
I am the husband of the amazing Cassity of Remodelaholic. I love to problem solve and to design and build things inside and outside the house to make life better. I am a professional Landscape Architect by trade and love the outdoors.
I love this idea!! My boys just moved out and we took over their room for an exercise room, but I would like to have a place for them to come stay once in a while. This would fit the bill!! We have the slanted walls upstairs, and they are unable to accommodate a vertical version of the Murphy bed. I love how you made it look like a dresser. KUDOS!!
Terri,
Our kids are grown now too but it is great for the little ones that come back with their parents to visit. (They usually want to sleep close to their parents) As they grow it will be the kids room where they can have slumber parties with their cousins 🙂 Build away!!!
Hugs,
Bj
I love this. However, I need a full size bed. I wonder if the mattres would be to heavy on its side? But I love it. What do you think?
That looks great! I covered a table with paper bags and love it. It was a bit time consuming…mostly drying time. Looks like leather. Love how you made your bed look like a dresser.
Gina,
Obviously, I should have read your blog on the “how to” 🙂 I am happy with this look for my room. It fits in well 🙂
Hugs,
Bj
That is so cool! I don’t have a guest bedroom yet, but when we do buy a house, I’ve been thinking that Perhaps my craft room might have to double as a guest bedroom (I also want to have a couple other beds stashed around the place that don’t take up room full-time, as I have a lot of family), and this would be just excellent! Is that a full-size twin bed? It looks shorter to me. Could just be the picture.
Naomi,
It is a standard Twin mattress. It must be the picture and how I took it. Sorry.
Hugs,
Bj
What a terrific project! I love it and WILL be stealing the idea!
Kathy … then send me pics. I would love to see what you do!
Hugs,
Bj
Fabulous! Love the idea of turning it sideways. And making it look like a dresser is just so cool.
I absolutely love it and I sure want one myself. Did you anchored the frame on the wall? Does the “drawer handles” scratched your floors when the bed is down? How did you anchored the mattress to the movable door?
I did anchor the bed to the wall, yes, to the wall studs. The handles are on the carpet and no problem. Because it fits so well I do not have to anchor it. It opens with the door. Look at the picture before I put the mattress on and you will see that there is a piece of wood on the back side that it rests on 🙂
Hugs,
Bj
so this is wonderful & efficient in so many ways, thank you for this idea, but how would the handles work on hard wood & how could it lay flat or would there need to be little legs somehow?
instead of Drawer handles you might want to use wooden knobs if you have a wooden floor and keep a pile of rubber coasters handy to put under them during use.
Smart tip! Thanks!
This is awesome! I totally need to do this when my daughters leave for college and I re-claim my craft room!
Love it! I have a M-bed in my office and wouldn’t want to be without it. The ‘dresser’ looks fantastic! Great job~
Great idea and love how it looks like a dresser .
Joy always does an A+ job on everything she designs. The Murphy bed is a great example of her workmanship.
~Bliss~
I love this idea!
I have a full size bed in my guest room and it seems to take up all the space.
I wonder how it would look as a full.
do the handles you installed not hit the ground and cause the front to not be flush?
Woo Hoo, that is awesome! What did it cost you to build it? I know Murphy beds run in the thousands.
I didn’t keep track but my guess is about $100.00. (Not counting the mattress and bedding) The front is plywood (formaldehyde free from Home Depot), Pine wood, door hinges, and 1.99 for the material. I had the stain already along with the clear poly. Great questions!
Hugs,
Bj
This is a fantastic idea, the project turned out great! I will be pinning this for future reference. Good job!!
well, isn’t that clever! 🙂 great job Joy2Journey!
gail
Woo hoo! Now this is one remodeling endeavor that deserves two thumbs up!
OMG this is such a great idea, I love that you did it sideways. You are so talented.
I love this it looks great. But are any of those outlets electrical? Switch to solid ones so its safer for your young guests!
One of the outlets is electrical and as you can tell they have the childproof guards on them. The younger grand babies sleep on the big bed with child railings and the older ones will sleep on the Murphy bed. Good to use child safety and a good reminder to talk about it! Thank you.
ok … I just have to thank all the rest of you that didnt have questions but had such sweet comments! You all are the Best!!! and I so appreciate all of your comments!
Hugs,
Bj
you make an amazing stuff
Hi, fantastic idea!!
I haven’t seen anything like it! Everywhere I look I see $300+ for the hinge set to have it swing out on its own! This a a great idea and no need to spend so much!
Quick question: would you kind posting your measurements so we don’t have to recreate the wheel (or Murphy, in this case!)
Thank you again for posting!
Trisha