Hey, did you know a tiny closet can transform into a cozy bedroom with a Murphy bed? I’ve tackled this project myself, and trust me, it’s a game-changer—though I did drop a screwdriver on my toe once (ouch!). If you’re ready to save space and impress everyone, let’s get started. Stick with me for the first steps; I’ve got some handy tricks up my sleeve to share!
Before You Start
Before you plunge into making a Murphy bed in your closet, let’s hit the brakes for a sec and talk prep—trust me, it’s a game-changer! I’ve botched projects by skipping this, and it’s a mess! So, let’s get it right.
First, measure your closet space—twice! Grab a tape measure and note the width (at least 40 inches for a twin) and height (80 inches minimum). Jot it down!
Next, check for obstacles. Look for:
- Pipes or wires—don’t drill into those!
- Slanted walls—tricky for setup!
Seriously, double-check everything before you jump in. You’ve got this!
What You Will Need
Man, gathering your supplies for a Murphy bed project is like gearing up for a treasure hunt—I’m pumped just thinking about it! Let’s get everything you’ll need to avoid a DIY disaster (trust me, I’ve been there!).
Here’s what you gotta grab:
- Murphy bed hardware kit: Get a reliable one with a piston lift for smooth folding.
- Lumber: Pick 3/4-inch plywood, about 4×8 feet, for the frame.
- Screws and brackets: Grab 2-inch wood screws and corner braces.
- Mattress: Standard twin size works best.
- Tools: You’ll need a drill, saw, and measuring tape. Let’s build this thing!
Step-by-Step Guide
Hey, let’s get started on building that Murphy bed in your closet—I’m so pumped to guide you through this! You’ll kick things off by measuring your closet dimensions, picking the right bed frame, and then installing mounting hardware, attaching bed frame supports, and securing the pivot mechanism. Man, I’ve messed up measurements before, so double-check those numbers—trust me, it’s worth it!
1. Measure Closet Dimensions
While it might seem like a simple task, measuring your closet for a Murphy bed is where the fun—and sometimes the frustration—begins! I’ve botched this before, trust me. Let’s nail it together!
Start with a tape measure and notepad. Measure the closet’s width, height, and depth at multiple spots—closets aren’t always square! Write down:
- Width (top, middle, bottom)
- Height (left, right)
- Depth (front to back)
Double-check everything. I once measured wrong and cried over wasted time! Aim for precision within 1/8 inch. Clear clutter first—don’t trip like I did. You’ve got this!
2. Select Suitable Bed Frame
Since you’ve got your closet measurements locked in, let’s plunge into picking the perfect Murphy bed frame—I’m pumped to help you with this! A Murphy bed frame folds up into the wall, saving space. Trust me, I’ve tripped over regular beds enough to know!
First, match the frame to your closet width—most kits fit 60-72 inches for queens. Check weight limits (usually 500-800 lbs) for safety.
Pick sturdy materials like steel or hardwood—don’t skimp here! Browse online for kits like Lori Wall Beds, starting at $800. Which vibe suits your room? I’m dying to hear!
3. Install Mounting Hardware
Grab your tools and let’s plunge into installing the mounting hardware for your Murphy bed—I’m so excited to see this come together! Man, DIY can be a wild ride, but we’ve got this!
First, locate the wall studs in your closet using a stud finder. Mark ‘em with a pencil—don’t miss like I did once, oops! Use 3-inch lag bolts for strength.
Now, follow these steps:
- Drill pilot holes at 16-inch intervals.
- Secure heavy-duty brackets (like the SteelPro 500 series) with a drill.
- Double-check alignment with a level—crooked beds are no joke! Let’s nail this!
4. Attach Bed Frame Supports
Hey, now that we’ve got the mounting hardware rock-solid on those closet studs, let’s move on to attaching the bed frame supports—woo, we’re making progress! I’m pumped to see this Murphy bed come together. Trust me, I’ve botched a few DIYs before, but we’ve got this!
First, grab your bed frame kit—mine’s a sturdy steel one from MurphyBedHQ. Align the two 72-inch side supports with the mounting brackets.
- Drill ¼-inch holes as marked.
- Secure with 2-inch screws—don’t strip ‘em like I did once!
Double-check they’re level. Man, nothing’s worse than a wobbly bed! Keep going, champ!
5. Secure Pivot Mechanism
Now that we’ve got those bed frame supports locked in, let’s plunge into the heart of this Murphy bed build—securing the pivot mechanism! Man, this part’s exciting—I nearly dropped a hinge on my toe last time!
First, grab your pivot hardware kit (should include two 3-inch heavy-duty hinges). Position them at the base of your bed frame, 6 inches from each side. Use a drill to screw them into the pre-marked spots—don’t skip measuring twice!
Line up the hinges with the closet wall anchors. Tighten those bolts! Phew, we’re almost there—let’s keep this steady, folks!
6. Test Folding Mechanism
Alright, with the pivot mechanism bolted down tight, let’s move right into checking if this Murphy bed folds like a dream! I’m excited, and you should be too! Let’s do this together.
First, grab the bed frame—mine’s a sturdy 80” by 60” setup. Lift it slowly from the base. Does it swing up smoothly into the closet niche? Awesome!
Now, lower it back down. Watch those hinges—don’t pinch your fingers like I did once! Repeat this twice. If it sticks, tweak the ½” bolts on the pivot. Man, seeing it fold is pure magic!
7. Add Locking Safety Latches
Plunge into the next essential step of our Murphy bed project—adding locking safety latches to keep this beauty secure! I’ve botched setups before, trust me, and you don’t want this bed crashing down. Let’s do this right!
Start by grabbing two heavy-duty locking latches—think 3-inch steel ones from your local hardware store. Position them on the bed frame’s sides, about 6 inches from the top. Mark the spots!
Now, drill pilot holes with a 1/8-inch bit. Screw in the latches tight—don’t skimp on elbow grease! Test ‘em out. Secure? Awesome! We’re keeping surprises at bay, folks!
8. Install Closet Door Trim
Let’s tackle the next fun part of our Murphy bed project—installing the closet door trim to give it that polished look! I’m thrilled to see it come together, and you will be too! Trust me, I’ve botched trim cuts before—measure twice, folks!
First, grab your pre-cut trim boards (1-inch by 3-inch pine works great). You’ll need:
- Two side pieces (80 inches each)
- One top piece (36 inches)
Use a miter saw for 45-degree corner cuts. Secure with a brad nailer and wood glue. Align evenly—don’t rush! I’ve had wonky trim haunt my dreams, so take care!
9. Apply Finishing Paint
Now that the trim is up, it’s time to transform your Murphy bed closet with a slick coat of paint! I’m pumped to see this come together—let’s do it!
First, prep the area. Grab painter’s tape, a drop cloth, and some sandpaper (220-grit works great). Lightly sand the surfaces for better paint grip—trust me, I skipped this once and regretted it!
Next, apply primer. Use a 1-gallon can of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer with a 2-inch brush for edges.
Finally, paint! Pick a semi-gloss like Behr Premium Plus in “Simply White.” Two coats, and wow—it’s stunning!
10. Organize Closet Storage Space
Hey there, with the paint job drying nicely on your Murphy bed closet, it’s time to shift gears and tackle organizing that storage space! I’ve messed up storage before, trust me, so let’s get this right!
First, measure your closet—mine’s 6 feet wide, 2 feet deep. Grab adjustable shelves like the Rubbermaid 3-tier system (about $30 at Walmart). Install them at 12-inch intervals for folded clothes.
Next, add hooks for bags or hats—space them 8 inches apart. Use clear bins (16-quart Sterilite, $5 each) for odds and ends. Wow, it’s shaping up! Isn’t this satisfying?
