Planning Checklist for Your Murphy Bed Project

A Murphy bed transforms unused floor space into a full-size sleeping area—then disappears when you’re done. It’s a smart, design-forward solution that adds versatility to any room without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re prepping for guests or optimizing your home office, below is a go-to checklist for planning your space. Check out our How to Measure for Your Delivery for measuring tips. Our Contact Us page has our contact information and quote form.

Space and Planning

1. Measuring Your Space
Start by identifying the wall, nook, or room that could serve double duty. From guest rooms to home offices, multifunctional zones begin with smart measurements. Be aware of ceiling height. Knowing the bed dimensions and the mattress size are the most important steps. Wall bed dimensions, including the length, width, depth (when closed) and projection from the wall (when open), allows to easily see how your Murphy bed and cabinets, if you choose them, will fit on a wall in your space.

2. Check for Obstructions
Assess your space for potential obstructions. Be mindful of nearby windows, light fixtures, ceiling fans, outlets, and vents—anything that could affect the smooth operation or placement of your Murphy bed. Make sure there is enough space in front of the bed to use it comfortably when it’s open.

3. Identify Wall Type and Sturdiness
Is it drywall, plaster, brick, or concrete? That affects mounting and installation methods. The wall must be sturdy enough to securely support the installation of the bed and its weight.

Bed Specifics and Features

4. Functionality and Flow
Daily Use vs. Occasional Use: Will this be used every day (like a desk or wardrobe) or seasonally (like a guest bed)? That affects layout and durability choices. You want to easily transition from a home office to guest room – take into consideration how often that may occur. You may want or need to store office stuff to make room for your guests’ things. How many people with be sleeping on it?

5. Select Your Bed Style
Choose a design that fits your lifestyle—think Queen Murphy beds for overnight guests, wardrobe cabinets, integrated desks for remote work, or built-in storage to keep clutter at bay. We offer vertical and horizontal styles. A Horizontal bed works best in spaces with lower ceilings and in smaller rooms. Do NOT forget about the mattress.

6. Remember the Mattress
We work with you to find the best mattress to fit the bed and your needs. The mattress thickness can affect the closed depth and how much the bed extends into the room when open. Check our Mattress Types FAQs for details. 17” Bed Depth Fits Up To a 10” Mattress | 20” Bed Depth Fits Up To a 13” Mattress | 24” Bed Depth Fits Up To a 15” Mattress

7. Choose the Finish & Your Needs and Personal Touches
From rich wood stains to sleek hardware, your choices set the tone. Add built-ins, custom shelving, or accent lighting to make it truly yours.

8. Timeframe – Plan the Installation
Fall fills up fast! Book your installation early to beat the holiday rush and ensure your space is ready when you need it most.

Smart Planning Extras

9. Explore Add-Ons
Want more function? Does the room need to be a home office, craft area and a guest room? Ask about extras like USB outlets, task lighting, side piers and cabinets. You can add additional bookcases and hidden storage. These upgrades turn a simple bed or desk into a fully integrated, multi-use solution. We can build a solution for your space and style.

10. Clearance & Movement
Account for door swings, drawer pulls, and walking paths—especially in tight spaces or multi-use rooms. You MUST avoid contact with the ceiling fan and lighting.

We hope you find this planning checklist helpful. Learn more about our space-saving and multi-functional Murphy Wall Beds on our Wall Beds page and to view our wall bed line, please visit our photo gallery and Pinterest boards.