DIY Wall Bed: Build Your Own Space-Saving Murphy Bed

by Sebastian Müller 53 views

Looking to maximize space in your home? A wall bed, also known as a Murphy bed, is a fantastic solution! These clever beds fold up into a cabinet or wall recess, freeing up valuable floor space during the day. While pre-made wall beds can cost a pretty penny, building your own is surprisingly achievable and can save you a significant amount of money. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps of building your very own wall bed, from planning and gathering materials to the final assembly and installation. Get ready to transform your room into a multi-functional haven!

Why Build a Wall Bed?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about the why. Why choose a wall bed over a traditional bed frame? The answer, in most cases, boils down to space. Wall beds are ideal for:

  • Small Apartments and Condos: Living in a compact space? A wall bed instantly creates more room for living, working, or entertaining.
  • Guest Rooms: Transform your guest room into a multi-purpose space. Fold the bed away when guests aren't visiting and use the room as an office, studio, or playroom.
  • Home Offices: Maximize your home office by hiding the bed during the day and creating a relaxing sleeping space at night.
  • Studio Apartments: A wall bed is a game-changer for studio apartments, allowing you to separate your living and sleeping areas without the need for walls.
  • Multi-Purpose Rooms: Create a flexible space that can adapt to your needs. A wall bed allows you to easily switch between a bedroom, living room, or any other type of room.

Beyond space-saving, building your own wall bed offers several other advantages:

  • Cost Savings: As mentioned earlier, pre-made wall beds can be expensive. Building your own can save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.
  • Customization: You have complete control over the design, materials, and finish of your wall bed, ensuring it perfectly matches your style and needs. You can choose the wood, hardware, and even add custom features like built-in shelving or lighting.
  • Satisfaction: There's a unique sense of accomplishment that comes with building something yourself. You'll not only save money and space, but you'll also have a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that you created with your own hands.

Building a wall bed might seem daunting at first, but with careful planning, the right tools, and a little bit of elbow grease, it's a project that most DIY enthusiasts can tackle. So, let's get started!

Planning Your Wall Bed Project

Proper planning is crucial for any successful DIY project, and building a wall bed is no exception. This stage involves careful consideration of your space, your needs, and your desired design. It's also the time to gather your tools and materials. Let’s break down the key aspects of the planning phase:

1. Measure Your Space

This is the most crucial first step. Accurately measure the dimensions of the room where you plan to install the wall bed. Pay close attention to:

  • Ceiling Height: Ensure you have enough vertical space to accommodate the bed when it's in the upright position.
  • Wall Width: Measure the width of the wall where the bed will be mounted. This will determine the maximum width of your cabinet.
  • Floor Space: Consider the amount of floor space needed when the bed is folded down. Ensure you have enough room to comfortably walk around the bed when it's in use. Don’t forget to account for any existing furniture or fixtures in the room.
  • Obstacles: Note any obstacles like windows, doors, electrical outlets, or light switches that might interfere with the installation or operation of the wall bed.

Pro Tip: Create a sketch of your room with all the measurements clearly labeled. This will be a valuable reference throughout the project.

2. Determine Bed Size and Orientation

Decide what size bed you want (Twin, Full, Queen, or King) and how you want it to fold out (horizontally or vertically). Each orientation has its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • Vertical Orientation: This is the most common type of wall bed. The bed folds down from the wall, with the headboard at the top. This orientation is ideal for rooms with high ceilings.
  • Horizontal Orientation: The bed folds out from the wall lengthwise. This option is best for rooms with lower ceilings or limited wall width. However, a horizontal orientation usually requires a longer wall space.

Once you've decided on the size and orientation, research the standard mattress dimensions for your chosen size. This will be crucial for designing the cabinet frame.

3. Choose Your Design and Style

This is where you get to be creative! Think about the overall style of your room and how you want the wall bed to integrate into the existing décor. Consider:

  • Cabinet Style: Do you want a simple, minimalist cabinet, or something more elaborate with decorative molding or panels? You can find inspiration online or in furniture catalogs.
  • Wood Type and Finish: Choose a wood species and finish that complements your room's existing furniture and color scheme. Popular choices include pine, maple, oak, and MDF.
  • Hardware: Select hinges, handles, and other hardware that match your style and budget. Look for heavy-duty hardware that can withstand the weight and frequent use of the wall bed.
  • Additional Features: Consider adding built-in shelving, drawers, or lighting to your wall bed cabinet for extra functionality.

Pro Tip: Sketch out your design or use online design tools to visualize the finished product. This will help you refine your ideas and avoid costly mistakes later on.

4. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Building a wall bed requires a variety of tools and materials. Here's a general list to get you started:

Tools:

  • Safety Gear: Safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask are essential.
  • Measuring Tools: Tape measure, level, square, and a stud finder.
  • Cutting Tools: Circular saw, jigsaw, and a miter saw (optional).
  • Drilling Tools: Drill and a variety of drill bits.
  • Fastening Tools: Screwdriver, impact driver (optional), and a nail gun (optional).
  • Sanding Tools: Sander and sandpaper.
  • Clamps: Various clamps to hold pieces together while gluing and screwing.
  • Other Tools: Router (optional), paintbrushes or sprayer, and a caulk gun.

Materials:

  • Lumber: Plywood, solid wood boards (for framing and trim), and edge banding.
  • Hardware: Wall bed mechanism kit, hinges, screws, bolts, handles, and drawer pulls (if applicable).
  • Fasteners: Wood glue, nails, and screws.
  • Finishing Materials: Primer, paint or stain, varnish or sealant.
  • Other Materials: Mattress straps, safety latches, and shims.

Pro Tip: Create a detailed list of all the materials you'll need and estimate the costs. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid running out of supplies mid-project.

Building the Wall Bed Frame and Cabinet

With your plan in place and materials gathered, it's time to start building! This stage involves constructing the main frame, the cabinet that houses the bed, and any additional features like shelving or drawers. This is where your woodworking skills will truly shine. Let's break it down step-by-step:

1. Assemble the Bed Frame

The bed frame is the foundation of your wall bed. It needs to be sturdy and precisely sized to fit your mattress. Here’s a general approach:

  • Cut the Lumber: Using your measurements, cut the lumber for the bed frame. You'll typically need side rails, a headboard, and a footboard. Ensure all cuts are square and accurate for a snug fit.
  • Assemble the Frame: Join the pieces together using wood glue and screws. Use clamps to hold the pieces securely while the glue dries. Ensure the frame is square by measuring the diagonals – they should be equal.
  • Add Support Slats: Install wooden slats across the frame to support the mattress. The spacing between the slats will depend on the mattress type and your personal preference. Secure the slats with screws and wood glue.
  • Install Mattress Straps (Optional): If you want to secure the mattress to the frame when the bed is folded up, install mattress straps. These straps will prevent the mattress from shifting or falling out.

2. Build the Cabinet

The cabinet is the enclosure that houses the bed frame when it's in the upright position. It's crucial that the cabinet is strong and stable enough to support the weight of the bed. Here's how to build it:

  • Cut the Plywood: Cut the plywood panels for the cabinet sides, top, bottom, and back. Ensure the dimensions are accurate and consider the thickness of the plywood when calculating the overall size.
  • Assemble the Cabinet: Join the panels together using wood glue and screws. Start by assembling the sides, top, and bottom. Then, attach the back panel. The back panel adds significant strength and stability to the cabinet.
  • Install the Face Frame (Optional): A face frame adds a decorative touch and provides additional support to the cabinet. Cut and assemble the face frame pieces from solid wood and attach them to the front edges of the cabinet using wood glue and nails or screws.
  • Add Shelving or Drawers (Optional): If you're adding shelving or drawers to your wall bed, now is the time to build and install them. Measure the available space and design the shelves or drawers to fit. Use appropriate joinery techniques for strong and durable construction.

3. Install the Wall Bed Mechanism

The wall bed mechanism is the heart of the project. This is the hardware that allows the bed to fold up and down smoothly and safely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for installation. There are various types of mechanisms available, so choose one that suits your bed size and weight capacity. Here’s a general overview:

  • Attach the Mechanism to the Bed Frame: Attach the mechanism brackets to the bed frame according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the brackets are aligned correctly and securely fastened.
  • Attach the Mechanism to the Cabinet: Position the cabinet in the desired location and attach the mechanism to the cabinet sides. Use heavy-duty screws or bolts to ensure a strong connection. This step is crucial for the safe operation of the wall bed.
  • Test the Mechanism: Carefully test the mechanism to ensure the bed folds up and down smoothly and locks securely in both positions. Make any necessary adjustments according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Install Safety Latches

Safety latches are essential for preventing the bed from accidentally opening when it's in the upright position. Install latches that are easy to use but strong enough to hold the bed securely. These latches typically engage when the bed is folded up and must be manually released before the bed can be lowered.

Finishing and Installing Your Wall Bed

With the frame and cabinet constructed, it's time to add the finishing touches and install your new space-saving wall bed. This stage involves sanding, painting or staining, and securely mounting the cabinet to the wall. A well-finished wall bed will not only look great but also provide years of reliable service. Let's dive into the final steps:

1. Sanding and Preparing for Finish

Proper sanding is crucial for a smooth and professional finish. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (120-grit) to remove any imperfections or rough spots. Then, gradually move to finer grits (180-grit and 220-grit) to achieve a smooth surface. Pay close attention to edges and corners. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Sand All Surfaces: Sand all surfaces of the cabinet, face frame (if applicable), and bed frame. Remove any dust or debris with a tack cloth or vacuum cleaner.
  • Fill Nail Holes and Imperfections: Use wood filler to fill any nail holes, screw holes, or imperfections in the wood. Let the filler dry completely and then sand it smooth.
  • Edge Banding (Optional): If you're using plywood for the cabinet, consider applying edge banding to the exposed edges. Edge banding gives a more finished look and prevents the plywood edges from chipping or splintering. Apply the edge banding with an iron and trim any excess material with a utility knife.

2. Painting or Staining

Choose a paint or stain that complements your room's décor and protects the wood. If you're painting, apply a primer coat first to seal the wood and provide a better surface for the paint to adhere to. If you're staining, choose a stain color that enhances the natural grain of the wood. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times. Here are some tips:

  • Apply Primer (If Painting): Apply a coat of primer to all surfaces that will be painted. Let the primer dry completely before applying the paint.
  • Apply Paint or Stain: Apply the paint or stain in thin, even coats. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer, depending on your preference and the type of finish you're using. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
  • Apply a Topcoat: For added protection and durability, apply a topcoat of varnish or sealant. This will protect the finish from scratches, stains, and moisture.

3. Install the Cabinet to the Wall

Mounting the cabinet securely to the wall is crucial for safety and stability. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and attach the cabinet directly to the studs. Here’s a detailed process:

  • Locate Wall Studs: Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in the area where you'll be installing the wall bed. Mark the stud locations on the wall.
  • Position the Cabinet: Carefully position the cabinet against the wall in the desired location. Ensure the cabinet is level and plumb.
  • Attach the Cabinet to the Studs: Use heavy-duty screws or bolts to attach the cabinet to the wall studs. Drill pilot holes first to prevent the wood from splitting. Use shims if necessary to ensure the cabinet is perfectly level and plumb.
  • Test the Installation: Once the cabinet is securely attached to the wall, test the installation by folding the bed up and down several times. Ensure the mechanism operates smoothly and the cabinet remains stable.

4. Final Touches and Adjustments

With the cabinet installed, it's time for the final touches and adjustments. This includes installing any remaining hardware, making sure the bed operates smoothly, and cleaning up your workspace.

  • Install Remaining Hardware: Install any remaining hardware, such as handles, knobs, or decorative trim.
  • Adjust the Mechanism: Make any necessary adjustments to the wall bed mechanism to ensure smooth operation. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for guidance.
  • Clean Up Your Workspace: Remove any tools, materials, and debris from your workspace. A clean workspace is a safe workspace!

Enjoy Your New Wall Bed!

Congratulations! You've successfully built and installed your own space-saving wall bed. Now you can enjoy the added functionality and flexibility of your transformed room. Building a wall bed is a rewarding DIY project that can save you money and add value to your home. So, go ahead, show off your handiwork and enjoy the extra space you've created!