Did you know that there are 16.8 million beds sold in the U.S. every year?
One of the newest trends in home furnishings is the idea of installing a Murphy bed. This type of bed retracts into the wall, leaving a room you would otherwise have used for storage once the bed is hidden away.
But how do you install a Murphy bed? And once it’s there, how do you utilize the extra room? We’re here to help. Keep reading to learn precisely how to complete a Murphy bed installation.
Preparing Your Space
Preparing your space is the first step to a successful Murphy bed installation. Start by measuring your wall to make sure your chosen bed will fit.
You then need to identify your type of wall to install a Murphy bed. It can be either a standard wall with drywall and studs or a specialty wall with plaster and lath.
Ensure you have all the required tools and hardware available before attempting the installation. Ensure the room is bright and you have plenty of space to move.
You must properly install the components. Afterward, now you’re ready to begin the installation.
Choosing Your Bed Style
Choosing the correct bed style for a Murphy bed is essential in the installation process. There are three main types of Murphy wall beds to choose from vertical, horizontal, and panel.
Vertical Beds
Vertical beds provide a clever space-saving solution for homes with limited space. Vertical beds come in various styles, from full-size to single and bunk beds.
Vertical beds can even create a two-room home office or studio setup. This allows you to work and rest in the same space. Murphy bed frames come in a range of materials and can be customized with various mattress types to provide ultimate comfort.
Regardless of style, vertical beds make the most of any room using vertical space and can offer additional storage. If you need help choosing the best, visit https://www.wallbedsbywilding.com/murphy-beds/.
Horizontal Beds
Horizontal beds are one of the most popular options in the Murphy bed lineup. These beds are designed to open and close along a horizontal plane, meaning they fit snugly against a wall or cabinet rather than having to be raised and lowered.
Horizontal beds can hold king, queen, complete, or twin-size mattresses, though the exact size depends on the model. Many horizontal Murphy beds also offer additional storage space in the form of shelves, drawers, or built-in cabinets. These beds are an excellent option for anyone looking for a space-saving bed that provides both form and function.
Panel Beds
Panel beds are a type of Murphy bed with several panels, which come together in pieces like large frames. They often have three sides, and the fourth will swing open easily, so the bed can be folded out when needed.
Panel beds provide an excellent solution for small spaces, as the panels are all stored together until the bed is needed, so you don’t need a room full of furniture when the bed isn’t being used. Panel beds are also very secure, with the panels tightly attached, so you won’t need to worry about the bed collapsing during the night.
To suit any style, they can be found in various materials, such as wood, metal, and laminate. As a great space-saving solution, they’re perfect for small apartments.
Mounting the Murphy Bed
You must follow Murphy bed instructions to be safe and secure. You must attach the mounting hardware to the top of the Murphy bed frame.
To do this, you will slide two separate metal cross pieces into the notches at the top of the frame. Then, you will use special lag screws and washers to attach the mounting hardware.
Once the mounting hardware is in place, you can hang the frame. You will need at least two strong people to hold the frame and adjust the mounting hardware to do this.
You will also need an assistant to help line up the holes for the lag screws and washers. You must use the lag screws and washers to attach the Murphy bed frame to the wall firmly. This will take time and effort, but it should be relatively simple with the proper hardware and tools.
Check the Bed for Stability
Once all the parts are secured, it’s essential to ensure the bed is stable before anyone uses it. Start lightly pushing down and wiggling the bed to check for any shifting or instability.
Ensure there’s no gap between the mattress and the bed frame when it’s open. Next, try to push outwards against the Murphy bed from a standing or seated position. If it moves away from the wall, some or all mounting screws may not be tight enough.
Make sure to look for any loose parts in the hardware that could be causing this instability. Ensure that the wall anchors are securely in place, providing maximum stability for the bed. If there are any issues, then likely the installation isn’t complete and should be addressed before anyone uses the Murphy bed.
Covering Your Bed
To complete a Murphy bed installation with a cover, you must first firmly secure the frame to the wall. Make sure that the frame is in a level position. Then, measure the mattress so that the cover fits snugly over it.
Afterward, the mattress should be placed over the frame. Once fitting the cover to the mattress, a tension rod can be installed on the wall to keep the cover in place. Depending on the bed size, you may need to secure the cover with clips or straps for extra security.
You can add a decorative bed skirt to act as a finishing touch. Be sure to tuck any excess fabric beneath the bed for a neat appearance.
Proper and Safe Murphy Bed Installation
Murphy bed installation doesn’t have to be a challenging task. Anyone can complete it promptly with the right equipment, instructions, and organization. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, contact a professional.
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