How to Measure for Murphy Beds

Murphy beds are designed to fold up flat against the wall to save floor space. The original Murphy bed was developed and patented around 1900; however, the term is now used to refer to any type of bed that folds up flat. When measuring for a Murphy bed in your home, you must take into account not only the dimensions to install it against the wall, but also the dimensions of the bed once it opens into the room.

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Walk to the wall where you want to install the Murphy bed and measure for the width of the bed. If you are installing a twin bed, you need 42 inches of space on the wall. Full beds require 57 inches of space, queen beds require 63 inches of space, king beds require at least 79 inches, while California king beds require 75 inches.
- 2
  Determine if your ceiling is tall enough for the bed by measuring from the floor upward to the following measurements, depending on your bed size. For twin, full and queen beds measure 80 inches high. Measure 84 inches high for king beds and 90 inches for California king beds. Note that if you have an extra-long bed, additional height is required.
- 3
  Place the end of the tape measure against the baseboard on the wall where you will install the Murphy bed. Stretch it out into the center of the room by 7 feet, which is the minimum clearance required for the bed to open up. If you do not have this amount of clearance, consider moving any furniture that is in the way or locate another installation location for the bed.

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