- Murphy beds look like a cabinet on the outside but open up to reveal a bed that can fold down when needed. It's a space-saving option for homes with limited square footage. As of 2011, cabinets are available in all sizes and finishes and can include extra storage on one or both sides of the bed in the form of shelving or closed-door storage.
- A counterbalanced frame with high-tension springs make it easy to lift and lower the bed. A heavy strap holds the mattress and bedding in place when the bed is raised. The frame is bolted directly to the floor for stability, and the surrounding cabinets are bolted to the wall. The cabinet must be installed first before placing the bed into the cabinet.
- Twin- to king-sized mattresses may be used in a Murphy bed. You also aren't limited to the cabinets provided by the manufacturer. If desired, you may build your own cabinet or retrofit the bed to an existing closet. For example, to build a space for a queen-sized bed, which is 60 inches wide, your cabinet or wall opening should be 63 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and a minimum of 86 inches high. When the cabinet is open and the bed is down, the bed will extend 86 inches from the wall.
- Modern Murphy beds are designed to be installed with only a stepladder, stud finder, electric drill and common wrenches and screwdrivers. Most do-it-yourselfers will find the project manageable but time-consuming. The most important step is to attach the frame to the wall studs securely; the assembly is too heavy to be supported by drywall anchors. Assembly kits provide the necessary parts for installing the frame into wooden wall studs. For installation onto plaster, metal studs or concrete, you'll need to purchase appropriate hardware separately.
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