Bedroom Ideas
13 Stylish Sofa Bed Ideas for Small Spaces & Guest Rooms
13 stylish sofa bed ideas for small spaces and guest rooms, from click-clack and pull-out designs to daybeds, futons, chaise sleepers, storage…
Small Room? Try These 15 Genius DIY Murphy Bed Ideas!
A Murphy bed turns a guest room, office or studio into a flexible space. These 15 genius DIY Murphy bed ideas help a small room work by day and sleep by night.
Murphy bed options
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Hardware kit | Safest DIY route |
| Bookcase surround | Adds storage |
| Desk combo | Office by day |
| Horizontal | Fits low ceilings |
| Cabinet bed | No wall fixing needed |
Classic builds
- Use a Murphy bed hardware kit with a simple plywood cabinet.
- Build a vertical queen bed for guest rooms.
- Build a horizontal twin for low ceilings or under windows.
- Add bookcases on both sides.
- Paint the front to match the walls.
Multi-use
- Combine with a fold-down desk.
- Add a sofa that sits in front when the bed is up.
- Build in a hidden vanity or shelf inside the frame.
- Add reading lights inside the cabinet.
- Fit a mirror to the bed front.
Budget and creative
- Hack an IKEA wardrobe as the surround.
- Use reclaimed wood for the front panel.
- Build a bunk-style Murphy bed for kids.
- Try a cabinet bed that folds out of a chest.
- Add curtains to soften the cabinet.
Tip: Always use a tested mechanism rated for your mattress weight and bolt the cabinet into studs or masonry exactly as the kit instructs. Fit the safety strap or latch, keep children from playing with the mechanism, and get help when lifting the bed frame.
FAQ
Is a DIY Murphy bed safe?
Yes, if you use a rated hardware kit and fix it securely to the wall.
What mattress works in a Murphy bed?
A memory foam or hybrid mattress about 20–30 cm thick that suits the kit.
How much does a DIY Murphy bed cost?
Kits plus materials usually cost far less than ready-made units.
Keep reading
You may also like
Bedroom Ideas
25 Barndominium Bedroom Ideas That Feel Warm (Not Cold and Industrial)
25 barndominium bedroom ideas that feel warm, not cold and industrial: timber beams, limewash walls, wool rugs, leather, linen and layered warm…
Bedroom Ideas
25 Boho Bedroom Layout Ideas That Feel Relaxed and Intentionally Styled
25 boho bedroom layout ideas that feel relaxed and intentionally styled: low beds, reading nooks, rug zones, plant corners and smart storage.