A Murphy bed can transform a home office, guest room, or common space but a successful purchase starts with a tape measure. Before comparing finishes and features, you need to know whether the cabinet fits against your wall and whether the bed can open comfortably into the room. Accurate Murphy bed measurements must account for the closed cabinet, the open bed, operating clearance, and room to move around it.
How much space does a Murphy bed need? That depends on the model, mattress size, orientation, and accessories. Here are seven things to measure before shopping at any of our Wallbeds “n” More locations.
1. Ceiling Height Above the Installation Wall
Measure from the finished floor to the ceiling at several points along your preferred wall. Record the lowest measurement, especially if you have a sloped ceiling, soffit, or crown molding.
For example, the queen Sonoma Wallbed is listed at 90 inches high. The queen Barrington Horizontal Wallbed is 70.5 inches high, offering a lower-profile alternative. Because these measurements describe just the furniture, also make sure to ask your installation team about any additional clearance needed for assembly and operation.
2. Usable Wall Width and Overall Wall Bed Dimensions
Measure the uninterrupted wall space between corners, door trim, windows, and other permanent obstacles. Check the width near the floor and higher up, where molding or architectural features may reduce available space.
Compare complete wall bed dimensions rather than mattress dimensions alone. The queen Sonoma measures 65 inches wide, while the queen Barrington Horizontal measures 85 inches wide. A horizontal model uses more wall width while requiring less cabinet height. Don’t forget to include the width of any side cabinets, bookshelves, or desks in your layout.
3. Floor Clearance With the Bed Open
Next, measure from the installation wall toward the opposite wall or nearest furniture that will remain in place.
The queen Sonoma lists an open depth of 86 inches, compared with 66 inches for the queen Barrington Horizontal. Confirm the measurement’s reference point with your showroom before marking the footprint.
Use painter’s tape to outline the open bed. Then check whether you can walk around it, reach storage, and enter or leave the room.
Remember that both wall space and usable floor space matter. A cabinet may fit perfectly against the wall while the lowered bed collides with a desk or blocks a doorway. Try to always allow additional space beyond the bed’s footprint.
4. Baseboard Height and Projection
The next step is to measure how tall your baseboards are and how far they project from the wall. Photograph decorative trim, shoe molding, and any uneven surfaces.
Baseboards can affect how the cabinet sits against the wall and how installation is completed. Share these measurements before ordering so the installer can determine whether the selected model accommodates the trim or needs an adjustment.
Also note thick carpeting, raised flooring transitions, and uneven floors that could affect placement.
5. Windows, Doors, and Their Operating Space
Record each window’s width, sill height, and distance from the proposed cabinet. Include projecting trim, curtain rods, blinds, and curtain stacks.
For doors, measure their distance from the installation area and trace the full swing, including the handle. Also check things like entry doors, closet doors, and cabinet doors with the bed open.
Make sure to keep required exits and emergency escape windows accessible. A room layout should work well in both daytime and sleeping configurations.
6. Outlets, Switches, Vents, and Wall Fixtures
After that, measure the height and horizontal position of outlets, light switches, thermostats, and vents, and mark them on a simple room sketch.
Then, consider which outlets you will need for bedside lighting, charging, or an integrated workspace, and photograph wall lights, radiators, and other fixed features.
These details help clarify Murphy bed measurements and room requirements before cabinetry conceals a needed connection or interferes with airflow. Ask our showroom experts how your selected configuration handles electrical access.
7. Ceiling Fans and Overhead Obstructions
Finally, measure the lowest point of ceiling fans, light fixtures, beams, and hanging decorations. For a fan, record its distance from the installation wall and the full area swept by its blades.
The bed needs clearance throughout its opening and closing motion, not just when fully lowered, so have the installation team review overhead obstacles against the selected mechanism’s movement.
Murphy Bed Measurements Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a Murphy bed need?
A Murphy bed needs enough wall space for its closed cabinet and enough floor space for the bed to open fully. The exact requirements depend on the model, mattress size, orientation, and installation instructions. Measure both the closed cabinet and the open-bed footprint, then account for surrounding furniture, door swings, and required clearances.
How do I measure a room for a Murphy bed?
Measure the ceiling height and usable wall width, then measure from the installation wall to the nearest opposing wall or obstruction. Also record baseboard dimensions, door and window locations, outlets, vents, and overhead fixtures. Compare these measurements with the specifications for your preferred model before ordering.
Do horizontal Murphy beds need less space than vertical Murphy beds?
Horizontal and vertical Murphy beds use space differently. Horizontal models typically need more wall width and less cabinet height, while vertical models generally need more height and less wall width. Compare the complete dimensions and open-bed footprint of each model to determine which configuration suits your room.
Can baseboards affect Murphy bed installation?
Yes. Baseboard height, projection, and other trim details can affect how a cabinet fits against a wall and how it is installed. Measure the trim and share the details with the showroom or installation team so they can confirm compatibility with your chosen model.
Can I install a Murphy bed in a small room or home office?
A Murphy bed can be a practical option for a small room or home office, but the available wall and floor space must accommodate the selected model. Check the bed’s open dimensions, furniture placement, access routes, and manufacturer-specified installation requirements before deciding.
Bring Your Murphy Bed Measurements to Wallbeds “n” More
Once you have your measurements, you’re ready to start exploring your options. Visit your nearest Wallbeds “n” More showroom with your room sketch, photos, and measurements. Our team can help you compare wall bed styles, review product dimensions, and identify questions to resolve before ordering.
A little planning upfront can make it easier to find a Murphy bed that fits your space and works with the way you use your room every day.