Stacked Twin Murphy Bed

Submitted by DianeHibbs on Thu, 02/07/2013 - 12:30

I would love a different kind of Murphy bed similar to the one at the bottom of this post - http://www.furniturefashion.com/2009/03/05/10_cool_murphy_beds_for_deco…

I'm way too new to try to create the plans though! Any help out there?

TinnySpaces

Sat, 06/22/2013 - 23:25

I can't afford the thousands of dollars but this is what I need. My house is 700sqft and the second bedroom is my nursery and my guest room for international family that's stays for months at a time. It would be a life saver to have plans. This website made a very sturdy one and that's why I need. Please hear our cries for help :) thanks your awesome Ana
http://www.wallbedsbywilding.com/wilding-bunk-bed.php

jgbreeden

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 21:16

The trick with Murphy beds is the weight. Without an expensive spring or piston mechanism, you could end up with something that will be heavy to close and potentially dangerous to open.

But this got me thinking, the only way you don't need a spring is if it has near neutral balance. Although that has a bunch of other challenges. Oh, and it is slightly taller and longer than the 6'8" of a standard door frame, so it needs to separate into pieces.

My idea would still have some weight, but about 1/3 of it is behind the pivot point, and there are some spots where it would catch, like a detent as it lowers.

I'm getting better with Sketchup so I had to draw it up. I think I got it, but there are enough aspects of it that seem, uh, sketchy, that I don't think it should be posted as a plan unless someone actually builds it and fully tests the plan, the load, and the movement. I haven't written steps, I only have a general idea of assembly so it will go together.

It doesn't need a Kreg jig, but will require precision cuts and drilling. It will take 2 sheets of plywood, a bunch of 1x lumber, and 12 hinges. I should probably add 2 sheets of veneer to cover the back, since it is bound to scrape the wall.

If someone is determined, contact me & I'll send you the Sketchup file.

mikepattenson

Mon, 02/23/2015 - 17:30

Whether you choose to call them Murphy beds or wall beds, they feature three key components: the lift mechanism, the bed frame and the cabinet. There are two main types of lift mechanisms: spring and piston. Both systems operate under a similar principle — they create force that helps lift the bed into the closed position.

The force is balanced so that the weight of the bed frame and mattress together is enough to hold the bed down on the floor. Some spring systems feature adjustable tension, but piston systems are typically not adjustable.

Different piston strengths are matched to the style and size of bed you are building. The variable is the mattress weight. If the mattress that you are using with a nonadjustable piston or spring system is too light, the bed will rise slightly or float off the floor. In this case, you must add a small amount of weight under the mattress to keep it grounded.

The bed frame holds the mattress. Because the bed frame must fit into the cabinet, thickness is an issue. A typical installation does not contain a box spring, and the mattress cannot be more than 12 in. thick.

Murphy Bed product options range from basic lift-mechanism kits, which cost $429 to $599 and require you to build the Murphy Bed frame and cabinet from scratch, to complete ready-to-install Murphy Bed kits which include the cabinetry and assembly instructions.

You will need basic hand tools (a tape measure, a hammer, clamps, etc.), a table saw or circular saw equipped with a sharp plywood-cutting blade and a drill/driver. A miter saw is helpful for cutting pieces to length, but it’s not required.