How Much Space Do You Need for a Murphy Bed?

Start with the closed cabinet

The first number to look for is the cabinet's closed depth. This tells you how far the bed sticks out from the wall when it is not in use. For example, Wilding Wallbeds lists cabinet beds with depths around 24 to 27 inches, depending on the model. A cabinet bed is a freestanding piece, so it does not need wall mounting, but it still occupies that depth on the floor at all times. See our guide to cabinet beds for more on freestanding options.

The closed height and width matter too. A tall cabinet can feel imposing in a low room, and a wide cabinet may crowd a narrow wall. Measure the wall space you are willing to give up and compare it with the listing's stated dimensions. If the cabinet is wider than the wall, it will not fit, no matter how much floor space you have.

• Closed depth: how far the cabinet protrudes from the wall.
• Closed height: check that it clears windows, shelves, or other wall fixtures.
• Closed width: ensure it fits between doors, windows, or adjacent furniture.

Plan for the open bed

When the bed is down, it projects into the room. The projection is the distance from the wall to the foot of the mattress. For a wall bed, this is roughly the length of the mattress plus the frame. A queen mattress is about 80 inches long, so the bed will need that much floor space in front of the wall. The listing may state the projection, as Wilding does for its desk beds, where the queen model projects 67 inches. For more on wall bed dimensions, see our wall bed guide.

You also need clearance on each side of the bed for getting in and out, and for the bed to swing down without hitting furniture. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a couple of feet on each side, but the exact amount depends on your room layout. If the bed folds down vertically, the swing path is in front of the wall. If it folds horizontally, the swing path is along the wall, so you need clearance on one side. Learn more about horizontal Murphy beds.

• Open projection: the distance from the wall to the foot of the bed.
• Side clearance: space for getting in and out of bed.
• Swing path: the area the bed sweeps through as it comes down.

Measure your room

Before you shop, measure the room where the bed will go. Use a tape measure to record the wall length where you plan to place the bed, the floor depth from that wall to the opposite wall, and the ceiling height. Also note the location of doors, windows, and any built-in features like radiators or baseboard heaters.

For a wall bed, the wall must be able to support the mounting hardware. The maker's instructions will tell you what is required, so read those before you commit. For a cabinet bed, the floor just needs to be level and clear. Wilding notes that cabinet beds are freestanding and do not need wall or floor mounting, which makes them easier to reposition in rentals or multipurpose rooms. Explore cabinet bed options for more details.

• Wall length: the horizontal space for the closed cabinet.
• Floor depth: the distance from the wall to the opposite wall, for the open bed.
• Ceiling height: check that the open bed and any person standing nearby have clearance.
• Door and window placement: avoid blocking paths or natural light.

Match the bed to the room

The room's primary use should guide your choice. In a home office, a desk bed combines a work surface with a sleeping area. Wilding's desk beds have a desk depth of 25.5 inches and a cabinet depth of 21 inches, so the closed footprint is similar to a standard cabinet bed, but the open bed projects further. See our Murphy beds with desk for ideas.

For a studio apartment, a wall bed with a sofa or a cabinet bed with a built-in desk can make the space work harder. The closed cabinet becomes a piece of furniture, not just a bed storage unit. Consider what you need the room to do during the day, and choose a bed that supports that function. Our main Murphy bed guide can help you compare types.

• Home office: a desk bed lets you work by day and sleep by night.
• Guest room: a cabinet bed with storage keeps the room ready for visitors.
• Studio: a wall bed with a sofa or a cabinet bed with a desk maximizes floor space.

Check the listing details

Every listing should state the bed's dimensions, but not all do. Look for the closed height, width, and depth, and the open projection. If the listing does not give the projection, you can estimate it from the mattress size, but the maker's stated figure is more reliable. Wilding provides a dimension table for its desk beds, including the projection for each size.

Also check the mattress thickness. A thicker mattress may increase the open bed's height, which can affect how it feels when you sit on the edge. The listing may specify the mattress height, as Wilding does for its desk beds, where the mattress sits at about 32 inches from the floor when using a 10-inch mattress. For more on mattress thickness, see our learn article.

Consider the swing path

The swing path is the area the bed sweeps through as it comes down. For a vertical fold, the bed pivots from the top, so the swing path is a vertical arc in front of the wall. You need enough floor space for the bed to lie flat, but the arc itself does not take extra floor space beyond the open bed's footprint.

For a horizontal fold, the bed pivots from one side, so the swing path is a horizontal arc along the wall. This means you need clearance on the side where the bed swings, not just in front. If the bed is placed in a corner, a horizontal fold may not work because the wall blocks the swing. A vertical fold is usually better for corners. Compare vertical vs horizontal to decide.

Plan for delivery and assembly

Before the bed arrives, think about how it will get into the room. Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure the cabinet can pass through. Some beds come in multiple boxes, which can be easier to maneuver. Wilding offers different shipping options, including curbside delivery, so check what is available for your location.

Assembly space is another consideration. You will need room to lay out the parts and follow the maker's instructions. If you are installing a wall bed, you may need tools and a helper. Cabinet beds are often simpler because they are freestanding, but they still require some assembly. Keep the instructions and any warranty information in a safe place. For DIY options, see our Murphy bed kit guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

How much floor space does a Murphy bed need when open?

The open bed needs enough floor space for the mattress to lie flat. For a queen, that is roughly 80 inches long and 60 inches wide, plus clearance around it. Check the listing for the stated projection, which is the distance from the wall to the foot of the bed.

Do cabinet beds need wall mounting?

No, cabinet beds are freestanding. Wilding notes that they do not need to be mounted to the wall or floor, making them easier to reposition and a practical choice for rentals.

What is the closed depth of a Murphy bed cabinet?

The closed depth varies by model. Wilding lists cabinet beds with depths around 24 to 27 inches. Desk beds have a cabinet depth of 21 inches, plus a desk that extends further.

Can a Murphy bed fit in a room with a low ceiling?

A vertical fold bed needs enough ceiling height for the bed to pivot down. The listing may state the open bed's height, but you should also measure your ceiling. If the ceiling is low, a horizontal fold might be a better option.

How do I measure my room for a Murphy bed?

Measure the wall length where the bed will go, the floor depth from that wall to the opposite wall, and the ceiling height. Also note doors, windows, and any obstacles. Compare these with the listing's stated dimensions.