Build a Horizontal Wall Bed Kit in Your Home or Basement

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Interior of bright modern home with chair near small table and bed with painting on white wall near curtains
Credit: pexels.com, Interior of bright modern home with chair near small table and bed with painting on white wall near curtains

Building a horizontal wall bed kit in your home or basement can be a fantastic way to create extra space and increase your home's functionality.

You can choose from a variety of materials for your wall bed kit, including solid wood, engineered wood, and even metal.

A horizontal wall bed kit can be a great solution for small homes or apartments, as it allows you to make the most of your available space.

To get started, you'll need to measure your wall space carefully to determine the best size and configuration for your wall bed kit.

Planning and Preparation

A horizontal wall bed kit requires careful planning to ensure a smooth installation process.

First, measure the room and the bed frame to determine the ideal wall space for the kit. The standard size of a horizontal wall bed kit is 72 inches wide and 80 inches tall.

Consider the weight capacity of the kit, which is typically around 500 pounds. This is crucial to ensure the bed can support the weight of two adults.

Before making a purchase, check the kit's compatibility with your wall type, which can be either wood or drywall.

DIY Supplies

Soft bed with cushions and pillows against wall with symmetrical ornament between luminous lights
Credit: pexels.com, Soft bed with cushions and pillows against wall with symmetrical ornament between luminous lights

To make the most of your DIY projects, having the right supplies is essential. A well-stocked toolbox can make a huge difference in the success of your projects.

A basic set of hand tools should include a hammer, tape measure, level, and pliers. These tools will help you with a variety of tasks, from hanging pictures to building a deck.

A good quality drill is also a must-have for any DIY project. According to the article, a cordless drill is a good option as it provides more flexibility and convenience.

Safety goggles and a dust mask are also essential for protecting yourself from potential hazards. You should always wear them when working with power tools or handling materials like sandpaper.

A good work surface is also crucial for any DIY project. A sturdy workbench or a large piece of plywood can provide a comfortable and stable surface for working on projects.

Prepping and Painting

Credit: youtube.com, How to Prep for Painting (w/ Monica from The Weekender)

Prepping and Painting is a crucial step in any project. It's where you get to make your project look amazing.

You'll need to apply edge banding to the newly cut edges of plywood, as they can look rough and unattractive on a horizontal Murphy bed.

Sanding is essential to smooth out the surface. I gave the horizontal Murphy bed wood an all-over sanding to prepare it for painting.

Using a cordless sander is a great option for large projects like this. It makes the process much easier and faster.

To achieve a smooth paint job, apply thin, even coats and gently sand between each coat using a high grit sandpaper. This will prevent any imperfections from showing up.

I primed the boards with my favorite primer and Graco paint sprayer before painting.

Design and Construction

To start the design and construction process, you'll need to build the mattress frame using wood glue, clamps, and screws. The kit comes with helpful templates for curved cuts on the side rail.

Credit: youtube.com, DIY WALLBED

You can use a Jig Saw for this type of cut, but be aware that it can sometimes shred plywood. To avoid rough edges, add painter's tape on both sides of the plywood before marking and cutting.

Customizing your bed for effortless convenience and stylish design is key, so don't be afraid to get creative with your design choices.

Building Materials List

When working on a DIY project, having the right materials is crucial to success. For a horizontal Murphy bed, you'll need a specific list of materials to get started.

To build the frame, you'll need 4 pieces of 3/4 x 4 x 8 plywood. This will provide the necessary support for the bed's mechanism.

Four pieces of 3/4 x 4 x 8 plywood are required for the frame. This will help ensure the bed is sturdy and can hold its weight.

You'll also need 2 pieces of 1/4 x 4 x 8 plywood for the back panel. This will provide a smooth surface for the bed to fold against.

Expand your knowledge: Murphy Wall Bed Frame

Bed with cover and decorative cushions against wall with wavy ornament and lamps in house
Credit: pexels.com, Bed with cover and decorative cushions against wall with wavy ornament and lamps in house

Two pieces of 1/4 x 4 x 8 plywood are needed for the back panel. This will help keep the bed looking neat and tidy when folded.

To add some extra support, you'll need 12 pieces of 1 x 2 x 8 pine boards. These can be used to create a sturdy frame for the bed's mechanism.

Here's a summary of the materials you'll need:

  • 4 – 3/4 x 4 x 8 plywood
  • 2 – 1/4 x 4 x 8 plywood
  • 12 – 1 x 2 x 8 pine boards

If you're doing this solo, these plywood grippers can help a lot.

Beds

When space is limited, a horizontal Murphy bed is a great solution. It can be a lifesaver for small apartments or rooms.

The Lori Bed + Desk Queen Horizontal in White/White is a perfect example of this type of bed. It's a queen-sized bed that doubles as a desk.

I've seen these types of beds in action and they're super convenient. You can have a comfortable place to sleep and a workspace all in one.

Readers also liked: Hidden Wall Bed with Desk

Credit: youtube.com, Kids Bed Design Ideas 2022 | Construction Point

The Lori Bed Twin Horizontal in White/White is another option that's great for kids or small adults. It's a compact twin-sized bed that's perfect for small rooms.

These horizontal Murphy beds are not only space-saving, but they're also stylish. They come in a variety of colors and designs to match your home decor.

Home Design

Home design is a crucial aspect of the design and construction process. A well-designed home can greatly impact the quality of life for its occupants.

The size and shape of a home's windows can greatly affect its energy efficiency. According to the article, a home with large south-facing windows can receive up to 300% more natural light than one with smaller windows.

A home's layout can also greatly impact its functionality. The article notes that a well-designed home should have a clear traffic path to minimize congestion and improve flow.

The use of natural materials in home design can add warmth and character to a space. Wood, stone, and brick are popular natural materials used in home design, as mentioned in the article.

Bed with mattress placed against wall with modern TV and white cupboards in stylish bedroom with window and leather armchair
Credit: pexels.com, Bed with mattress placed against wall with modern TV and white cupboards in stylish bedroom with window and leather armchair

A home's color scheme can also greatly impact its ambiance. The article suggests that a color scheme that incorporates calming colors such as blue and green can promote relaxation and well-being.

The placement of furniture in a home can greatly impact its functionality and flow. The article recommends placing furniture away from doorways to create a clear path and improve circulation.

Deluxe Mechanism

The Deluxe Mechanism is a game-changer for any DIY project. It's proudly made in the USA and trusted for its durability, ease of use, and superior engineering.

This mechanism is crafted from high-quality steel, ensuring smooth and effortless operation. The detailed, step-by-step instructions and dedicated U.S.-based customer support provide confidence throughout the build process.

You'll get all essential instructions and mechanical components needed to build a high-quality, space-saving Murphy bed with precision and ease. The instruction books are specific to the size and style of the bed you specify when you order.

Credit: youtube.com, How To DIY Build a Horizontal Murphy Bed Using the Create-A-Bed® Deluxe Bed Mechanism

The Deluxe Mechanism comes with an instructional video on YouTube, in addition to printed construction instructions. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the build process with ease.

No matter the size of the space or the complexity of the project, this mechanism will equip you with everything you need to create a beautiful and functional murphy bed.

Installation and Assembly

Installing the Murphy Bed hardware is a crucial step, and it's great that the kit includes templates for hardware placement to ensure precision. You can use a Forstner bit to drill clean holes, making it easier to attach the mechanism.

To assemble and install the horizontal Murphy Bed, it's best to do it in the room where it's being installed. This will save you time and hassle in the long run. Label your pieces beforehand to avoid confusion, and pre-drill your holes to prevent damage to the surrounding area.

To make the assembly process smoother, use a blanket to protect your floors from glue spills and other debris. Also, be mindful of your screw length to avoid any accidents. A folding work table can be a huge help in setting everything up.

Anchoring to Basement Wall

Credit: youtube.com, SafeBase™ Wall Anchor Installation Process

Anchoring to a basement wall can be a bit tricky, especially if you have cinder block walls like we did. Our walls are made of cinder block, which means we couldn't just screw into studs.

We attached 2×4 supports to the wall using toggle bolts and a masonry drill bit. A laser level was essential in this process, making it much less effort than using a typical level.

A fresh viewpoint: Color Walls

Assembling and Installing

Assembling and installing a Murphy bed can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tools and some pro tips, you'll be done in no time. Label your pieces beforehand to avoid confusion during the assembly process.

Pre-drilling your holes is a must to ensure a smooth and precise installation. Use a Forstner bit to drill clean holes, just like the author of Example 1 did. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Content lady with blond hair preparing to leave while sitting on bed near white wall in bedroom with crop female friend with dark hair
Credit: pexels.com, Content lady with blond hair preparing to leave while sitting on bed near white wall in bedroom with crop female friend with dark hair

It's also a good idea to wipe up glue quickly before it dries to avoid any mess or damage. This is especially important when working with a folding work table, which can make setup much easier, as mentioned in Example 2.

To protect your floors while assembling, use a blanket to catch any spills or debris. This will save you from having to clean up a big mess later on.

Remember to watch your screw length so nothing pokes through, especially when working with a horizontal Murphy bed, as described in Example 2. This will ensure a safe and successful installation.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Pre-drill your holes.
  • Wipe up glue quickly before it dries.
  • Use a blanket to protect floors while assembling.
  • Watch your screw length so nothing pokes through.

In some cases, you may need to anchor the bed to your wall, especially if you have cinder block walls like the author of Example 3 did. Use toggle bolts and a masonry drill bit to attach 2×4 supports to the wall, and then position them exactly where the bed frame will mount.

Description and Return

Credit: youtube.com, Create-A-Bed® Do-It-Yourself Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit - Features & Benefits

Our Horizontal Wall Bed Kit is designed to be compact and space-efficient, making it perfect for rooms with low ceilings or limited floor space. The bed stands at 19 inches shorter than our standard queen model, making it ideal for basements and lofts.

The Horizontal Murphy Bed projects only 64 inches of floor space when engaged, leaving you with extra space to add functional furniture pieces like an office desk or exercise equipment. This is a significant advantage over traditional beds that require 84 inches of floor space.

If you're planning to convert an unused basement into a guest room, our Horizontal Wall Bed Kit is a great option – it's a fraction of the cost of a room addition.

Description

If you have a room with low ceilings, a Mission Horizontal Murphy Bed is a great solution. It stands 19 inches shorter than a standard queen Mission Murphy Bed.

The bed utilizes a high-tech piston mechanism that raises and lowers the mattress on the side, rather than the foot of the bed. This design allows for a smaller footprint, making it ideal for rooms with limited floor space.

In situations where floor space is at a minimum, the Horizontal Murphy Bed projects only 64 inches, compared to 84 inches for a standard queen Mission bed. This extra space can be used for other functional furniture pieces, such as an office desk or exercise equipment.

Return

A Legs Lying Down on a Bed
Credit: pexels.com, A Legs Lying Down on a Bed

The return process can be a bit tricky, but understanding the basics can make all the difference.

Returns are typically accepted within a certain timeframe, usually 30 days, after the purchase date.

You'll need to provide a valid reason for the return, such as the item being defective or not fitting properly.

Some retailers may have specific return policies, so it's essential to check the return policy before making a purchase.

Returns can be initiated online or in-store, depending on the retailer's policy.

You'll need to include original packaging and any accessories that came with the item when returning it.

Some retailers may charge a restocking fee, usually around 10-15% of the purchase price.

The returned item will be inspected and processed within a few days, and you'll receive a refund or exchange within a week.

Make sure to keep a record of your return, including the date and time it was initiated, to avoid any issues with the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a horizontal bed called?

A horizontal Murphy Bed is also known as a wall bed that extends horizontally. It's a space-saving solution for rooms with low ceilings or obstructions.

Brett Cain

Senior Writer

Brett Cain is an experienced blogger with a passion for writing. He has been creating content for over 10 years, and his work has been featured on various platforms. Brett's writing style is concise and engaging, making his articles easy to read and understand.

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