Have you ever thought about buying a Murphy Bed, but thought maybe it was a little bit out of your price range? With prices ranging between £1,000-£2,500 a Murphy Bed is a big investment, so it’s worth looking into alternative ways to build your own Murphy Bed using IKEA parts.
We’ve calculated that it will cost just £280-£300 to build your own Murphy Bed! As you’ll see later on in our guide.
What is a Murphy Bed (or Wall Bed)?
A Murphy Bed is hidden behind cabinet or closet doors during the day, and at night you can easily pull down the frame and mattress and sleep there comfortably.
Murphy beds are great for creating spaces with multi-functional purposes. For example, you can have a home office that also serves as a spare bedroom for those moments when family or friends stay overnight.
Or, you can transform your living room, entertainment room, or children’s playroom into a transitional space for those times when more space is needed to get extra comfortable.
DIY Murphy Bed Steps:
Regardless of how you choose to use your Murphy bed, we are here to share with you how you can build your own by using an IKEA Pax Wardrobe. The process is simple and will only require a few key items, but once the finished product is put together, you will be shocked at how lovely it all works, and while saving money!
Below is a list of what you will need:
- 2 Ikea PAX cabinets with 3 doors
- LURÖY slatted bed base (in double size)
- Bed feet (two)
- Timber
- Hinges
- A double-size mattress
The original articles can be found here:
- https://www.ikeahackers.net/2015/11/pax-murphy-bed.html
- https://huskverna.com/ikea-hack-get-the-max-out-of-pax-murphy-bed/
Step One: Start with PAX Wardrobe Frames
First you’ll need two PAX wardrobe frames (one that is 100cm wide x 201cm long and the second should be 50cm wide x 201cm long). This will create a murphy bed that is a total of 150cm wide x 201cm long and can fit a double size mattress inside (135cm x 190cm).
If you want to build a single size Murphy Bed, then just use one 100cm IKEA PAX wardrobe frame. This will allow you to fit a single size mattress that is 90cm wide x 190cm long.
Make sure you attach the cabinets to the wall for additional safety and stability. You may want to use a stud sensor to find where the studs are behind the wall, for best grip. You can attach a beam in the cabinet to both support and attach to the wall.
Step Two: Build the Bed Frame and Slats
- Before starting, make sure the measurements suit the size mattress you are using. In this example, we’ll make a frame that fits a double size mattress (135cmx190cm).
- Build this out of structural timber (which is an inexpensive way to create a bed).
- Once that’s done, attach the LURÖY slatted bed base with screws.
Step 3: Secure Bed Frame to Pax Wardrobe
Attach the bed frame to the floor of the PAX wardrobe frame. You can use door hinges, which will allow you to lower down and raise the frame.
- Check that the height of the bottom of the cabinet will be the height of the bed feet.
- You can reinforce by using some beams in the bottom of the cabinet.
Add hinges to the bottom of the feet, as well as a magnet. This way, when you pull down the bed the feet will go into their right position.
Step 4: Add Hinges to the Double Door and Attach Doors
Add four hinges in order to attach the two doors together, and make it a double door on one side of the Murphy Bed. You can use IKEA’s GRIMO doors (£35 each). You should then attach them to the PAX wardrobe frame using soft closing hinges.
Step 5: Add Safety Locks
In order to make the bed safer, you should mount two Dreambaby Window safety locks on the left and right sides. This will prevent the bed from falling down.
Another thing you can do is attach a strap under the bed to keep the linens in place while the bed is stored in the closet. This way, you can keep the bed sheets and blankets on the bed, without having to take them out and put them on each time.
The last step is option, you can paint the frame white colour, or keep it in it’s original wooden finish. It’s up to you!
Now you’re all set! Congratulations, you are now the owner of a brand-new Murphy bed. Not only is this method a cost-efficient alternative, but it is also stylish!
You will definitely impress your friends and family with your craftsmanship, as well as your efficiency since now you’ll be able to use your space for multiple purposes and functions.
The Ikea Pax Wardrobe is a stylish and minimalistic addition to your new Murphy bed. I’m sure whoever gets the chance to use it won’t believe you built it yourself.
Does IKEA sell Murphy Beds?
No, IKEA does not sell any murphy beds. The company manufactures and sells a wide range of furniture items, but they are yet to introduce any Wall Beds to their customers.
As an alternative, you can check out their guests beds, daybeds or sofa beds. They can be used for seating and lounging, while at night you can have your guests sleep there comfortably.
How much does it cost to build your own Murphy Bed?
It will cost around £280-£300 to build your own Murphy Bed. The most expensive parts are the two IKEA PAX wardrobes (one is £60, while the other is £40). You will also need 3 doors, the GRIMO doors are the least expensive ones and cost £35 each.
LURÖY slatted bed base costs £25 in standard double size. The timber, two bed feet and door hinges will be around £50- £70.
Lastly, don’t forget that you’ll need a double size mattress. If you already have one you can use it, or you can buy a brand new one. Just make sure that it’s not too deep, otherwise you won’t be able to close up the bed frame.
Overall, when doing the calculation, you can see that building your own Murphy Bed is much less expensive than buying a brand new one. Saving you £1,000-£2,000! Just make sure you have one or two days for this new DIY project and that you have all the tools and materials ready to build it.
