Do They Make King‑Size Murphy Beds?
You’re wondering if a king-size Murphy bed is even a real thing—great question, because it sounds almost too good to be true. Obviously, they absolutely exist and are widely available. You’ll find they’re a practical, space-maximizing solution with brands offering thousands of customizations, but they do require careful planning for your room’s dimensions and structure. Stick with me and I’ll break down exactly what you need to know to contemplate one.
Yes, You Can Get a King-Size Murphy Bed
You might think a king-size Murphy bed is a space-saving fantasy, but here’s the thing: it’s completely real. You can find them from brands like BredaBeds, which offers over 30,000 configurations, or Wallbed Factory, which handcrafts them starting at $2,699. They’re built to fit a standard king mattress, averaging 76 inches wide. Their availability reflects global design trends, where multifunctional furniture is now a standard expectation, not a niche product. You also benefit from custom furniture partnerships, as many companies provide made-to-order options with dozens of colors and finishes. These aren’t one-off prototypes; they’re mainstream products with proven mechanisms. A thorough buying guide will help you compare key factors like ease of installation and durability between models. Once you choose your bed, you’ll need to consider the process of shipping to Canada, which involves specific customs documentation and packaging requirements. So, your search ends here: king-size Murphy beds are a widespread, customizable reality for your space. Now, you’ll want to see how they actually fit into a room, a crucial step given the importance of structural support for safe and reliable installation.
How Much Room a King Murphy Bed Requires
The question of space is often the biggest puzzle when considering a king Murphy bed. You must measure your wall height and check ceiling constraints first. A vertical cabinet needs 89-92 inches tall plus overhead clearance. That means an eight-foot ceiling is your minimum. Its footprint demands 84-86 inches of wall width. Now, furniture placement is your next big consideration. When open, it projects 85-87 inches into your room. You’ll want at least 10 feet of clear floor depth. Remember to factor in the total weight load of the mattress and occupants when planning your installation. A horizontal model fits lower ceilings under eight feet. It needs similar wall width but projects slightly less. A king-size Murphy bed conforms to the standard mattress dimensions of 76 × 80 in. Honestly, you’re planning for a dedicated zone. You can’t easily flank it with tall dressers. Clear that wall completely for a safe, functional installation. When determining the required floor depth, consider the need for adequate headroom for safety and comfort, similar to planning the clearance under a loft bed.
Weight Limits and Mattress Compatibility for King Beds
Another common puzzle when planning for a king Murphy bed is understanding exactly what it can hold. Manufacturers typically specify a 250-pound weight limit per user, which totals 500 pounds for two people on a king bed. This standard directly supports user safety by ensuring the folding mechanism operates reliably. Mattress thickness is equally critical. You’ll find most brands, like Murphy Bed Depot, require an 8-to-11-inch rigid mattress to fit properly, making slim‑profile mattresses an essential component. Others, like BredaBeds, cap mattress weight at 110 pounds. Now, some frames can handle extreme loads, but sticking to these guidelines prevents damage. The built‑in storage often included with these beds maximizes their practicality in tight spaces. So, your king Murphy bed safely supports two people, but you must pair it with a compatible, thinner mattress. It’s wise to look for options with a vertical lift design, which can be easier to operate in rooms with lower ceiling heights.
Mechanisms, Styles, and Customization Options
For king-size Murphy beds, manufacturers do make king-size mechanisms, but there are important distinctions. The key difference lies in the lifting mechanism’s style and configuration. Most king-size mechanisms use a vertical orientation with twin gas-piston lift systems. Unlike single-arm queen mechanisms, a king-size bed’s width requires two independent lifting arms—one on each side—connected by a horizontal crossbar for synchronized, balanced lifting. The mechanisms feature heavy-duty steel construction with a durable powder-coated finish. Premium kits include patented adjustable gas springs that can be calibrated to your specific mattress weight (typically supporting 50-85 lbs per side). Brands like Create-A-Bed and Murphy Bed Depot offer complete DIY king-size mechanism kits. These kits often feature quick-connect locking pins and adjustable spring settings, eliminating the need for traditional, bulky metal coil springs. Given the size and weight, professional installation fees for a king-size unit will typically be higher than for smaller beds. Installation requires a taller, heavier cabinet (often 16″ deep) to house the folded bed properly. A successful project begins with careful space measurements and planning. Before you begin, ensure your wall structure is suitable for the heavy load by checking for studs and considering reinforcement. The DIY process is well-supported with detailed step-by-step guides and comprehensive video tutorials to assist builders.
Installing a King-Size Murphy Bed: What to Know
Here’s the step-by-step on preparing your wall, choosing tools, assembling the cabinet, and securely mounting your king-size Murphy bed.
Before you begin, clear the floor space where the bed will deploy. Measure to verify the bed’s cabinet width and mattress depth fit the wall with room clearances. The wall itself is critical. You must mount the cabinet into wood or metal studs using a stud finder. Never mount solely into drywall or plaster; a king-size bed’s weight requires structural support.
Gather a powerful drill, a level, a socket set, a Phillips screwdriver, and the lag screws and connectors included with your bed kit. The assembly process typically starts on a drop cloth. You’ll often insert wood dowels into side panels before bolting the frame together. Tighten all hardware firmly but avoid stripping the screws.
For mounting, position the assembled cabinet upright against the stud-located wall. Use your level for perfect alignment. Drill pilot holes through the cabinet’s back frame into the wall studs. Secure it with the provided lag screws and fender washers, using at least four screws total—two per stud. This creates the essential wall reinforcement needed for safety. A cabinet locking mechanism must also be installed to prevent accidental opening of the bed.
Finally, install the specified number of lift mechanism springs for your mattress weight, center the mattress, and test the bed’s operation. Confirm it opens and closes smoothly. Once tested, re-check all fasteners after initial use. Your heavy-duty, space-saving bed is ready.
Top Brands for King-Size Murphy Beds
After learning how to install one, you might be wondering which brands actually make a king-size Murphy bed worth your wall space.
Which brands have stood the test of time?
You’ll find some companies with deep roots. Murphy Wall-Bed Hardware Inc., operating since 1975, shows how a solid brand reputation builds over decades. The Wallbed Factory also leans on 32 years of craftsmanship. Their historical evolution means you’re getting proven designs. Others, like Wilding Wallbeds, give you exact specs: their king beds are 81.5 inches wide and project 90 inches out. For a classic aesthetic, brands like Wilding Wallbeds offer models with a warmer, natural look featuring shaker-style panels. This longevity often indicates a commitment to durable hardware that withstands regular folding cycles. A successful installation begins with precise initial measurements during the planning stage.
What about modern style and features?
BredaBeds offers over twenty colors for contemporary looks. Bestar focuses on vertical configurations with integrated lighting. When evaluating models, always check their hardware mechanisms for smooth operation and long-term durability. Now you’ve got a clear list to explore further. Your next step is comparing these specifics to your room’s dimensions and style goals.
