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Custom Sliding Bookcase Beautifully Conceals Murphy Bed

Do you wish you had extra sleeping space in your small apartment or guest bedroom? Get the best of both worlds with a sliding bookcase Murphy bed.

This innovative furniture design combines a practical bookcase or shelving unit with a comfortable Murphy bed. The bed effortlessly folds up into the bookcase, freeing up your floor space when not in use.

Maximize Every Inch of Real Estate with a Sliding Bookcase Murphy Bed

Limited square footage is a common dilemma in tiny homes, apartments, or guest rooms. You want to utilize the space efficiently while still having an area for overnight visitors.

The sliding bookcase Murphy bed offers the perfect solution. During the day, it functions as a handsome bookcase or storage unit with adjustable shelving. At night, the bed simply glides out to provide comfortable sleeping quarters.

sliding bookcase murphy bed

Concealed Sleeping Space Saves Room Area

Since the Murphy bed hides completely inside the bookcase when closed, you regain those precious square feet. Place a couch, desk, or reading area in front of the unit to transform that space from a bedroom into a home office or living area.

The bookcases come in various widths from slim units under 36 inches wide to larger sections over 72 inches wide. Opt for a size that fits your room dimensions and required clearance for opening smoothly.

Multi-Purpose Furniture Adds Value

The sliding Murphy bed effectively serves two needs with one streamlined piece of furniture. Not only do you get valuable floor space back, but you also gain a handsome storage bookcase in the process.

This custom craftsmanship also adds value and appeal to your home. Homebuyers looking to maximize every inch will appreciate the ingenuity of this storage bed design.

Hide Away Clutter with Enclosed Storage

Tidy up clutter with the internal storage space afforded by the bookcase itself. Conceal out of season clothing, spare linens, luggage, sports equipment, or office supplies inside the cabinets.

The adjustable shelves let you customize the storage to fit your specific belongings. Add a closet rod for hanging clothes or specialized pull-out bins for organizing accessories.

How Sliding Murphy Bookcase Beds Operate

The sliding Murphy bed mechanism allows for smooth, effortless transitions between bed and bookcase. Simply grab the handle inset into the shelves and gently pull forward. The bed unfolds as the bookcase glides outward.

Advanced Spring Technology Supports Mattress

The steel spring technology that powers the Murphy bed open and closed also provides sturdy mattress support. These durable springs can handle repeated use without losing tension.

Depending on your manufacturer, the springs offer between 300 to 700 pounds of distributed weight capacity. Feel confident that your bed frame and opening mechanism will support your mattress and overnight guests.

Customizable Design Options

Choose from numerous custom features to create your ideal sliding Murphy bed. Select your preferred wood type, stain color, and door style to coordinate with your existing decor and furnishings.

Opt for open cubbies to showcase decorative items or bi-fold doors to conceal the contents. Pull-out drawers, interior lighting, and power outlets add functionality.

Smooth and Quiet Sliding Mechanisms

The sliding hardware comes in floor-mounted or vertical wall-mounted tracks. Floor tracks may blend in better within certain room designs. Wall mounts work well for tight spaces. Both ensure smooth, quiet operation.

Concealed magnetic door latches click discretely instead of noisy metal handles. Open your Murphy bed bedroom silently even when guests are already asleep on nearby sofas or daybeds.

Design Elements to Consider Before Installing Your Sliding Murphy Bed

Achieving an integrated, polished look requires taking proper measurements and selecting suitable components. Poor planning leads to clearance issues, wobbly beds, and mismatched aesthetics.

Consider Weight Limits and Size

Measure your floorplan carefully, accounting for room obstacles like baseboard trim or furniture placement. Check manufacturer guidelines for the clearance needed to fully open your Murphy bed without obstruction.

Also confirm your bed size, available mattress depths, and weight limits. You don't want to overload the capacity of your hardware or find sheets that don't fit.

Factor in Bookcase Depth and Door Swing

Allow for the fully expanded depth including both the bookcase and unfolded bed frame. Shallow bookcases may not conceal a full-sized mattress completely while deeper cases need adequate room to open.

If you choose bi-fold doors, make sure they have clearance to fully swing out without hitting walls, windows, or nearby furnishings.

Match Your Decor Style Seamlessly

Choose finishes and hardware that blend with your existing room style. Painted MDF bookcase units fit shabby chic, cottage, or contemporary spaces while solid hardwoods match traditional decors best.

Satin nickel handles work for modern aesthetics while rubbed bronze or brass better suits Tuscan-inspired rooms. Take cues from your current color scheme and furnishings.

Include Adequate Structural Framing in the Wall

Never attach heavy bookcase beds onto drywall alone. Consult your building contractor or carpenter about adequately framed walls for bearing the weight.

Additionally, evenly distributed wall framing prevents future sagging issues. Improper framing jeopardizes safety and risks collapse.

Unique Benefits of Sliding Bookcase Murphy Beds

This specialty furniture combo comes with advantages over traditional cabinet Murphy beds or basic sofa sleepers. Beyond the space-saving traits, bookcase beds add extra versatility and custom options.

Convenient Guest Sleeping Quarters

Rather than relegating overnight company to lumpy sleeper sofas, let them comfortably stretch out on a quality Murphy bed mattress. They'll appreciate the personalized guest room experience.

Just swap your linen closet for an enclosed bookcase to keep spare sheets and bedding handy for company. Add a bedside table or reading light to complete the cozy suite.

Multi-Tasking Home Office

Convert your home office into a part-time guest room without compromising work productivity. Close the Murphy bed to regain a spacious desk workspace during the day.

The bookcase itself provides perfect storage for files, office supplies, and reference materials. Simply stow everything neatly inside the cabinet at night.

Maximum Bedroom Storage

For small bedrooms, the bookcase bed eliminates the need for a separate dresser or armoire. The storage capacity handles clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, and more inside one consolidated piece.

Add pull-out shelves, hanging rods, or custom drawers as needed to organize clothes and belongings efficiently.

Seamlessly Blends into Room Decor

With customizable wood species, finishes, and hardware, your Murphy bed disappears discreetly into any design scheme. The bookcase looks like any ordinary furniture addition from the exterior.

Enjoy a hidden bed without sacrificing your room's aesthetics. Even open concept layouts can utilize these beds without cluttering the space.

Hire a Professional Carpenter for Custom Sliding Bookcase Beds

Trying to DIY a Murphy bed risks shoddy workmanship, unfinished looks, and inadequate structural support. Invest in a professional carpenter or Amish craftsman to build it right.

Reputable carpenters properly secure units into wall studs and know which specialty fasteners to use. They over-engineer for plenty of weight capacity and stability.

You'll have peace of mind knowing your expensive investment stays firmly anchored and won't crash down. Don't chance a DIY mishap or injury due to incorrect hardware or calculations.