Queen Size Murphy Bed Dimensions and Sizes

Murphy beds provide a brilliant solution for small living spaces that need to accommodate overnight guests. With the ability to fold up and out of the way, murphy beds maximize usable floor space when not in use. Understanding the standard queen size murphy bed dimensions is key for proper installation and functionality.

Whether you're looking to purchase a queen size murphy bed or build your own, use this guide to ensure the proper fit.

What is a Murphy Bed?

A murphy bed is a specialized bed that can fold up and be stored vertically against a wall, hidden inside a closet or cabinet. The key benefit is the ability to free up living space when the bed is not in use. Murphy beds were patented in the early 1900s by William L. Murphy and have seen a resurgence in popularity recently.

Brief History

The first murphy bed patent was issued to William L. Murphy in 1900. His innovative design allowed beds to be folded up and stored inside a closet, creating more usable space in small apartments. Murphy beds grew in popularity through the early 20th century.

Benefits of Murphy Beds

There are several notable benefits that make murphy beds a smart choice for small spaces:

• Maximize usable floor space when bed is not in use
• Versatile for guest rooms, studios, offices, etc.
• Simple installation requiring no major renovations
• Available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and prices

Standard Queen Mattress Dimensions

When choosing a mattress for your queen size murphy bed, you'll need to understand standard mattress dimensions. The most common queen mattress sizes are:

Length and Width

A standard queen size mattress measures 60 inches wide x 80 inches long. This provides ample room for two sleepers while fitting well into standard cabinet sizes. Some other common queen sizes include:

• Olympic Queen: 66 inches wide x 80 inches long
• RV Queen: 60 inches wide x 75 inches long
• Split Queen: Two 30 inch wide x 80 inch long mattresses

Thickness

The standard thickness for queen size mattresses ranges from 8 to 12 inches. However, murphy bed mattresses should not exceed 10 inches thickness. Any thicker will make folding and unfolding difficult. High quality foam and latex mattresses around 8 inches work very well.

Queen Murphy Bed Cabinet Dimensions

Understanding standard cabinet dimensions is crucial for proper murphy bed installation. Keep the following dimensions in mind when measuring space or selecting a pre-made cabinet:

Height

Cabinet height must match your ceiling height, accounting for desired clearance. Standard cabinet heights range from 65 to 84 inches tall. Measure carefully to ensure adequate room when bed is lowered for use. Add 1-2 inches for ideal clearance.

Width

Standard cabinet widths typically range from 61 to 66 inches wide. Width should match mattress width. Allow 1/2 to 1 inch clearance between cabinet walls and mattress edges.

Depth

Cabinet depth when closed can range from 12 to 18 inches deep. Deeper cabinets allow room for thicker mattresses. Standard depth is approximately 14 inches.

Clearance Considerations

Proper overhead clearance is crucial when installing a murphy bed:

• Ceiling height should be at least 2 1/2 inches taller than overall cabinet height
• Account for crown molding which requires 8.5 foot minimum ceiling height
• Ensure sufficient room for bed to fully lower without obstruction

Measuring Your Room

Carefully measuring the intended murphy bed space is an essential first step. Make note of the following dimensions:

Length, Width and Height

Use a tape measure to measure length, width and height of the full area a murphy bed will occupy when lowered. This gives required dimensions for bed size and cabinet frame.

Accounting for Existing Furniture

Make note of any furniture, windows, baseboards or other fixtures protruding from the walls. These can limit murphy bed functionality if located where the bed lowers. Proper installation requires completely flat and vertical wall space.

Ensuring Proper Clearance

Remember to account for needed overhead clearance between top of the murphy bed and ceiling when lowered. Standard clearance is 2 1/2 inches minimum between. More height allows easier access.

Cabinet Size Impacts Mattress Size

The width and depth of your murphy bed cabinet determine what size mattress will fit inside. If your available space can only accommodate a smaller cabinet, you may need to opt for a slightly smaller mattress. Some common examples include:

Common Cabinet Sizes

• 14 inch depth holds 8 inch mattress
• 16 inch depth fits 10 inch mattress
• 18 inch depth fits 12 inch mattress

When a Smaller Mattress is Needed

If cabinet size is restricted, some good mattress options include:

• Full XL instead of Queen
• Olympic Queen instead of King
• Thinner versions of standard sizes

Other Murphy Bed Mattress Sizes

While queen size remains popular, murphy beds are also commonly made to accommodate the following mattress sizes:

Olympic Queen

Olympic queen murphy beds provide extra width at 66 inches wide x 80 inches long. This is ideal for taller individuals or anyone desiring more personal sleeping space.

Split Queen

Some cabinets are designed to hold two 30 inch wide twin XL mattresses. These operate independently allowing for individualized comfort adjustments.

RV Queen

RV queen murphy beds maximize precious space in recreational vehicles. With dimensions of 60 inches wide x 75 inches long, RV queens comfortably sleep two adults.

Important Considerations When Purchasing

Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a murphy bed for your specific space and needs:

Weight and Installation

Consider overall unit weight, ease of installation and removal. Hidden murphy beds require more complex installation than simple fold-down models. Hire a contractor for added safety and proper functionality.

Mattress Thickness

As mentioned above, mattress thickness over 10 inches can present folding difficulties. Prioritize quality foam and latex materials in thinner profiles specifically made for folding beds.

Design and Style

Choose cabinet wood types and finishes to match your room decor. Customization options for doors, handles and molding allow seamless integration into any space. Consider locking cabinets for safety and concealed storage space.

Queen size murphy beds can be an excellent addition to any room. Use the dimensions and tips covered in this article to select the ideal murphy bed and mattress for your available space. Properly installed, murphy beds provide flexible sleeping space without sacrificing precious floor area. Maximizing both form and function, murphy beds deliver space-saving ingenuity through clever, inconspicuous design.