Every home has a closet that could be working harder: an oversized reach-in that holds a few storage boxes or a walk-in that isn’t pulling its weight. Whatever the case, that closet has some square footage you can work with.
Installing a Murphy bed in a closet is a practical way to use that space. It turns underused storage into a functional sleeping area, supports guests without surrendering an entire room, and keeps everything looking tidy. If you’re wondering whether your closet could pull double duty with a Murphy bed closet system, here’s what you need to know.
Can You Put a Murphy Bed in a Closet? The Full Answer
You can absolutely put a Murphy bed in a closet, and whether it’s a good fit depends mainly on its dimensions—the space needs to be deep enough, wide enough, and tall enough to house the cabinet and accommodate the mattress when the Murphy bed folds up or down. Exact specifications vary by model and mattress size, so measuring your closet is the best way to ensure a functional fit.
As a general rule:
- Standard reach-in closets may not have the width or depth needed, depending on the model
- Walk-in closets and oversized reach-in closets are often well-suited for a Murphy bed installation
- Custom-built closet systems can be designed from the start with a Murphy bed in mind
As you plan, it helps to learn from the experts on exactly how to size a closet for a Murphy bed.
How to Size a Closet for a Murphy Bed
Whether you are designing a new closet for a Murphy Bed or checking if your closet could work, we have the guide you need.
Read the GuideWhy Installing a Murphy Bed in a Closet Is a Good Idea
A Murphy bed closet system works especially well in spaces that need to serve multiple purposes. In fact, installing a Murphy bed in a closet opens up lots of possibilities for your space.
1. It Makes Use of Space That’s Already There
Remodeling projects often focus on adding square footage, but the real opportunity is usually already inside your home. Closet space is already yours. A Murphy bed closet system simply makes its job more useful.
Rather than letting a large closet accumulate clutter, you can convert it into a comfortable sleeping area that’s ready when you need it and hidden when you don’t.
2. You Can Host Guests Without Dedicating a Full Room
Maintaining a permanent guest room is a real trade-off. The room sits empty most of the year, but you still give up the square footage. Putting a Murphy bed in a closet means your home office stays an office and your hobby room stays a hobby room.
When guests visit, the closet opens, and a proper bed is ready for them.
3. The Bed Stays Out of Sight
Unlike a Murphy bed mounted on an open wall, a closet Murphy bed tucks behind doors or within its own enclosure. When it’s folded up, it simply looks like a closet. Guests who haven’t visited before may not even realize it’s there.
This means you get a multifunctional room without it looking like one.
4. It Avoids the Cost and Disruption of a Home Renovation
Redoing an entire dedicated guest room—or pursuing an entire home addition—means construction, permits, and significant time. Converting an existing closet into a Murphy bed is a fraction of the investment with all the payoff.
It offers a practical middle ground for hosting guests that doesn’t require living in a construction zone for a while.
5. It Helps One Room Do More Than One Thing
This is especially relevant for the growing number of people who work from home. When an office needs to double as a guest room, managing those two purposes can be taxing when guests stay with you.
A Murphy bed offers a full mattress, folds away completely, and becomes part of the room rather than an intrusion.
What to Consider Before You Convert a Closet to a Murphy Bed
A closet Murphy bed is a smart solution for many, but there are a few practical details to think through before committing.
- Dimensions: Measure the closet’s depth, width, and height carefully. To make it easy, a closet Murphy bed kit offers detailed dimensions to help you match the right unit to your space, with a sizing guide to walk you through the process.
- Wall and Floor Requirements: The unit needs a structurally sound wall to anchor to. Concrete, drywall over studs, and other standard wall types work, but always confirm before installation.
- Clearance: Make sure there’s enough open space in front of the closet for the bed to fold down into without obstruction. Mind your furniture placement here.
- Electrical Access: If you’d like an outlet nearby, consider whether the closet already has one or whether adding access is feasible given your layout.
- Existing Storage: Consider how much you rely on the closet before committing. You may need to remove or reconfigure shelving. Keep in mind that some designs preserve storage alongside the bed.
Find the Right Murphy Bed for Your Closet
Closets are a lot more versatile than they get credit for. Installing a Murphy bed in the closet creates a multipurpose space, all without a renovation or a dedicated room for hosting.
Wilding Wallbeds’ Murphy bed options are designed to fit a range of spaces and configurations, including closet spaces. If you’re not sure which setup is right for you, we’re happy to help you work through the details. Reach out to our team with any questions.
Explore our Murphy beds and find the right configuration for your closet!