Measuring Up for a Wall Bed – A Practical Guide to Getting It Right
Wall beds – also known as Murphy beds – are a smart, space-saving solution that blends practicality with comfort. Whether you’re turning the spare room into a multifunctional home office, making a compact flat more liveable, or simply adding versatility to a guest room, a wall bed can do wonders. But before you get too excited, there’s one vital step to tackle first: measuring up for a wall bed properly.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
A wall bed is a piece of furniture that needs to work with your room, not against it. Guessing or ‘near enough’ just won’t cut it. Here’s why getting the numbers right is so important:
Proper Fit: The bed must fit the intended wall with enough clearance to open and close smoothly. A unit that’s too big may not open properly, and one that’s too small can waste valuable space.
Safety: A well-fitted wall bed stays secure and operates correctly. Poor measurements can lead to installation issues or even hazards.
Aesthetic Appeal: When everything is measured correctly, your wall bed will blend into the space seamlessly – no awkward gaps or bulky overhangs.
Add-ons and Storage: Planning to include shelving, cabinets or storage alongside the bed? Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure everything fits neatly together.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, grab:
A long, flexible measuring tape
Paper and pencil for taking notes and sketching a rough layout
A spirit level (handy for checking if your floors and walls are even)
Step-by-Step: How to Measure for a Wall Bed
1. Clear the Space
Remove any furniture or items that might get in the way. You’ll want clear access to the wall and floor area.
2. Select Your Wall
Choose a spot that’s free from obstructions like windows, doors, heaters, or built-in fittings. A blank wall works best.
3. Measure the Width
Run your measuring tape across the full width of the wall. Keep the tape level and jot down the exact figure.
4. Measure the Ceiling Height
Measure from the floor to the ceiling at multiple points along the wall. Ceilings can be uneven, so work with the lowest height.
5. Identify Obstacles
Note the location of any switches, power points, or high skirting boards (especially if they’re taller than 125mm – in which case some trimming might be needed). Record their height from the floor and how far they sit from the nearest corner.
6. Allow for Opening Space
You’ll need space in front of the bed when it’s down. As a rule of thumb, allow at least 2.4 metres (about 8 feet) of clearance in front of the wall.
7. Draw a Rough Plan
Sketch the room and mark your measurements, along with any obstacles or features. It doesn’t need to be to scale – it’s just to help you visualise the layout.
8. Consider Lift Access
If you’re in an apartment block, lift size matters. A small lift may mean the bed has to be delivered flat-packed, which can increase the time and cost of installation.
9. Unsure? Ask for Advice
If anything feels uncertain – whether it’s about measurements or the suitability of a wall bed in your space – it’s worth speaking to someone with experience. At Wall Beds R Us, we’ve handled installations in all kinds of unusual rooms. We can help you figure it out before you commit.
Measuring up for a wall bed isn’t just another item on the to-do list – it’s what sets the foundation for a successful wall bed installation. Take your time, double-check your work, and reach out if you’re unsure. When your wall bed fits like a glove and works like a charm, you’ll be glad you did it right.
Want to check sizing? See our full range of bed dimensions here.
