How to Measure Your Room for a Murphy Cabinet Bed

Before choosing a Murphy cabinet bed, measure the room in both configurations: with the cabinet closed and with the bed fully open.

A cabinet may fit perfectly against a wall when closed but still require more floor space than the room comfortably provides once the bed is opened.

### 1. Measure the Available Wall Space

Start by measuring the width of the area where you plan to place the cabinet.

Check for doors, windows, closets, baseboard heaters, electrical outlets, vents and other features that could interfere with placement or operation.

Compare this available space with the overall width of the specific cabinet-bed model you are considering.

### 2. Check the Cabinet Depth and Height

Measure how far the closed cabinet will project into the room and verify its overall height.

This is particularly important in smaller rooms, where even a few inches can affect walkways, doors or nearby furniture.

Do not assume that all Twin, Full or Queen cabinet beds have identical cabinet dimensions. Measurements vary by model.

### 3. Measure the Bed in the Fully Open Position

This is one of the most important measurements.

Use the manufacturer's open dimensions to determine how far the bed will extend from the wall when completely opened.

Marking that distance temporarily on the floor with painter's tape can help you visualize how much of the room the open bed will occupy.

### 4. Allow Space Around the Open Bed

A bed technically fitting into a room does not necessarily mean the room will be comfortable to use.

Consider whether there will be enough space to approach the bed, get in and out comfortably, and move around nearby furniture.

Also check whether opening the bed will block a doorway, closet, dresser or other frequently used part of the room.

### 5. Consider Side Trays and Other Features

Some Murphy cabinet beds include folding side trays, storage drawers or other features that require additional operating space.

If you expect to use these features, include them when planning your room rather than measuring only the main cabinet.

### 6. Think About the Room's Everyday Function

Remember why you are considering a cabinet bed in the first place.

If the room normally functions as a home office, studio, exercise room or hobby space, consider where desks, chairs and other furniture will go when the bed is opened.

Furniture that must be moved every time a guest stays may affect how convenient the room is in actual use.

### A Simple Measuring Tip

Before purchasing, compare these measurements for the specific model:

**Closed width × closed depth × closed height**

and

**Fully open width × fully open length/depth**

Then look at the room as a whole—not just the wall where the cabinet will sit.

At Gala Futons & Furniture, we recommend bringing your room measurements with you when shopping. Knowing the available wall width, room depth and location of doors or other obstacles can make it much easier to determine which cabinet-bed size and model will work in your space.

And remember: measure twice before choosing the bed. It's much easier to adjust a measurement on paper than a Murphy cabinet bed after delivery.