Murphy Bed Closet: Build a Guest Room in Existing Storage

TL;DR: Key Takeaways From Robert Meyers’ Murphy Bed Closet

A Murphy bed closet can turn unused storage into a real queen guest room without permanently giving up the room. In Robert Meyers’ video, “Murphy bed mechanism built into a closet”, the creator demonstrates how an existing closet, once cleared of shelves, can house a queen-size Murphy bed mechanism behind two ordinary closet doors.

At 0:00–0:10, Robert Meyers frames the whole project simply: an existing closet system becomes an “instant guest bedroom.” The video shows the bed hidden behind two doors, then opened into the room when needed. For homes, that’s especially useful if you’re working with a home office, studio apartment, finished basement, or multipurpose room where a permanent guest bed would waste floor space.

• Real mattress comfort: At 0:31–0:35, the creator explains that the system can take a standard innerspring mattress.
• No mattress folding: At 0:35–0:39, he points out that the mattress is not bent, folded, or creased.
• Spring-assisted lifting: At 0:24–0:31 and again at 0:55–1:06, the video demonstrates counterbalancing springs that make lifting and lowering easier.
• Linens stay put: At 1:18–1:32, the strap holds the mattress and bedding to the frame when the bed is raised.

According to Robert Meyers, the project works because the closet is emptied, measured wide enough for a queen-size bed, and fitted with a spring-assisted steel Murphy bed mechanism. You still need to verify the hardware manufacturer’s dimensions, mattress limits, and fastening requirements before buying parts or removing shelving.

What Makes a Murphy Bed Closet Work?

The main idea is simple: the bed lives inside the closet until you need it. At 0:00–0:18, the video shows two closet doors hiding the entire mechanism, so the room looks like a normal living space, office, or spare room when the bed is stored. That visual cleanliness is the big advantage over a sofa bed, cot, or air mattress sitting in plain sight.

As demonstrated in the video, the basic setup includes two closet doors, a cleaned-out closet opening, a queen-size steel Murphy bed frame, an upholstered foundation, and a spring-assisted lifting system. Robert Meyers opens the closet at 0:11–0:16, shows the empty space where shelving was removed, and then explains at 0:40–0:55 that the mattress rests on an upholstered foundation secured to the steel mechanism.

This is not the same thing as a folding foam guest pad. According to Robert Meyers at 0:31–0:39, the mattress is not bent, folded, or creased. That matters because a standard queen mattress is typically 60 inches wide by inches long, and many mattresses are built with coils, foam layers, edge support, or quilting that are not designed to be repeatedly folded.

Before you treat any closet as a future bedroom, measure carefully. A queen mattress may be by inches, but the full Murphy frame and side hardware need more space than the mattress alone. You also need floor clearance for the bed to swing down, room for the support leg to open, and enough wall structure to anchor the system safely.

Murphy Bed Closet Requirements Before You Start

The first requirement is a clean opening. At 0:12–0:16, Robert Meyers shows the closet after the shelves have been removed, and at 0:40–0:48 he explains that the open space allows the bed to fold up into the closet. If your closet has fixed shelving, low rods, built-in drawers, or a center divider, those elements usually need to come out before you can evaluate the space properly.

Width is the next major requirement. At 0:15–0:21, the creator explains that the closet has been measured wide enough to fit a queen-size bed. Since a queen mattress is normally 60 inches wide, the closet opening must allow for the mattress, the steel frame, the spring hardware, side clearances, and door operation. Some hardware kits require several additional inches beyond the mattress width, so guessing is risky.

You should also check details the video doesn’t spend time on: baseboards, outlet locations, closet depth, ceiling height, flooring transitions, door tracks, and trim thickness. Sliding doors may block part of the opening. Swing doors may hit furniture once the bed is down. Thick baseboards can prevent the frame from sitting tight to the wall unless you notch, shim, or build out the mounting area.

Use this pre-build checklist before ordering hardware:

1. Measure the closet width in three places: top, middle, and bottom.
2. Measure height from the finished floor, not from subfloor or carpet padding.
3. Measure depth at both side walls, especially in older homes where walls may not be square.
4. Locate studs or structural blocking with a stud finder and confirm with small pilot holes if needed.
5. Photograph the closet, including outlets, trim, flooring, and door hardware.
6. Compare every measurement with the exact mechanism manufacturer’s specifications before demolition.

In our experience reviewing small-space remodel plans, the most common mistake is measuring only the visible door opening. The inside width, side obstructions, and the swing path of the bed matter just as much.

How to Measure for a Queen Murphy Bed Closet

Use Robert Meyers’ queen-size example as your baseline. At 0:04–0:07, he describes a queen-size Murphy bed installed in an existing closet, and at 0:15–0:21 he confirms that the closet was measured wide enough for the frame. A queen mattress is typically 60 inches by inches, but the installed system is larger because it includes rails, pivots, springs, mounting points, and sometimes side panels or brackets.

Measure the closet at the top, middle, and bottom. If the top measurement is inches, the middle is/2 inches, and the bottom is/8 inches, the smallest number is the one that matters. Older framing, plaster walls, and uneven drywall can reduce usable space more than you expect. Leave room for the support leg and spring hardware, not just the mattress.

You also need to confirm orientation. The video demonstrates a vertical fold-down bed that stores upright in the closet and opens out into the room at 0:56–1:09. A horizontal Murphy bed uses a different footprint and may work better in rooms with low ceilings, but it needs more wall width. Before removing shelves, compare your measurements against the exact kit you plan to buy, because Murphy bed mechanisms vary by manufacturer.

How the Spring-Assisted Murphy Bed Mechanism Works

The spring system is what makes the bed practical for regular use. At 0:24–0:31, Robert Meyers explains that the queen-size bed is actuated with counterbalancing springs, which offset the combined weight of the steel frame, foundation, mattress, and bedding. Instead of lifting the full dead weight of a queen mattress, you lift a balanced assembly that feels much lighter when adjusted correctly.

At 0:55–1:06, the creator explains a useful detail: springs can be added or detached to match different mattress weights and different users. That means a heavier innerspring mattress may require more spring tension, while a lighter foam mattress may require less. A typical queen mattress can weigh roughly 60 to pounds, depending on construction, thickness, and materials, so the adjustment range matters.

The video also shows automatic leg action. At 1:07–1:15, as the bed is pulled down, the support leg opens and the frame settles into sleeping position. That leg is not decorative. It transfers part of the load to the floor and helps the foundation support the sleeper evenly.

Safety depends on proper fastening. A Murphy bed creates pulling and rotating forces as it opens and closes, so you should use hardware rated for the bed size and anchor it into studs, structural blocking, or the manufacturer’s approved mounting surface. Drywall alone is not enough. If the wall has metal studs, masonry, or an unusual base condition, get the correct fasteners before installation rather than improvising during assembly.

Mattress, Foundation, and Linen Details That Matter

Comfort is where this project separates itself from temporary guest-bed options. At 0:31–0:35, the creator explains that the Murphy bed can take a standard innerspring mattress. That’s a major advantage if you want guests to sleep on a familiar, full-depth mattress rather than a thin foldaway pad or an inflatable mattress that can lose pressure overnight.

The mattress does not sit directly on the closet floor. At 0:48–0:55 and again at 1:14–1:18, the video shows the mattress resting on an upholstered foundation attached to the spring-assisted steel Murphy bed mechanism. This foundation supports the mattress when the bed is down and keeps the sleeping surface aligned with the frame. If your kit uses slats instead of an upholstered deck, follow that design exactly and use the mattress type the manufacturer approves.

The no-crease point is also worth taking seriously. According to Robert Meyers at 0:35–0:39, the mattress is not bent, folded, or creased. Repeated folding can stress foam layers, border wires, quilting, and pocket-coil assemblies. Keeping the mattress flat during use and upright during storage can help preserve its shape and comfort longer than a design that forces the mattress to hinge.

At 1:18–1:32, the video demonstrates a strap that holds the mattress and linens to the frame when the bed is raised. For daily use, that one feature saves time. You can leave a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and light blanket in place, then lower the bed without remaking it from scratch. Avoid bulky comforters if they interfere with the mechanism or prevent the doors from closing cleanly.

Step-by-Step Installation Plan for a Murphy Bed Closet

The video is a short demonstration, but you can turn it into a practical installation plan. At 0:11–1:32, Robert Meyers shows the closet opened, the shelving removed, the spring-assisted frame lowered, the automatic leg deployed, and the linen strap used before storing the bed again. The missing piece for most homeowners is sequencing: what should happen first, and what should be checked before the bed is used?

1. Empty the closet completely. Remove clothing rods, shelves, brackets, bins, and any loose trim that could interfere with the frame.
2. Verify the dimensions. Measure width, height, depth, and floor clearance, then compare them with the exact Murphy mechanism instructions.
3. Prepare the wall base. At 0:18–0:24, the creator mentions the bed system securing into the base of the wall. Identify solid fastening points before assembly.
4. Assemble the steel frame. Work on a clean floor and keep bolts organized by step.
5. Mount the mechanism. Use the manufacturer’s required fasteners, spacing, and anchors.
6. Attach the foundation. Confirm it is square and fully supported.
7. Add the mattress. Check that thickness and weight are within the kit’s limits.
8. Adjust the springs. Add or remove springs as described at 0:55–1:06 until the bed moves smoothly.
9. Test the lift repeatedly. Open and close the bed several times before allowing anyone to sleep on it.

Plan tools before you start: tape measure, stud finder, drill/driver, level, socket set, shims, manufacturer hardware, blocking lumber if needed, and safety glasses. You should also have a second adult present. Queen Murphy bed parts can be awkward, and lifting a steel frame into position is not a one-person task.

After adjustment, write down the mattress brand, approximate mattress weight, mattress thickness, and final spring count. If you replace the mattress later, those notes make it easier to rebalance the system instead of guessing.

Anchoring and Safety Checks Before Sleeping on It

At 0:18–0:24, the creator briefly mentions that the system secures into the base of the wall. That detail deserves extra attention because a Murphy bed closet is not just furniture sitting on the floor. When the bed opens and closes, the mechanism creates pulling forces against the wall and mounting points. If the anchors loosen, the frame can shift, bind, or become unsafe.

Use this safety checklist before anyone sleeps on the bed:

• Confirm every anchor hits studs or structural blocking, unless the hardware instructions approve another mounting method.
• Check the frame with a level side to side and front to back.
• Test automatic leg deployment and make sure the leg fully supports the bed when open.
• Open and close the bed several times with the mattress and bedding installed.
• Verify the linen strap holds bedding without rubbing, pinching, or blocking the mechanism.
• Listen for scraping, popping, or uneven movement, then stop and correct the issue before use.

Follow the mechanism manufacturer’s instructions exactly, especially for spring tension, fastener type, and mattress limits. Hardware ratings differ. Children should not operate the bed until adults confirm the spring balance is correct and the frame moves smoothly without slamming, drifting, or sticking.

Who Should Consider This Murphy Bed Closet Upgrade?

This upgrade works best when you need a real bed some of the time and an open room the rest of the time. At 0:00–0:10, Robert Meyers describes the project as a way to create an instant guest bedroom, and at 1:33–1:41 he sums it up as a way to use your space, tuck the bed away, and keep it inside an existing closet. That makes it useful for guest rooms, home offices, studios, spare bedrooms, finished basements, and multipurpose family rooms.

It can also work for everyday sleeping. At 1:16–1:24, the creator says the bed can be used every night, and the strap shown at 1:18–1:32 keeps linens in place when the bed is raised. If you’re converting a small condo room or creating a flexible bedroom-office, that daily-use detail matters more than it might seem. A bed that has to be remade every night quickly becomes annoying.

Compare it honestly with alternatives. A sofa bed saves wall space, but many have thinner mattresses and support bars you can feel. An air mattress is cheaper and easy to store, but it is temporary and can deflate. A full built-in Murphy cabinet can look polished, but it usually requires more carpentry than using an existing closet.

Choose this approach if your closet is wide enough, you want a real mattress, and you’re comfortable anchoring a steel mechanism securely. If you rent, get written permission before removing shelves or fastening hardware to the wall. In 2026, many small-space upgrades are designed to be reversible, but a Murphy bed still needs structural attachment to be safe.

Conclusion: Build the Guest Room, Then Test It Like Furniture You’ll Sleep On

A Murphy bed closet is one of the cleaner ways to add sleeping space without dedicating an entire room to guests. The video by Robert Meyers shows the core idea clearly: remove the closet shelves, install a queen-size spring-assisted Murphy bed mechanism, use a standard mattress, and secure the bedding with a strap so the bed can be stored behind existing doors.

Your next steps are practical. Measure the closet in multiple places, compare those numbers with the exact hardware kit, confirm solid anchoring points, and choose a mattress that fits the mechanism’s weight and thickness limits. Then test the spring balance, leg action, frame level, and linen strap before anyone sleeps on it.

The project is simple in concept, but the details matter. If the closet is wide enough, the mounting is solid, and the mechanism is adjusted correctly, you can turn storage into a comfortable guest room that disappears when the visit is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a Murphy bed in an existing closet?

Yes. As demonstrated by Robert Meyers at 0:00–0:21, an existing closet can hold a Murphy bed if it is emptied, measured correctly, and wide enough for the queen-size frame and mechanism. You also need enough floor clearance for the bed to open fully.

Can a Murphy bed use a regular mattress?

The video states at 0:31–0:35 that this Murphy bed can take a standard innerspring mattress. Before buying, confirm the allowed mattress thickness and weight with the hardware manufacturer because kits vary.

Does a Murphy bed fold the mattress?

According to the creator at 0:35–0:39, this setup does not bend, fold, or crease the mattress. The mattress stays flat when the bed is open and stores upright when the bed is closed.

Is a Murphy bed hard to lift?

The video shows a counterbalanced spring mechanism at 0:24–0:31 that makes opening and closing easier. At 0:55–1:06, Robert Meyers explains that springs can be added or detached to match mattress weight and user needs.

Can you leave sheets on a Murphy bed?

Yes. At 1:18–1:32, the demonstrated frame uses a strap to hold the mattress and linens in place when the bed is raised. Keep bedding reasonably flat so it does not block the mechanism or prevent the closet doors from closing.

Is a Murphy bed safe for daily use?

Robert Meyers says at 1:16–1:24 that the bed can be used every night. Safe daily use depends on proper anchoring, correct spring balance, rated hardware, and routine checks for loose fasteners or uneven movement.