An IKEA Murphy bed is one of those search terms that sounds simple, but it can mean a few different things. Most people who search for it are not looking for a regular bed frame. They want a bed that saves floor space, folds away when not in use, and looks clean enough for a small apartment, guest room, studio, or home office.<\/p>\n
The important thing to know is that IKEA does not currently sell a true official Murphy bed in the traditional wall-mounted folding-bed style. IKEA\u2019s current bed range mainly focuses on standard bed frames, beds with storage, daybeds, sofa beds, stackable beds, and modular furniture for small spaces. Its official bed category highlights regular beds and storage-friendly designs, while its daybed and sleeper sofa categories focus on flexible furniture rather than true wall beds.<\/p>\n
So when people talk about an IKEA Murphy bed, they usually mean one of three things. They may be talking about an IKEA Murphy bed hack, where IKEA cabinets or shelves are combined with a separate wall-bed mechanism. They may be looking for an IKEA Murphy bed kit that can work with IKEA-style furniture. Or they may simply want IKEA alternatives that serve the same purpose: saving space while still giving guests or daily users a comfortable place to sleep.<\/p>\n
This guide explains all of those options in a clear and practical way, so you can understand what is possible, what is safe, and what may be better for your room.<\/p>\n
Topic<\/strong><\/td>\n| Quick Information<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n | Main Keyword<\/td>\n | ikea murphy bed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | What It Means<\/td>\n | A space-saving wall bed idea inspired by IKEA furniture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Does IKEA Sell One?<\/td>\n | No, IKEA does not currently sell an official traditional Murphy bed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Common Solution<\/td>\n | Use IKEA storage units with a separate Murphy bed hardware kit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Popular IKEA Hack Items<\/td>\n | PAX wardrobes, BILLY bookcases, KALLAX shelves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Best Sizes<\/td>\n | Full and queen are most practical; king needs much more space<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Storage Option<\/td>\n | Add wardrobes, shelves, cabinets, or drawers around the bed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Desk Option<\/td>\n | Use a side desk or a specialist Murphy bed with built-in desk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Price Range<\/td>\n | Depends on kit, mattress, IKEA units, tools, and installation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Best IKEA Alternatives<\/td>\n | Daybeds, sofa beds, stackable beds, storage beds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Best For<\/td>\n | Small apartments, guest rooms, home offices, studio spaces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Avoid If<\/td>\n | You rent, cannot drill into walls, or do not want DIY installation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n | Why IKEA Does Not Sell a Traditional Murphy Bed<\/h2>\nA traditional Murphy bed is different from a normal bed. It folds up into a cabinet or wall unit, which means the frame, hinges, lifting system, wall anchors, and surrounding structure all have to handle heavy movement again and again. That is why many Murphy beds are made with strong hardware, reinforced frames, and secure wall-mounting systems.<\/p>\n IKEA furniture is popular because it is affordable, easy to match, and widely available. However, many IKEA pieces are designed for normal household use, not for holding the moving weight of a folding wall bed. A bookcase, wardrobe, or cabinet may look like it could frame a Murphy bed, but that does not mean it was designed to carry that kind of load.<\/p>\n This is the main reason the phrase IKEA Murphy bed can be confusing. IKEA sells many smart small-space products, but a real wall-mounted Murphy bed has safety and structural needs that go beyond a basic storage unit. If a bed folds down from the wall, it must be secured properly. If it is not, it can damage the wall, damage the furniture, or create a serious safety risk.<\/p>\n That does not mean IKEA furniture cannot be part of a Murphy-bed-style setup. It simply means the folding bed system itself should come from a proper wall-bed hardware kit or a trusted wall-bed manufacturer.<\/p>\n The Truth About IKEA Murphy Bed Hacks<\/h2>\nAn IKEA Murphy bed hack is usually a custom project, not a ready-made product. In most cases, people use IKEA pieces for the outside look, storage, or surrounding cabinets. Then they add a separate wall-bed frame or lift mechanism from another company.<\/p>\n This approach is popular because IKEA furniture has a clean, simple look. It can make a room feel modern without looking too expensive or bulky. A Murphy bed hidden between wardrobes or shelves can also make a guest room feel like a real office, craft room, or living space during the day.<\/p>\n However, an IKEA hack is not the same as buying a complete Murphy bed system. It usually requires careful measuring, wall anchoring, cutting or adjusting panels, and understanding the limits of each IKEA product. For example, a wardrobe may look strong from the outside, but the side panels may not be suitable as the main support for a folding bed. The safest approach is to let the Murphy bed hardware carry the bed weight and use IKEA furniture as decorative or storage support around it.<\/p>\n The best IKEA Murphy bed hacks look simple when finished, but they take planning. Before starting, you should know your mattress size, ceiling height, wall type, floor clearance, and how much storage you want around the bed.<\/p>\n Popular IKEA Murphy Bed Hack Ideas Using PAX, BILLY, and KALLAX<\/h2>\nThe most common IKEA Murphy bed hack starts with the PAX wardrobe system. PAX is often used because it already looks like a built-in closet. Many DIY builders place wardrobes on both sides of a wall-bed frame, leaving the center space for the folding bed. Once finished, the setup can look like a custom storage wall.<\/p>\n BILLY bookcases are another popular choice. IKEA describes BILLY as a customizable bookcase series with adjustable height options and storage flexibility. In a Murphy bed project, BILLY units are usually used beside the bed rather than as the main bed support. They can hold books, d\u00e9cor, baskets, and daily items, helping the wall bed blend into the room.<\/p>\n KALLAX is also used in some creative layouts. IKEA\u2019s KALLAX series includes cube-style shelving and inserts with drawers, doors, and compartments for personalized storage. This makes it useful for rooms where the bed area also needs storage for clothes, toys, office supplies, or guest bedding.<\/p>\n The key point is that PAX, BILLY, and KALLAX can help create the look of an IKEA Murphy bed, but they should not be treated as a complete Murphy bed system by themselves. They work best as surrounding storage, not as the moving structure that holds the bed.<\/p>\n IKEA Murphy Bed Kit Options for DIY Projects<\/h2>\nAn IKEA Murphy bed kit usually refers to a third-party wall-bed hardware kit used alongside IKEA furniture. These kits may include a metal bed frame, hinges, pistons or springs, legs, mounting brackets, and instructions. Some kits are designed for vertical beds, while others are made for horizontal beds.<\/p>\n A vertical Murphy bed folds up tall against the wall. It works well when the room has enough ceiling height and clear floor space in front of the bed. A horizontal Murphy bed folds up sideways, making it better for rooms with lower ceilings or narrow layouts.<\/p>\n When choosing a kit, the most important thing is compatibility. The kit should match the mattress size you plan to use, whether that is IKEA Murphy bed full, queen, or another size. It should also match your wall type. Drywall alone is usually not enough. Most Murphy bed systems need to be secured into studs, masonry, or another strong structure.<\/p>\n A kit can make an IKEA-inspired project safer and more practical, but it still needs careful installation. If you are not comfortable with wall anchoring, heavy lifting, and exact measurements, hiring a professional may be worth the extra cost.<\/p>\n IKEA Murphy Bed With Storage: Smart Ways to Add Cabinets and Shelving<\/h2>\nAn IKEA Murphy bed with storage is one of the most useful versions of this idea. The whole point of a Murphy bed is to save space, so adding storage around it makes the room even more practical.<\/p>\n Tall wardrobes can hold clothes, extra blankets, and seasonal items. Bookcases can store books, baskets, and d\u00e9cor. Closed cabinets can hide clutter and make the wall look cleaner. If the bed is going in a guest room, storage drawers or cabinets can hold pillows, sheets, towels, and small guest supplies.<\/p>\n The best design keeps storage easy to reach when the bed is both open and closed. A common mistake is placing shelves or doors where the bed will block them when folded down. Before building, open the bed on paper or with floor tape and check which areas remain usable.<\/p>\n For a polished look, use matching finishes. White cabinets with a white bed panel create a simple built-in style. Wood-effect doors can make the setup feel warmer. The goal is to make the Murphy bed look like part of the room, not like a random piece added later.<\/p>\n IKEA Murphy Bed With Desk Ideas for Home Offices<\/h2>\nAn IKEA Murphy bed with desk is ideal for people who use one room for both work and guests. During the day, the room can function as a home office. At night, the bed can fold down for sleeping.<\/p>\n There are two main ways to create this idea. The first is to place a desk beside the Murphy bed, using IKEA cabinets or shelves to connect the whole wall visually. This is easier and usually safer because the desk does not move with the bed. The second option is a Murphy bed system with a desk attached to the front. In this design, the desk may stay level as the bed folds down, depending on the mechanism.<\/p>\n If you want a desk built into the bed face, it is usually better to buy a specialist Murphy bed system made for that purpose. Trying to attach a desk to a DIY bed without the right hardware can create balance problems. For most people, an IKEA desk placed next to a wall-bed setup is the simpler choice.<\/p>\n The best home office layout leaves enough walking space, keeps cords away from the folding bed, and uses closed storage to reduce visual clutter during video calls.<\/p>\n IKEA Murphy Bed Queen, Full, and King Size Considerations<\/h2>\nMany people search for IKEA Murphy bed queen because queen beds are popular for guest rooms and everyday sleeping. A queen Murphy bed can be comfortable, but it also needs more wall space and floor clearance. It is usually best for a room where the bed will be used often.<\/p>\n An IKEA Murphy bed full can be a better choice for smaller guest rooms. It gives more sleeping space than a twin but takes up less room than a queen. Full-size wall beds can work well in offices, hobby rooms, and small apartments.<\/p>\n An IKEA Murphy bed king is much harder to plan. King-size Murphy beds are large, heavy, and less common. They need a wide wall, strong installation, and plenty of room when opened. For many small spaces, a king Murphy bed removes the very benefit people are trying to gain: flexibility.<\/p>\n Before choosing a size, measure the room with the bed open, not just closed. A Murphy bed may disappear during the day, but at night it still needs enough space to walk around safely.<\/p>\n How Much an IKEA Murphy Bed Setup May Cost<\/h2>\nThe IKEA Murphy bed price depends on how you build it. Since IKEA does not sell a complete official Murphy bed, there is no single IKEA price for one. Instead, the total cost usually includes the wall-bed hardware kit, mattress, IKEA storage furniture, doors or panels, delivery, tools, and possible professional installation.<\/p>\n A basic DIY setup may cost less if you already own tools and only need simple shelves around the bed. A larger built-in look with wardrobes, doors, lighting, and professional help can cost much more. Queen-size and custom desk versions usually cost more than simple full-size or twin-size designs.<\/p>\n It is also important to compare the price with IKEA\u2019s official space-saving alternatives. For example, IKEA\u2019s current US listings show UT\u00c5KER stackable beds at $179 for a two-pack, FLEKKE daybed frames at $379, and HEMNES daybed frames at $399, though prices and availability can change by location and date.<\/p>\n For some rooms, an IKEA daybed or sleeper sofa may solve the same problem for less money and less effort.<\/p>\n Best IKEA Alternatives to a Murphy Bed<\/h2>\nIf your main goal is saving space, IKEA has several useful alternatives even without a true Murphy bed. These options do not fold into the wall, but they can still make a room more flexible.<\/p>\n A daybed is one of the closest choices. It can work as seating during the day and a bed at night. Some IKEA daybeds also include drawers, which helps replace a dresser or storage bench. IKEA\u2019s daybed category describes these pieces as guest beds that can transition into sofa-like seating with pillows.<\/p>\n A sleeper sofa is another practical option. IKEA\u2019s sleeper sofa category focuses on convertible couch beds in different styles, fabrics, sizes, and budgets. This can be a strong choice for living rooms, studio apartments, and multipurpose spaces.<\/p>\n Stackable beds can also help when you need flexible sleeping space but do not want a large permanent bed. They are especially useful for guests, kids\u2019 rooms, and shared small spaces.<\/p>\n IKEA Daybeds, Sofa Beds, and Stackable Beds for Small Rooms<\/h2>\nIKEA daybeds are popular because they feel more like normal furniture than a folding wall bed. FLEKKE and HEMNES are two common examples. FLEKKE includes drawers and a clean modern look, while HEMNES offers a more classic style with storage drawers. Current IKEA US listings show both as twin daybed frames with storage options.<\/p>\n Sofa beds are better when the room is mainly used for sitting. They work well in living rooms and studio apartments because they do not make the space feel like a bedroom all day. Some models also include storage for bedding, which makes them useful in small homes.<\/p>\n UT\u00c5KER stackable beds are different. They can be stacked when not in use and separated when guests arrive. IKEA describes UT\u00c5KER as a way to double bed space in a small home, and the current US listing shows it as a stackable twin bed two-pack.<\/p>\n These options may not have the dramatic fold-up function of a Murphy bed, but they are often easier, safer, and cheaper.<\/p>\n Safety, Wall Mounting, and Installation Tips Before Building<\/h2>\nSafety should be the most important part of any IKEA Murphy bed project. A folding bed is heavy. It moves. It pulls on the wall. It must be installed correctly.<\/p>\n Before building, check the wall type and find the studs or solid mounting points. Do not rely only on thin drywall. Follow the hardware kit instructions carefully, and do not skip anchoring steps. If the kit says two people are needed, do not try to install it alone.<\/p>\n You should also think about daily use. The bed should open smoothly without hitting lights, desks, chairs, doors, or ceiling fans. Children should not play with the mechanism. Any shelves or cabinets near the bed should be secured to the wall, especially tall units.<\/p>\n If you are using IKEA furniture around the bed, follow IKEA\u2019s own assembly and wall-anchoring instructions for those products as well. The final setup should feel stable when the bed is open and when it is closed.<\/p>\n Who Should Choose an IKEA Murphy Bed Hack \u2014 and Who Should Avoid It<\/h2>\nAn IKEA Murphy bed hack can be a good choice for someone who enjoys DIY projects, wants a custom built-in look, and understands that the folding bed hardware must come from a proper wall-bed system. It can work well in a guest room, studio apartment, home office, or small bedroom where every foot of floor space matters.<\/p>\n It is also a good option for people who want storage around the bed. IKEA wardrobes, shelves, and cabinets can make the room more useful and help the bed blend into the design.<\/p>\n However, this type of project is not right for everyone. If you rent and cannot drill into walls, a Murphy bed may not be allowed. If you are not comfortable with tools, measurements, or heavy installation, the project can become stressful. If your walls are weak or your room is very narrow, a daybed or sleeper sofa may be a smarter choice.<\/p>\n In simple terms, choose an IKEA Murphy bed hack if you want a custom project. Choose an IKEA alternative if you want an easier ready-made solution.<\/p>\n Best IKEA-Style Murphy Bed Alternatives Outside IKEA<\/h2>\nSome shoppers want the clean IKEA look but prefer a real Murphy bed made by a specialist brand. This is where IKEA-style Murphy bed alternatives can make sense. These are wall beds designed from the start to fold safely, support a mattress, and handle daily movement.<\/p>\n Specialist wall-bed companies may offer models with desks, sofas, shelves, or cabinets built in. Some use real wood, metal frames, or stronger engineered materials. They usually cost more than a DIY IKEA setup, but they may save time and reduce risk.<\/p>\n This route is worth considering if the bed will be used every day. A guest bed used a few times a year may not need a premium system, but a daily bed should feel smooth, secure, and comfortable. If you want a queen Murphy bed with a desk, a full storage wall, or a polished custom look, a specialist Murphy bed may be the better long-term investment.<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/h2>\nAn IKEA Murphy bed is not an official ready-made IKEA product, but the idea is still useful for many small homes. For most people, the term means either an IKEA-inspired wall bed hack, a Murphy bed kit combined with IKEA storage, or an IKEA alternative such as a daybed, sleeper sofa, or stackable bed.<\/p>\n If you want the true fold-away wall bed experience, you will likely need a third-party Murphy bed kit or a specialist wall-bed brand. IKEA furniture can help with the look, storage, and room design, but it should not replace proper wall-bed hardware.<\/p>\n If you want a simpler solution, IKEA\u2019s daybeds, sofa beds, and stackable beds may give you the space-saving benefit without the cost and complexity of a wall-mounted bed. The best choice depends on your room size, budget, wall strength, mattress needs, and comfort level with installation.<\/p>\n For a small space, the right bed is not always the one that folds away. It is the one that makes the room easier to live in every day.<\/p>\n FAQs<\/h3>\n |