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Living in a small home shouldn’t force you to compromise comfort, function, and style. You can make the most of every square inch, even with limited square footage. One of the best ways to do that is to add a Murphy bed to your small space. These beds easily slide into the wall vertically when not in use, providing you with floor space for daily chores.
While a Murphy bed saves space, it also opens countless opportunities for small bedroom storage ideas. Read the steps outlined in this guide to build your dream clutter-free storage space.
In This Post:
- 1. Built-In Shelving Units
- 2. Floating Shelves Above or Beside the Murphy Bed
- 3. Underbed Storage Options
- 4. Closet Optimization Near the Bed
- 5. Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Desks
- 6. Corner Shelves
- 7. Wall Cabinets with Doors
- 8. Laundry Room Aesthetics
- Why Murphy Beds Are Ideal for Small Bedrooms
- Choosing the Right Murphy Bed with Storage
- Final Words
1. Built-In Shelving Units
Murphy beds for small rooms need shelves for easy storage. Put built-in shelves on both sides of the Murphy bed. Use them as:
- Book storage
- A display space for framed art, decor, and vases
- A bedside surface for your alarm clock or table lamp
- Cabinets for hidden storage
Make sure the shelves’ colors match the Murphy bed’s finish for a seamless blend and cohesive look.
2. Floating Shelves Above or Beside the Murphy Bed
These shelves are ideal for using your room’s vertical space without overwhelming the entire room. Install these options:
- Slim floating shelves on both sides that can serve as bedside tables
- Three shelves that are vertically stacked on top of each other to use the entire wall
- One long shelf above the headboard
Apply minimal styling to your shelf to keep it looking neat.
3. Underbed Storage Options
Some Murphy beds have storage space underneath when you lift them up. Use this area to store spare linens, extra blankets, and out-of-season or in-season clothing. You can also store your shoes and accessories in plastic bins.
4. Closet Optimization Near the Bed
Your closet can do double duty by installing double hanging rods for clothes storage, using slim hangers for optimized closet space, and labeling bins for storing extra linens and guest towels.
If the Murphy bed is installed inside a closet door enclosure, use the surrounding space like a walk-in closet.
5. Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Desks
Add a fold-down desk near the Murphy bed if you need a convenient place to work or study. You can always flip it up against the wall when you’re not using it.
The bed can also be used as a bedside table or a nightstand with a foldable chair that you can tuck away neatly, too. You can install built-in drawers or cubbies for extra storage of office supplies.
6. Corner Shelves
If your tiny bedroom has odd corners, add corner shelving to:
- Display books, decorative baskets, and plants
- Create more storage without blocking the light that comes into the room
- Visually expand the room and bounce light around, especially with open shelving units
Corner shelves work in kids’ rooms, where space can be tight due to the many things your children may own.
7. Wall Cabinets with Doors
Closed storage keeps the entire bedroom clutter-free. You can use it for the Murphy bed to store electronics, toiletries, and paperwork out of anyone’s reach, especially children. Use the lower dresser drawers to access some important items easily. Make sure the bed frame matches the wall cabinet’s look so it doesn’t seem out of place.
8. Laundry Room Aesthetics
A laundry room is an important part of the home, and you can use its look for your small bedroom. Mount a clothes bar beside your Murphy bed to hang clothes and other essentials. Use plastic bins to store gym gear, sleepwear, and socks. Utilize your rolling carts to store your other items to accommodate your growing storage needs.
All of these ideas add personality and practicality that can usually be found in laundry rooms.
Why Murphy Beds Are Ideal for Small Bedrooms
These fold-away beds can maximize space in your small homes because they can:
- Maximize floor space during your waking hours
- Add extra storage with side cabinets and built-in shelves
- Let your room serve many purposes, such as a family room, home office, or guest room
- Comes in various finishes that look natural when installed in your home
Choosing the Right Murphy Bed with Storage
Consider all these factors when you want to buy a Murphy bed with storage space:
- Size: Murphy beds come in queen or twin sizes, depending on your bedroom size and needs.
- Built-in drawers and shelves: Get a bed that comes with shelves and drawers for hassle-free storage.
- Mechanism: Buy a bed with a quiet operation and a reliable frame.
- Style: Beds with modern, minimalist, and rustic features look good in your home.
Make sure to buy a bed with high-quality craftsmanship to make it last for years.
Final Words
A Murphy bed is more than a bed that you can fold against the wall. It’s a smarter and more flexible way of living in a small bedroom. Smart shelving and clever design can help address your storage problems and make your tiny bedroom twice as big.
The right Murphy bed and sharp execution of shelving and storage ideas can turn your home into an organized haven, just as you’ve always wanted.