Affordable Murphy Bed

Fasten the sides to the bottom with 2" screws and glue.

Fasten the back supports to the box, flush with the top and back, using 2" screws and glue. Also fasten through the bottom of the box into the bottom support.

Fasten the front support trim to the box with 2" screws and glue, top edges flush. Using 2" nails and glue, fasten the side trim to the box with outside edges flush — also fasten to the bottom of the box, and fasten through the top trim into the top end edge of the side trim.

Fasten the front top trim in place with 1-1/4" nails and glue, keeping top and outside edges flush. Use 2" nails at the ends to fasten to the side trim and sides.

Using 2" nails and glue, fasten the top back piece to the box top, leaving a 1" overhang at both ends and keeping the back flush. Attach the top front piece the same way, leaving a 1" overhang on the front and sides.

Screw the bottom board to the plywood back with 2" screws and glue. Fasten the diagonally-cut sides to the bottom and back with 2" screws and glue.

Using 1/4" hobby stock, fasten your desired decorative pattern to the face of the mattress box door. Secure with glue, 5/8" brad nails, and clamps, and let dry.

Use heavy-duty hinges (or a continuous piano hinge) to attach the mattress box to the wall box. Add a magnetic clasp to keep the door from falling open when shut. Optional compression hinges keep the door from free-falling open when unlatched.

Fill any nail or screw holes with wood filler, sand, and finish as desired.

Screw through the back-support boards into wall studs, at both the top and bottom of the box. A wide elastic strap secured to the plywood door is also recommended to keep the mattress in place when the bed is closed. Sized to fit a standard twin mattress, 39" x 75".