How to DIY a Custom Built-In Murphy Bed Library

Hey there, friends! Grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and let me take you on a journey through my latest project—a labor of love that brought both style and practicality to life. My client, Elise, had a dream: to transform her library into a multifunctional space without losing its cozy, timeless charm. Together, we turned that dream into reality by designing and building a custom Murphy bed library built-in. Spoiler alert: It’s stunning!

The Vision: Classic Charm Meets Modern Functionality

Elise wanted her library to feel like it had always been part of her home—a seamless blend of classic elegance and practical modernity. Our goal was to create a built-in that combined a Murphy bed with custom bookshelves, integrating them so naturally that they felt like an original feature of the house. The result would offer both a peaceful reading nook and a functional guest space. Here's how we did it:

Step 1: Dreaming, Designing, and Planning

We started with a deep dive into Elise’s vision, drawing up plans that captured her love of rich library vibes and smart design. After scouring various options, we landed on the Create-A-Bed Queen adjustable bed mechanism—a fantastic kit that walked us through everything from wood measurements to required tools. It offered just the right mix of guidance and flexibility for our project.

Step 2: Crafting the Murphy Bed

With plans in hand, we got to work during Elise’s son’s naptimes. Building a Murphy bed may sound intimidating, but this kit made the process manageable by breaking it into simple steps. Over two weeks, we assembled the bed frame, installed the mechanism, and created a sturdy yet elegant centerpiece for the room. Each piece came together like a giant puzzle, and by the end, we couldn’t wait to see it in action.

Step 3: Stock Cabinets Meet Creative Flair

Next up: the bookshelves. To keep costs reasonable, we used stock cabinets on either side of the Murphy bed and framed them with custom-built walls to give the entire piece a cohesive look. We used 2x4s and 3/4-inch plywood to create sturdy bases that matched the tall baseboards in the room. My go-to trick? Cut 2x4 spacers to your desired shelf height—they make balancing horizontal shelves a breeze!

Step 4: Trim Magic and Timeless Details

Now for the part where everything started looking like a proper library! We scoured the market for trim that matched Elise’s existing chair rail, wrapping it around the Murphy bed for continuity. Crown molding and fluted trim added a touch of grandeur, while an open bookshelf above the bed replaced the upper cabinets for a lighter, more inviting look. Every trim piece worked together to create a cohesive, built-in masterpiece.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

The final steps were all about perfection. We used lattice trim to give the Murphy bed a faux cabinet facade, framing everything with one-by-twos for clean, crisp edges. After caulking, sanding, and priming, we painted the entire unit to match Elise’s stunning green walls, thanks to a custom color from Sherwin Williams. Gorgeous knobs and pulls from Rejuvenation and elegant picture lighting from Visual Comfort added that final touch of elegance, elevating the entire space.

The End Result: A Library Reimagined

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. What started as a simple library now serves as a cozy reading nook by day and a welcoming guest retreat by night. Elise and her family couldn’t be happier with the transformation—and honestly, neither could I. From game nights to quiet evenings, this custom Murphy bed library built-in is ready for years of cherished memories.

So, what do you think? Ready to dive into a project of your own? If you need inspiration, guidance, or just a nudge to start, feel free to reach out—or check out my Instagram for more project highlights

Happy building!

Creator: Allie

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