How To Make A Murphy Bed Look Built-in
Murphy beds have come a long way from their fold-out wall bed origins. Today, they’re not just space-saving solutions—they’re design features. If you’re considering a custom Murphy bed in Ottawa, you probably don’t want something that looks like a Murphy bed. You want a seamless, built-in look that blends into your space and elevates the room.
The good news? With the right planning and design, you can get a Murphy bed that functions perfectly without sacrificing style. Here’s how to make it happen.
Why Go Custom Murphy bed?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about why a built-in look matters.
Ottawa homes—especially condos, townhouses, and older properties—often come with space limitations. Guest rooms double as home offices. Spare bedrooms need to function as playrooms. And sometimes, you need a real bed in a space that doesn’t have room for one full-time.
That’s where a custom Murphy bed shines. Unlike mass-produced models, a custom solution can be designed to match your home’s finishes, proportions, and overall look. It becomes part of the room—not just a piece of furniture.
1. Match Existing Cabinetry or Millwork
The fastest way to make your Murphy bed look built-in is to match it to what’s already in the room. If you have shaker-style white cabinets, carry that same design onto the bed face. If you have natural wood tones in a basement or den, a warm-stained Murphy bed can echo that palette.
Custom work allows you to:
- Match trim profiles and hardware
- Use the same paint colour or veneer finish
- Align with nearby built-ins or shelving units
In Ottawa homes, where many interiors lean modern or transitional, clean lines and subtle profiles work best for a timeless, built-in effect.
2. Build Around the Bed: Add Flanking Cabinets or Shelves
A Murphy bed alone can look like a stand-alone cabinet. To create a full built-in look, design surrounding storage around the bed frame.
Consider:
- Bookshelves on either side for symmetry
- Wardrobe cabinets for guest clothing or seasonal storage
- Closed cabinets above for bedding and pillows
This setup works especially well in spare bedrooms, basement guest rooms, and home offices—places where every bit of storage matters.
When built flush with the bed and wall, these additions frame the Murphy bed and make it look like part of the architecture.
3. Extend to the Ceiling for a True Built-In Look
One of the biggest giveaways that a Murphy bed is freestanding? Gaps at the top or sides. A true built-in runs from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.
If you’re adding upper cabinetry, extend it all the way to the ceiling and match your existing crown moulding (or add crown for extra polish). Side cabinets should align perfectly with adjacent walls.
A skilled custom builder will scribe the units to fit precisely, especially in older Ottawa homes where walls aren’t always square. This is where working with a local team pays off—you’re not just buying a bed, you’re getting a custom millwork installation tailored to your space.
4. Conceal the Mechanism on Murphy bed
All Murphy beds have some kind of lifting mechanism, but a custom-built design lets you hide the functional parts.
Options include:
- Integrated handles that blend with the panel design
- Hidden hinges or push-latch openings
- Custom paneling that disguises seams
The goal is to make the front look like a cabinet wall, not like a fold-down bed. Clean, flush doors or even faux drawers across the face can trick the eye into seeing it as built-in storage.
5. Use High-End Finishes and Hardware
Details matter. A custom Murphy bed in Ottawa can elevate a room when it’s made with the right materials.
Some upgrades to consider:
- Soft-close hinges and drawer slides
- LED lighting inside side cabinets or above the bed
- Matte or satin finish hardware to match existing décor
- High-quality wood or laminate finishes for a refined look
This isn’t just about appearances—durability counts, too. A professionally built unit will stay aligned, resist wear, and operate smoothly for years, especially when it’s in daily use.
6. Combine It with a Desk or Work Area
Want to take your Murphy bed beyond the bedroom? Combine it with a desk or workstation for a true dual-purpose solution. This setup is popular in Ottawa’s growing remote-work households where a spare room has to serve as both guest space and office.
A built-in desk can fold away or stay in place, depending on your needs. When matched to the bed cabinetry, it looks like one unified piece—sleek, functional, and totally intentional.
Some families even request built-in file drawers, charging stations, and printer storage—all of which can be integrated around the Murphy bed.
7. Make It Fit the Room’s Architecture
Every home has architectural features—nooks, sloped ceilings, awkward bulkheads. A custom Murphy bed can be designed around those elements to make it feel truly built-in.
Have an alcove or recessed wall? That’s the perfect spot. Working with a bay window or angled ceiling? A good designer will shape the cabinetry to follow those lines. These solutions are especially important in older Ottawa homes with quirks and character that off-the-shelf beds just can’t accommodate.
Final Thoughts
A Murphy bed doesn’t have to look like a last-minute solution. With the right design and custom detailing, it can blend into your room as a functional, beautiful built-in—adding comfort without taking over the space.
If you’re considering a custom Murphy bed in Ottawa, the best results come from working with a local team that understands how to blend form, function, and flawless installation.
Ottawa Custom Closet Solutions.
We build made-to-fit Murphy beds, wall beds, and storage solutions that look like they were always part of your home. Whether it’s a downtown condo or a growing family home in the suburbs, we design for real life—with style that lasts.
📞 Book your free design consult today and see how a custom Murphy bed can work for your space: