Thursday, August 19, 2010

What is a murphy bed? I'll show you.

Okay, so here it is. The "BIG PROJECT" the hubster and I have been working on. Finally finished.
So what is it? An armoire? No. T.V. Cabinet? No. It is a Murphy bed. Just so you know there will be no tutorial on the making of this bed. If you ever attempt one of these, number 1. You are nuts! number 2. You will need more direction than I can give you, some serious instructions and measurments.
So this is where it all started. We puchased the mechanism for the muphy bed and with it came instructions on making it and the wood we needed to purchase. We bought it at Allwood Furniture in Salt Lake City, Utah.

After about 10 days we made it to here.
So when the bed is up in the cabinet the front is suppose to look like an armoire. You can have cabinet doors made but that is expensive so I decided we could make fake doors and drawers with just some trim and fake drawer fronts. Then put handles and knobs on them and they look real. I then started the yucky job of painting, I hate to paint. I decided black was the color so off to Home Depot I went. "Behr paint and primer in one, please." I have to say this is really great stuff. 2 coats later...
A little sanding around the trim (I mean doors) and crown molding.
Then I put 2 coats of this stuff in satin finish. It recommends 3 coats on the can but I had had enough!
Here it finally is in its place.
Here are the handles I got a Home Depot to further the look of cabinet doors...
And here is how this thing works...

"Where is the mattress?" you say. Well we had to order it because it is a full/double size and the store we went to didn't stock them because they aren't that popular. Hu! So next week we will be accepting guests but no sooner!
And of course, any flat surface cannot stay un-accessorized for long in this house, sooo...
We saved $1000 buckaroos by building this ourselves.  We spent $1500.   Maybe in about 5 years we will forget about the blood, sweat and tears that went into it and we will say "It was worth it" but for now I do love how it looks in the room and it will be great for an extra bed when needed. 
How do you like it?

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126 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh! You built that? How impressive. I love how you made it thin - thinner than the ones I've seen good job!

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  2. Wow! That's amazing. You guys did a great job.

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  3. This is so cool. I have always thought these beds a great idea for guests and you have made it look so lovely! Great idea on the fakeabulous door fronts too.

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  4. Brooke that is amazing! I have always loved those things...great for utilizing every inch of space. FYI my party is for anything not purchased in a retail store...so thrift, garage, antique, flea market, etc:)

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  5. It looks awesome! I'm so wanting one of these in our basement. Where did you purchase the mechanism?

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  6. AHHHH! That is SO COOL! You're amazing. It dose look just like an armoire. And I know exactly what you mean about 2 coats of Polycrylic :) I did the same thing. Besides, I bet that third coat is just a ploy to get us to use more of the product up.

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  7. Oh my gosh that turned out so beautiful! I had no idea that's what it was. What a totally awesome idea! When you get the mattress can we get a pic of you all spread out on it? You know you want to. ;)

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  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. Wow! Wow, wow, wow!!!!

    This is amazing! Murphy bed was not even on my register when I was guessing after your "hint" post. Your faux cabinet front fooled me. I'm so excited that you linked up. It's fantastic!

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  10. Very cool! Where did you get the plans? Did you design it yourself?

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  11. I can't believe you built one yourself. It looks amazing and so functional!

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  12. Makes me want a Murphy bed! So clever to make it look like an armoire. Found you at the Shabby Nest. :)

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  13. How COOL that you made this...it looks outstanding and sooooo THRIFTY...hop over and show it off at my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS PARTY...hope to see you there:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  14. Amazing. One of the best self made furniture pieces that I have EVER seen. Wow.

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  15. LUV, LUV, LUV this project! We live in a small home and have talked about adding a Murphy Bed to a secondary bedroom after our teens leave for college. I'll remember your advise about being nuts, lol. Won't be the first project I've taken on with that information, lol. You've done a wonderful job here!!

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  16. I think it turned out great! I love that you guys made a murphy bed - awesome!

    Chelsea

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  17. This is so amazing. You do a wonderful job!
    Monica

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  18. Love this! I want one! We used to have one years ago and I've missed it many times. Time to build/search for a new one.

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  19. Love it! We have wanted one of these for a long time. Where did you get the plans or kit??
    It looks great!

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  20. WOW thats amazing!!!! I would never in a million years even try to attempt that so good job!!

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  21. WOW! You did an amazing job. I hope you enjoy it for a very long time!

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  22. Beautiful! Sophisticated to go in the dining room! I'm jealous! Love it!

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  23. You're very brave! It looks great!

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  24. That is amazing! I love it and you did a fabulous job!

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  25. That is incredible! I'm so jealous.

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  26. WOW this is amazing! I found your blog via New Friend Fridays on TGC / Trendy Treehouse and am a new follower!

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  27. absolutely stunning! i would love to ignore your advice and actually make one of these myself.. it just looks so pretty!!

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  28. This is nothing less than AWESOME! Great job and what an awesome idea!

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  29. Wow! When I move to my next apartment (downsizing from a one-bedroom to a studio) I'll have to give this a try! Maybe I can put my own spin on it... in the meantime, I'll just make googly eyes at yours, because it's gorgeous and just plain awesome!

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  30. Oh my goodness...SO smart!! I've been telling my hubs that I want to make one of these when we have kids so that I can still have a functional guest room but have it also serve as a playroom. The praise and 'atta boys/girls' you'll receive when guests come to visit will way outweigh the blood, sweat, and tears...trust me! Great job!!!

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  31. You and your hubs did a great job, Brooke! I love Murphy beds and think they are so practical, especially for studio apartments.

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  32. Wow, I think this is my favorite project ever! That is a gorgeous murphy bed! Im curious as to how sturdy the hardware is, will it hold 2 adults. It is a labor of love. Can you email me with more information as to where you purchased the hardware.
    Thanks,
    Michelle

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  33. I have always wanted to have a murphy bed in one of our rooms!! This looks so fantastic!!!!!! Would you share where you found the mechanism for the bed itself?

    bee blessed
    mary

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  34. I've been planning to build a Murphy Bed but wasn't sure how to "hide it" Love this armoire look!

    Where did you buy the mechanism btw... are you happy with it/does it seem sturdy? Ours would be for a queen (if they make those)

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  35. This is beautiful! I have been researching murphy beds for a while and plan to build one soon. Where did you purchase the mechanism for the bed? I like that the bottom leg folds down from the top of the mattress.

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  36. That is absolutely amazing! I have wondering if you could make one...now I know;o) Great job! Visiting from Domestically Speaking.

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  37. Just came across your Murphy Bed post after it was linked to on Pinterest.

    I see a lot of people asked where you bought your kit, but I didn't see an answer. Could you please let me know? I'd love to do this!

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  38. I just saw this on Pinterest too. Could you please email me where you got the kit from and how much it cost. I am a crazy person who wants to attempt making this.
    Thank you
    emmaejohns@gmail.com

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  39. I would also love to know where you order this kit and it you can get it for queen size.
    rhondaelderphotography@hotmail.com Thanks.

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  40. That is amazing!! GREAT job! I am beyond impressed!!

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  41. Where did you purchase the mechanism?
    This question has been asked several times without an answer.
    Is the builder of the bed still paying attention to this post?

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  42. I would also like to know where the mechanism was purchased please! Thanks!

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  43. I would also like to know where the mechanism was purchased please! Thanks!

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  44. Can you share with me also where you bought the mechanism? I've looked before but was overwhelmed!

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  45. Hello followed the link from Pinterest love this bed, will search out a supplier for the hardware, oh and when you are accepting quests count me in. Lol

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  46. Where did you buy this mechanism?

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  47. When you show the 10 day update picture, about how many hours would that be? 1, 2, 3 hours per day? I've heard that building your own murphy bed is tough but I wonder if the time and patience is worth the cost in savings. Great, great job! (found off pinterest, btw)

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    1. Emily,
      My husband has a full time job so he probably worked on it about 2 to 3 hours 8 out of 10 of those days. It was tough but we use this alot. My daughter was home from collage all summer and that is where she slept. It has been great, so I would say it was worth it for us.

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  48. That's great! Way better than a pullout sofa bed...

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  49. Looks AMAZING! I found you on Pinterest also! :) Love your blog!! Can you email me where you got the kit as well? amandalauro@gmail.com !!

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  50. This looks great. I have been looking for one of these for our spare room.

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  51. Great Job! For all of those who are looking for a link, a quick google search can give you lots of options.

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  52. found your post on pinterest--great job! How's it been working out? I've always been intrigued with Murphy beds.

    gail

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  53. Would you mind sharing where you bought the mechanism? We just moved into our new home and I'd like to have a couple of Murphy's Beds for guests. (We'd put one in the loft and one in my craft room/office... In case anyone wondered why a "couple".)

    Yours looks FANTASTIC! I would have never thought to do faux cabinets, but I'll definitely be doing that as well!

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  54. ...And while you're at it, would you be ever so kind to share where you would purchase one of these beds for those of us who are no where near as talented as you all? We can barely fix a toilet around here, and painting our front door is daunting, so building an entire Murphy bed is completely out of the question :). I am VERY impressed with your skill! You have done a beautiful job.

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  55. ...wow. found your post on pinterest and I'm sooo impressed with this and the end result is FABULOUS. Do you still think it was worth it? :)

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  56. interested where you bought the kit. It looks awesome!

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  57. This is so amazing. And it looks TONS better than the murphy beds you find online, AND cheaper. I'm saving this page for later when I have the money to buy the hardware kit.

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  58. I'd really love to know where you purchased the hardware. Would you please email me with that information? Thank you.

    paula@ourdaileylife.com

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  59. Wow, wow, WOW!!!
    Just Fabulous!! I just found you thru a link on Censational Girl.
    We are about to renovate a garage apartment at our cottage & want 2 Murphy beds. Husband thinks it will be easy to build : )
    I am so glad I found you... something to strive for.
    Yours is just Beautiful!!

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  60. I know the blogger hasn't commented back,but I think their kit is similar to the last kit on this webpage.

    http://www.murphybeds.com/PanelHardware/

    The last one is where you build the frame out of wood.

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    1. Thank you for the information. Great website. The mechanisms range from $383.00 to $808.00 for the mechanism, some with legs, plus instructions and have video instructions on site. Come with a 5 year to a lifetime warranty, depending on which of the three choices you make. Have the following click on's.
      See Panel Hardware dimensions »
      Watch our instructional videos »

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  61. leevalley.com sells plans and hardware
    http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=40442&cat=1,46158,42665

    http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=41276&cat=3,40842,41271

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    1. Thank you for the information for this website. Plans cost $9.95, mechanism cost is $299.00 with 10 year warranty.

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  62. I have always loved Murphy beds and when the oldest kid moves out, I'm getting or making one!

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  63. Found your post through Centsational Girl. Love this! My hubby and I have a small house and were considering doing a built in murphy bed, but I like this better so we can take it with us whenever we move after all that effort :)

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  64. Wow wish I was that handy. Where did you purchace the murphy mechabism?

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  65. Rockler has the kits for around $300 regardless of size. http://woodworking.rockler.com/search?asug=&sli_uuid=&sli_sid=&w=murphy+bed&Search.x=0&Search.y=0&Search=Submit

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  66. The build came out great. Nicely done, and while it might be too fresh right now, worth the effort in the long run. I'd have to say though, painting would probably have been easier if you'd taken the hardware off first, rather than taping it off and painting around it.

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  67. Wow great job! We have been looking for DIY instructions for one for our guest bedroom. Please share! Lynettebirch@gmail.com

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  68. I just turned GREEN with envy!!!! I've always wanted one!

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  69. It looks fabulous!! My parent's have 2 Murphy beds in their house that my dad made... twenty some years later they still work great! I remember my friends thinking it was so cool my bed went into the wall when I was a kid.

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  70. FYI: If anyone does this bed PAINT first then put the hardware on ;) saves taping =)

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  71. I really love how easy it is to just hide these beds. Does anybody know where I can find some murphy bed hardware for my project that I am going to start? Thanks.

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  72. This is amazing! We will hopefully have the gusto necessary to put one in!

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  73. Great Job! My husband and I want to build one but don't know where to begin... also, where did you buy the kit from?

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  74. Great idea! I am also wondering where you got the murphy bed hardware from? I would love to do a project like this.

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  75. Found your website through pinterest! Pretty cool how the internet keeps "recycling" good informative "old" posts! I would love to make a Murphy's bed because I can't afford the thousands of dollars it takes to buy one. I like the cabinet front idea.

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  76. Here's a site:

    http://www.wallbed.com/

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  77. I think the things you covered through the post are quiet impressive, good job and great efforts. I found it very interesting and enjoyed reading all of it...keep it up, lovely job..
    Bedding Sets UK

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  78. Could you please give me the site where you ordered your kit as well? I love the way it turned out and think it is well worth the blood, sweat, and tears ;)
    adeedoos@yahoo.com

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  79. As living space becomes more efficient, two social trends have converged to foster the Murphy bed's regained popularity. First, because housing is more expensive, every available area needs to be used in as many ways as possible.

    Plans for Murphy bed

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  80. This create-a-bed is the kit I am sure she used. they have a standard and deluxe looks like they have a deluxe:
    http://www.wallbed.com/deluxe_kit.html

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  81. You did a fabulous job. I have always loved the idea. I think you'll be so glad you did it, when you forget how much work it was.

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  82. what to say i praise of this blog, which contains a lot of amazing information as well as the thoughtful writes.
    Murphy beds fayetteville

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  83. Well, I am very impressed. Big project! You made it a triumph - well done. I'm inspired although not quite as brave as you.

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  84. The hubs and I must be crazy - we are going to build one of these ourselves. However, we have been looking for the mechanisms, and we either find the springs with the bar (like yours) OR pistons with the drop blocks... not vice versa. With that being said - could you share where you purchased the hardware please? :)

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  85. I think it is absolutely beautiful and I think it is absolutely amazing that you built it yourselves. Great work! We really want a Murphy wall bed just so we can have the extra bed if needed, but we never even thought of building one ourselves, we always just assumed we would buy on. Go you guys! Thanks for posting.

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  86. Fabulous! BUT … I think it's really insulting that you haven't bothered to answer one question as to "Where you bought the kit?" Can you explain "why"? or provide all us curiosity seekers "where"?

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  87. Awesome. What was the approx cost?

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  88. perfect for mobile home bedrooms seeing how they tend to run small! love it!

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  89. Thanks for all the advice. I want to get murphy bed hardware and make one! It would save so much room in my girls rooms!

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  90. thanks for sharing such kind of nice work. i really appreciate your work.
    cheap beds with mattress sale

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  91. Amazing creativity is going on on this blog. i just simply love it.
    Suppliers of beds and mattresses

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  92. That is so remarkable. And it appears LOADS a lot better than the actual murphy beds you discover on the internet, ALONG WITH cheaper. I'm keeping these pages pertaining to after while i have the funds to obtain the actual components kit Murphy Bed

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  93. looks GREAT! Can you share the link to their website? I have searched for it but can't find it. Thanks for sharing your projects with us!

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  94. Murphy beds for me is one of the best thing ever happened in my life. I was getting problem at my place due to small rooms, my friend told me about it and when I installed them almost everything gets adjusted. I love ikea murphy bed

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  95. I found hardware at the website below - what is used here is similar to what is shown as "deluxe". Comes in Twin to Queen.

    http://www.wallbed.com/deluxe_kit.html

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  96. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  97. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  98. good blog. author has told all about murphy bed ikea . how it is designed and the benefits of murphy bed and one more good thing is in this blog that is languages and way of definition is very easy to understand.

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  99. Conventional Murphy beds didn’t quite fit into the space and they are expensive.Discover Pins about murphy bed ikea on Pinterest.

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  100. As the top murphy beds in the us, your highly-skilled authorities pattern walls dog beds along with custom-built cabinets, bi-fold entrance doors, shelving, and much more, inside many types as well as finishes. Murphy dog beds could be undetectable to fit every present space, accommodating virtually any home’s bottom prepare.

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  101. Originally ones Murphy bed am suitable for small apartments, AS WELL AS living spaces. Today, adding a good Murphy bed into a good guest bedroom will certainly allow you to operate the room In the same way both a full sized office, AS WELL AS a bedroom As soon as needed. no matter whether you plan for you to develop the bed IN ADDITION TO cabinet, you\'ll want to Pick out ones Murphy bed plans carefully, intended for ease associated with use, AS WELL AS safety. murphy bed

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  102. We puchased the mechanism for the muphy bed and with it came instructions on making ... kmurphybed.blogspot.com

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  103. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  104. I am super impressed. It proves as my Dad used to say "Where's there's a will there's a way. Great job. You deserve a round of applause.

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  105. This looks really interesting, but it looks like something happened to some of the pics??

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  106. Do you have the contact info for the hardware mechanism?. I tried finding them on line but had no luck. This one looks really heavy duty. Thanks

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  107. I saw your Murphy Bed on Pinterest. Well done Brooke. It is simply gorgeous. The black is striking.

    Best,
    Kimmie

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  108. I love the design of your bed that looks like a closet. It really fit into your house design. And yet it is hidden, and you can easily have guest without breaking the space :)

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  109. remove the handles and pulls before painting. Much easier, less masking.

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  110. Are you letting out the instructions Please?

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  111. Thanks for sharing such a informative blog related to Murphy beds. These types of beds are really very helpful for the home or hotels where space is less. If any one is planning to buy Murphy Beds in Fort Worth can call 817.658.5450 and get new design beds.

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  112. This is very informative & interesting article.Nice to read your blog post first time ever. I really appreciate this post. Here is Wallbeds "n" More of Keller is the largest selection of Murphy Wallbeds in Fort Worth or in the Texas area.

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  113. Nice Blog post. Thanks for sharing
    Also check for the Unique and Comfort Mattress online.

    ReplyDelete
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