FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe
Design

Build a Fold-Down Bed and Get Two Rooms From One

How to design and install a built-in bed to increase the flexibility of living spaces.

By Lynn Hopkins Issue 216

Synopsis: With many homeowners today needing more space but not having lots of cash for big renovation projects, one good idea is to work with space that already exists in a house. For those people wishing they had more guest space, one easy solution can be a fold-down bed, which can transform a family room or library into a guest room. Architect Lynn Hopkins outlines ideas for how to incorporate a fold-down bed into an existing space. Considerations include bed orientation, built-in details, and furniture arrangements. As part of this article, builder Gary Striegler shows how to build a fold-down bed in eight smooth steps, starting with building a case, then installing hardware, and finishing up by applying trim.

The economic downturn has forced many people to rethink the way they live in their homes. Many are opting to reconfigure their houses to be more flexible, instead of adding on or moving. A flexible home, one that can adapt to changing family dynamics or play host to extended stays from guests, has become paramount as the demands on our existing homes have increased. Incorporated into built-in cabinetry, a fold-down bed makes it possible for a room to do double duty. The room can have one function by day—an office or playroom, for instance—and serve as sleeping quarters by night. The beauty is in the bed’s concealment: It simply disappears when not in use. However, designing a fold-down bed so that it looks great and functions well is no easy task. Here, I’ll share my design process for integrating a fold-down bed into an existing room. In “8 tips to a smooth bed installation”, finish carpenter Gary Striegler will share his tips on how best to build the bed, install the necessary hardware, and ensure smooth operation for years to come.

Location is everything

Because a wall bed’s primary function is providing a place to sleep, it makes sense to locate the bed in a room that will provide privacy. A home office is the ideal location. Demands on the home office are such that it generally can be given up for a few days to out-of-town visitors, especially in the evenings.

Another possible location might be a playroom or recreation room, as long as there is some physical separation from the rest of the house. The disadvantage of putting a bed in a more public room such as a recreation room, however, is that Jimmy may want to play while Uncle Henry is trying to take a nap. Rooms located in basements are good options, too, and can work rather well as guest rooms. Whenever you add sleeping space in a basement, though, make sure you have met local codes for egress. Many codes require at least one window with a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. and windowsills that are no higher than 44 in.

Determine bed orientation

Concealed beds most frequently stand vertically and fold down from the headboard end. A standard 5-ft. by 6-ft. 8-in. queen-size bed with this orientation functions best when there is enough space on both sides and the end for occupants to walk around. Allow a minimum of 24 in. to 30 in. on these three sides for access. The clear floor space in front of the bed cabinet will be about 9 ft. to 10 ft. wide and 7 ft. to 8 ft. deep. The cabinet will project at least 19 in. from the anchor wall. This vertical orientation is most convenient when the bed will be occupied by two people, because access is possible from both sides.

Alternatively, the bed can be hinged on the long side and folded down horizontally. A horizontal fold-down bed is quite space efficient and can be tucked into an alcove. However, it is not as convenient for those sharing the bed. Climbing in and out of bed is a “first in, last out” scenario. The inboard person will also be half-covered by the enclosure cabinet, a somewhat uncomfortable arrangement. The horizontal fold-down works best for a twin-size or single-person bed, or where floor space or ceiling height is especially limited.

For more photos and details, click the View PDF button below:

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
View PDF

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tips for Choosing and Installing a Woodstove

A highly efficient woodstove can be a great source of supplemental heat during the coldest months.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • A Custom Closet Remodel
  • Maximize Space With Thoughtful Built-Ins
  • Small But Powerful Air Purifier
  • Bold Bathroom Remodel

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • How to Soundproof a Bedroom using Green Glue & Double Sheetrock
  • What's Going On Up There?: Tour the Kelley Home's Second Floor
  • Energy Savings Begin with a Home-Energy Audit
  • Podcast 535: Air-Sealing Cape Houses, Smart Watches for Builders, and Repairing Spalling Concrete
View All

Bedrooms

View All Bedrooms Articles
  • A Loft to Meet Code
  • Murphy Beds: An Old Idea That Keeps on Kicking
  • Build a Desk Bed
  • Q&A With Architect Joanna Hartman of CG&S Design-Build
View All Bedrooms Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy
  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept 2022
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in