Madewell Woodworks
Ceiling Clearance Calculator
Check your murphy bed ceiling clearance before installing a ceiling fan or light fixture. Enter your obstacle measurements below to find out if it will clear the swing arc.
Extended legs raise the mechanism ⅝″, increasing the max arc height.
Obstacle Measurements
Measure to the nearest point of the fixture closest to the bed. Use inches with decimals for accuracy.
Enter measurements above to check clearance.
Swing Arc Diagram
Why Murphy Bed Ceiling Clearance Matters
Getting your murphy bed ceiling clearance right is one of the most overlooked steps when planning a wall bed installation. When a Murphy bed opens or closes, the mattress platform swings through an arc that extends well above the cabinet. Any fixture in that path, whether it's a ceiling fan, pendant light, or even crown molding, can be struck during operation.
A collision can damage the fixture, scratch the bed's finish, or in the case of a ceiling fan, create a genuine safety hazard. Checking clearance before installation saves time, money, and frustration down the road.
The swing arc varies depending on your bed size, cabinet depth, and leg option, which is why a general rule of thumb often falls short. Our calculator uses the exact geometry of each Madewell Woodworks configuration to give you a precise answer for your specific setup.
For general guidance on maintaining safe clearance around moving furniture components, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends keeping adequate space between fixtures and any furniture with a moving mechanism.
How to Check Murphy Bed Ceiling Clearance
Step 1: Configure your bed
Select your bed size (Queen or King), cabinet depth (16", 18", or 20"), and leg option (Standard or Extended) using the controls above. Each combination produces a different swing arc, so it's important to match these settings to your planned build.
Step 2: Measure your obstacle
Identify the nearest point of the ceiling fixture to the wall where the bed will be mounted. Measure its distance from the wall in inches and its height from the floor in inches. Enter both values into the calculator, and you'll see instantly whether the bed will clear that obstacle or not.
Common Murphy Bed Ceiling Clearance Questions
What if my murphy bed ceiling clearance is too tight?
If the calculator shows that an obstacle is in the swing path, you have several options. You can relocate the fixture, swap it for a flush-mount alternative, or in some cases adjust the bed's mounting position. Our team at Madewell Woodworks can help you evaluate the best solution for your specific room layout.
Does bed size affect the swing arc?
Yes. Queen and King beds share the same swing radius because the arc is determined by the mattress platform length, not width. However, a wider bed means more surface area passing through the arc, so even small obstructions that might be offset to one side on a Queen could be in the path on a King. Always measure at the point closest to the wall.
Can I use this calculator for other Murphy bed brands?
This calculator is calibrated specifically for Madewell Woodworks Murphy beds. The pivot point, radius, and leg offsets are based on our proprietary mechanism and cabinet dimensions. Other manufacturers may use different geometry, so we recommend checking with your provider if you're not building with us.
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