What Is a Trundle Bed?

A trundle bed is a type of bed frame and mattress on wheels that roll under a standard bed or daybed to save space. Trundle bed platforms are generally matched to larger beds so that the trundle can roll under the taller bed with ease. Most trundles are either twin or full-sized and sit as low to the ground as possible.

These functional beds are perfect in small spaces and provide space for extra guests without taking up the space of another bed.

Why Use a Trundle Bed?

A trundle bed is ideal in a space where you need the option of another bed, but you don't have room for a second bed frame or you want to keep floor space open.

Trundle beds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and can either be purchased as a complete set with a bed frame or separately to roll underneath an existing bed frame. Typically, it's best to buy the trundle and the bed frame together, and you'll find trundle beds attached to queen-sized beds, bunk beds, and daybeds. In some cases, you may even find a trundle that can be rolled out and lifted up to a standard bed height.

Benefits of Trundle Beds

The benefits of trundle beds include getting two beds for a lower price than you'd pay for two separate beds and saving significant space. Trundle beds also may contain drawers that you can use for extra storage.

A trundle bed is ideal if you plan to have guests but don’t have enough regular-sized beds to accommodate everyone, yet they're more comfortable than a sofa or air mattress. They also are ideal for sleepovers in your kid's room, and trundles are relatively safer than bunk beds.

Disadvantages of Trundle Beds

While trundle beds are space-efficient and may offer additional storage, there are a few drawbacks. They remove space for storage under the bed.

Trundle beds are often thinner than a standard mattress and may not be the most supportive or comfortable and generally only support 250 pounds or less. They can also cause carpet damage and require custom mattress sizes.

Types of Trundle Beds

There are a few types of trundle beds you can choose from:

• Trundle daybeds: A trundle daybed will have two twin-sized beds, with one that rolls under the other. This also gives you a space that you can use as a sofa.
• Trundle bunkbeds: If you really need to maximize space, look at a trundle bunkbed, which will give you a bunk bed plus a trundle underneath the lower bunk.
• Trundle drawers: Gain storage and sleeping space with a trundle that rolls out and has drawers underneath it for linens, blankets, or anything else you need to store.
  

Are Trundle Beds Comfortable for Adults?

Trundle beds are not suited for long-term use for adults, particularly because of how they sit on the ground. If you plan to have adult guests stay for a week or more, you might want to invest in a smaller daybed in your office or guest room. 

Because trundle beds are lower to the ground, adults might have difficulty getting up and down. Also, the thinner mattress is not ideal for bad backs. However, this option might still be more comfortable than a couch or air mattress.

However, if you want to save space and sleep more adult guests, consider a pop-up trundle bed. A pop-up trundle rises to the height of the main bed and is locked into place. 

Trundle Bed Cost 

The cost of a trundle bed, like all furniture, will depend on the source and the quality. You can find affordable options, and there is a wide range of low-end to high-end pricing.

There are budget-friendly trundle beds for $100-$300, mid-range for $400-800, or you can go for a higher-end model that can run you into the thousands.

Trundle Bed Alternatives

If a trundle bed isn't for you, there are plenty of alternatives that offer additional sleeping space in different forms. Each is a more efficient way to use your space than getting a guest bed and is perfect for a weekend guest.

• Air Mattress: If you want to save on cost and space, an air mattress is one of the best options out there. You only inflate it when you need it, and there are a variety of options from cheap to more luxury available.
• Cot: A cot is another alternative as it won't need to stay in your space permanently and can just be brought out when needed, but you'll need to make sure you have enough storage space since this won't be as compact as an air mattress when stored.
• Futon or Sleeper Sofa: A futon or sleeper sofa are great options as they both double as pieces of furniture, though they will be a little more pricey.
• Murphy Bed: Murphy beds pull down from the wall and turn into a regular-sized bed, making them one of the most comfortable options. They can be folded up and stored straight against the wall to help conserve space when not in use.
  

Trundle Bed vs. Daybed

A trundle bed refers to the lower section of the bed, but usually, these beds are built in a two-for-one system that includes a trundle and a regular bed. On the other hand, a daybed is a bed with a frame similar to a sofa. Daybeds are usually a twin or full size and sit right up against the wall, so they take up less space. A daybed can sometimes include a trundle bed underneath it, but not always. 

Trundle Bed Tips

All you need to accommodate a trundle is a tall enough bed and enough floor space in the room so that the bed can roll out when needed for sleeping. Here are some additional tips and ideas that will help you incorporate a trundle into your home. 

• Extra storage space. When the trundle is not in use and the under-bed space is high enough, you can use the trundle as a large under-the-bed drawer. Store off-season clothing, extra linens, and other bedroom essentials in shallow totes and place these on top of the mattress. 
• The transition from the crib. Trundle beds are an ideal transition step for a toddler just coming out of a crib, especially if you have more than one child and are limited in space. The older child can watch over the toddler on the trundle. 
• Make the trundle comfortable. If you plan to have adults use the bed or have a child use the bed regularly, consider upgrading the mattress to the highest quality mattress in that thickness. 
• Prevent nightly moving. Make sure you invest in a trundle that has locking casters. Some cheaper trundles will move around, especially if the person is an active sleeper. 
• Create a dual-purpose office. If you want to turn an office into a functional guest room, consider adding in a daybed trundle. A twin-sized day bed trundle can easily sleep two people while also functioning as a couch on days when the room is just an office.