Guide to Trundle Beds: 5 Types of Trundles Beds

A trundle bed is a two-in-one bed that features a primary bed frame and a second mattress that slides out from underneath the frame. When the second bed is stored within the trundle bed frame, you can effectively have two sleeping spaces in the footprint of one single bed frame.

Trundle beds and daybeds are both space-saving pieces of furniture for sleeping, but there are a few key differences:

• Construction: A trundle bed is a bed that pulls out from beneath another bed frame. A daybed features a three-sided bed frame with two sides that serve as a headboard and a footboard, and the third side as the backrest of a couch.
• Function: A trundle bed provides additional sleeping space. Similar to a futon, a daybed is a piece of furniture that can function as both a sofa and a bed.
• Size: Trundle beds come with twin, full, queen, or king-size mattresses. Daybeds are typically twin beds—full-size and queen-size daybeds are far less practical as sofas since their seats are pretty deep.

A trundle bed offers many benefits for people seeking extra sleeping space.

1. 1. Space: A trundle bed serves the function of a full bunk bed without taking up vertical space in a kid's room. Pullout trundles provide an extra bed for sleepovers.
2. 2. Size: Trundle beds come in many sizes. While twin-size trundles are popular, particularly twin-over-twin trundles for kids, full-size trundles also make great options for accommodating overnight guests in small spaces.
3. 3. Material: Trundle beds come in both metal frames and solid wood frames with various finishes including natural, cherry, and espresso to blend in with other bedroom furniture such as nightstands, bookcases, and tables.

Despite their many space-saving benefits, trundle beds do have certain drawbacks.

1. 1. Size: A trundle bed is typically higher than a standard bed and the vertical height may interfere with bedroom decor. Also, a trundle bed requires floorspace to comfortably accommodate the mattress when pulled out.
2. 2. Storage space: A trundle bed does not offer underbed storage like standard platform beds or sleigh beds, which can store clothes and boxes beneath slats or box springs.
3. 3. Box spring: The sliding drawer of a trundle bed will not accommodate a box spring. Having no box spring cuts down on space, but it also requires a firm mattress that can support itself.

Trundle beds come in different styles and sizes to accommodate space needs and preferences.

1. 1. Roll-out trundle: A standard trundle bed contains a mattress that rolls on casters.
2. 2. Pull-out trundle: This trundle bed's mattress can also be mounted on a platform attached to a metal frame. Pull-out trundles may not support as much weight as roll-out mattresses.
3. 3. Pop-up trundle: The frame of a pop-up trundle pops up to be the same height as the parent bed.
4. 4. Trundle bunk bed: Some twin bunk beds feature a trundle drawer beneath the lower bunk, thus offering three mattresses instead of the standard two.
5. 5. Captain's bed with trundle: Some captain's beds may have a trundle mattress in addition to its storage drawers.

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