What Is a Trundle Bed? + The Best Trundle Beds

In short? It's a two-in-one design.

Trundles Defined

A roll-out trundle is a small size bed that tucks under a wood or metal frame to save space. Interestingly, the word appears to come from an old word for the sound of something rolling across the floor, which is exactly what a trundle does. The platform is designed to match the bed and maximize the use of under bed space, while modern casters make it easy to roll the platform out over hardwood floors or carpet.

A trundle is often a Twin trundle bed that is low to the ground and on wheels, but Full-sized trundles are also not uncommon. In order to ensure easy storage and pull-out mechanisms, the lower mattress is usually thinner than that of a standard mattress. A typical trundle mattress is 8" thick.

What Is the Purpose of a Trundle Bed?

A trundle bed is used for keeping an extra bed on hand without taking up more space. In a trundle bed, one bed is kept underneath another for space-saving storage – and can be pulled out at any time when extra sleep space is needed. If you need the extra sleep space but want to save on floor space, then go with a trundle!

Is a Trundle Bed a Good Idea for You?

Whether or not a trundle bed is right for you depends on a few factors:

• Do you often host overnight guests, or do you have children who often host sleepovers?
• If you do host overnighters, how regular are they?

If you answered yes to the first question, a trundle bed may, initially, be a good idea. However, if you answered 'frequent' to the second question, you may want to consider skipping the trundle and investing in an actual bed and mattress for guest sleepers.

How Does a Trundle Bed Work?

A trundle bed is a two-in-one design, so it is essentially two beds: one on top of the other. While the top bed will be a traditional bed with a traditional bed frame, the lower bed will be composed of a slim, mattress platform on wheels. When you need to access the trundle, it simply wheels out from underneath the top!

When it comes to trundle beds, there are several different configurations in terms of size, style and storage options.

What Size Is a Trundle Bed?

Trundle beds can be Twin, Full or Queen. The beds which trundle beds are attached to are usually the same size as the trundle or a size larger. (This means that for a Full bed, the trundle will most likely be a Full or a Twin.)

What Size Mattress Is Best for a Trundle Bed?

Most trundle beds are Twin, meaning the trundle part of the bed is designed for a Twin-size mattress. Trundle beds can vary in sizes ranging from Twin to Queen, with each size requiring a mattress of the same. In purchasing a mattress for a trundle bed, the most important consideration is mattress height, as too high will make it impossible for the trundle to close. (Average height of trundle mattresses is six to eight inches.)

Different Styles of Trundles

The beauty of a trundle bed is that the convenient rolling storage can be used in a variety of ways. Traditionally, trundle beds hold a mattress to provide additional sleeping space that can be tucked back under the main bed during the day to increase floor space in the bedroom. This allows you to double your sleeping space while maintaining a compact footprint with your bedroom furniture. Trundles can also be used for storage. If you choose not to add a mattress, you can use the platform like a shallow drawer to hold out of season clothing, extra bedding, and even children’s toys. Some trundles are even designed with additional drawers to further maximize storage space. Whichever your preferred choice of trundle bed frame style, trundle beds are one of the most versatile and useful pieces of furniture and a timeless staple for any space – no matter its size!

Whether a guest bedroom, child's room or studio apartment, accommodating additional guests on a whim is as simple as pulling out the trundle – and, when the frame is no longer in use or space is needed for other purposes, clearing the trundle is as simple as tucking it back in place.

A trundle bed is a 2-in-1 bed design, meaning that a trundle is designed to hold two separate Twin mattresses and sleep two people. A daybed, on the other hand, is a type of sofa that is spacious enough and designed in a way that it can be used for both sitting and sleeping. Unlike a trundle, a daybed can only sleep one person.

Medieval times saw the beginnings of the standardization of bedrooms. During these times, a bed would often include another bed underneath – the first trundle. Often used for personal maids or servants, trundles helped to save space – and keep help close by.

How to Furnish a Small Bedroom with a Trundle Bed

When it comes to saving space in a smaller room, a trundle bed is a decorator’s best friend. Trundles come in many styles and are particularly useful when shopping for a child’s bedroom or outfitting a spare room.

Trundle Bed Tips

Try these ideas to get the most out of your trundle bed:

• Sleepover Fun: Trundles are a great choice for kids and teens who like to have friends spend the night. Just pull out the bed for a cozy get-together.
• Big Kid Beds: Switching from a crib or toddler bed to a "big" bed can be stressful. A trundle gives parents a place to crash when children are getting acclimated or need to be nursed through the flu.
• Great Guest Rooms: A small guest room can accommodate additional people with the convenience of a pull-out trundle and mattress.
• Office Daybeds: For a multi-purpose spare room, choose a daybed-style trundle bed for a piece you can use as a sofa during the day. When guests arrive, add bedding and pull out the trundle to accommodate sleepers.
• Air Mattress Versatility: If you host guests only rarely, use the trundle for storage most of the time, but keep a Twin size air mattress handy for a quick switch when you need the extra sleeping space.

The Best Trundle Beds

Best Trundle Mattresses