What Is a Trundle Bed?

Benefits of a Trundle Bed

Trundle beds offer several benefits. They provide extra storage and allow you to save space. Cost-wise, they tend to be less than two separate beds. For those who actually sleep on them, they’re more comfortable than a sofa or an air mattress. 

For kids, trundles are a safer alternative to a bunk bed because they avoid the height of a top bunk. And when it’s not used for sleeping, there’s additional space for a play area where the bed pulls out.

Trundle beds come in most bed frame sizes, from twin to queen, but twin and twin XL are the most common size options.

Drawbacks of a Trundle Bed

Despite their versatility and space-saving benefits, trundle beds do have some drawbacks. They’re generally not intended for long-term use and have a 250-pound weight limit, so they’re not really suitable for heavier sleepers. As they also sit low to the ground, adults with mobility issues might have trouble getting in and out of the bed. If this is your only concern, however, a pop-up trundle takes care of that, as it raises to the same height as the bed it stores under. 

Who Is a Trundle Bed Best for?

Whether you have children, host sleepovers, or simply want to make the most out of the limited square footage of your apartment, a trundle bed provides a space-efficient and non-intrusive solution for additional sleeping arrangements. When it’s not used for guests, it can double as a seating and lounging area, and it can also offer storage space.

If you’re worried about comfort, just know that a trundle bed is as comfortable as the mattress you choose for it, and you can get many suitable mattresses ranging from soft to firm for extra back support. Keep in mind that the mattress that goes onto the trundle bed typically has thickness restrictions, usually around 8 inches. As we mentioned earlier, trundle beds are not the best option for those individuals with mobility issues or heavier adults.

Types of Trundle Beds

The word trundle just refers to its structure — a bed frame on wheels rolled under another bed. Not all trundle beds are made the same. Different types of trundle beds come in a variety of styles that serve different purposes and meet different needs.

1. Daybed with Trundle: A daybed with a trundle comes with a back and armrest, and a trundle bed underneath. It’s one of the most versatile types of trundle beds, because it fits well in a guest bedroom, office, or child’s bedroom.
   
2. Bunk Bed with Trundle: A bunk bed with a trundle is a bunk bed with a trundle bed under the lower bunk, accommodating up to three sleepers total. This is an ideal solution for sleepovers involving multiple children.
   
3. Trundle Bed with Drawers: A trundle bed with drawers is a daybed with extra storage between the top bed and the trundle bed, where you can store linens, pillows, and blankets.
   
4. Pop-Up Trundle Bed: A pop up trundle bed rises to the same height as the top bed and is locked in place, so those who sleep on it are at the same height as their sleep partner in the neighboring bed. 

How Much Does a Trundle Bed Cost?

The prices of a trundle bed can widely vary. Basic styles can average in the low hundreds ($100-300), but prices can go as high as $5,000. The type of frame plays a big role in determining the price: A simple wooden frame and a sleek metal frame will be cheaper than anything with elaborate upholstery. Particular types of hardwood and upholstery involving fabrics like linen and velvet also determine a higher price point.  

Brand names also influence the price. An Ikea trundle bed will cost between $200 and $300, whereas a West Elm trundle bed starts around $1,000. Some retailers charge separately for mattresses, so be on the lookout for bed bundles and frame-only prices. Expert assembly can also be a separate charge, on a case-by-case basis.

Where to Buy a Trundle Bed

You can buy a trundle bed wherever beds are sold, including mattress stores, and you can shop both in person and online. Buying a trundle bed in person requires a van, truck, or larger vehicle to transport it. On the upside, you won’t have to worry about scheduling a delivery and taking shipping costs into account.

If you’re looking for an at-home delivery option, ordering online eliminates the hassle of transportation. Be sure to look for shipping and delivery fees that may apply, and make sure to coordinate a delivery time and date that works for you in advance.

Alternatives to a Trundle Bed

Despite its versatility and space efficiency, a trundle bed is not for everyone. If you have adult guests who stay with you for a prolonged period of time or have mobility issues, a sleep accommodation that is not as low to the ground as a trundle bed might be a better option.

• Inflatable Air Mattresses. An air mattress is an inflatable mattress made of polyvinyl chloride or textile-reinforced urethane plastic or rubber. They come in multiple heights, and you only inflate it when you need it. Once deflated, you can fold it and store it in a small space.
  
• Futon. A futon is a mattress that can be folded into a couch. It comes with a frame that can be adjusted down into a bed or up into a sofa, and with some models, you can also recline the frame into a lounge position.
  
• Sleeper Sofa. A sleeper sofa includes a mattress that can be pulled out and converted into a bed. L-shaped sleeper sofas with a chaise become beds by pulling out the underframe. They also include built-in storage in the chaise area, which makes it a good space-saving solution.
  
• Murphy Bed. A Murphy bed has a frame that is hinged at one end, which means it can be stored vertically against a wall or inside a closet or cabinet. Given that it doubles as a closet or cabinet, it can be considered a piece of multifunctional furniture.