By Savannah Sher | Updated Sep 23, 2022 1:00 PM
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For those who don’t have extra room to devote to guests, a trundle bed can be a smart alternative. It includes a primary bed frame as well as a second bed situated underneath it, providing additional sleeping space without taking up any additional square footage. Trundle beds come in handy in children’s rooms for hosting sleepovers or in guest rooms for maximizing the number of overnight guests that can be accommodated.
Shopping for a trundle bed online, however, can quickly become challenging since there are so many options available at a range of price points. To make the search easier, we’ve researched over 20 trundle beds. This article breaks down the types and features to look for when shopping for the best trundle beds and discusses other key considerations to keep in mind while evaluating products. Use this guide for tips on choosing your ideal option, and explore our curated picks below for some of the best trundle beds on the market.
Although it’s easy to assume that all trundle beds are similar, several factors affect their functionality and impact whether they’re right for a particular home. The ideal bed frame and trundle bed for a space often depends on the shopper’s style and the space that’s available. Keep reading to learn about some important features to consider when choosing a trundle bed.
There are several different types of trundle beds to consider, each of which has its own advantages:
There are two primary types of trundle beds: roll-out and pop-up beds.
It’s important for shoppers to know that the majority of trundle-bed frames are sold without mattresses, requiring shoppers to purchase them separately. Since they need to fit under standard beds, the mattresses required for trundle beds are often thinner than standard mattresses—usually a maximum of 8 inches thick.
When choosing a mattress for a trundle bed, look for mattresses with either inner-coil support or memory-foam construction for optimal comfort. Trundle beds are typically twin or full-size, though larger queen- and king-size models are also available.
Like standard bed frames, trundle beds can be made from a wide variety of materials. The most popular are metal, wood, and engineered wood. All three of these materials offer excellent durability and don’t require much maintenance.
Trundle beds come in many different styles, which vary depending on whether they’re being marketed for children or adults. Since a bed is typically the focal point of the bedroom, its aesthetics are another key consideration. Wood frames come in many different stains and finishes, while metal frames offer a more limited color palette.
Choose a trundle bed that matches or complements the decor style of the room’s existing furniture. Another strategy is to opt for a model with a neutral frame that will offer timeless appeal for years to come.
While all trundle beds serve the same basic function, some have useful additional features that add to their convenience and ease of use.
Now that we’ve learned more about trundle beds, it’s time to start shopping. The following are the top picks for some of the best trundle beds on the market. Organized by category, one of these may be the perfect pick for your home.
This trundle-bed frame from Max & Lily features a full-size primary bed and a twin-size trundle, making it a great choice for kids’ rooms. The frame of these beds is constructed from solid New Zealand pine and features a nontoxic finish that’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for children. The frame is available in six colors, providing options to suit most decor styles. Shoppers can choose from white, blue, gray, natural, clay, and espresso finishes.
It’s important to note that this bed frame is sold without mattresses. The brand recommends a standard full-size mattress with a height of under 8 inches for the primary bed and a mattress that’s 72.5 inches long by 38.5 inches wide by 8 inches tall for the trundle.
Get the Max & Lily full-size trundle bed on Amazon or Overstock.
This simple twin-over-twin daybed with trundle has a streamlined design and offers excellent value. There’s no need to use a box spring because the steel slats are able to support a standard twin mattress comfortably. In fact, each of the two twin beds has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, meaning that this trundle bed is suitable for children and adults alike.
It’s constructed from a combination of bamboo and steel, making for a frame that’s incredibly durable, despite its low price. While there’s only one finish, it has a modern, neutral look that will suit a variety of spaces. However, mattresses are not included with the purchase of this frame.
Get the Zinus trundle bed on Amazon or at Sears.
The West Elm Urban Daybed is a stylish option that is perfect for small spaces because it acts as a chic seating option while also providing two sleeping spaces. It features an upholstered frame with a base of engineered hardwood, and the twin-size trundle bed rolls out on smooth casters.
Shoppers can choose from a variety of upholstery options, from performance velvet to twill and linen weaves. Since this comfortable daybed features fabric upholstery, it’s not the easiest to keep clean, so it may not be ideal for young children’s rooms. Also, mattresses are not included with this daybed.
Get the West Elm trundle bed at West Elm.
Trundle beds are excellent for children’s rooms, facilitating slumber parties and allowing for overnight guests. This model is a captain’s bed, and because there are drawers situated underneath the trundle bed, it has extra storage, making it perfect for small spaces. The frame is constructed from a combination of rubberwood solids, engineered wood, and wood composites. Shoppers can choose from three finishes: white, gray, and espresso.
Mattresses are not included, and the manufacturer recommends mattresses that are under 7 inches tall for the trundle bed. Since this captain’s bed is relatively tall, with a 35.5-inch-high frame, it may be difficult for younger children to use.
Get the Storkcraft trundle bed on Amazon.
A trundle bed in a toddler’s room can act as an extra sleeping space, but it can also provide a soft surface for playtime. This model has a whimsical design with a house-shaped frame that provides inspiration for imaginary games. The frame is available in several styles and a number of different finishes, so there are options to fit many types of room decor.
The frame is constructed from pine and sits low to the ground, making it safe for younger children. While this bed is designed for kids, it can support plenty of weight, with a 400-pound weight capacity for the primary bed and a 275-pound weight capacity for the trundle. Assembly is required, but detailed instructions are included.
Get the Bellemave trundle bed on Amazon.
Create an elegant, old-Hollywood look with the Little Seeds Monarch Hill Ambrosia Daybed. The tufted backing has a vintage aesthetic that offers a timeless feel, while the velvet upholstery is available in several on-trend colors, including a deep blue, pastel pink, and teal. The back and sides are padded, which adds extra comfort, and the trundle includes a bentwood slat system for support.
The mattresses for this twin-over-twin trundle bed are sold separately, and it’s important to note that the trundle mattress cannot be taller than 6 inches in height. The primary bed has a 400-pound weight capacity, while the trundle bed has a 225-pound weight capacity.
Get the Little Seeds trundle bed on Wayfair.
Since trundle beds are such a great space-saving device, models with added storage are even more appealing. This model features two large drawers, and the trundle pulls out at the same height as the primary bed, creating a king-size bed for overnight guests. The two drawers situated underneath the trundle can even be used while the trundle bed is occupied.
Mattresses are not included, and the manufacturer recommends mattresses with a maximum thickness of 6 inches for the trundle. One potential downside is that the trundle bed only has a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds, which is lower than many others on the market.
Get the Harriet Bee trundle bed on Wayfair.
Rather than buying an entirely new bed frame that includes a built-in trundle, shoppers can also simply buy a stand-alone trundle bed that can be tucked underneath a standard-size bed with adequate storage underneath. This affordable twin-size metal trundle frame is on four rolling casters and is designed to fit underneath regular beds and daybeds.
Two of the casters have brakes so that the trundle will stay in place while it’s in use. It comes in either black or white and has a 300-pound weight capacity due to its sturdy construction. No mattress is included with the purchase.
Get the Vecelo trundle-bed frame on Amazon.
A bunk bed with a built-in trundle can be the ultimate space-saving sleeping solution for a children’s room. This model from Max & Lily is made from solid pine and is finished with low-VOC materials. It’s available in three different configurations, allowing shoppers to choose the option that best suits their family’s needs. There’s a twin-over-twin model, a twin-over-full model, and a full-over-full model. The trundle bed included in all three models is twin-size.
Shoppers can choose from five colors: white, espresso, blue, gray, and natural. As an added bonus, the two bunk beds can be separated and used as individual stand-alone beds.
Get the Max & Lily twin-over-full trundle bed on Amazon or Overstock.
Rather than buying a premade trundle bed, it’s also possible to DIY your own. In fact, with a little bit of woodworking experience, making a trundle bed is a simple weekend project that doesn’t require any special tools or materials. By following a tutorial like this one from Landeelu, creating a trundle bed is realistically attainable.
You can build your own wooden slats or even buy twin-size bed slats and simply build the frame. In order to ensure the trundle moves smoothly, invest in four high-quality casters, including at least two that are able to lock into place. Add a handle to the outer edge of the trundle in order to make it easy to pull out when it’s needed.
For those looking for a trundle bed for their home, we recommend the Max & Lily full-size trundle bed for its universally appealing design, solid construction, and multiple finish options. Those on a budget might appreciate the Zinus trundle bed, which offers great performance at a lower price point.
Years of experience covering home goods and furniture as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 trundle-bed options and weighed several practical considerations before making our recommendations.
Though you now know more about trundle beds, you may still have questions about choosing one and decorating with them. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about trundle beds.
Trundle beds save space by offering an extra bed that can be tucked away when it’s not in use.
Choose a trundle bed that fits into your available space and includes features that make it convenient for your home.
While some trundle beds come with mattresses, most do not. Be sure to read the product’s description carefully to establish whether mattresses are included.
Most trundle beds are twin-size, but larger models are also available.
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