The Best Trundle Beds in 2021

Trundle beds are a fun way to make the most out of limited space. They offer a quick-and-easy place for your kid’s friends to stay over or a comfortable place for guests to stay in your guest room. From classic wood trundle beds to modern metal trundle daybeds, trundle beds can add to the décor of bedrooms, guest rooms, and living rooms.

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Our Top Picks For The Best Trundle Beds

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What is a Trundle Bed?

Trundle beds are unique pieces of furniture that have a mattress on top and another one that slides out from the bottom. Essentially, they offer twice the mattress without the need for extra floor space. Trundle beds are almost like a bunk bed much closer to the floor, reducing those unavoidable ladder mishaps.

You can find many varieties of trundle beds, but most are twin or full frames on top with a twin frame that slides out from underneath. Trundle daybeds are one of the most common options, but you can also find trundle bunk beds and conventional beds with a trundle mattress underneath.

Related: Best Bunk Bed Mattresses

Why Do People Use Trundle Beds?

Trundle beds are an attractive and trendy way to allow for extra sleeping surfaces without sacrificing space. They are used in:

• Kid’s rooms to accommodate sleepovers
• Guest rooms to allow for more guests
• Living rooms as part of a daybed/couch to accommodate guests
• Studio apartments to allow for guests to stay over
• Shared rooms where people want their own sleeping space
• Parent’s rooms so that kids can sleep near their parents

Who is a Trundle Bed Best Suited For?

Trundle beds are best suited for kids, young adults, and guests. Because they are low to the ground and often have a thinner, less supportive mattress, they’re typically not ideal for anyone using the bed daily, older guests, or those with back pain or other conditions that would make crawling into and out of a mattress on the floor difficult.

Related: Best mattresses for kids

What is the Difference Between a Twin Mattress and a Trundle Mattress?

Every trundle bed is different, so be sure to look at the details of the one you purchase to determine exactly what size mattress it will support. Most trundles accommodate a thin twin mattress. Twin mattresses are usually 6-18” thick, yet most trundles have a cap of around 6”. There are some trundle frames that will require a mattress slightly smaller than a twin, so be sure to read the details before you make your final decision.

How to Choose the Best Trundle Bed for You

1. Choose Your Material

There are three primary styles for trundle beds based on their material:

Wood Framed

Wood frames tend to be the most durable option, which is important if you plan to use the trundle mattress frequently. Wood frames are versatile when it comes to style and can complement the décor of many rooms.

Metal Framed

Metal frames are lighter than wood frames, but not quite as durable. They can be a good option when you aren’t planning to use the trundle bed often or when the trundle needs to be moved by someone small or weak, like a child. Many people love the finished, contemporary feel that metal frames offer.

Upholstered

Upholstered bed frames will have fabric over wood, metal, or both to create a specific aesthetic. Upholstered options are ideal if you are looking for a daybed with trundle that doubles as a couch, offering extra padding and support.

2. Determine Size and Style

Next, you will want to think about the purpose that your trundle bed will serve. Who will be using it, when and how will it be used, and where will it be kept?

If only small kids and young teens will be using it, a small trundle bed should be just fine, allowing you to go with a twin option rather than a full. But if adult visitors will be staying on it from time-to-time, you probably want to choose one with a full mattress on top and a deeper trundle frame that allows a thicker mattress below.

Next, consider when and how the trundle bed will be used. If the bed will be used daily as your child grows up, it might be best to go with a wooden frame for durability and a full-size option to accommodate your kids as they grow. But if you’re getting the trundle for a kid’s guest room to sleep visiting grandkids, a smaller, metal frame should be just fine.

Lastly, ask yourself where you will be keeping your trundle bed. Will it be the primary piece of furniture in your studio apartment? If so, you may want something that has storage space, such as that offered by wooden drawers. Or will it be used as both a couch and a bed in a guest bedroom/game room? You might want to look for a daybed trundle that allows it to be used as a couch during the day and a sleeping area come nighttime.

Be sure to fully evaluate your needs before choosing your trundle bed to ensure that it will be the best option for you.

3. Pick a Mattress

Most trundle bed frames aren’t going to come with their own mattresses. This means that you will need to choose the right mattresses for the bed. First, determine the size of mattress or mattresses required for your bed. Next, decide what type of mattress to use. Memory foam mattresses can be a good option as a firm, high-quality foam can offer support even when it’s on the thinner side. However, innerspring mattresses are less heavy, so that might be a good option if you want your kiddos to be able to pull it out on their own.

Summary

Trundle beds are a versatile piece of furniture that’s best suited for small apartments, guest rooms, and kid’s bedrooms to allow for additional sleeping space without permanently taking up extra floor space. You can find many styles and sizes of trundle beds, so do your shopping to be sure to find the one that’s best for you.