Trundle Beds 101: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Alessia Rizzo | Posted on April 8, 2024 |

Finding ways to save space in your home is more important than ever, especially if you don’t have a lot of room. As we keep getting more things, our homes start to feel smaller and more cluttered. This doesn’t just make our homes look less nice; it can also make us feel stressed out. A study from the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute showed that being in a cluttered space can make it harder for us to focus and make us feel more stressed.

So, it’s really important to use every bit of space in our homes as best as we can. This isn’t only about keeping things tidy; it’s about making our homes feel peaceful and comfortable. There are lots of smart ways to do this, like adding drawers under your stairs or arranging your furniture better. One great way to save space is by using a trundle bed in your bedroom.

What is a Trundle Bed?

A trundle bed is a smart piece of furniture that helps you save space in your home without giving up comfort or how your room looks. At first glance, it seems like any other bed. But there’s a surprise bed hidden underneath that you can pull out with wheels or a sliding system whenever you need an extra place to sleep. Its main job is to give you an extra bed that’s easy to get to but doesn’t get in the way when you’re not using it.

The cool thing about trundle beds is that they serve two purposes. They give you a main bed to sleep on every night and an extra one that you can hide away, making more room in your house.

Types of Trundle Beds

Trundle beds come in a variety of types to fit what you need and like. Here are some options:

Twin Trundle Bed: This one’s great for kids’ rooms. It has two twin beds—one you sleep on all the time and another you can pull out for sleepovers or when family visits.
Full Trundle Bed: Perfect for guest rooms. It has a bigger, full-sized bed on top and a twin bed you can pull out underneath. This way, you can comfortably fit more guests.
Daybed with Trundle: It’s a couch by day and two beds by night. This type works well in small apartments or in rooms where you want to sit during the day and sleep at night.
Trundle Bed with Storage: If you’re looking for extra storage, this type has drawers under the bed or the trundle part. You can store bed sheets, clothes, or anything else you need to tuck away.
Bunk Bed with Trundle: This is a real space-saver. It stacks one bed on top of another, and there’s an extra trundle bed underneath. It’s perfect for when you need to sleep a lot of people but don’t have much room.

Benefits and Advantages of Trundle Beds

Trundle beds are like the Swiss Army knife of beds—they’re super versatile and come with a bunch of benefits that make them a smart choice for almost any home. Here’s why you might want to consider getting one:

Saves Space: This is the big one. Trundle beds let you have an extra bed without taking up extra room all the time. When you don’t need the extra sleeping spot, just slide it away. It’s perfect for smaller homes or rooms.
Great for Guests: Have friends or family staying over? Pull out the trundle bed, and you’ve got a comfy place for them to sleep without needing a whole guest room. It’s like having a guest room on demand.
Perfect for Kids: Trundle beds are awesome for kids’ sleepovers. No more makeshift beds on the floor! Plus, it’s an easy way to host a friend without rearranging the whole room.
Versatile Furniture: Many trundle beds double as daybeds, so they can be a cozy sofa during the day and a bed at night. This makes them ideal for studio apartments, home offices, or any room that needs to serve double duty.
No Need for a Separate Bed: Since the trundle bed tucks away under the main bed, you don’t need to buy another single bed. This can save you money and the hassle of finding a bed that matches your room’s decor.
Easy to Use: Rolling out a trundle bed is simple, thanks to wheels or sliders. Even kids can set up their own sleepover space without help.
Customizable Options: Trundle beds come in various styles, materials, and designs. Whether you’re into a minimalist look or something more classic, there’s likely a trundle bed that fits your taste.
Extra Storage Space: Some trundle beds come with built-in drawers or storage compartments. This is a bonus for storing bedding, clothes, or toys, especially in tight spaces.
Encourages Independence in Kids: For younger children, having a trundle bed can make sleepovers less daunting. It’s right by the main bed, so they’re close to parents or siblings but still have their own space.
Affordable: Compared to buying two separate beds or investing in a larger bed frame, a trundle bed can be a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on comfort or functionality.

Drawbacks and Considerations of Trundle Beds

Trundle beds are a clever solution for saving space and accommodating extra guests, but they’re not without their challenges. Before you decide to add one to your home, here are some potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind:

Limited Mattress Thickness: The trundle part of the bed usually has a height restriction, which means you can’t use a thick, plush mattress. This could impact the comfort level of whoever is sleeping on it.
Needs Room to Roll Out: To use the trundle bed, you’ll need clear space in front of or beside it. This might require you to move furniture around every time you want to pull out the trundle, which can be inconvenient.
Weight Capacity Concerns: Both the main bed and the trundle will have weight limits. It’s crucial to check these limits to ensure they can comfortably support the people who will be using them, whether kids or adults.
Smooth Operation Required: A trundle bed should roll out smoothly and easily. If the mechanism is stiff or gets stuck, it can be frustrating to use. Look for models known for their smooth operation or test the mechanism if you’re buying in-store.
Making the Bed Can Be Tricky: Because the trundle bed is close to the ground and tucked under another bed, making it up with sheets and blankets can be more difficult than with a regular bed.
Aesthetics Might Not Suit Everyone: While many trundle beds are designed to look stylish, the low profile of the trundle bed and its under-bed positioning might not appeal to everyone’s design preferences.
Flooring Matters: Trundle beds work best on smooth floors where the wheels or sliders can move easily. If you have a thick carpet, pulling out the trundle bed could be more difficult.
Cost: Depending on the design and materials, trundle beds can be more expensive than standard beds. When budgeting, consider the total cost, including a suitable mattress.

Should You Get a Trundle Bed?

So, after looking at the good and the not-so-good sides of trundle beds, you might be wondering if getting one is a good idea. It comes down to what you need and what your living situation is like. If your place is short on space but you often need an extra bed for guests or kids’ sleepovers, a trundle bed could be a smart pick. It’s like having a secret bed that only takes up space when you need it. Plus, some trundle beds come with extra drawers for storage, which can help keep things tidy.

But there are a few things to think about, like making sure you’re okay with the mattress being a bit thinner and having enough room to pull the bed out. If these things don’t bother you too much and the benefits sound great, then a trundle bed might be worth it for you. It’s all about getting a bed that fits your life—giving you more space when you’re awake and extra sleeping spots when you need them.