Tucked away under a bed, the best trundle beds are a space-saving solution for a kid’s room, home office, or guest room. While the frame dates back around the 1600s, trundle beds are far from traditional. You can find these frames in a variety of modern forms and finishes, and there are thoughtfully designed options integrated into daybeds, bunk beds, and captain’s beds to boot. For adult couples who could use more space to stretch out, some trundles also pop up to give guests extra room.
“All of my clients with children have one,” says Miami-based interior designer Ania Agárdy. “They are low to the ground, making it easy and safe for children to sleep on the lower bed, and a great solution for siblings sharing a room temporarily or on a regular basis. You basically get two beds for the price and footprint of one.”
Below, explore the best trundle beds for little ones and adults alike, along with pro tips from Agárdy and two other AD PRO Directory designers.
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The Best Trundle Beds, Overall
“In a guest room, I would opt for a pop-up trundle bed where the mattress pops up to match the height of the main bed, creating a near-king-size sleeping surface when side-by-side,” Agárdy says. “It is fabulous for couples or guests who want a larger sleeping space.” A best-seller on Amazon and just over $200, it’s a budget-friendly pick and the simple metal frame is a modern-minimalist’s dream. Plus, the versatile pop-up mechanism gives you the option to use it as two twin beds (side-by-side or overlapping), or add a king-size mattress.
Twisting spindles are the showstopper on this vintage-inspired, modernized twin trundle bed. The craftsmanship is on full display, and in-home delivery makes it an even easier pick for busy parents.
There’s something for people who gravitate toward Scandi and industrial-style interior design in this affordable metal and wood bed. The trundle slides out with the help of four wheels in each corner, which you can lock in place. Zinus isn’t known for easy assembly, though, so you’ll need to dedicate some time to putting all of the pieces together.
This bunk bed can accommodate three mattresses, and it’s ideal for a kid’s room. With nods to the modern farmhouse style, it’s also more design-forward than most bunk beds and has all the necessary safety features like guardrails on the top bunk.
“For kids, my go-to is Pottery Barn,” Agárdy says. “They are beautifully designed in solid wood and often have built-in storage or drawers.” Drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood, this one has eye-catching features like ornate moulding and drop ring pulls. (FYI, you’ll need to purchase the bed and trundle separately.)
Traditional and modern style combine with these sphere-accented spindles on one of the most functional frames on the market. Use it as a twin-size bed or two, sofa, or pop the trundle bed to create a king-size bed in a guest room. Foldable legs provide even more support in any trundle position.
“I like the choices at West Elm,” Agárdy says. “They are nicely upholstered, sleek, and minimalist so they can easily blend with any design style.” The minimalist approach to this upholstered daybed makes it a neutral addition to a home office or even a sunroom for daytime lounging.
“I would use a captain’s bed with a trundle and storage in a kid’s room,” Agárdy says. “They are great for sleepovers and offer storage drawers in addition to a pull-out trundle.” This frame has a rustic finish that you could pair with farmhouse-style furniture or lean in with nautical accents like bold stripes and maritime signal flags.
We can always count on West Elm for midcentury-modern wood pieces, like this daybed with an optional trundle (sold separately). Minimal and relaxed, the warm, sustainably sourced wood frame is a more sophisticated approach to children’s furniture.
Lindsay Olson, principal and founder of Lulu Designs in Costa Mesa, California, suggests finding a twin trundle with simple handles. This frame from Amazon has cutouts for easy maneuvering, and the classic slatted headboard is polished but not overly fussy.
“Monte offers wonderful customization and a visualizer so that you know exactly what you are selecting,” says Daniella Hoffer of Daniella Hoffer Interiors in Springfield, New Jersey. The simple silhouette of the Dorma bed has a number of optional features, including one or two trundles. Their queen and king bed frames are designed to accommodate up to two trundles, which you can use for overnight guests or as a separate storage area. Keep in mind that the queen and king trundle extensions are smaller than the traditional ones offered for twin- and full-size beds.
How We Chose the Best Trundle Beds
To learn more about trundle beds, we spoke with three AD PRO Directory designers: Ania Agárdy, Lindsay Olson, and Daniella Hoffer. They offered suggestions for where and how to add a trundle bed in virtually any space, and shared some of their favorite retailers. We also relied on editor-tested bed frame companies, as well as five-star customer reviews from sites like Amazon and Wayfair. We evaluated each one based on functionality, style, and price point.
FAQs
What are the different types of trundle beds?
“The type of trundle bed I recommend will depend on the needs of my client, aesthetics, and space considerations,” Agárdy says. Here are the most common trundles on the market today:
Classic twin or full: A twin- or full-size bed with an integrated or optional trundle underneath.Daybed: A twist on the classic daybed, this one reveals an extra sleeping space below. Perhaps the most beloved among our experts, it’s a more elevated and sleek solution for a guest room or office.Captain’s bed: While some are made with storage compartments, some captain’s beds feature both drawers and a pull-out trundle.Bunk bed: Below these double-decker beds, you’ll find a hidden trundle.Pop-up mechanism: Instead of sitting underneath the primary mattress, these trundle beds lift up to fit a king mattress or two twins you can put together for a larger sleeping surface.
What is the best mattress type for a trundle bed?
You’ll want to consider the thickness and components of a mattress, and most manufacturers share the best solution for each model. All of our experts prefer some sort of foam mattress, since they’re supportive, durable, breathable, and more eco-friendly. Hoffer typically recommends an 8-inch-thick mattress, and her favorite is Brooklyn Bedding’s Dreamfoam Essential.
How should you style a trundle bed?
“I usually use just a fitted sheet, and bring in blankets only when the bed is in use,” Olson says. “This keeps the trundle easy to access and visually streamlined.”