The 9 Best Trundle Beds

Small rooms have a funny way of making furniture audition for multiple jobs. A desk must become a vanity. A storage bench must become a toy bunker. And a bed? A bed had better be ready to host a sleepover, a visiting cousin, a last-minute guest, and possibly a blanket fort convention. That is exactly where the best trundle beds earn their applause.

A trundle bed is a space-saving bed frame with a second mattress stored underneath the main bed. When you need extra sleeping space, you pull it out. When you do not, it slides away like a magician who also understands square footage. Modern trundle beds now come in daybed styles, classic twin frames, captain’s beds with drawers, bunk-bed combinations, and pop-up models that can rise to the same height as the main mattress.

To choose the best trundle beds, it helps to look beyond the pretty product photo. The right pick depends on who will sleep on it, how often it will be used, how much floor clearance you have, mattress thickness, weight capacity, material quality, assembly difficulty, and whether you want the trundle to act as a true guest bed or occasional sleepover solution. Below are nine strong options for different homes, budgets, and design styles.

Quick Buying Guide: What Makes a Trundle Bed Worth It?

Mattress height matters more than people think

Most trundles require a low-profile mattress, often around 5 to 8 inches thick. If the mattress is too tall, the trundle may not slide under the bed properly. That is the furniture equivalent of buying jeans without checking the inseam: technically clothing, emotionally complicated.

Choose the trundle type for the sleeper

For kids, a low roll-out trundle is usually simple and safe. For adults, a pop-up trundle is often more comfortable because it can lift closer to normal bed height. For guest rooms and offices, a daybed with trundle offers the best “sofa by day, bed by night” flexibility.

Measure the room twice

A trundle bed saves space when closed, but it needs clearance when open. Before buying, measure the full extended footprint, including walking room around the pulled-out bed. A trundle that opens into a dresser, closet door, or wall is not a bed; it is a puzzle with pillows.

The 9 Best Trundle Beds

1. Glenwillow Home Upholstered Daybed with Roll-Out Trundle: Best Overall

The Glenwillow Home Upholstered Daybed with Roll-Out Trundle is a smart overall pick because it blends comfort, design, and practicality. Its upholstered frame gives it a softer, more grown-up look than many metal or kid-focused trundle beds. That makes it especially useful in a guest room, small apartment, home office, or multi-purpose room where the bed needs to behave like furniture, not scream “emergency sleepover zone.”

The roll-out trundle hides beneath the daybed on casters, keeping the room tidy when the second bed is not in use. The style leans modern and versatile, with button-tufted details that add polish without becoming fussy. It is best for shoppers who want a trundle bed that can sit in a visible space and still look intentional.

Best for: guest rooms, small apartments, home offices, and anyone who wants a stylish daybed trundle.

Keep in mind: upholstery can attract dust and pet hair, so this is not the lowest-maintenance choice for homes with shedding champions.

2. IKEA HEMNES Daybed with 3 Drawers: Best Storage Trundle Bed

The IKEA HEMNES Daybed is a classic for a reason. It works as a sofa, a single bed, a larger sleeping surface when extended, and a storage unit. The three drawers underneath are a major advantage for apartments, kids’ rooms, and guest spaces where extra bedding needs a home other than “random chair mountain.”

HEMNES has a clean, traditional look that fits many decorating styles. It is especially practical for rooms that must do double duty. During the day, it can be styled with pillows like a couch. At night, it becomes a guest bed with built-in storage for sheets, blankets, and pillows. The drawers are also handy for toys, seasonal clothes, or all the mysterious items that somehow appear in children’s rooms despite no one claiming ownership.

Best for: storage-hungry homes, studio apartments, guest rooms, and kids’ rooms.

Keep in mind: IKEA assembly is part furniture project, part personality test. Set aside time and keep snacks nearby.

3. Max & Lily Twin Slatted Bed with Trundle: Best for Kids

The Max & Lily Twin Slatted Bed with Trundle is a strong choice for children’s bedrooms because it has a simple, sturdy shape and a cheerful, practical design. The twin bed frame includes a pull-out trundle that is easy to use for sleepovers, siblings, cousins, or that one friend who always forgets a sleeping bag.

Max & Lily is known for kids’ furniture, and this model feels designed for real family life. It has a classic slatted headboard and footboard, a manageable footprint, and a trundle that slides away when not needed. The style is clean enough to grow with a child rather than looking too babyish after one birthday party.

Best for: children’s bedrooms, sleepovers, shared rooms, and families who want a durable everyday bed.

Keep in mind: check mattress height carefully so the trundle closes smoothly.

4. West Elm Mid-Century Daybed & Trundle: Best Premium Design

The West Elm Mid-Century Daybed & Trundle is for shoppers who care about style as much as square footage. Its mid-century lines, warm finishes, and polished profile make it feel more like a design piece than a backup bed. It is a particularly good fit for a home office or den where the bed will be visible every day.

This is one of the better-looking trundle beds for people who do not want their guest bed to look temporary. It can be dressed up with bolsters, textured pillows, and a neat throw, turning the room into a reading lounge until guests arrive. The construction and finish options make it feel more elevated than many budget trundle beds.

Best for: stylish guest rooms, modern homes, and shoppers willing to pay more for design.

Keep in mind: it is a premium option, so budget shoppers may prefer a simpler frame.

5. Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Bed with Trundle: Best Classic Kids’ Room Pick

The Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Bed with Trundle is a polished, timeless option for families who want a traditional bed frame with an optional extra sleeping space. The Catalina collection has a clean, classic look that works in many children’s rooms, from coastal and cottage-inspired spaces to simple modern bedrooms.

One advantage of this style is that it does not feel trendy. It is the kind of bed that can survive changing wall colors, new bedding phases, and the sudden transition from dinosaurs to soccer to “please do not touch my room.” The trundle can serve as a guest bed or extra storage when a mattress is not inside.

Best for: classic children’s rooms, long-term family furniture, and shoppers who like coordinated collections.

Keep in mind: some Pottery Barn Kids trundles are sold separately, so confirm exactly what is included before checkout.

6. Crate & Kids Jenny Lind Spindle Bed with Trundle: Best Vintage-Inspired Trundle Bed

The Crate & Kids Jenny Lind Spindle Bed with Trundle is a charming choice for anyone who loves vintage-inspired furniture. Its turned spindle details give it character without making it feel old-fashioned. It has enough personality to anchor a room, but it still works with modern bedding, playful rugs, and changing kids’ decor.

This bed is especially appealing for families who want a piece that looks thoughtfully designed. The trundle adds function, while the frame brings a decorative element that many basic trundle beds lack. It is a good pick for a bedroom where the bed is the star of the layout.

Best for: vintage-inspired rooms, cottage style, design-conscious families, and children’s bedrooms with personality.

Keep in mind: decorative frames can cost more, and some trundles require specific low-profile mattresses.

7. Zinus Suzanne Daybed and Trundle Frame Set: Best Industrial-Style Value

The Zinus Suzanne Daybed and Trundle Frame Set is a practical option for shoppers who want a modern industrial look without spending premium furniture money. Its combination of metal and wood styling gives it a clean, unfussy appearance that works in teen rooms, guest rooms, and casual apartments.

Zinus is popular for affordable bed frames, and this daybed-trundle set is often praised for its value. The frame is simple enough to blend with different decor styles, from minimalist bedding to cozy layered throws. It is not the plushest or fanciest option on the list, but it delivers exactly what many people need: two sleeping spots in one compact frame.

Best for: budget-minded shoppers, teen rooms, casual guest rooms, and industrial or minimalist spaces.

Keep in mind: assembly can take patience, especially if you are not naturally friends with hardware bags.

8. DHP Tokyo Daybed and Trundle: Best Metal Frame

The DHP Tokyo Daybed and Trundle is a strong pick for those who want a metal frame with a decorative touch. Its curved lines and bronze-style finish give it more charm than a plain utility frame, while the metal construction makes it relatively easy to clean and maintain.

This type of trundle bed is great for small guest rooms, vacation homes, and spaces where durability matters. Metal frames can be easier to wipe down than upholstered beds, and they often feel lighter visually in a room. The DHP Tokyo also suits shoppers who want an affordable daybed that still has a bit of style.

Best for: budget guest rooms, metal-frame fans, easy-clean spaces, and traditional-meets-modern decor.

Keep in mind: metal frames can squeak if not assembled tightly, so tighten hardware after the first few uses.

9. Milliard Twin Daybed and Fold-Up Trundle Set: Best Pop-Up Trundle for Adults

The Milliard Twin Daybed and Fold-Up Trundle Set is a smart option for adults because the lower trundle can rise closer to the height of the main bed. That makes it more comfortable for guests who do not want to sleep close to the floor. It can also create a larger side-by-side sleeping arrangement, which is useful for couples or visitors who want more room than a single twin mattress provides.

Pop-up trundles are especially useful in guest rooms because they feel more like a real bed setup. Instead of asking your guest to climb down to ankle altitude, the raised trundle offers a more familiar sleeping experience. This model is not the most decorative choice, but it is highly practical.

Best for: adult guests, couples, guest rooms, and shoppers who want a flexible pop-up design.

Keep in mind: pop-up mechanisms need open floor space and should be handled carefully to avoid pinched fingers.

How to Choose the Best Trundle Bed for Your Home

For kids’ rooms

Choose a low, easy-roll trundle with a sturdy frame. Kids usually do not need a pop-up mechanism, and lower beds can feel safer for younger sleepers. Look for rounded corners, reliable casters, and a frame that does not wobble when the sleepover crowd gets too enthusiastic.

For adult guests

Prioritize mattress comfort, weight capacity, and height. A pop-up trundle or well-made daybed can feel more comfortable for adults than a thin mattress close to the floor. If guests will stay often, do not treat the trundle mattress as an afterthought. A bad mattress can turn a charming guest room into a chiropractor referral program.

For small apartments

Look for a daybed with storage or a clean frame that can double as seating. IKEA HEMNES-style designs are especially useful when you need drawers. In very tight rooms, avoid bulky arms or oversized headboards that eat up precious inches.

For style-first spaces

Choose a design-forward option like West Elm, Crate & Kids, or Pottery Barn Kids. These beds cost more, but they are easier to integrate into a carefully decorated room. A trundle bed does not have to look like a compromise; the best ones look like they were invited on purpose.

Trundle Bed Mattress Tips

The biggest mistake people make with trundle beds is buying the frame first and the mattress later without checking clearance. Always confirm the maximum mattress thickness recommended by the manufacturer. Many trundles fit mattresses around 5 to 8 inches thick, but this varies by model.

Foam mattresses are popular for trundles because they are often available in low-profile sizes and are easier to maneuver. Hybrid mattresses may be more supportive, but they can be too tall or heavy for some trundle frames. For children and occasional guests, a 6-inch foam mattress may work well. For adult guests, consider the thickest mattress the trundle safely allows.

Also consider bedding. Thick comforters can prevent a trundle from closing. Use fitted sheets, a slim blanket, and store bulkier bedding separately. The goal is to avoid wrestling the trundle shut like you are trying to close an overpacked suitcase before a flight.

Experience-Based Advice: What It Is Really Like Living With a Trundle Bed

After looking at trundle beds from a practical home-use perspective, one thing becomes obvious: the best trundle bed is not always the most expensive one. It is the one that matches the rhythm of the room. A child’s room used for weekly sleepovers needs a different setup than a home office that hosts guests twice a year. A stylish daybed may look beautiful in photos, but if the trundle is difficult to pull out, people will stop using it. Convenience matters.

In real life, rolling clearance is everything. A trundle that glides smoothly over hardwood may behave very differently on thick carpet. If your room has a plush rug, consider whether the casters will move easily. Sometimes a low-pile rug or bare floor around the bed makes daily use much easier. This is one of those tiny details that never looks dramatic online but becomes very dramatic at 10:45 p.m. when guests are tired and someone is tugging a stuck bed frame across the floor.

Another lived-in lesson: storage trundles are wonderful, but only if you keep them organized. When a trundle drawer becomes the official household zone for mystery blankets, old costumes, spare pillows, and one lonely fitted sheet, it stops being convenient. Use storage bags or labeled bins inside drawers when possible. If the trundle is used as a bed, keep the mattress protected with a washable cover. Dust collects under beds, because apparently dust has a real passion for hidden real estate.

For families, trundle beds can make hosting children much easier. Sleepovers feel special without requiring inflatable mattresses or floor nests made from every blanket in the house. Children also tend to enjoy the pull-out feature because it feels like a secret bed. The key is teaching them not to jump on the trundle or use it as a moving platform. Casters are useful, but they are not amusement park technology.

For adults, comfort expectations are higher. A low trundle with a thin mattress may be fine for one night, but it may not impress your in-laws during a long weekend visit. If you regularly host adults, choose a pop-up trundle or invest in the best low-profile mattress that fits the frame. Add proper pillows, breathable sheets, and a nearby outlet or small nightstand. These small touches turn a backup bed into a guest-friendly setup.

Styling also makes a big difference. A daybed with trundle looks best when it is treated like a sofa during the day. Use a fitted cover, a few large back pillows, and one or two accent pillows. Do not overload it with twenty decorative cushions unless you want guests to spend their first five minutes wondering where to put the pillow parade. Keep bedding nearby in a drawer, basket, or closet so the transformation from seating to sleeping feels quick and calm.

The final experience-based tip is simple: test the trundle before guests arrive. Pull it out, place the mattress, add sheets, and check the walking path. Make sure the door still opens. Make sure the closet is accessible. Make sure nobody has to climb over a suitcase to reach the bathroom. A trundle bed is supposed to make life easier, and with the right setup, it absolutely does.

Final Verdict

The best trundle bed depends on your space and sleeper. For most homes, the Glenwillow Home Upholstered Daybed with Roll-Out Trundle offers the best balance of style and function. For storage, IKEA HEMNES is hard to beat. For kids, Max & Lily and Pottery Barn Kids offer dependable family-friendly designs. For adults, a pop-up option like the Milliard Twin Daybed and Fold-Up Trundle Set is the most guest-friendly choice.

Whether you are furnishing a tiny apartment, upgrading a child’s bedroom, or preparing for guests who “might stay one night” and then stay three, a trundle bed is one of the smartest ways to stretch your square footage. It is compact, flexible, and far more elegant than asking someone to sleep on the couch under a decorative throw that was never meant to be a blanket.

Note: Product availability, prices, dimensions, finishes, and mattress requirements can change. Always check the current manufacturer or retailer specifications before purchasing.