The Daybed Trundle Explained (With Examples)

Daybed trundles are a great way to get the most out of your space. This is particularly true for those who live in cramped quarters or have family visiting often. You may have had a daybed growing up or slept on a trundle while visiting a friend, but you may be wondering what makes a daybed trundle different and how one can benefit your home.

A daybed trundle gives the unique appearance of a bed and a sofa with a railing that extends along the back and sides of the bed. They have a second pullout mattress underneath, providing additional sleeping space when needed. 

If you have limited space or frequent guests, a daybed trundle might be just what you need to get the most out of your space. Keep reading to learn more about this alternative sleeping space and whether a daybed trundle is a good fit for your home. 

What is the Difference Between and Daybed and a Trundle Bed?

A trundle is an extra bed on wheels that sits under the frame of a standard bed and can be pulled out when needed. Basically, it enables you to have two beds in one without taking up additional space. Typically, the frame is made from metal or wood, and it is smaller than the parent bed, giving it more freedom to move in and out from underneath it. 

Daybeds, on the other hand, don’t act as an extra bed, but they do have the added effect of doubling as a sofa. Their space-conscious design and recognizable headboard that extends along the sides of the bed make them a favorite for those living in studio apartments or for spaces that double as a guest room. 

Can a Daybed Be a Trundle Bed?

One of the benefits of a trundle is that they are incorporated into all different kinds of bed designs—daybeds being one of those. Most daybeds are already designed with the underside of the bed left hollow to be used for things like extra storage or trundles. This is perfect for people or are tight on space or looking for a way to have guests without necessarily having a guest room. 

How Does a Daybed Trundle Work?

Trundle beds are typically smaller than the parent bed they are attached to. They are moved in and out from underneath the top bed via trundles attached to wheels. 

When not in use, the trundle sits tucked away underneath the bed. Whenever you have guests over or need additional space, simply roll out the trundle bed, add bedding, and you’re good to go. 

How Do You Raise a Trundle Bed?

There are two types of trundle beds: pullout and pop-up. While they both typically have wheels attached and pull out from under the main bed frame, they function a bit differently in their use. Pullout trundles have a fixed frame, so they stay low to the ground, while pop-up trundles raise to the same height as the main bed. 

To raise a pop-up trundle bed, you first need to slide the trundle out from under the parent bed. Next, locate the bed latches on both sides of the bed and unlock the legs. Since the frame is spring-loaded, it will raise to the proper height and lock in place. 

Once raised, you can either use it as a separate bed or push it against the main bed to increase the sleeping area of the main mattress. 

How Do You Lower a Trundle Bed?

When the bed is not in use, there is no need to leave it out. That is the point of a trundle bed, after all. 

To lower the bed, unlock the latches on the sides to collapse the bed frame. This will allow the leg to fold down until the frame is close to the floor. Once it is lowered, lock the latches and slide the trundle back under the daybed. 

It’s a good idea to check the area under and around the bed before lowering it to make sure there aren’t any blankets or items in the way. This will prevent things from getting caught in the frame as it is lowered, potentially damaging the bed.  

How to Repair a Wobbly Trundle Bed

One of the downsides of having a pop-up trundle is that it experiences a bit more wear and tear than the pullout variety. If your trundle bed is getting used often, you may notice that it is becoming wobbly. 

To fix a wobbly trundle bed, make sure the bedding and mattress are removed so you can access the hardware on the frame. Locate the bolts and screws, and give each one a quick turn, making sure they are nice and tight 

Tightening the bolts and screws should fix your wobbly bed issue and make your trundle feel more secure. 

Why You Should Buy a Trundle Daybed

Because of its space-optimized design, daybed trundles are for those who don’t have the space to accommodate multiple sleeping spaces. However, this isn’t the only reason you may want to invest in a daybed with a trundle. 

Here are a few reasons you should buy a daybed trundle:

• It’s made to stand out. Daybeds are just a convenience space-saver. They have a unique and characteristic design that allows them to serve as a pleasing focal point in any room. There are many styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find one the matches the aesthetic of your décor. 
• They have the flexibility for lounging and sleep. If you have a guestroom that doubles as an office or studio where the living space is also the sleeping area, a trundle daybed can offer an adaptable and flexible solution in terms of furniture. 
• They are a safe alternative to bunk beds. If you have kids that need to share a room, a trundle daybed may be a more favorable choice, especially if the kids are still small. 
• They grow with you. A daybed with a trundle is a great option for growing families. They can easily be moved from a guest room to a bedroom to a teen’s room as kids grow older. 

Where Should you Put a Daybed?

Daybeds are known for their multifunctionality, so many people like to put them in rooms that could use extra seating as well as a space for sleep. However, they can be placed just about anywhere. 

Keep in mind, trundle daybeds are known for their three sides, similar to that of a couch. They look best when placed against a wall, so try to make space on a wall in the room you will be placing it in. 

Do Trundle Beds Come in Different Sizes?

Because a trundle bed sits under the main bed, the size and dimensions are going to depend on the size of the parent bed. Typically, trundle beds are twin-sized with an average length of 80 inches. They are also shorter—usually around 37 inches high—so they can easily slide under the bed. 

While there are some daybeds that are full-sized, the trundle underneath is still typically a twin-sized bed. For example, this metal-framed daybed boasts a full-sized top bed with the dimensions 77″ L x 56″ W x 41″ H. The trundle’s dimensions are much smaller at 71″ L x 40″ W x 4″ H. 

You can expect a similar situation with a queen-sized daybed, except the trundle underneath will most likely be full-sized rather than a twin. 

Using a Popup Trundle to Expand the Size of Your Bed

If you’ve got limited space, using a daybed with a pop-up trundle is a great way to expand your sleeping area without having a bed that takes over the entire room. During the day, the trundle stays tucked away so that it’s not invading your living space. At night, pop out the trundle, and you have a space similar to that of a king bed. 

A pop-up trundle daybed also gives you more variety in your guest bedroom. You have the ability to create a larger bed for couples that are visiting or two single beds for multiple guests. When the bed isn’t in use, the daybed acts as a sitting area. 

Mattresses that Can Be Used with a Daybed

Daybeds, like normal beds, can use any mattress as long as the dimensions match up with those of the bed frame. Daybeds come in varying sizes, so it’s important to know the size of your bed before shopping for mattresses.

The most common daybed is a twin-sized frame. A twin mattress (also known as a single) usually measures 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. Make sure you are getting a twin and not a twin XL, which measures about 5 inches longer. 

Does a Trundle Bed Need a Specific Type of Mattress?

Just like daybeds, trundle beds do not require any specific type of mattress. While there are no differences between a trundle bed mattress and a normal mattress, trundles are designed to make the most out of the space available as they slide under a normal bed, so keep that in mind. 

The one thing you may struggle with while shopping for a mattress for your trundle bed is the thickness. You’ll want to find a mattress that is comfortable but not too thick. A mattress that is too thick may not fit under the top bed and cause problems while wheeling it in and out. 

As a general rule, look for a mattress around 6-7 inches thick so that you don’t run into any problems. 

Do Daybed Trundles Use a Box Spring?

While they don’t require a special mattress, one thing that does stand out about daybeds is that they don’t typically require a box spring. Instead, they use a grid-like link spring or wooden slats to support the mattress. This design allows for the sofa-like look that daybeds are known for and leaves the bottom open for the trundle to slide underneath. 

Trundles don’t typically have a box spring either since they have limited space between the floor and the bottom of the main bed. 

Are Daybed Trundles Comfortable?

The comfort of your bed is going to depend more on the mattress and less on the frame. Since a daybed is a dual-purpose piece of furniture, the type of mattress you chose may take a bit more contemplation. 

Typically, people prefer a firmer mattress on a daybed since it will double as a sofa during the day. A good option for a daybed mattress would be to pick a quality 8-to-10-inch memory foam mattress. This will give you the comfort you’re looking for in a bed while also supplying the firmness needed for lounging. 

The same thing goes for the trundle mattress. While many people will say that trundles aren’t comfortable because they aren’t as thick, this is dependent on the mattress you choose. Since you will need a thinner mattress, look for something that is firmer so you won’t sag in the mattress, creating discomfort. 

How Much Weight can a Daybed with a Trundle Hold?

Most daybeds will support up to 400 lbs. Since trundle frames are not built as a standalone bed, they typically support less weight, holding up to 225 lbs.

The bed frame isn’t the only weight limit you should pay attention to. Many mattresses also have weight limits. Conventional mattresses are designed to support up to 250 lbs a person. So single sleeper mattresses like a twin can hold up to 250 lbs, while larger mattresses like queens and kings support up to 500 lbs. 

It’s a good idea to check the weight limit of both the bed and the mattress as you shop. 

Can a Daybed Trundle Have Storage?

One of the most popular aspects of beds these days is those with added storage, and daybed trundles aren’t excluded. A daybed trundle with drawers is really an exceptional, multi-use piece of furniture. It adds seating, a sleeping area, and extra storage to your home without taking up unnecessary space. 

In a kid’s room, this extra storage could be used for clothes or toys. You could also use this storage to keep the extra bedding for the trundle, so you don’t need to search for it every time you need an extra bed. 

Tips for Decorating a Daybed Trundle

If you’ve added a trundle daybed to your space, how you decorate can really impact the room. While the frame itself is already designed to catch the eye, the bedding you choose has the ability to tie everything together. 

Remember, a daybed can act as a bed and a sofa. If you don’t want the appearance of a bed sitting in the middle of your living room, you need to spruce it up the way you would a sofa. Don’t worry; we’ve put together a few tips that may help you out. 

Hide the Trundle Bed

There are plenty of daybed styles that add a face to the front of the bed, so you don’t see the trundle when it’s tucked away. However, not all styles have this, and seeing a trundle sitting under the bed can be a bit unsightly. 

Adding a skirt to the bed is a simple and discreet way to tuck the trundle away and hide it from view. Another option is to coordinate the bedding on both mattresses so 

Invest in a Slipcover or Bedding Set for Your Daybed

If you’re using your daybed for seating by day and sleeping by night, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality slipcover. Whether it’s a movie night with popcorn or just friends hanging out to chat, you probably don’t want a bunch of traffic on the spot you plan to lay your head. A slipcover is a great way to protect your daybed from everyday use or accidents like spills and keep your bed clean and ready for use when it’s time for bed. 

If your daybed is in a less traffic area, like a guestroom or bedroom, spice it up with a cohesive bedding set that matches the décor of the room. This will keep it from looking bland and turn it into a focal point worth looking at. 

Add Fun Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are the easiest way to decorate a daybed. They work great for a bed or sofa look, plus they come in a variety of styles. Experiment with different patterns, colors, and sizes to add texture and contrast to your bed décor. 

Final Thoughts on Daybed Trundles

The top reason many people invest in a daybed trundle is the functionality and convenience it offers. It can act as both a sofa and a bed while providing even extra sleeping space with the second bed stored underneath. We hope this gives you a clearer understanding of what a daybed trundle is and the role it can play in a home. 

If you’ve decided that a daybed with a trundle is something that will work in your home while you shop, keep in mind how you will use your daybed and what style works in your space. Whether you use it in a teens’ room or as a multi-purpose piece of furniture in a studio apartment, we think you’ll enjoy your new trundle daybed as it grows with you for years to come.