6 Best Trundle Beds for Maximizing Small Space That Serve Double Duty
Explore our top 6 trundle beds for small spaces. These versatile picks offer a hidden guest bed, extra storage, and double as a daybed to maximize function.
That spare room you dream of is often just a corner of your living room, and finding a place for guests to sleep can feel like a game of high-stakes Tetris. When every square foot counts, furniture that only does one thing is a luxury you can’t afford. This is where the humble trundle bed proves its worth, transforming a single footprint into a multi-functional powerhouse.
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Why Trundles Excel in Compact Living Spaces
The magic of a trundle bed is its ability to reclaim vertical space. Instead of a second bed consuming precious floor area, it tucks away neatly beneath the main frame, instantly doubling your sleeping capacity when needed. This is a fundamental principle of small-space design: use the Z-axis (height) to your advantage.
Unlike a futon or a sleeper sofa, a trundle system allows you to use two separate, real mattresses. This is a game-changer for comfort, both for you as a daily lounger and for your guests. No more complaining about a metal bar in the back or a lumpy, folded cushion. You get the support of a proper bed in a package that lives like a sofa.
The "double-duty" aspect goes beyond just sleeping. Most trundle daybeds are designed to function as a couch or seating area during the day. This makes them perfect for a studio apartment, a home office that doubles as a guest room, or even a child’s room where floor space is needed for play. It’s not just a bed; it’s a space-multiplier.
IKEA HEMNES Daybed: The Ultimate 3-in-1 Solution
This Alaterre Harmony Daybed offers a stylish and space-saving sleep solution. It easily converts to a king-size bed with a pull-out trundle and includes two convenient storage drawers.
The IKEA HEMNES is legendary in the tiny living community for a reason. It’s not just a bed with a trundle; it’s a sofa, a single bed, and a king-sized bed all in one. The trundle pulls out to sit flush with the main frame, creating a large, unified sleeping surface that can comfortably accommodate two adults. This is a feature many other trundles lack.
Its three deep drawers are the real star of the show. In a small space, storage is gold, and the HEMNES provides ample room for bedding, clothes, or anything else you need to stash away. This integration means you don’t need a separate dresser, saving even more floor space. It’s a complete system, not just a piece of furniture.
The main tradeoff is the IKEA experience itself. You’ll be assembling it from a flat-pack, which requires time and patience. You also need to purchase two twin mattresses, and their thickness is key—too thick, and the trundle won’t close smoothly. But for its unmatched versatility and built-in storage, the HEMNES is often the smartest choice for a primary living space.
Zinus Suzanne Daybed: Sleek and Minimalist Design
Enjoy versatile comfort with the ZINUS Suzanne Daybed, featuring a stylish bamboo and metal design with an integrated trundle for extra sleeping space. Its durable steel frame and bamboo accents provide reliable mattress support without a box spring, and assembly is quick and easy.
If you want function without the bulk, the Zinus Suzanne Daybed is your answer. Its clean lines and simple steel frame fit seamlessly into modern or industrial aesthetics. There’s no heavy headboard or clunky wood, which helps a small room feel more open and airy.
The Suzanne’s biggest strength is its simplicity. Assembly is famously straightforward, a welcome relief for anyone who has wrestled with complex furniture instructions. The metal slat system provides solid support for a mattress without needing a box spring, and the space underneath is easy to clean—a major plus in any compact home.
However, its minimalist design means it functions more as a bed than a sofa. Without an upholstered back or sides, you’ll rely on pillows to make it a comfortable lounger. It also lacks built-in storage. This is the perfect choice for a dedicated guest room or office where you prioritize a clean look and easy setup over sofa-like comfort and storage.
DHP Cambridge Daybed: Upholstered Sofa-Style Comfort
The AFI Cambridge Twin Daybed offers versatile use as a bed, sofa, or couch with its sturdy solid wood construction and unique curved back. Its slat kit eliminates the need for a box spring, providing excellent mattress support and airflow for a comfortable sleep.
The DHP Cambridge looks and feels more like a traditional sofa than a bed. Its upholstered back and arms, often with details like button tufting, allow it to blend perfectly into a living room setting. If your primary goal is to have a comfortable couch that can also host guests, this is the direction to go.
The soft, fabric-covered frame makes it an inviting place to sit for hours, unlike many hard-edged wooden or metal daybeds. The trundle itself is typically on casters, making it easy to roll out on a whim. This design prioritizes daily comfort and aesthetics, ensuring your multi-purpose space feels like a home, not just a temporary setup.
The main consideration here is maintenance. Upholstery can be more difficult to clean than wood or metal, which is a factor if you have pets or kids. It also offers a cozier, more traditional look that might not suit a minimalist space. But for a piece that truly pulls double duty as primary seating, the comfort and style are hard to beat.
South Shore Spark: Trundle Bed with Bookcase Storage
For a child’s room or a home office where every inch of storage matters, the South Shore Spark is a workhorse. It integrates a bookcase into the headboard, effectively combining a bed, a nightstand, and a bookshelf into one compact footprint. Those little cubbies are perfect for books, an alarm clock, or charging devices.
This model is all about maximizing utility. The trundle provides the essential extra sleeping spot for sleepovers, while the headboard storage keeps clutter off the floor. Some versions even come with drawers under the trundle, offering a three-tiered approach to organization: sleeping, displaying, and stowing.
The tradeoff is usually in the materials. To keep costs down, these types of beds are often made from particleboard or MDF. While perfectly functional, they don’t have the longevity of solid wood. The aesthetic is also more functional than high-style, but when you need to solve a storage and sleeping problem on a budget, it’s an incredibly practical solution.
Max & Lily Trundle: Solid Wood Durability for Any Age
When you need a trundle bed that can withstand years of use, solid wood is the only way to go. Max & Lily specializes in high-quality, solid wood furniture that’s built to last. Their trundle beds are sturdy, stable, and can handle the rigors of daily use, whether it’s by kids or adults.
The design is straightforward and timeless, focusing on durability over frills. This makes it a versatile piece that can work in a kid’s room and later transition to a guest room without looking out of place. The solid wood construction means it won’t squeak, wobble, or fall apart after a few years—a common complaint with cheaper alternatives.
While you won’t get integrated drawers or upholstered backrests, you get something more valuable: peace of mind. Investing in a solid wood frame like this means you are buying it once. The price is higher than particleboard options, but the longevity and sturdiness make it a worthwhile investment for anyone prioritizing quality and safety.
Pottery Barn Hampton: A Premium, Stylish Choice
If you’re looking for a trundle bed that is a genuine statement piece, the Pottery Barn Hampton collection is a top contender. This isn’t just a functional item; it’s a piece of high-end furniture designed to elevate a room. The craftsmanship, quality of materials, and classic design are evident at first glance.
The Hampton is built from solid wood and veneers, with hand-applied finishes that give it a rich, polished look. It’s the kind of piece that can anchor a room’s decor, serving as a beautiful daybed or sofa that also happens to hide a guest bed. It’s an ideal choice for a formal living space or a high-end guest room where style cannot be compromised.
Of course, the primary tradeoff is the price. This is a significant investment. But if your budget allows, you are paying for superior build quality, timeless design, and a piece that will hold its value and appeal for decades. It’s for the person who wants a small-space solution without sacrificing an ounce of style.
Choosing the Right Trundle Mattress and Bedding
The single most overlooked aspect of a trundle bed is the mattress. You can’t just throw any mattress on there. The lower trundle has a strict height limit, usually between 6 and 8 inches, to ensure it can slide easily under the main frame. Measure the clearance before you buy a mattress.
For the trundle mattress, memory foam or a thinner hybrid are your best bets. They offer good comfort in a low-profile package. Avoid traditional innerspring mattresses with thick pillow tops, as they will almost certainly be too tall. The top mattress has more flexibility, but choosing one that isn’t excessively heavy will make the bed easier to move and make.
Bedding is the final piece of the puzzle. Making a daybed every morning can be a chore. Consider using a simple duvet cover or a zippered, all-in-one bedding system like Beddy’s. These options are much easier to smooth out than a complicated set of sheets, blankets, and a bulky comforter, making the transition from bed to sofa quick and painless.
Ultimately, the best trundle bed is the one that solves your specific space problem, whether that’s a need for storage, seating, or pure simplicity. By thinking of it as a strategic tool rather than just a bed, you can reclaim your floor space and make your compact home more functional and welcoming.
