A trundle bed is one of the smartest space-savers you can buy: a second twin mattress on a low platform that hides beneath a main bed or daybed and pulls out only when you need it. For sleepovers, visiting cousins or an unexpected overnight guest, it turns a single footprint into two beds in seconds. In 2026 the choice mostly comes down to one thing — roll-out or pop-up — and that decision shapes everything from mattress thickness to who can use it comfortably.
Here are our current picks, followed by an honest guide to getting the trundle mechanism, height and mattress right.
Best Trundle Beds at a Glance
Max & Lily Solid Wood Twin Bed with Trundle
- Solid pine, no particleboard
- Roll-out trundle sleeps a second guest
- Low-profile main frame suits kids
DHP Manila Metal Daybed with Roll-Out Trundle
- Trundle rolls out and locks
- Doubles as a daytime sofa
- Fits two standard twin mattresses
Zinus Suzanne Metal and Wood Daybed with Trundle
- Easy tool-light assembly
- Quiet, wobble-resistant frame
- Roll-out trundle for a second sleeper
Signature Sleep Devon Twin Daybed and Trundle
- Neutral look for guest rooms
- Roll-out trundle stores flush
- Standard twin mattress compatibility
Walker Edison Modern Metal Daybed with Trundle
- Trundle tucks fully out of sight
- Sofa-like daytime profile
- Multiple neutral finishes
How we chose
We focused on the trundle mechanism first: does it glide smoothly, lock in place, and store flush without scraping the floor? From there we weighed frame material and stability, mattress-thickness limits, and how well each frame doubles as a daytime bed or sofa. Solid-wood frames earned points for durability; metal frames for value and lighter weight.
Pop-up vs. roll-out trundles
This is the core decision. Both store a second mattress underneath the main bed, but they deploy very differently.
| Type | How it works | Sleep height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll-out | The trundle slides out on casters and stays low to the floor | Low (near floor level) | Kids and occasional sleepovers |
| Pop-up | A scissor mechanism lifts the trundle to match the main mattress height | Matches the main bed | Adults, guests, and pushing two beds together into a larger surface |
Roll-out trundles are cheaper, simpler and lighter, but sleeping near the floor isn’t ideal for adults. Pop-up trundles cost more and are heavier, yet they rise to bed height and can join the main mattress to form a near-king surface — a real advantage for grown-up guests.
Height and clearance
Two heights matter. First, the storage clearance under the main frame determines how thick a trundle mattress can be. Second, the deployed sleep height affects comfort — floor-level roll-outs suit kids far better than adults. Also mind floor space: leave roughly 40 inches of open floor in front for the trundle to pull out fully. If your room is tight or you want the second bed at full height, a pop-up is worth the premium.
Mattress thickness limits
This is the most common trundle mistake. The trundle has to store beneath the main bed, so its mattress must be thin enough to clear — usually 5 to 6 inches maximum, and often less. Always check the manufacturer’s stated limit before buying a mattress. A too-thick trundle mattress won’t roll back under, or it drags on the floor. Low-profile twin mattresses (memory foam or thin innerspring) are made for exactly this. The main bed can take a normal-thickness twin.
- Roll-out trundle: favor a 5–6 in low-profile foam mattress
- Pop-up trundle: can sometimes take a slightly thicker mattress since it rises to bed height
- Always: confirm the frame’s maximum before ordering
Sleepovers and guests
Trundles shine for intermittent second sleepers. For a kids’ room, a roll-out trundle is perfect for sleepovers and stores away invisibly the rest of the time — see our daybed picks, since most trundles come paired with a daybed frame. For grown-up guests, spend up for a pop-up so no one sleeps at ankle height. And when a trundle isn’t enough sleeping capacity, our bunk beds and broader guest bed roundup cover higher-capacity options.
Who a trundle bed suits
- Kids’ and shared rooms: roll-out trundle for frequent, low-fuss sleepovers.
- Guest rooms: pop-up trundle so adult guests sleep at proper bed height.
- Small homes: two beds in one footprint without a permanent second frame.
- Occasional hosts: a hidden second bed that only appears when needed.
Materials and safety
Solid wood resists wobble and lasts longest; metal is lighter and cheaper but check for welded joints and a smooth-locking caster system. Make sure the trundle latches or locks once deployed so it doesn’t slide during the night, and keep the trundle mattress within the thickness limit so it stores properly. For young kids, a floor-level roll-out is also the safest option — there’s nowhere to fall from.
Price expectations
Roll-out trundle beds (frame plus trundle) start around $250–$450. Pop-up trundle mechanisms and solid-wood frames run higher, roughly $450 and up. Budget separately for two mattresses — a standard twin for the main bed and a low-profile twin for the trundle.
Ready to shop trundle beds?
Compare roll-out and pop-up frames, finishes and prices on Amazon.
Check price on AmazonWhat’s the difference between a pop-up and roll-out trundle?
A roll-out trundle slides out on casters and stays low near the floor — great for kids and occasional sleepovers. A pop-up trundle uses a scissor mechanism to rise to the main mattress height, which suits adults and lets you push the two beds together into a larger surface.
How thick can a trundle mattress be?
Usually 5 to 6 inches maximum, and sometimes less, because the trundle must store under the main bed. Always check the manufacturer’s stated limit. A too-thick mattress won’t roll back underneath. Low-profile twin mattresses are designed for this.
Can adults sleep on a trundle bed?
Yes, though comfort depends on the type. Roll-out trundles sit near the floor, which most adults find low. For adult guests, choose a pop-up trundle that rises to normal bed height. Either way, the sleep surface is twin-width.
Do trundle beds come with mattresses?
Usually not — most ship as a frame plus trundle platform, so you buy the mattresses separately. You’ll typically need one standard twin for the main bed and one thinner low-profile twin for the trundle.
Are trundle beds good for sleepovers?
They’re ideal. A hidden second bed rolls or pops out only when needed and stores away invisibly the rest of the time, making them a favorite for kids’ rooms and guest rooms that need occasional extra sleeping capacity.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →