A daybed with a trundle is one of the most space-efficient ways to add a second full sleeping spot to a guest room, home office, or kids’ bedroom in 2026, since the trundle tucks completely out of sight until you actually need it. Whether you’re furnishing a small apartment that needs a couch by day and two beds by night, or a kids’ room that hosts frequent sleepovers, the right pick comes down to trundle mechanism quality, frame material, and how the mattress situation is handled.
The Best Daybeds with Trundles at a Glance
Novogratz Brittany Daybed with Trundle
- Trundle glides out smoothly without sticking
- Sturdy metal construction resists wobble
- Doubles as a couch during the day with the included back rail
- Trundle mattress sold separately in most listings
- Takes up more floor depth than a daybed alone once trundle is out
DHP Dakota Daybed and Trundle
- Notably lower price than premium daybed sets
- Simple bolt-together assembly
- Compact enough for smaller guest rooms
- Frame flexes more than sturdier metal picks under heavier weight
- Trundle sits slightly lower than the main daybed mattress
Max & Lily Solid Wood Daybed with Trundle
- Solid wood construction feels furniture-grade, not flimsy
- Wood slat trundle base needs no box spring
- Available in finishes that match kids' bedroom sets
- Heavier and harder to move than metal frame alternatives
- Higher price than basic metal daybed sets
Walker Edison Marcus Metal Daybed with Trundle
- Slim metal profile suits small or tight rooms
- Trundle tucks completely underneath when not in use
- Modern look works as everyday seating
- Thinner metal slats than heavy-duty picks, best with a supportive mattress
- Assembly requires two people for the trundle frame
Storkcraft Caribou Daybed with Trundle
- Rounded edges reduce bump injuries for kids
- Low trundle height makes independent setup easy for children
- Sturdy enough for regular jumping and rough play
- Design skews juvenile, less suited to adult guest rooms
- Limited weight capacity compared to adult-oriented picks
Novogratz Owen Daybed and Trundle Set
- Trundle mattress included, no extra purchase needed
- Straightforward all-in-one setup
- Good value for occasional guest use
- Included trundle mattress is thinner than a dedicated purchase
- Not ideal if the trundle will be used nightly long-term
How Daybed Trundles Actually Work
A trundle is a low, wheeled or slide-out frame that stores underneath the main daybed and rolls out to reveal a second mattress at roughly the same or slightly lower height once extended. Most trundles in this category are “pop-up” or flat designs: pop-up trundles rise on a scissor mechanism to match the main bed’s height once extended, while flat trundles stay lower to the ground, functioning more like a rollaway bed. Pop-up trundles are more comfortable for adult overnight guests since both mattresses end up level; flat trundles are simpler mechanically and tend to be cheaper and lighter.
Mattress Sizing and What’s Included
Daybeds typically use a twin mattress for the main sleeping surface, and the trundle underneath is usually also twin-sized, though some flat trundle models use a twin-XL. Critically, most daybed-and-trundle sets sold today do NOT include mattresses for either the daybed or the trundle — check listings carefully, since a small number (like the Novogratz Owen pick above) do bundle a trundle mattress, which saves an extra purchase and delivery. If mattresses aren’t included, budget for two twin mattresses, ideally slim profile options (8-10 inches) so the trundle still slides fully under the daybed frame without catching.
Weight Capacity and Frame Materials
Metal daybed frames generally offer higher weight capacity and better resistance to wobble over time than budget wood-slat frames, especially important since the daybed doubles as everyday seating and absorbs more repeated stress than a bed used only for sleeping. Solid wood frames, like the Max & Lily pick, split the difference — heavier and pricier, but often feel the most stable under rough kid use or frequent adult guest visits. Most frames in this category support 250-300 pounds on the main daybed and a similar rating on the trundle.
Room Fit and Space Planning
Measure not just the daybed’s footprint but the FULL extended length once the trundle rolls out — this can add 39-42 inches of additional depth to the room, which is easy to overlook when planning furniture placement. Slim metal frames like the Walker Edison pick leave the most usable floor space when the trundle is stored, making them a strong choice for small apartments or multi-purpose rooms. If the room permanently needs both sleeping surfaces available, measure for the fully-extended footprint rather than the stored one.
Assembly Considerations
Trundle assembly is typically more involved than a standard bed frame because of the extra wheeled or scissor-lift sub-frame — budget 45-60 minutes and, for pop-up mechanisms, a second person to help align the mechanism correctly. Flat trundles (no pop-up lift) assemble faster and more simply, which is worth prioritizing if you want a low-hassle setup for occasional guest use rather than frequent nightly use.
Budget Guidance
Expect to pay $150-$220 for a basic metal daybed-and-trundle frame, and $250-$400+ for a solid wood set or one that includes a trundle mattress. The extra cost of a wood frame is worth it for kids’ rooms or heavy daily use; a budget metal frame is perfectly adequate for occasional guest use in a home office or spare room.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t assume a mattress is included — double-check the listing, since most daybed-and-trundle sets require you to buy one or two mattresses separately. Avoid pop-up trundle mechanisms if you want the simplest possible setup for infrequent guests; a flat trundle is easier to manage. Finally, always measure the room for the fully-extended footprint, not just the stored daybed size, since the trundle can add well over three feet of depth once pulled out.
| Pick | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novogratz Brittany Daybed with Trundle | Overall / durability | 4.6 | $$ |
| DHP Dakota Daybed and Trundle | Budget pick | 4.4 | $ |
| Max & Lily Solid Wood Daybed with Trundle | Furniture-grade wood frame | 4.6 | $$$ |
| Walker Edison Marcus Metal Daybed with Trundle | Space-saving / small rooms | 4.5 | $$ |
| Storkcraft Caribou Daybed with Trundle | Kids’ rooms | 4.5 | $$ |
| Novogratz Owen Daybed and Trundle Set | Included trundle mattress | 4.4 | $$ |
Typical Dimensions at a Glance
| Spec | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Main mattress size | Twin (39 x 75 in) |
| Trundle mattress size | Twin or Twin-XL |
| Additional depth when extended | 39-42 inches |
| Typical weight capacity (each surface) | 250-300 lbs |
Explore more space-saving picks in our sofa beds hub, including our daybeds and trundle bed collections. If this is for a kids’ room, also see our kids beds section, and for a fully separate guest bed option check bunk beds for adults. For mattress pairing, browse mattresses under $300, and review bed sizes and dimensions before you buy.
Ready to double your sleep space?
Our top overall pick pairs a smooth-rolling trundle with real day-to-day sturdiness.
Check price on AmazonDoes a daybed with a trundle come with mattresses?
Most sets do not include mattresses for either the daybed or trundle, though a few bundles include a trundle mattress, so check the listing carefully.
What size mattress fits a trundle?
Most trundles use a twin mattress, though some flat trundle designs use a twin-XL, so confirm before buying.
How much extra space does a trundle need when pulled out?
Plan for an additional 39 to 42 inches of depth beyond the daybed’s stored footprint once the trundle is fully extended.
What’s the difference between a pop-up and flat trundle?
A pop-up trundle rises to match the main bed’s height once extended, while a flat trundle stays low to the ground like a rollaway bed.
Can adults sleep comfortably on a daybed trundle?
Yes, especially with a pop-up trundle that levels with the main mattress and a supportive twin mattress of at least 8 inches thick.
How much weight can a daybed and trundle hold?
Most frames support 250 to 300 pounds on each sleeping surface when weight is evenly distributed.
Is assembly difficult for a trundle bed?
Pop-up trundles take longer and often need two people, while flat trundles are simpler and can usually be assembled solo.
Are wood or metal daybed trundles more durable?
Solid wood frames generally feel more stable under heavy daily use, while metal frames are lighter and often less expensive.
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 →