A daybed with pop up trundle is one of the most space-efficient ways to sleep two people in a room built for one, and 2026’s better models finally raise the trundle to near full bed height instead of the ankle-level rollaways of a decade ago.
The Best Daybeds with Pop-Up Trundles at a Glance
DHP Junior Daybed with Pop-Up Trundle
- Trundle locks securely at full height
- Slatted metal frame needs no box spring
- Compact twin footprint doubles as a sofa by day
- Trundle mattress sold separately
- Metal frame can creak on hard floors without a rug underneath
Novogratz Brittany Daybed with Trundle
- Upholstered frame looks like real furniture, not a kids' bed
- Trundle pops up to full bed height
- Sturdy wood slat support
- Fabric requires more careful cleaning than metal frames
- Heavier and harder to move once assembled
Zinus Shalini Metal Daybed with Trundle
- Very affordable for a two-bed solution
- Simple metal frame is easy to keep clean
- Trundle rolls smoothly on caster wheels
- Basic aesthetic won't suit more styled rooms
- No mattress included with either level
Walker Edison Solid Wood Daybed with Trundle
- Solid wood build feels substantial and durable
- Classic look suits more design styles
- Trundle raises smoothly without sticking
- Pricier than metal alternatives
- Heavier to assemble and reposition
Max & Lily Trundle Daybed
- Built for heavy daily kid use, not just occasional guests
- Low-to-the-ground design reduces fall risk
- Trundle bed is a genuine full sleeping surface
- Plain design with fewer style options
- Larger footprint than slimmer metal daybeds
DHP Rebecca Daybed with Trundle
- Slim frame doesn't dominate small rooms
- Trundle tucks away completely flush when not in use
- Easy to assemble solo in under an hour
- Thinner metal gauge than pricier options
- Trundle wheels can catch on thick carpet
How a Pop-Up Trundle Actually Works
Unlike a traditional rolling trundle that stays low to the floor, a pop-up trundle uses a scissor or telescoping frame that lifts the second mattress up to sit level (or nearly level) with the daybed above it once pulled out. This matters more than it sounds: a low trundle can feel like sleeping in a pit, while a pop-up trundle at matching height feels like a genuine second bed. When shopping, check the raised height difference between the two sleeping surfaces — anything under a 2-inch gap is considered a good match.
Sizing: What Fits Under a Daybed
Daybeds are almost universally built around a twin mattress on top, with the trundle sized for either a twin or a twin XL underneath. A few things to check before buying: clearance height under the daybed frame (most pop-up trundles need at least 6-7 inches of clearance to fit the folded mechanism), and total footprint once both beds are deployed, since a fully extended trundle typically adds another 39-42 inches of length to the room.
Twin vs. Twin XL Trundles
If the daybed will regularly host adult guests, look specifically for a twin XL trundle (80 inches long instead of 75), since 5 extra inches makes a real difference for anyone over about 5’8″. Budget models more often default to standard twin-length trundles on both levels.
Materials and Weight Capacity
Metal-frame daybeds are the most common and typically the most affordable, with slatted support that doesn’t require a box spring. Solid wood frames cost more but tend to feel more like permanent furniture rather than a convertible guest solution. Check weight capacity separately for the daybed and the trundle — they’re not always rated the same, and a trundle used nightly by an adult needs a higher rating than one reserved for occasional kid sleepovers.
Mattress Considerations
Most daybeds and trundles ship without mattresses, or with a single thin mattress for the top level only. Because the trundle sits on a metal or wood platform with limited clearance once raised, a mattress over 6 inches thick may not close back down flush — check the manufacturer’s maximum mattress thickness before buying a replacement mattress for either level.
Room Fit for Small Spaces
In a home office or small guest room, position the daybed against a wall so the trundle only needs to extend outward in one direction, and measure that the extended trundle plus a comfortable walking gap (at least 24 inches) still fits the room. Daybeds with a back and one arm (rather than a full three-sided frame) are more versatile for corner placement.
Assembly and Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking under-frame clearance, resulting in a pop-up trundle mechanism that won’t fully lift or lock
- Buying a decorative daybed rated for occasional use, then using it as a daily kids’ bed where it wears out quickly
- Overlooking the maximum mattress thickness the trundle frame can accommodate
- Forgetting to measure the fully extended footprint, not just the daybed’s footprint alone
| Daybed | Best For | Frame Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHP Junior | Sleepovers | Metal | $$ |
| Novogratz Brittany | Living/guest rooms | Upholstered | $$$ |
| Zinus Shalini | Budget guest rooms | Metal | $ |
| Walker Edison | Farmhouse decor | Solid wood | $$$ |
| Max & Lily | Kids’ daily use | Wood | $$ |
| DHP Rebecca | Small apartments | Metal | $$ |
| Component | Typical Size |
|---|---|
| Top mattress | Twin (38 x 75 in) |
| Trundle mattress | Twin or Twin XL (38 x 75-80 in) |
| Extended footprint | Adds ~39-42 in of length |
| Clearance needed under frame | 6-7 in minimum |
If a trundle setup is too tight for your space, compare it against a trundle sofa bed or a standard day sofa bed, and check bed sizes and dimensions before choosing a replacement mattress. Browse the full sofa beds hub or kids’ beds for more space-saving options.
Our Top Pick for Guest Rooms
The DHP Junior Daybed with Pop-Up Trundle raises to near full bed height and holds up to daily use.
Check price on AmazonHow high does a pop-up trundle actually raise?
Quality pop-up trundles raise to within about 1-2 inches of the daybed’s own mattress height, so the two sleeping surfaces sit nearly level once the trundle is pulled out and locked into place.
What size mattress fits a daybed trundle?
Most trundles are sized for a twin mattress (38 x 75 inches), though some higher-end models use a twin XL trundle (80 inches long) to better accommodate adult guests.
How much extra floor space does a pop-up trundle need?
Once fully extended, a trundle typically adds 39 to 42 inches of length to the room, so measure that full footprint plus at least 24 inches of walking clearance before buying.
Do daybeds with trundles come with mattresses included?
Most ship without mattresses or with only a thin mattress for the top daybed level, so budget separately for one or two twin mattresses depending on the model.
Is a metal or wood daybed frame better?
Metal frames are lighter, more affordable, and don’t need a box spring, while solid wood frames feel more like permanent furniture and often have sturdier trundle mechanisms, at a higher price.
Can adults sleep comfortably on a daybed trundle?
Yes, especially with a twin XL trundle and a mattress under the manufacturer’s maximum thickness limit, though adults over 6 feet may find the width or length tight compared to a full guest bed.
How much clearance does a pop-up trundle need under the daybed?
Most pop-up trundle mechanisms need at least 6 to 7 inches of clearance under the daybed frame to fold flat and lift properly when deployed.
Are daybeds with trundles sturdy enough for daily use?
It depends on the model. Decorative daybeds built for occasional guests wear out faster under daily use, while models marketed for kids’ bedrooms are built to a higher daily-use durability standard.
Part of the Talk Beds editorial team — testing and researching beds, mattresses and sleep gear so you can rest easy. Full profile & sources →
