What is a trundle bed? The user guide for properly installing it at home

Categories: Children's Room

Trundle bed: the guide to installing it properly

Practical and smart, the trundle bed is a ready-made solution when you want to have an extra bed without any hassle. In a child's room or in a guest room, it fits very easily and can be deployed when you have guests over. So what exactly is the principle of a trundle bed? How to choose the right model? How to arrange your interior with a trundle bed in a child's room or in a guest room? This comprehensive guide explains what a trundle bed is, how it works, how to choose the right one, and most importantly, how to intelligently integrate it into your interior.!

The trundle bed: definition of a two-in-one sleeping solution

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The trundle bed is a bed that contains another one. Indeed, it is most often a single bed (which is why we most often talk about 90x190 cm trundle beds or children's trundle beds). Hidden under the bed base, you'll find a drawer that you can easily pull out and which contains a second bed with a mattress. It is most often a fold-out bed whose legs you can deploy, and voilà! With a few simple manipulations, trundle beds give you the ability to set up a second bed in the room.

There's also what we call a trundle bed with storage. In addition to the second bed hidden under the bed base, this furniture has additional storage thanks to the addition of shelves or niches, for example. These storage spaces allow for saving even more space in the room. The trundle bed is therefore a very clever solution that provides an extra bed, most often for occasional use, although it can certainly be used daily.

Appearing classic, it reveals in a few gestures a comfortable extra bed, often equipped with fold-out legs to rise to the same height as the main bed.

We mainly talk about 90x190 cm or 90x200 cm trundle beds, as these are the standard dimensions for a single bed. This solution is particularly appreciated for its discretion and efficiency: it transforms a room into a multifunctional space, without compromising comfort.

💡Did you know? The word "trundle" comes from "trundle tables", those decreasing-sized furniture pieces that nest inside each other. The trundle bed follows the same principle.

How does a trundle bed work on a daily basis?

The operation of a trundle bed is as simple as it is clever. The second bed comes as a drawer on wheels that slides out of the frame. Once out, you just need to unfold its legs to align it with the height of the first bed.

Some models even allow you to join the two bed bases to form a double bed. When it's no longer needed, the extra bed folds up and stores easily under the main bed.

This system allows you to save space without sacrificing comfort. In short, it's a Swiss Army knife of bedding that goes unnoticed until you need it.


💡 To learn more about ways to set up a trundle bed at home, don't hesitate to check out this article!

How to choose your model?

The choice of your trundle bed depends primarily on how you will use it. In most cases, whether we're talking about an adult trundle bed or a child's trundle bed, you can opt for a single bed model, which is a 90x200 cm trundle bed (it's rare to find a larger version).

Wood remains the most suitable material for this type of furniture, as it allows you to choose a piece that will be durable and sturdy over time. If possible, choose a trundle bed made with wood that has the FSC or PEFC label to ensure that the wood used comes from sustainably managed forests. The use of ecological wood panels and solvent-free paint is also preferable, especially in a child's room. This is notably the case with our LANDES khaki daybed trundle. Moreover, prioritizing made in France is also preferable for the quality of the furniture and its ecological footprint.

After that, it's more a matter of preference regarding the shape and style. With or without built-in storage, wood color, white, or other, with a classic or more modern design, anything is possible!

Which type of trundle bed to choose according to your needs?

There are several bed formats to meet different uses:

  • Classic trundle bed: This is the most common version, consisting of a simple main bed and a pull-out bed drawer located underneath. Ideal for a child's room or as an extra bed in a secondary room, it offers the essentials without unnecessary clutter.

  • Trundle bed with storage: In addition to the second bed, this model incorporates additional storage spaces. You'll often find side drawers, open niches, or even built-in shelves in the structure. It's the ideal choice for children who need to store toys, books, or bedding while keeping the room well organized.

  • Daybed trundle: This model combines practicality and aesthetics. During the day, it transforms into a comfortable sofa, perfect for a living room, office, or guest room. It allows for maintaining a decorative aspect without showing that a bed is hidden. Some models even come with matching cushions to accentuate the daybed effect.

📌 See all our trundle beds

Depending on your needs, you can also choose:

  • The color: white, light wood, night blue, moss green, etc.

  • The style: minimalist, modern, natural, or Scandinavian.

  • The dimensions: 90x190 cm or 90x200 cm.


For lasting quality, opt for a model made of solid wood certified PEFC, guaranteeing responsible and robust manufacturing.


Setting up a child's room with a trundle bed

The trundle bed is an ideal sleeping solution for a child's room. This single bed can be used until adolescence or even adulthood thanks to its standard dimensions. In no time at all, the second bed is unfolded and set up. The rest of the time, it's perfectly stored away discreetly.

Where to place it to optimize space?

The trundle bed is placed against a wall or in a corner, to leave the necessary space for opening the drawer. Remember to check the clearance space before purchasing.

Trundle bed for a child's room: best practices

It's a perfect solution to allow your child to invite a friend or cousin to sleep over. When the second bed is not in use, the model with storage allows for storing books, toys, or pajamas.

Add functional furniture such as a dresser, a bedside table, a compact desk, and a play area if space allows. A few decorative touches like a rug, curtains, string lights will personalize the whole.

And for a guest room or an office?

In a dual-purpose room, the daybed trundle is perfect. It serves as a sofa during the day and transforms into a bed at night. Complete the space with an armchair, a secretary desk, a floor lamp, or decorative cushions to give it a cozy feel

Setting up a guest room with a trundle bed

The trundle bed can also perfectly fit in a guest room. Indeed, it's always nice to have an extra room to accommodate guests for overnight stays. The rest of the time, it can serve as an office, for example. The daybed-style trundle bed then becomes ideal. Always ready to welcome a guest at the last minute, it doesn't take up the entire room. If you're hosting a couple or a second person, you'll just need to set up this second bed.

If this room is used less frequently, you can still make it quite cozy and pleasant. Add, for example, a small armchair, a secretary desk, or a dressing table for your guests to place their belongings. Don't forget to accessorize the space with lamps, a nice mirror, curtains, etc. You can take advantage of this blank canvas to go all out on decor, perhaps with original wallpaper or colored walls, for example.

Don't forget the mattresses and bedding

A trundle bed requires two mattresses: one for the main bed and one for the drawer.

  • Standard dimensions: 90x190 cm or 90x200 cm.
  • Recommended thickness for the drawer: 13 to 16 cm max, otherwise the drawer won't close.

Choose a firm and breathable mattress, compatible with the user's weight. Some bed models include bed bases (plywood, solid wood slatted base, etc.).

Our flagship trundle bed models to discover

Here are some must-have Chambrekids references, all made in France with healthy and sustainable materials: