Trundle Bed Ideas

Trundle beds make excellent additions to bedroom furnishings.

A trundle bed (sometimes called a truckle bed) is a kind of "two beds in one" contraption--one bed frame and mattress can be slid or rolled under a slightly larger bed frame for storage when not in use. This allows for an extra bed (stowed out of the way) when needed, but also opens the door for other storage and usage opportunities.

Guest Space

The most obvious use of a trundle bed is its intended purpose--as an extra occasional bed. The smaller bed (the bed that tucks under the main frame) typically has a relatively thin mattress and no box spring so it can fit into its enclosure. This smaller bed may not be ideal for regular use.

Trundle beds are most commonly twin-sized, although some models feature a full-bed frame with a twin trundle, or two twin mattresses--one of which pops up to rest side-by-side with the main frame to form a king-sized sleeping space. For rooms that need occasional extra sleeping accommodations, the trundle bed can be a great space saver.

Many people prefer trundle beds to bunk beds, as trundles take up less space, but some bunk beds also come with trundle beds under the bottom bunk -- a good solution if neither a trundle bed nor bunks alone lend enough space.

Clothing Storage

Many trundle beds feature built-in drawers that pull out over or under the trundle mattress. Even if the trundle bed doesn't come with ready-made extra drawers, many models are designed in such a way that the spare mattress rests in a large drawer. In this case, you can remove the spare mattress and use the large drawer to store seasonal clothing or other items as needed.

Trundle beds designed from metal frames can still be used for this purpose; you may want to disguise the stored items by using overhanging bedding from the main bed frame.

Linen Storage

For trundle beds that see infrequent use of the extra mattress, you might want to store linens for the main bed in place of the tucked-away mattress. This eliminates carrying sheets from faraway closets, keeps the sheets for the bed close at hand and may free up valuable storage space needed elsewhere. The storage space can also be handy for stowing extra pillows or quilts during milder seasons, when warm days can turn into unexpectedly cold nights.

References

• Merriam-Webster: Trundle Bed