Trundle beds come in three main types: pull-out trundles that stay low to the floor, pop-up trundles that lift to main-bed height, and daybeds with a trundle stored underneath.
A trundle bed is a secondary bed tucked under a main bed or daybed and rolled out only when a guest needs it. The type you buy decides how it sleeps, who can use it comfortably, and how much space it needs. A pull-out trundle stays low — usually about 5–8 inches off the floor — while a pop-up trundle rises to roughly the height of the main mattress. A daybed trundle is simply the second bed hidden beneath a sofa-style daybed, and it can be either style depending on the model. Getting the variant right is what keeps a guest room from turning into a floor-sleeping problem.
What Is A Pull-Out Or Roll-Out Trundle?
A pull-out trundle rolls out from under the main bed and stays low, close to the floor. It is the simplest and most common trundle design, and it works best as a single sleeper for kids or shorter stays.
Because the frame sits so low, a pull-out trundle usually needs a thin mattress. Standard trundle sizes are twin, and many frames cap mattress thickness around 6–8 inches. Exceed that and the trundle may not slide back under the main bed, which defeats the whole point. A pull-out trundle also needs enough under-bed clearance for both the frame and the mattress to stow cleanly.
The low height is the trade-off. Adults and older guests often find a floor-level bed awkward to get in and out of, so a pull-out is usually the better fit for kids’ rooms rather than adult guest rooms.
How Does A Pop-Up Trundle Work?
A pop-up trundle rolls out like a standard trundle, then lifts so its surface sits at roughly the same height as the main bed. That raised position makes it far more comfortable for adult guests and for two people sleeping side by side.
The lift mechanism is the difference. Instead of lying on the floor, the pop-up frame rises up to main-bed level, so the two mattresses form an even, continuous surface. When two twin mattresses are placed side by side, some pop-up setups create a sleeping area roughly equivalent to a queen or nearly king-size — though the exact result depends on the frame design and the mattress sizes you use.
Pop-up trundles are also easier for guests with mobility limitations, since the raised surface beats climbing out of a floor-level bed. Expect a slightly higher price than a basic pull-out, and check the frame’s maximum mattress thickness before buying, since the lift mechanism has its own height limits.
What Is A Daybed Trundle?
A daybed is a sofa-style bed used for seating during the day and sleeping at night. A daybed trundle adds a second bed stored underneath, and that hidden bed can be either a pull-out or a pop-up depending on the model you choose.
This is where a common mistake shows up: assuming a daybed with a trundle is automatically height-matched to the main bed. It isn’t. If the trundle is a pull-out, it stays low; only a pop-up version rises to match. Two side-by-side sleepers who want an even surface need the pop-up version, while a single overnight guest is fine with the pull-out.
Daybed trundles are popular in small rooms because the daybed doubles as a couch by day and a two-bed setup by night, with no permanent second bed taking up floor space.
Trundle Bed Types Compared
| Trundle Type | Sleeping Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-out / roll-out | Low, about 5–8 inches off the floor | Kids’ rooms and single guests |
| Pop-up | Rises to roughly main-bed height | Adult guests and two-person sleeping |
| Daybed trundle (pull-out) | Stays low beneath the daybed | Small rooms needing seating plus a spare bed |
| Daybed trundle (pop-up) | Lifts to daybed height | Guest rooms wanting an even double surface |
| Twin mattress sizing | Standard for most trundles | Matching the frame’s thickness limits |
| Thin mattress requirement | Commonly capped near 6–8 inches | Making sure the trundle stows properly |
| Locking casters | Available on some models | Keeping the trundle steady once deployed |
Before you commit to a frame, check the under-bed clearance, the caster or roller design, and the allowed mattress thickness — those three details decide whether a trundle stows and sleeps the way you expect. Saatva’s trundle bed guide notes that most trundles are built around twin mattresses, and using a different size can create fit and safety problems. If you’re choosing a frame now, this roundup of the best beds with a trundle covers tested models worth comparing.
For safety, lock the trundle in place after deployment when the design includes casters with brakes, and keep the mattress within the frame’s stated thickness limit so it never fails to slide back under. Furniture safety guidance from Saatva’s trundle bed guide reflects the same priority: the trundle should stow, lock, and support a mattress exactly as the frame was built to do.
FAQs
Are all trundle beds pop-up style?
No. Many trundles are fixed low pull-out models that roll out and stay near the floor. Pop-up trundles are a separate design that lifts to roughly the height of the main bed. Check the product description before buying, since the two sleep very differently and suit different guests.
What size mattress fits a trundle bed?
Most trundles are designed around twin-size mattresses, and many frames cap thickness around 6–8 inches. A mattress that is too thick can stop the trundle from stowing properly under the main bed, so match the mattress to the frame’s stated limit before you buy.
Is a daybed with a trundle as tall as the main bed?
Not automatically. It depends on whether the trundle is a pull-out or a pop-up. A pull-out stays low, while a pop-up rises to daybed height. If you want an even, continuous sleeping surface for two people, choose the pop-up version.
References & Sources
- Saatva. “What Is a Trundle Bed?” Supports trundle types, twin mattress sizing, and stowage limits.
- Architectural Digest. “Best Trundle Beds.” Supports pull-out versus pop-up trundle comparisons.
- Elle Decor. “Best Trundle Beds.” Supports daybed trundle and small-space use cases.
