Guide to trundle beds

1. Why choose a trundle bed?

The trundle bed is much more than a simple sleeping solution. It's a real concentrate of ingenuity that meets contemporary design challenges. In a context where optimizing space is becoming an absolute priority, particularly in urban environments, this type of bed is a relevant and elegant solution.

The philosophy behind the trundle bed is simple yet highly effective: maximize possibilities without taking up floor space. Unlike traditional configurations, which require a permanent dedicated space for each sleeping area, the trundle bed integrates a second bed that hides beneath the first. This design frees up to 50% of the space usually taken up by two separate beds.

Beyond the purely spatial aspect, the trundle bed embodies a modern form of flexibility in the home. It instantly adapts to the changing needs of the home: unexpected guests, children's parties, extended family visits, or simply the changing needs of a growing family. This adaptability makes it a particularly wise investment for dynamic households.

The economic argument is also worth emphasizing. Acquiring a quality trundle bed is generally less expensive than buying two separate bed structures with their respective box springs. What's more, this solution avoids the need to buy an extra sofa bed or mattress for special occasions, representing substantial savings in the long term.

2. The trundle bed for small bedrooms

Small bedrooms are one of the major challenges of modern interior design. In urban apartments, where every square meter counts, the trundle bed is a particularly clever solution. Its ability to provide two beds while occupying the footprint of a single bed makes it the ideal ally for small spaces.

In a 9 to 12 m² bedroom, typical of Parisian apartments or small student apartments, a trundle bed keeps the circulation flowing and maintains a breathable living space. During the day, when the extra bed is put away, the room retains its full amplitude, allowing for a desk, a wardrobe or simply a play area for the children.

The advantage becomes even more significant in shared bedrooms. Rather than cluttering up the room with two twin beds that barely leave room to move around, the trundle bed offers a doubly effective solution: it frees up space while creating an interesting dynamic in which both children each have their own personal sleeping area, promoting autonomy and reducing the conflicts associated with sharing space.

For studios and maids' rooms, the trundle bed literally transforms the use of space. The room can be used as a living room during the day, with the main bed used as a bench, and transformed into a welcoming bedroom in the evening. This functional versatility optimizes every moment of use of the available space.

3. Ideal for large families

Large families face a daily challenge: how to organize sleeping arrangements for several children without turning the house into a crowded dormitory? The trundle bed provides a pragmatic answer to this complex equation. It multiplies sleeping capacity without sacrificing communal living spaces or visually overloading bedrooms.

In a family configuration with three or four children, the strategic use of trundle beds can optimize spatial organization to a remarkable degree. For example, a medium-sized bedroom can accommodate a trundle bed for two children, freeing up another room for the third child or to create a shared play area. This flexibility in layout gives parents invaluable scope for adapting the home to the family's changing needs.

Practicality also comes into its own on special occasions. Large families frequently invite cousins, grandparents or friends of their children. The trundle bed makes these moments much easier, offering additional sleeping solutions that are instantly available, without the need for complex preparation or major reorganization of the home.

For guest rooms in homes with several children, the trundle bed is a particularly sensible solution. It comfortably accommodates a couple of guests or several children for sleepovers, while leaving the room available the rest of the time for other uses: playroom, shared office, or creative workshop.

4. The trundle bed for children

Choosing a crib is more than just a question of size. It involves considerations of safety, comfort, development and independence. The trundle bed fits perfectly into this overall approach, offering a solution that grows with the child and adapts to his or her changing needs.

Safety is naturally the top priority for every parent. The trundle bed offers a major advantage over bunk beds: both beds remain close to the floor, eliminating the risk of falling from a great height. For young children aged 3 to 6, this proximity to the floor is also psychologically reassuring, making it easier for them to fall asleep and become independent at night.

Contemporary models generally feature rounded edges on all corners, finishes free of dangerous roughness, and use non-toxic paints and varnishes that comply with the strictest European standards. Some manufacturers even offer removable safety rails that can be installed on the main bed for the youngest children, then removed as the child gains confidence.

One of the most relevant aspects of the trundle bed is its ability to adapt to the child's development. For a young child, the bed can be used as a single berth, with storage space under the main bed. When a little brother or sister arrives, the trundle bed reveals its full potential, instantly providing a second sleeping area without the need to buy a new piece of furniture.

For teenagers, the trundle bed continues to prove its relevance. Teenagers particularly appreciate the ability to host friends for sleepovers without logistical constraints. The extra bed unfolds in seconds, transforming the room into a convivial reception area, then stows away just as easily to return to a spacious room the next day.

5. The trundle bed: combining play and functionality

The trundle bed represents a fascinating evolution of the traditional trundle bed concept. By integrating a cabin-like structure above the main bed, this model transforms a simple piece of sleeping furniture into a veritable playground of adventure and imagination for children, while retaining all the practical advantages of the classic trundle bed.

For children aged 3 to 10, the bedroom is more than just a place to rest: it's a space for living, playing and growing. The cabane gigogne bed recognizes this reality, transforming bedtime into an adventure. The house-shaped structure stimulates the imagination: the bed becomes a tree house, a fortress, a spaceship or a doll's house, depending on the mood of the moment.

This playful dimension has an unexpected practical advantage for many parents: it often facilitates the bedtime ritual. Children who are reluctant to go to bed are generally more enthusiastic when their bedtime is more like a game than a simple obligation. The trundle bed thus becomes an educational ally in the acquisition of good sleeping habits.

Despite its more elaborate appearance, the cabane gigogne bed retains all the functionality of a standard gigogne bed. The extra bed slides under the main bed using the same sliding principle, providing an immediately available second berth. The cabin structure itself can incorporate additional features: shelves for favorite books and toys, hooks for hanging a reading lamp or disguises, even a small blackboard for drawing.

6. Dimensions and standard models

Understanding the available dimensions and possible configurations is a crucial step in choosing a trundle bed. Today's manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes to meet the diverse needs of users, from infants to adults.

The 90x190 cm model is the benchmark size for trundle beds for children and teenagers. This size corresponds exactly to standard single mattresses, guaranteeing a wide choice of bedding and easy replacement over the years. For a child's bedroom, this size offers ample comfort right through to late adolescence.

Another advantage of the 90x190 format is its compact size. Even when fully extended, the trundle bed occupies only around 180 cm in width (including the main bed and the extra bed), leaving enough space in a medium-sized bedroom to move around comfortably and install other essential furniture such as a wardrobe or desk.

Contrary to popular belief, trundle beds are not just for children. Many manufacturers now offer models designed for adults, with widths reaching 120 cm or even 140 cm for the main bed. These configurations offer comfort comparable to that of traditional beds, while retaining the advantages of space optimization. For studios, guest rooms or student apartments, a 120x190 cm adult trundle bed is an excellent compromise.

7. Convertible trundle beds

The evolution of design and mechanisms has given rise to a particularly innovative category: convertible trundle beds. These models take the logic of versatility a step further, allowing the space to be completely reconfigured according to the needs of the moment.

The 2-seater convertible trundle bed represents a real feat of engineering in the service of flexible living. The principle is based on a mechanism that allows the extra bed to be raised to the same level as the main bed, creating a truly unified double bed. This transformation is usually accomplished with a few simple manipulations, requiring no special tools or technical skills.

This configuration is particularly suitable for guest rooms. In standard trundle mode, the room retains an airy feel and can be used as an office or recreation room. When guests arrive, depending on whether they are a couple or two people wanting separate beds, the configuration adapts instantly.

Contrary to popular belief, convertible trundle beds are not just for occasional use. Modern mechanisms, often equipped with gas springs or reliable hydraulic systems, are perfectly suited to intensive daily use. For a couple living in a studio or small apartment, this solution lets you enjoy a real double bed at night, while reclaiming generous living space during the day.

8. Mechanisms and practical use

The magic of the trundle bed lies in the simplicity and efficiency of its mechanisms. Understanding the different systems available will help you choose the model best suited to your needs, and optimize its daily use.

The castor system is the most widespread and proven mechanism. The auxiliary bed rests on sturdy castors (usually 4 to 6) which allow it to slide easily under the main bed. Quality models feature silent castors with a braking system, preventing any unwanted movement once the bed is deployed.

The sliding rail system offers a more sophisticated alternative. The auxiliary bed runs on metal rails attached to the main bed frame, guaranteeing perfectly guided, fluid movement. This configuration is particularly useful on thick carpets or rugs, where traditional castors may encounter difficulties.

Lifting mechanisms represent the pinnacle of technical sophistication. They use gas springs or hydraulic systems to raise the auxiliary bed to the level of the main bed. These mechanisms require a greater initial investment, but offer maximum versatility.

9. Available materials and styles

The trundle bed market has evolved considerably in recent years, offering a diversity of materials and styles that allow this functional piece of furniture to blend harmoniously into any decor.

Minimalist design is the perfect answer to contemporary demands for clean, soothing spaces. Minimalist trundle beds are characterized by clean lines, the absence of superfluous ornamentation, and a neutral color palette. White, light gray and natural wood tones dominate this aesthetic.

The metal trundle bed is enjoying a marked revival, driven by the industrial trend and the return of raw materials to interior design. Metal (generally tubular steel) offers a number of practical advantages: lightness, making the bed easy to handle, exceptional sturdiness and minimal maintenance.

From an aesthetic point of view, metal allows bold designs that wood couldn't reproduce: aerial structures, complex geometric lines, varied finishes (matte black, glossy white, aged effect, or even bright colors). For lovers of industrial, loft or assertive contemporary decor, the metal trundle bed is a coherent choice that visually structures the space.

10. Who is the trundle bed for?

The trundle bed transcends traditional age categories and living situations. Its versatility makes it a relevant solution for a surprisingly wide range of user profiles, far beyond the classic image of the children's bed.

For teenagers' bedrooms, the trundle bed represents much more than a simple sleeping solution. It embodies a form of social autonomy: the ability to spontaneously welcome friends without depending on parental organization. The teenager's bedroom often functions as a veritable multifunctional personal territory: a sleeping space, a study, a living room for entertaining, a creative workshop.

For students living in the cramped conditions typical of halls of residence or small urban studios, the trundle bed offers a remarkable optimization solution. It allows you to maintain an active social life despite limited square meters. The economic aspect also deserves consideration: for a student on a tight budget, investing in a medium-quality trundle bed represents a lower cost than buying a main bed plus a convertible sofa.

Contrary to popular belief, some older people can benefit from a trundle bed, particularly in specific contexts. For active seniors who regularly entertain children and grandchildren, a trundle bed in a guest room offers the flexibility to comfortably accommodate the family without permanently cluttering up valuable space.

11. Integrate a trundle bed into your decor

The harmonious integration of a trundle bed into an interior is more than just choosing a color to match the walls. It involves thinking through the overall layout, style and ambience you want to create in the room.

Modern bedrooms are characterized by clean lines, clear volumes and an often monochrome or two-tone color palette. To integrate a trundle bed into this world, favor models with simple structures, free from excessive ornamentation. A white or charcoal-gray bed with a minimalist frame fits naturally into this context.

Minimalism goes further than simple modernity, embracing a philosophy of "less is more". Integrating a trundle bed into a minimalist decor requires choosing a perfectly uncluttered model, ideally in light natural wood or matt white lacquer. In a minimalist interior, every element must justify its presence by its function.

A child's bedroom naturally calls for more fantasy and color. Integrating a trundle bed into this playful world offers interesting creative possibilities. The bed can either serve as a colorful focal point (a bright blue, red or apple green trundle bed), or as a neutral base on which color can be expressed elsewhere.

Integrating a trundle bed into a living room may seem daring, but this solution brilliantly responds to the constraints of small spaces and multifunctional housing. In a studio or T1, a trundle bed in the main living area preserves the living room function during the day, while providing a comfortable bed for the night.

Scandinavian style, with its love of light wood, functionality and comfort, naturally welcomes the trundle bed. To match a trundle bed with Scandinavian decor, opt for light woods: bleached pine, birch, natural beech. Keep the lines simple and clean, in the spirit of timeless Nordic design.

12. Everyday use and versatility

The true value of a trundle bed lies in its day-to-day use. Beyond technical specifications and aesthetic considerations, it's the ease of day-to-day use that determines long-term satisfaction.

A frequently asked question: can a trundle bed be used as the main daily bed, or should it be reserved for occasional use? The answer depends largely on the quality of the model chosen. A well-made trundle bed, with a quality slatted base and a suitable mattress, offers the same comfort as a traditional fixed bed for the main sleeping area.

For a teenager or young adult living in a small apartment, using the main bed of a trundle bed as the sole sleeping area is an excellent optimization strategy. The extra bed remains available for those occasions when a friend is staying over, but on a day-to-day basis, only the main bed is used.

Transforming the trundle bed into a daybed opens up remarkable possibilities for multifunctional spaces. In a studio apartment, this daily metamorphosis allows you to go from a "night" to a "day" configuration in just a few minutes. To make this transformation a success, a few accessories are essential: back cushions (usually 3 to 4 cushions, 60x60 cm) leaning against the wall visually transform the bed into a sofa.

Certain accessories greatly enhance the trundle bed experience. Side storage drawers, available on some models, provide valuable space for storing bed linen when the cot is not in use. For children, removable safety rails are a reassuring accessory. Clip-on reading lamps are the perfect individual lighting solution for shared bedrooms.