Can adults sleep on trundle beds?
Solid Custom Heirlooms
Modern trundle beds for adults
Mention a trundle bed and most people think of children's bedrooms - and for good reason! Trundle bed frames are perfect fit for kid's rooms where they can provide the flexibility of an extra sleeping space when needed. Have a cousin or friend over for a last minute slumber party? No problem, a trundle bed is there with a comfortable sleeping space.
But trundle beds are not just for kids! Adult trundle beds are a classy, flexible sleeping solution with a touch of modern minimalism! Adult trundle beds can be used in a wide variety of bedroom setups for guests, couples and even daily use.
Are trundle beds childish?
Many people, myself included, spent the first few years of our lives on a twin size
trundle bed. Trundle beds are often bought by growing families in order to save space as their young families expand. One of the consequences of this is that many adults think that trundle beds are childish, because they are often used by children. However, this is simply untrue and hides the wide benefits of this design for both adults and kids.
What is the Point of a Trundle Bed?
No matter if they are used by children or adults, the purpose of a trundle bed is to save space by hiding a second mattress in a large "trundle drawer" under an upper platform bed frame. When the lower bed is needed it slides out for use, and then can be quickly put away in the morning. Whether it is for multiple people in a room or surprise overnight guests, the trundle form factor is an elegant, grown-up solution to space constraints.
Solid Custom Heirlooms offers 2 types of trundle beds:
A pull out trundle bed frame is a simple design that hides has a second bed under the primary sleeping surface. When the trundle drawer is pulled out the second bed is at a lower level than the primary bed. Most often used for guests, this design is also popular with parents teaching their children to sleep in a "big kid bed."
A pop up trundle bed frame is like a pull out, but includes a mechanism that raises the second mattress to the same height as the first, providing the option of two small beds, two twin size mattresses or one large bed.
Can adults sleep on trundle beds?
Trundle beds are great for adults because of their fluid dimensions. Their dimensions are flexible enough to accommodate the tallest or shortest customer, while the extra sleeping space is great for multiple sleepers.
Trundle Beds for Couples
One of the things that keeps couples from considering a trundle bed is that they think of pull out trundle beds only. However, with a pop up trundle bed, both bed surfaces can be at the same level and create a standard size queen or king bed. If you have a very small space, a pop up trundle bed can provide a comfortable bed at night while only taking up the space of a twin bed during the day.
How does a Pop Up Trundle Work?
A pop up trundle features a lifting mechanism that raises the platform to the same height as the main one. The lifting up motion is what locks it in place. Typically, a pop-out trundle bed can hold up to 250 to 500 pounds (113 to 227 kg). Many custom builders will do more than that if needed.
Daybed with trundle
There is also the trundle day bed to consider. For really small apartments it is hard to have a couch and a bed at the same time. So what happens is that the platform folds up to create a full bed platform that is big enough to sleep comfortably.
Are Trundle Beds Uncomfortable?
Trundle beds are as comfortable as you want to make them! Like any bed, the execution of the design is what makes it uncomfortable, not the design itself. The first issue is form. Many lower quality trundle beds, like IKEA style ones, operate with a simple pullout platform that is narrower than the bed's legs. These beds also have thick posts and headboards to accommodate, and a lot of clearance for the trundle. This made the pull-out section significantly smaller than the top bed. This is of course too short for the average adult.
To make it comfortable, a high-end furniture shop will have slimmer posts and headboards, as well as tighter tolerances. This translates to a pullout roughly the same length as the top mattress, making it easy to fit a full sized mattress.
This can be done for a pop-out trundle as well, creating a surface that is just as roomy as the main one.
Mattresses for Trundle Beds
Sizing for trundle bed mattresses can be tricky because of the two sleeping surfaces. One mattress can be longer than the other, or a special mattress needs to be used.
The solution is straightforward. A typical combo is to have an XL twin on the top with a normal twin on the bottom. This gives more room to the permanent bed while keeping a good size for the other one.
Custom sizing is available, but we recommend that the bottom mattress should be sized smaller than the top mattress. That way they all fit together correctly.
Aftermarket Trundles
You can buy just the pullout part of the trundle separately. There are many companies who will sell you this part. However, there are some disadvantages to this approach.
The first is sizing. Getting the right dimensions for a few trundle bed mattresses is difficult without someone with experience. Manufacturers will often give confusing dimensions for their products in industry-speak. So if you go to order something that looks like it will fit, it may not because of mattress stack height, wheel height, support length etc. It is really easy to mess this up.
The second thing is availability. It just takes more work to find one. For all those who offer this option there are a hundred others who do not. Finding a place that offers or makes this is tricky, and usually not worth your time.
The solution to both of these problems is to contact someone who knows, like a custom manufacturer. A good builder will walk you through getting the dimensions of your existing piece, as well as giving advice on the design. That way you will get a product that you like, instead of a press board monstrosity that is difficult to return or throw away.
Trundle beds are a great fit for adults and children
A trundle is a great fit for both adults and children because it hides an extra bed in a space that is not usually used. A trundle bed can fit anyone of any size, and can roll out of the way when not needed. At Solid Custom Heirlooms, we use American hardwood to craft a wide variety of trundle beds from simple twin beds to more elaborate pop up trundles. If you don’t see what you are looking for, or want to talk more about achieving a specific look, please contact us and we would love to help you make your dreams a reality.
