Why do people use trundle beds?
Solid Custom Heirlooms
Trundle beds
When people think of beds, they generally think of a piece of wood with four legs, a headboard, and a mattress. But the reality is that beds come in so many more shapes and sizes than what many people think: they can be wide, short, tall, long, double-decker, canopied, or even have a pull-out mattress underneath! But why are there so many types? The only use of a bed is to get that hard-earned night sleep, right?
Each and every type of bed exists because it serves a unique purpose, which may not appeal to some but may be just the thing for others. Trundle beds are just that: beds that serve a special purpose which no other sleeping accommodation affords. Today we are going to look at that special purpose and see why people like trundle beds so much.
What is a trundle bed?
A trundle bed is a type of platform bed that works by hiding a second mattress under the bed frame. When the second mattress is needed it slides out ready for use! How exactly the bed is revealed depends upon the type of trundle bed, of which there are two popular styles: pull out trundle beds and pop up trundle beds.
Pull-out trundle beds
Pull-out trundle beds are the simplest type of trundle beds. A second mattress is stored under the main bed, and can be pulled out by means of wheels, rails, or both. That second mattress is supported by a row of slats just like a normal platform bed, and usually has a wood panel where it can be pulled out, so that the side of pull out trundle beds often look like a large drawer. This kind of bed can be used as two beds at night, and then during the day it can be folded back up to save space.
A pull out trundle bed is very popular for kids rooms because it saves space by working as a regular bed while also offering a second pull out trundle bed for sleepovers.
Pop-up trundle beds
Pop up trundle beds are just like pull out trundles, as they hide a second mattress under the main bed. But pop outs have the added ability raise that second mattress to the same height as the main mattress, via the "popping" mechanism. This opens new vistas of opportunity for your trundle bed, as now both the mattresses can be used in combination as one larger bed. If you were to equip your trundle bed with two full mattresses, once they have been put side by side they would be the same width as a single large bed.
Why do people use trundle beds?
People use trundle beds because the unique ability of trundle beds to stow an extra mattress underneath makes them great for guest rooms, where a larger bed would be cumbersome and consume space when there are no guests, but where a trundle bed would be ideal for when friends come over to stay. They are also good for a small space or kids room where a big bed would take up needed floor space during the day, whereas trundle beds can simply be folded up and then set back up at night.
Kids trundle beds
Trundle beds are also great for children. Kids trundle beds are great for little ones who are learning to sleep in a "big kid bed", because the secondary mattress of a kids trundle bed is so close to the ground that there is minimal risk of injury from a fall. They are also good for multiple kids who share the same room and wish to save on floor space.
Is a trundle bed the same as a day bed?
A trundle bed is not the same as a day bed. Simply put, a day bed may be a trundle bed, but not all trundle beds are day beds. Trundle beds always have a trundle, and while day beds may have a trundle too, they may also have drawers, cabinets, cubbies, or nothing at all underneath. So while a day bed may be a trundle bed, they may be any of a number of other things as well
Pop up trundle daybed
A good example of how a trundle bed can be a daybed is a pop up trundle daybed. A pop up trundle daybed is great for saving space in a guest room, as it has both the space saving size and coach like comfort of a daybed and the functionality of a pop up trundle bed. A pop up trundle daybed gives you the ability to offer your guests a larger sleeping option while offering yourself some extra space.
Pros and cons of trundle beds:
Pros:
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- Trundle beds save space: because of their retractable mattresses, trundle beds are an ideal option for those looking to find somewhere to economize a room.
- Three for one: a pop up trundle bed affords three sleeping options: one smaller bed with the second mattress retracted, two smaller beds with the second mattress extended, or one big bed when both mattresses are set side by side. Even with pull out trundle beds you still have the first two options.
- Great for kids: trundle beds are great for kids who are old enough to sleep in their own beds, but who still need a low bed.
Cons:
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- Trundle beds are heavier than other types of beds: trundle beds are naturally heavier than many other bed styles, because they essentially incorporate the weight of two mattresses into the footprint of one bed.
- They can be more expensive: since trundles incorporate a sliding and/or popping mechanism they can cost more than the average bed.
Are trundle beds OK for adults?
Well, yes! A full size trundle bed can be great choice for adults and is a much more comfortable option vs a lumpy hide-a-bed couch. If you have a small bedroom it is certainly OK to sleep on a daybed with trundle every night. For example, we have many customers with small rooms that use as day bed as a couch during the day and pop-out king size trundle to create very comfortable sleeping situation during the night.
Do trundle beds have weight limits?
As for the upper mattress, the weight limit is the same as any normal platform or box-spring bed, as the mattress is supported by solid wood or metal, which would be between 500lb to 2500lb depending upon the manufacturer. However, for the trundle mattress the weight limit is determined by the sturdiness of the pull out and/or pop up mechanism. The average weight-limit for the trundle portion of a trundle bed is between 250lb and 300lb, so if you are an average sized human being, there should be no problem with sleeping on a trundle.
Solid Custom Heirlooms
Solid Custom Heirlooms is a 3-generation strong family business based in the small town of Vinton Ohio. We are dedicated to handcrafting furniture from locally sourced materials. The hardwood that is used in our furniture is sourced exclusively from the Appalachian region of the United States. We believe “Solid is Best” and use solid wood wherever possible in our designs.
We take pride in working with every customer to design and build furniture that best meets their needs. We gladly accept custom orders and discuss each piece of furniture with our customers. If you see furniture on our website and have an idea on how to customize it to make it best for you – please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your ideas.
