Trundle Beds vs. Bunk Beds﹘Choosing the Right One for Your Room

A bunk bed is a single bed unit that has two separate beds stacked on top of each other. The bunks can be stacked either in a parallel or perpendicular configuration, depending on the type of bunk bed you choose.

Bunk beds are ideal for rooms with high ceilings because they are much taller than regular beds. While the upper bunk is usually a twin size bed, the lower bunk can vary in size depending on the bed design. Some models come with in-built storage options like shelves and drawers, and some even come with a trundle underneath to provide extra sleeping space. 

Bunk beds are very popular with kids and are a great option for kids’ rooms. However, adults can also use bunk beds as long as there’s enough space for an adult to sit up in bed and get in and out of bed comfortably.

Trundle Beds vs. Bunk Beds 

You can even get trundle bunk beds to maximize the sleeping space in a single room. Image from Amazon. 

As we mentioned above, both trundle beds and bunk beds save floor space in small rooms. However, before you purchase one of these options, you should consider the pros and cons of trundle beds vs. bunk beds.

When comparing trundle beds vs. bunk beds, trundle beds are very versatile and take up the space of only one bed when the trundle portion is put away. However, trundle beds may wear out quickly and the lower bed can be difficult to get in and out of. Bunk beds are more affordable than buying two separate beds, they save lots of floor space, and they maximize space if you have high ceilings. However, bunk beds can be difficult to get out of (especially from the top bunk) and they can be uncomfortable for taller people or people with mobility problems.

Trundle beds are versatile because they come in different sizes and styles. While trundle beds usually come in twin or full-size options, they can fit regular beds, daybeds, and even bunk beds. For example, here’s a trundle bunk bed from Amazon. The parent bed and the trundle take up the space of only one bed when the trundle is tucked underneath the parent bed, and the trundle rolls in and out easily, saving you time and energy. Additionally, the trundle can be removed and placed in another room for extra sleeping space. The trundle space can also be used for storage when the mattress is removed. 

However, trundle beds tend to wear out quickly due to continuously rolling the trundle in and out, and they require a certain amount of floor space to be pulled out. The person sleeping on the parent bed might also mistakenly step on the person sleeping on the trundle when getting in or out of bed. Additionally, they are not very practical for older people and individuals suffering from back problems as they may have a hard time getting in and out of the lower part of the bed (for more information on why older adults may have a hard time getting up from a low bed, see this study).

One of the main advantages of bunk beds is that they provide additional sleeping space for people sharing a room while also saving floor space. They also provide two defined private areas for kids or guests sharing the same room. Bunk beds are also quite affordable because buying a bunk bed is cheaper than buying two separate beds; some models can even be detached into two separate beds, and some come with built-in drawers under the bottom bunk. Here’s an example of an affordable bunk bed from Amazon with great ratings.

However, the upper bunk can be dangerous for kids, as they can roll off and get injured (for more information about the risk of injury due to falling from a bunk bed, see this study). The upper bunk may also be uncomfortable for tall people, as they can bump their head against the ceiling. Additionally, navigating the ladder up and down can be dangerous for kids and the elderly, especially in the middle of the night.

For a summary of the pros and cons of trundle beds and bunk beds, see the table below.

Make sure to also take a look at our related articles, what is a slide-away bed and slide-away bed measurements for more detailed information. Similarly, we’ve done a little research and found the seven most popular slide-away bed designs to help you choose the right one. Be sure to take a look at that as well.

Do Trundle Beds Make Good Permanent Beds or Are Bunk Beds Better?

Trundle beds don’t make good permanent beds because they wear out easily. Bunk beds are a better choice for permanent beds because they are more durable and don’t require any special mechanism to open or close them like trundle beds do.

Because of having to continually pull the trundle out or push it in, trundle beds wear out more quickly than regular beds. This means that trundle beds are a better option for guest rooms where they won’t be used as frequently as regular beds. However, you can still use the trundle space for storage if you decide to remove the trundle portion of the bed.

Bunk beds don’t wear out as quickly, so they are a better choice for permanent beds. Additionally, some bunk beds models can be detached into two separate beds when kids outgrow them and can then be put in different rooms. Here’s an example of a triple bunk bed that can separate when your kids grow. 

Can You Add a Trundle Bed to an Existing Bed?

You may want to consider adding a trundle bed to an existing bed. Image from Yellow Brick Home. 

You can add a trundle bed to an existing bed if your bed is tall enough and has enough clearance from the floor. Ensure that you buy a mattress that isn’t too tall for your trundle bed. 

Trundles can be sold separately rather than as part of a trundle bed set, but this isn’t common because people tend to match their regular bed with the trundle bed. If you have a trundle that you’d like to add to an existing bed, just be sure that there’s enough space between the bottom of the bed and the floor to fit the trundle. For this reason, you should consider getting a thin mattress so that there aren’t any issues with the trundle fitting under the bed.

Some examples of trundle beds you can add to an existing bed include the following:

What’s the Best Bed for Kids’ Rooms: Trundle Beds vs. Bunk Beds?

Trundle beds are great for kids: they are safe and sit low to the ground, and they offer an extra sleeping space for friends during sleepovers. They are easily rollable, and can be tucked away for kids to use the floor as a playground. However, when it’s bedtime, the floor will need to be cleared of toys and clutter before pulling out the trundle and using it as a bed.

Bunk beds are the best bed for kids’ rooms because kids love climbing and bunk beds provide both a sleeping area and a playground all-in-one. Kids need a defined space and bunk beds offer some privacy in a shared room.

Adding some bunk bed accessories like the ones in our article can make the bed even more fun for kids. For instance, curtains can convert the bed into a safe, enclosed play area. A slide can also be a fun addition to a bunk bed, bringing some outdoor fun inside the house. 

Some examples of fun kids’ bunk beds include the following:

What Bed Is Best for Adults and Guest Rooms﹘Trundle Beds or Bunk Beds? 

Adults can use bunk beds, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The top bunk has a limited weight capacity and can’t hold heavy individuals, and climbing a ladder or stairs up and down is not as practical and safe as getting in and out of a regular bed that is lower to the ground. There also may not be enough clearance space for an adult between the ceiling and the top mattress, which can lead to injuries and discomfort. 

Trundle beds are the best bed for adults and guest rooms because they are regular beds that also save lots of space. Trundle beds are low to the ground, can be easily hidden away under the parent bed, come in many different sizes and styles, and don’t require a ladder or stairs. 

Another way that trundle beds are better than bunk beds for adults is that they let you sleep close to your child if they are sick and need assistance during the night. With a trundle bed, you can keep an eye on your kid without the hassle of climbing up and down a ladder or stairs.

Trundle beds are also ideal for guest rooms: you can even select one that pops up to create a larger bed for a couple. However, the mattress of a trundle bed is usually thin and not as comfortable as a regular bed. As a result, they may not be a practical bed for people with back pain or limited mobility. For more information about how thin mattresses and other types of mattresses may affect comfort, see this study. 

Some examples of trundle beds that make great guest beds include the following: