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What Is A Slide-Away Bed? What Is The Slide-Away Bed Mechanism?

by Romain R - Updated on October 28, 2023October 28, 2023

Fact checked by Romain R, Sleep Expert

Nowadays, many people are using one room for multiple functions, which means that they need to get creative in the way that space is used. For those looking to maximize limited space in a bedroom, a slide-away bed is a perfect solution. The sliding mechanism for this bed is situated at the headboard and footboard, which are attached to tracks on either side of the mattress. When not in use, it folds up against the wall, freeing up space in your bedroom or living room. If you have questions like what is a slide-away bed or how does the slide-away bed mechanism work, then this article is perfect for you and we’ll help you decide if this bed is right for you.

A slide-away bed is a type of bed that slides away from the wall, to free up space in a room. Slide-away bed mechanisms include either wheels or platforms. Slide-away trundle beds use wheels to move in and out from under the main bed. Slide-away hidden beds are stored inside a platform on the floor.

What Is A Slide-Away Bed?

A slide-away bed can be made out of different materials. They are most often made of wood or metal frames and have wooden legs. A slide-away bed is very similar to a trundle bed as discussed in our article.

A slide-away bed works by sliding out of the way when it is not in use. It may slide under a platform or another bed. Slide-away beds save space and allow for more efficient use of available floor space during the day when the bed is not in use.

What is a slide-away bed? It’s a great bed if you need to free up space when the bed is not in use.

Make sure to take a look at our related article detailing slide-away bed measurements for additional information. Also, you might find interest in these 7 amazing slide-away bed ideas and how to style them. So be sure to check that one out too.

Type 1. Slide-Away Hidden Beds

Hidden slide-away beds are usually housed under platforms on the floor. They are built seamlessly into a raised platform or second level, and are often used in small studio apartments or guest bedrooms. These beds are perfect for people who want the functionality of a slide-away bed but don’t want visual clutter in the room. Our article on Murphy bed ideas for studio apartments discusses other ways to stow away a bed when it is not in use, to free up floor space.

This slide-away bed mechanism involves hiding the bed into a raised platform to be completely hidden when not in use.

Type 2. Slide-Away Trundle Bed

Trundle beds are easy to use. They slide in and out from under the main bed. This is a great option for people who want the functionality of a slide-away bed that provides additional sleep space but can be stowed away. This trundle bed has a bottom mattress that can slide underneath the top mattress when it is not in use.

Trundle beds are often used in kids’ rooms and guest bedrooms because they conveniently provide additional sleep space when needed. Our article about trundle bed ideas for kids and adults has plenty of decor and storage ideas.

What Is the Slide-Away Bed Mechanism?

The most common type of slide-away bed mechanism is the one that uses two tracks on either side of the mattress, which allows for quick access to both sides of the bed at any time. Another type utilizes a track along one edge or corner of the mattress instead of having two separate tracks. This type of slide-away bed is not as common, but it does have some benefits—it can be more space-efficient because you only need one track to move the bed in and out.

The slide-away bed mechanism uses a set of tracks on one or both sides of the mattress to move the headboard and footboard in and out. The mechanism is maneuvered by a set of wheels or a platform, depending on the type of bed.

There are also hidden slide-away beds that use a platform to move the bed in and out from under a raised surface. These beds are usually housed in a small platform on the floor. Our article that discusses how to make a trundle bed more comfortable has helpful tips like locking the wheels to prevent unwanted movement.

The slide-away bed mechanism involves the use of two rails along either side of the mattress platform

How Does A Slide-Away Bed Work?

Setting up a slide-away trundle bed is a great way to add extra sleeping space to your home without taking up valuable floor space.

A slide-away trundle bed can be pulled out from under the main bed and can be slid back under the main bed when not in-use. Similarly, a slide-away hidden bed can be pulled out from under a raised platform and back inside when not in-use.

In our article about trundle beds pro and cons we provide tips for the optimal use of a trundle bed.

Setting Up A Slide-Away Trundle Bed

If you have decided to add a slide-away trundle bed to your home, make sure that you have enough space to pull the trundle out from under the main bed, when you need to use it.

To set up a slide-away bed, first unbox the slide-away trundle bed making sure that none of the components are missing. Next, position the trundle bed so that the headboard and footboard are the same height as the main bed. Then assemble the trundle bed and connect the trundle bed to the main bed. Finally, attach it to the headboard and add the finishing touches.

A trundle bed like this one, should be positioned so that the headboard and footboard are the same height as the main bed. This will create a cohesive look in your bedroom. Check out our article if you want to know more about how a trundle bed works.

Step 1. Unbox Your Slide-Away Trundle Bed to Ensure No Components Are Missing.

When you receive your slide-away trundle bed, there will be several large boxes and a smaller box. The larger boxes contain all of the main components that you need to set up your new bed, while the smaller box contains any hardware or extra accessories. Take everything out of the box to make sure nothing is missing before you get started.

Step 2. Position the Trundle Bed so that the Headboard and Footboard are the Same Height as the Main Bed.

Once you have checked that you have received all of the components, it’s time to start putting your new bed together. Begin by positioning the trundle bed so that the headboard and footboard are at the same height as the main bed. You may need help from a friend or family member to do this.

Step 3. Assemble the Trundle Bed Per the Instructions in Your Kit.

Now it’s time to assemble the trundle bed. The instructions will be included in your kit, but it’s a pretty simple process. You’ll need to attach the headboard and footboard to the two side rails using screws or bolts. Make sure that everything is level before you tighten the screws

Step 4. Connect the Trundle Bed to the Main Bed

Once the trundle bed is assembled, it’s time to connect it to the main bed. This can be a little bit tricky, so you may need help from a friend or family member.

There will be two tracks on either side of the main bed. The trundle bed should fit into these tracks snugly. If it doesn’t, you can adjust the height of the trundle bed until it does.

Step 5. Make a Few Final Touches, Like Assembling the Headboard.

Now that your slide-away trundle bed is assembled and connected to the main bed, there are a few final steps that you need to take.

First, make sure that the bed is positioned correctly, by ensuring that it’ll move freely in and out from under the main bed. Make adjustments if necessary by loosening or tightening certain screws.

Next, you should take some time to assemble your headboard, footboard, and mattress support boards for stability. And finally, add some decorative touches to your new bed. This can be as simple as a few pillows or blankets, or creatively hanging some string lights.

Hiding A Slide-Away Trundle Bed

If you don’t want your slide-away bed to be visible in your bedroom, there are a few ways that you can hide it.

To hide a slide-away trundle bed, add a bed skirt to cover up the sides of the hidden bed, purchase a trundle bed mechanism hidden by a cabinet or door, or add other cushioning to transform the bed into a couch or seating area during the day.

Our article about how to make a trundle bed look like a couch provides easy steps to hide your trundle bed so that your room has a clean look. Not only do clean rooms look nice, but they also have mental health benefits! This article by Web MD provides you some of the benefits of decluttering.

Option 1. Add a Bed Skirt to Give Your Room a Clean Look

The easiest way to hide your slide-away trundle bed is by adding a bed skirt like this. A bed skirt will cover up the entire bed and give your room a clean and polished look. Our article about common bed skirt designs discusses the many benefits of using a bed skirt.

Option 2. Purchase a Trundle Bed That is Hidden by a Cabinet or Door

There are several different types of slide-away beds on the market. So, you may have to be a little creative if your trundle bed can’t be hidden by a bed skirt. One option is to purchase a trundle bed that is hidden by a cabinet or door. This will conceal the bed completely when it’s not in use.

To hide a slide-away bed used a cabinet or drawer design

Option 3. Add Other Cushioning so That You Can Use Your Bed as a Couch or Seating Area During the Day.

Another way to hide your slide-away trundle bed is by adding other cushioning. If you have enough space, you can add a second layer of cushioning on top of the main bed and use it as a couch or seating area during the day. This will camouflage the entire trundle bed.

We’ve also done a little research and found the seven most popular slide-away bed designs to help you choose the right one for your home. Be sure to check that article out as well.

Can You Use A Slide-Away Bed In A Camper Or RV?

There are a few things to keep in mind when using a slide-away bed in a camper or RV. First, be sure that your camper or RV has enough space to accommodate the slide-away bed. Second, make sure that the slide-away bed is properly secured before traveling. And finally, always check with your camper or RV manufacturer to make sure that the slide-away bed is compatible with your vehicle.

A slide-away bed can be used in a camper or RV to add sleeping space for additional people without taking up limited floor space or valuable storage space.

More Hidden Bed Ideas

Hidden beds are a great way to maximize limited space in studio apartments and shared living areas. Their versatility and convenience mean they can serve more than one function, which we discuss in our article comparing Murphy beds, futons, day beds, and sofa beds. You can even purchase a hidden bed like this that doubles as a chair, to use in the living room.

There are many hidden bed ideas including: a wardrobe bed that can be used as both a bed and a closet, a wall-frame bed that’s excellent at concealing a bed when it’s not in use, a desk bed that’s both a bed and a desk, a beneath-the-stairs bed that can transform an awkward space into a perfect guest room, a slide-out bed frame that’s perfect for kids who share a room, and a bed that slides under a desk.

Idea 1. A Wardrobe Bed that Can Be Used as Both a Bed and a Closet.

This is a great way to hide your bed when it is not in use. The wardrobe bed features a built-in mattress and can be used as both a bed and closet. It’s perfect for small spaces where extra storage is needed.

A wardrobe bed like this can be used as both a bed and a wardrobe.

Idea 2. A Wall-Frame Bed That’s Excellent At Concealing Your Bed When It’s Not in Use.

A wall-frame bed is an excellent way to conceal a bed when it isn’t in use. Wall-frame beds feature a built-in mattress and can be used as both a bed and a closet. They’re perfect for small spaces where extra storage space is needed.

A wall-frame bed is a great way to hide your bed when it isn’t in use.

Idea 3. A Desk Bed that’s Both a Bed and a Desk.

If you’re looking for a multi-functional piece of furniture, the desk bed combination is a great option. This piece of furniture features a built-in desk and bed. When not in use, the bed can be hidden by closing the desk, as shown in this video.

A desk bed is exactly that - a desk and a bed all in one, that can save space in a small room.

Idea 4. A Beneath-the-Stairs Bed that Can Make an Awkward Space in Your Home Perfect for Guests

If you have unused space under your stairs, you can put a beneath-the-stairs bed there. This is an excellent way to make full use of vertical space in your home and create a unique sleeping area for guests when they come to visit.

This beneath-stairs bed creates a unique space for guests that are visiting.

Idea. 5 – A Slide-Out Bed Frame That’s Perfect for Kids that Share a Room.

A slide-out bed frame like this is an excellent option for a room that is shared by kids. The second trundle bed pulls out easily from underneath the main bed and fits a twin size mattress. It is easy to use and a great way to save floor space in the room while freeing up areas for playing and other activities, when space is limited.

Choose a slide out bed frame like this for a room shared by kids.

Idea. 6 – A Bed That Slides Under Your Desk.

This clever construction allows you to slide your bed under the desk for an easy, space-saving solution. This is a great way to utilize vertical space in your home and create an additional sleeping area when needed. If you’re great at woodworking or have the money to hire a contractor, this can add a unique feature to your room. And if you want to know a little more about the differences between a sliding bed and a wall bed, check out this article from Resource Furniture.

With the services of a carpenter or handyman you could easily have a bed that slides under your desk.

Summary of Types of Slide-Away Beds

Type of Slide-Away Bed	Example from Amazon	Price
A bunk-bed and trundle bed combination	Merax Twin Over Full Stairway Bunk Trundle Bed and Storage, Gray	~$570
A roll-out bed frame	Twin Size Black Metal Roll Out Trundle Bed Frame for Daybed	~$200
A trundle daybed	Little Seeds Rowan Valley Arden Trundle, Twin Size, Peach Daybed	~$640
Rollaway bed and storage cabinet	Linon Florence Rollaway Bed with Memory Foam Mattress in a Storage Cabinet Folding	~$510

Key Takeaways

Definition and Purpose of Slide-Away Beds

A Slide-Away Bed serves as a space-saving solution, especially useful in rooms with limited space. By sliding away against the wall or under another structure when not in use, it maximizes the floor area for other functions. The key motive behind its design is to aid in multi-functional room setups, where one room may serve various purposes at different times.

Slide-Away Bed Varieties

Slide-Away Beds come in two primary types: Slide-Away Hidden Beds and Slide-Away Trundle Beds. Hidden beds are concealed within a platform on the floor, ideal for maintaining a clutter-free appearance in the room. On the other hand, Trundle Beds slide in and out from under a main bed, providing an additional sleeping space that can be concealed when not needed.

Slide-Away Bed Mechanism

The core mechanism of a Slide-Away Bed involves tracks and wheels or a platform. Tracks are positioned on either side of the mattress or along one edge, facilitating the bed to slide in and out efficiently. The bed moves on wheels or a platform, depending on the design, making the setup user-friendly and practical for daily use.

Installation and Setup

Setting up a Slide-Away Bed requires ensuring that all components are present, aligning the bed properly with the main bed (in case of trundle beds), and following the instructions for assembly and connection to the main bed. Ensuring that the bed slides in and out smoothly is crucial for the effective utilization of the Slide-Away Bed.

Utilization in Campers and RVs

Slide-Away Beds can also be deployed in campers or RVs, where space is at a premium. They provide additional sleeping space without occupying floor space, given that the vehicle can accommodate the bed’s dimensions and the bed is securely fastened during transit.

Alternative Hidden Bed Ideas

Apart from standard Slide-Away Beds, other hidden bed designs like wardrobe beds, wall-frame beds, desk beds, beneath-the-stairs beds, slide-out bed frames, and beds that slide under desks provide innovative solutions for space constraints. Each design caters to unique spatial arrangements and user requirements, demonstrating the versatility of hidden beds in modern living spaces.

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