The Best Bunk Beds with Pull-Out Trundles

A bunk bed with a pull out trundle gives you three sleeping spaces in roughly the floor area of one single bed. The strongest designs have a solid frame that meets BS EN 747, a trundle that runs smoothly on castors or runners, enough height under the bottom bunk for a proper mattress on the trundle, and clear floor space in front so it can be drawn out fully. If you share a home with siblings, host frequent sleepovers or need a spare bed without a spare room, a trundle bunk earns its place in the room every week.

Browsing bunk beds UK sale listings, you will notice that trundle models vary a great deal in how the third bed actually works. Some trundles are full height single beds on wheels, others are shallow drawers that only take a thin mattress, and a few combine storage with sleeping. Understanding these differences is the quickest way to choose well.

What a trundle actually is

A trundle is a low bed frame that sits beneath the bottom bunk and rolls out when needed. When it is tucked away, it is almost invisible, often hidden behind a panel that matches the rest of the bed. When it is pulled out, it creates a separate sleeping surface at floor level, usually the same length as the bunk above and roughly the same width.

The appeal is obvious in smaller UK homes. A bedroom shared by two children can host a friend for the night without anyone sleeping on the floor. A child who has outgrown the novelty of the top bunk can still offer a bed to visiting cousins. Because the trundle stores out of sight, the room keeps its everyday floor space for play, homework and getting dressed.

The three main trundle types

Wheeled trundle frames

The most common design is a separate low frame with castors that slides under the bottom bunk. It is usually slatted to support a mattress, and because it is independent of the bunk structure, it can be pulled clear of the bed and positioned wherever is convenient in the room. Check that the castors are suitable for your flooring. Soft rubber wheels are kinder to wooden floors, while larger wheels run more easily over carpet.

Drawer style trundles

Some bunks have a trundle built as a deep drawer on runners. These feel very solid and stay neatly aligned with the bed, but they can only be pulled out as far as the runners allow. They are often shallower than a wheeled frame, which limits the mattress depth. If the trundle will be used regularly, check the maximum mattress depth carefully, as a mattress that is too thick will stop the drawer closing.

Storage and trundle combinations

A few designs offer a choice: the space under the bottom bunk can be fitted with either a trundle or a pair of storage drawers. This is useful if your needs will change over time. While children are young and sleepovers are frequent, the trundle earns its keep. Later, when the room needs more space for clothes and belongings, drawers may be more useful.

Height and mattress depth

The space between the floor and the underside of the bottom bunk determines how deep the trundle mattress can be. On many trundle bunks this space is fairly limited, which is why trundle mattresses are often thinner than a standard single. A thin mattress is fine for an occasional guest, especially a child, but it may not be comfortable for regular use or for an older teenager.

When comparing models, look at three numbers together: the maximum mattress depth for the top bunk, the bottom bunk and the trundle. The top bunk depth is limited for safety, so the guard rail stays well above the sleeper. The bottom bunk is more forgiving. The trundle is limited purely by space. Our wider modern bedroom furniture UK collection includes frames with a range of under bed clearances if you want to compare options side by side.

Floor space and room layout

The trundle needs room to come out. In a narrow bedroom, measure from the front of the bunk to the opposite wall or nearest piece of furniture, then compare that with the full depth of the trundle once it is extended. You will also want a little space to walk around it, so that whoever is on the trundle can get up during the night without climbing over furniture.

Think about the door as well. If the bunk sits near the door, an open trundle can block it, which is inconvenient and potentially unsafe at night. Where possible, position the bunk along a wall that leaves a clear route from the trundle to the door. In many box rooms, placing the bunk on the wall opposite the window works well, as the trundle then opens into the main floor space of the room.

Frame strength and build quality

A trundle bunk carries more weight than a standard bunk when everyone is in bed, and it is used more actively too, with the trundle being pulled in and out regularly. Solid wood and well made metal frames handle this best. Signs of a sturdy design include thick corner posts, bolted rather than screwed joints, slats that sit in a proper rail and a ladder that is fixed firmly to the frame.

The trundle itself should feel rigid when you lift one corner. Flimsy trundles twist as they are pulled, which loosens joints and makes the castors skew. A good one rolls straight out and back without catching on the bunk frame above.

Safety considerations

All bunk beds sold in the UK should meet BS EN 747. For trundle models, a few additional points are worth checking:

• The trundle should not be able to roll out on its own. Some designs include a stop or brake, which is helpful on smooth floors.
• Fingers can be pinched when the trundle closes. Rounded edges and a handle or cut out grip help children move it safely.
• The top bunk is not suitable for children under six. Younger children can sleep on the trundle or the lower bunk instead.
• Keep the space under the trundle clear of toys and cables so it closes fully and does not tip.

Who uses which bed

It helps to think about how the three beds will be allocated. In a room shared by two siblings, the older child usually takes the top bunk and the younger child the bottom, with the trundle kept for guests. In a room used by one child, the top bunk can become the main bed while the lower bunk acts as a sofa for reading, with the trundle ready for sleepovers. If the room also serves as a guest room, an adult visitor may prefer the bottom bunk, as it is easier to get in and out of than the trundle.

Our range of childrens beds UK includes alternatives such as cabin and mid sleeper styles if a full bunk feels like more height than the room needs.

Choosing trundle mattresses

Because space is limited, the trundle mattress is often the deciding factor in comfort. Foam mattresses tend to perform well at thinner depths, as they give even support without relying on springs that need room to compress. Rolled mattresses are convenient for trundles, as they are easier to carry upstairs and manoeuvre into the frame.

Measure the length and width of the trundle base as well as the depth allowance, and match the mattress closely. A mattress that is too small will shift around, while one that is too large will stop the trundle sliding back under the bunk. You can compare depths and comfort levels in our modern mattresses UK sale range.

Keeping a shared room organised

A trundle bunk solves the sleeping question, but a shared room also needs good storage. With three people potentially using the room, clothes, school bags and toys can quickly take over. A slim wardrobe, a set of drawers and a few labelled baskets go a long way towards keeping things calm. For more practical ideas on dividing space between children, our guide to storage furniture for UK homes where children share rooms covers the essentials.

Styling a trundle bunk

A trundle bunk is a large piece, so let it set the tone of the room rather than competing with it. White and pale wood frames keep a small room feeling open, while a grey or darker frame gives a stronger outline that suits older children. Use bedding in a coordinated palette across all three beds so the room feels considered even when the trundle is out. A simple rug in front of the bunk softens the floor for bare feet and helps define the sleeping area.

Keep the wall around the bunk fairly calm. A couple of hooks for dressing gowns, a small shelf for a book and a clip on reading light for the top bunk are usually enough. Too many decorations around a bunk can make a small room feel busy.

For bedroom furniture, storage and accessories to complete the room, you can explore our full range at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently asked questions

Can an adult sleep on a trundle bed?

An adult can sleep on many trundles, provided the frame is rated for the weight and the mattress is deep enough to be comfortable. Check the manufacturer’s weight guidance for the trundle specifically, as it may differ from the bunks above.

Do trundle beds damage carpets or wooden floors?

Regular use can leave tracks on carpet or marks on hard floors if the castors are small or hard. Soft rubber wheels and a rug under the trundle area help protect the floor. Keeping the wheels clean of grit also reduces wear.

How thick should a trundle mattress be?

It should be no thicker than the maximum depth stated for the trundle, otherwise it will not slide back under the bunk. Within that limit, a good quality foam mattress usually gives the most comfortable result in a shallow space.

Is a trundle bunk bed suitable for a small bedroom?

Yes, as long as there is enough floor space in front of the bunk for the trundle to open fully. Measure the extended depth and leave a clear route to the door. In many small rooms, a trundle bunk is more space efficient than two separate single beds.