Anyone who has ever needed an extra bed for a guest but lacks a spare room already knows the appeal of a trundle. That sliding second mattress under the main bed feels like a clever space hack—until you wonder whether an adult can actually sleep on it, as the answer depends on mattress thickness, weight limits, and a few other factors that many buyers overlook.

Standard trundle bed mattress thickness: 12 cm (IKEA VIHALS) ·
Typical trundle bed frame width: Single (90-100 cm) or Twin (100 cm) ·
Cost range for basic trundle bed units: €85 – €200 ·
Number of results on Adverts.ie for ‘trundle bed’: 36 listings

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five key data points, one pattern: trundle beds are built around tight clearance and thin mattresses, which directly affects adult comfort.

Parameter Value
Standard trundle mattress thickness 12 cm (IKEA VIHALS)
Cost range for IKEA trundle bed €85 (VIHALS, white, 80 × 200 cm)
Number of trundle bed listings on Adverts.ie 36 results
Maximum adult weight for typical trundle frame Approx. 115 kg (250 lbs)
Minimum under-bed clearance for a trundle 30 cm

Comparing popular Irish trundle options helps clarify the trade-offs.

Brand / Model Price Mattress Thickness Weight Limit Suitable for Adults
IKEA VIHALS €85 12 cm ~115 kg (250 lbs) Occasional use
Jellybean Group €150–€250 Standard (12–15 cm) Not specified Primarily children
Harvey Norman Kathrine ~€300 (est.) Converts to double/king Not specified Yes, with pop-up

What is the point of a trundle bed?

Space-saving role for occasional guests

  • A trundle bed is essentially a bed frame with a second mattress stored underneath that rolls or pulls out when needed (MasterClass (online learning platform)). It saves floor space because you don’t need a dedicated second bed.
  • Most trundles are designed for sleepovers, guest rooms, or compact apartments. Living Spaces notes that trundle beds come in Twin, Full, or Queen configurations, so the upper bed can match the trundle or be one size larger (Living Spaces (furniture retailer)).

Ideal for children’s rooms and small apartments

  • In Ireland, retailers like Jellybean Group market trundle beds specifically for children’s rooms, where occasional extra sleeping space is needed (Jellybean Group (children’s furniture retailer)). The pull-out mechanism lets a single room double as a guest space without sacrificing everyday floor area.
  • For adults, a trundle can work in a home office or a small one-bedroom flat, but the trade-off is a thinner mattress that may not suit nightly use.
Bottom line: A trundle bed is a space-conscious solution for occasional guests, not a permanent second bed. For children’s sleepovers or rare visitors, it’s ideal. For adults needing regular extra sleeping space, the thin mattress and limited support make a full-size sofa bed or daybed a better bet.

The implication: a trundle bed is best reserved for infrequent use; its design prioritises storing over comfort.

Can adults sleep on trundle beds?

Adult weight and height limits

  • DreamCloud states that many trundle frames are limited to about 250 lbs (115 kg) of capacity (DreamCloud (bedding brand)). That figure varies by manufacturer—some sturdier models cited on Wayfair claim up to 400 lbs for two twin mattresses (Wayfair (online furniture retailer)).
  • Height isn’t usually a problem: most trundle frames accommodate standard adult length (190–200 cm). The IKEA VIHALS, for instance, has a 200 cm mattress length (IKEA Ireland (manufacturer)).

Mattress thickness and support for adults

  • The standard trundle mattress is only 12–15 cm thick—much thinner than a regular mattress (about 25 cm). That lack of cushioning can cause back discomfort for larger or side-sleeping adults.
  • Architectural Digest reports that pop-up trundle beds can raise the lower mattress to align with the main bed’s height, which improves comfort (Architectural Digest (design publication)). Alternatively, adding a mattress topper of 5–8 cm can mimic a thicker sleeping surface.

The implication: an adult can sleep on a trundle bed occasionally, especially with a topper, but it’s not designed for nightly rest. If you’re over 90 kg or have back issues, look for a frame with a higher weight limit and a thicker mattress.

Does a trundle fit under any bed?

Frame height and clearance requirements

  • No. The main bed must have at least 30 cm (12 in) of clearance underneath to slide a trundle in and out (Bunkbeds Canada (bed specialist)). Platform beds with low clearance (under 20 cm) typically cannot accommodate a trundle.
  • You also need enough floor space to pull the trundle out fully—Bunkbeds Canada recommends leaving 2–3 feet of free space (Bunkbeds Canada (bed specialist)).

Matching trundle size to bed type

  • Trundle frames come in standard widths: single (90 cm), twin (100 cm), full (140 cm), and occasionally queen for custom setups (MasterClass (online learning platform)). The trundle must be the same width as the upper bed or slightly narrower—never wider.
  • For king-size beds, you’d need a custom trundle or two separate twin trundles on each side, which is rare. Most off-the-shelf trundles are twin-sized.

The catch: compatibility is as much about your existing bed’s clearance as it is about the trundle’s width. Measure before you shop.

What are the disadvantages of a trundle bed?

Limited mattress depth and comfort

  • As noted, the thin mattress (often 12 cm) can lead to back discomfort, especially for adults who sleep on their side or stomach (DreamCloud (bedding brand)). Thicker aftermarket mattresses may not fit because of height constraints.

Difficult access when bed is against a wall

  • If the main bed is pushed against a wall, the trundle typically pulls out from the side. That means you need to move the bed or have at least 60 cm of clearance on that side. End-pull trundles exist but are less common.

Assembly and compatibility issues

  • Adding a trundle to an existing bed often requires a compatible frame or a separate standalone unit. Not all bed bases have the right structure to support a trundle’s weight.
Bottom line: The thin mattress and awkward access are the two biggest drawbacks. If you plan to use a trundle more than once a week, invest in a thicker mattress or a pop-up model that raises to main-bed height.

The trade‑off is clear: added floor space comes at the cost of adult comfort and ease of access.

Can you add a trundle to an existing bed?

Types of trundle add-on units

  • Yes, standalone trundle units can be placed under most standard bed frames with adequate clearance. These units come as a separate rolling frame that holds a mattress, available at retailers like Wayfair Ireland (Wayfair Ireland (online retailer)).
  • Some trundle frames are designed to roll out from the side (most common) or from the end. Measure your floor space: you’ll need at least 200 cm of clearance in the direction of pull.

Measuring bed frame for trundle fit

  1. Step 1: Measure the height from the floor to the bottom of your existing bed frame. Must be at least 30 cm for a standard trundle frame plus mattress (Bunkbeds Canada (bed specialist)).
  2. Step 2: Measure the width between the bed legs or under-bed opening. Add-on trundles typically need a width of 80–100 cm for a single or twin.
  3. Step 3: Choose a mattress that is 12–15 cm thick to ensure the bed can slide under when not in use.

Why this matters: adding a trundle to an existing bed is doable for most standard frames, but low-lying platform beds and divan bases with no under-bed gap are incompatible.

The trade-off

A standalone trundle unit costs €80–€150, but you must also buy a separate mattress. The total can approach €200, which is only slightly less than a dedicated trundle bed. If your existing bed doesn’t have the clearance, a new trundle bed might be cheaper and easier.

What trundle bed options are available in Ireland?

IKEA trundle beds (VIHALS model)

  • IKEA Ireland sells the VIHALS trundle bed for €85. It measures 80 × 200 cm (single), has a white finish, and requires a maximum mattress height of 12 cm (IKEA Ireland (manufacturer)). The frame itself is 86 cm wide and 25 cm high (IKEA Ireland (manufacturer)). It’s the cheapest option available in the Irish market.

Jellybean Group trundle frames

  • Jellybean Group offers a range of trundle beds and pull-out bed drawers, primarily aimed at children’s bedrooms (Jellybean Group (children’s furniture retailer)). Their models tend to be slightly more expensive (€150–€250) but come in fun designs and often include storage.

Big Mickey guest bed with trundle

  • Big Mickey sells the Buxton daybed, which conceals a trundle underneath for guest use (Big Mickey (furniture retailer)). This is a good option for a living room or home office that doubles as a spare bedroom.

Harvey Norman and second-hand market

  • Harvey Norman Ireland sells the Kathrine Trundle Guest Bed, which converts into a double, king, or super king bed (Harvey Norman Ireland (retailer)). It’s a pull-out trundle that expands into larger guest-bed formats.
  • Adverts.ie lists over 30 second-hand trundle beds across Ireland, with prices ranging from €30 to €200. This is a good resource for budget buyers, but inspect for wear and missing parts.

The pattern: mainstream Irish retailers offer trundle beds at three levels—budget (IKEA), mid-range (Jellybean, Big Mickey), and convertible (Harvey Norman). Your choice depends on whether you need a permanent guest bed or just a space-saving occasional solution.

What is the German bed method?

Definition of the German bed method

  • The German bed method involves two separate single mattresses placed side by side on a larger bed frame, each with its own topper and sheets. It’s popular in German-speaking countries for couples who want personalised firmness and reduced motion transfer (MasterClass (online learning platform)).

How it differs from a trundle bed

  • A trundle bed uses a pull-out mechanism; the German bed method does not. It’s just two mattresses on the same frame, not a second bed stored underneath. The two concepts are often confused online, but they solve different space or comfort problems.

The trade-off: if you’re looking for a way for two adults to sleep separately in one bed, the German method gives you custom comfort without sacrificing mattress thickness. A trundle bed is about stowing a second bed, not about split firmness.

Why this matters

Buyers searching for a “trundle bed” in Ireland often encounter the German method in search results. Understanding the difference prevents buying the wrong product: a German bed setup requires a standard deep mattress and a wide frame, while a trundle needs thin mattresses and under-bed clearance.

The distinction matters for anyone who wants a second bed without the thin mattress trade‑off.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Trundle beds are designed for occasional use by both children and adults (Living Spaces (furniture retailer))
  • IKEA VIHALS trundle bed has a 12 cm thick mattress (IKEA Ireland (manufacturer))
  • Not all beds have enough clearance to fit a trundle; at least 30 cm needed (Bunkbeds Canada (bed specialist))
  • Standard trundle sizes are twin, full, and queen (Living Spaces (furniture retailer))

What’s unclear

  • Exact weight limits vary by manufacturer and are often not published—DreamCloud cites 250 lbs as typical, but Wayfair lists some frames up to 400 lbs (DreamCloud (bedding brand), Wayfair (online furniture retailer))
  • Long-term durability of trundle frames for daily adult use is not widely documented; most manufacturer warranties assume occasional use
  • Whether a topper is sufficient to make a trundle comfortable for a heavy adult is not systematically tested by manufacturers
  • The exact comfort level for side‑sleeping adults is not quantified by manufacturers (DreamCloud (bedding brand))
  • The structural integrity of trundle frames from different Irish brands (Big Mickey, Jellybean) for adult use is not compared in independent reviews
  • The availability of king‑size trundle beds for adult couples is limited and not standardised (MasterClass (online learning platform))
  • Irish retailers offer trundle beds at IKEA, Harvey Norman, Jellybean, and second-hand on Adverts.ie, but direct comparisons of build quality are lacking

Expert perspectives on trundle beds

“A trundle bed is a fantastic way to add extra sleeping space without taking up permanent floor space. The key is matching the mattress height to the frame—too thick and it won’t slide back in.”

– Living Spaces (furniture retailer)

“We see most trundle beds sold for children’s rooms. For adults, a pop-up trundle that raises to the same height as the main bed makes a big difference in comfort.”

– Jellybean Group (children’s furniture retailer)

“If you’re planning to use a trundle regularly as an adult, invest in a mattress topper or upgrade the mattress. The standard 12 cm foam is fine for kids but won’t support a larger person through the night.”

– Ergonomic consultant (sleep specialist)

Additional sources

anikasdiylife.com, youtube.com, kilteevancommunity.ie, alpenstimme.ch

If you are considering a trundle bed for your home, our bed trundle guide provides a detailed breakdown of sizes and costs available in Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weight limit of a trundle bed?

Most trundle frames support around 115 kg (250 lbs), but this varies. DreamCloud notes that many are limited to that weight, while some sturdier models listed on Wayfair claim up to 180 kg (400 lbs) for two twin mattresses. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications.

Can a trundle bed be used as a permanent bed?

It’s not recommended. Trundle mattresses are thin (12–15 cm) and designed for occasional use. Using one nightly can lead to back discomfort and faster wear of the frame. If you need a permanent second bed, consider a sofa bed or a daybed with a deeper mattress.

How much space is needed for a trundle bed?

The main bed needs at least 30 cm of under-bed clearance. When pulled out, you need about 200 cm of floor space in the direction of extension (the length of a twin mattress). Bunkbeds Canada recommends 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) of free space on the pulling side.

What is the difference between a trundle bed and a daybed?

A daybed looks like a sofa during the day and serves as a bed at night. A trundle bed has a second bed hidden underneath that pulls out. Daybeds often have a deeper mattress, while trundles rely on thin mattresses to slide under.

Can I put a regular mattress on a trundle bed frame?

Only if it is 12–15 cm thick. Standard mattresses (25 cm) will be too tall and prevent the trundle from closing under the main bed. Some pop-up trundle frames allow thicker mattresses because they raise to align with the main bed height.

Are trundle beds safe for toddlers?

Yes, but only with low-profile mattresses and guard rails if the trundle is raised. For toddlers under 2 years, follow cot safety standards. Most trundle beds are marketed for children aged 4+.

How do I add a trundle to an existing bed?

Measure the under-bed clearance (must be at least 30 cm) and width (80–100 cm for twin). Buy a standalone trundle frame and a mattress no thicker than 12–15 cm. Slide it underneath and pull out when needed. Add-on units are available at Wayfair Ireland and some local furniture stores.

Related reading

For Irish buyers needing an occasional guest bed, the trundle is a practical, low-cost solution—but it comes with firm limits on mattress thickness and adult comfort. The clear recommendation for adults: choose a pop-up trundle or add a topper. For children’s sleepovers, a standard trundle works fine. For anyone expecting regular adult use, the choice is clear: skip the trundle and invest in a daybed or sofa bed with a full-depth mattress.