Bed Trundle: What It Is and How to Choose the Best

If you’re trying to fit an extra bed into a small room without sacrificing floor space, a trundle might be the cleverest trick in the furniture book. IKEA’s VIHALS trundle bed, for example, slides under a daybed frame and costs just €85 at IKEA Ireland (the Swedish furniture giant’s Irish division).

Standard trundle bed width: 80 cm (twin size) · Common mattress thickness: 15–20 cm · Popular IKEA model: VIHALS trundle bed (80×200 cm) · Average price range (new): €200–€500 · Primary material: Particleboard, metal, or solid wood

The table below summarises key attributes of a standard trundle bed.

What is a bed trundle?

A trundle bed is a low bed frame that rolls or slides underneath another bed, effectively providing two sleeping spaces in the footprint of one single bed frame, according to MasterClass (online learning platform). It’s the furniture equivalent of a secret compartment: invisible during the day, ready at night.

Standard roll-out trundles use a mattress on casters, while pop-up trundles rise to match the height of the parent bed (MasterClass).

How does a trundle bed differ from a daybed?

A daybed looks like a couch with a mattress and usually includes a pull-out trundle underneath. The trundle itself is a separate unit that slides out. IKEA’s VIHALS, for instance, is specifically designed to pair with the VIHALS daybed frame and cannot be used as a freestanding single bed (IKEA Ireland).

What are the typical parts of a trundle bed?

• A main frame (metal, wood, or particleboard)
• A secondary low frame on wheels or sliders
• A mattress (usually sold separately)
• Sometimes a storage drawer or pop-up mechanism

The implication: a trundle bed is not a full bed system – it’s an add-on. The parent bed or daybed is the primary structure, and the trundle fills the gap underneath. For Irish buyers, this means checking compatibility with your existing bed frame before purchase.

The catch: the trundle’s value depends entirely on having a compatible parent bed, which limits its appeal for spontaneous purchases.

What size mattress fits a trundle bed?

Most trundle beds are designed for a twin-size mattress – 80 cm wide by 200 cm long, the standard European single-bed size. IKEA Ireland lists the VIHALS mattress dimensions as 80×200 cm. Mattress Miracle (Canadian bedding retailer) notes that twin XL mattresses (80×203 cm) may also fit some models, but always check the manufacturer’s spec.

Yes – a standard twin mattress (80×200 cm) is the universal fit for trundle beds sold in Ireland and Europe. Irish retailers such as Corcorans Furniture (Irish furniture chain) confirm that their trundle-bed collection uses standard mattress sizes.

Can I use a thicker mattress on a trundle?

Mattress thickness should not exceed 15–20 cm to allow the trundle to slide smoothly under the main bed. A mattress thicker than 20 cm will likely scrape the bottom of the upper bed or prevent the trundle from fitting at all. IKEA Ireland recommends that mattress and bedlinen are sold separately for the VIHALS trundle, giving buyers flexibility – but also responsibility to pick the right thickness.

The catch: a cheap trundle mattress may be too thin for comfort, but a thick memory-foam topper could prevent the trundle from closing. Measure twice, buy once.

Where to buy a trundle bed in Ireland?

Irish shoppers have several channels for trundle beds, from budget IKEA options to mid-range furniture stores. The key is knowing where to look for both new and second-hand units.

Which Irish retailers sell trundle beds?

• IKEA Ireland – VIHALS trundle bed, €85, available online and in the Ballymun store (IKEA Ireland)
• Carrick Suitedreams – Hector Trundle Bed, designed to slide seamlessly under existing frames (Carrick Suitedreams (Irish furniture retailer))
• Corcorans Furniture – selection of trundle beds in wooden and metal frames (Corcorans Furniture IE)
• Harvey Norman Ireland – Kathrine trundle guest bed, convertible to double, king, or super king (Harvey Norman Ireland (Irish electrical and furniture retailer))

Can I buy a trundle bed from IKEA in Ireland?

Yes – IKEA Ireland stocks the VIHALS trundle bed online and in-store. Delivery is available across the country. The frame is made of particleboard with a white finish, and it’s priced at €85 (IKEA Ireland). Just remember: it requires the VIHALS daybed frame (sold separately, around €299).

Second-hand options on adverts.ie frequently list used trundle beds under €100, though condition varies. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a bit of DIY, that’s the most affordable route.

If you’re also looking to refresh your bedroom decor, check our guide to night dresses for women in Ireland.

The pattern for Irish buyers: the cheapest route (€85) binds you to IKEA’s ecosystem, while independent retailers give freedom at a higher upfront cost.

How much does a trundle bed cost?

Prices in Ireland range from under €100 second-hand to over €500 for a robust wooden frame with storage. New trundle beds from major retailers typically cost between €200 and €500.

What is the price range for a new trundle bed?

Based on Canadian market data (which roughly mirrors Irish pricing after currency adjustment), budget trundle beds using engineered wood start around $250–$400 CAD, mid-range from $500–$1,200 CAD, and premium solid-wood models reach $1,200–$2,500 CAD (Mattress Miracle (Canadian bedding retailer)). In Ireland, you can expect:

• Budget (particleboard, basic metal): €150–€300
• Mid-range (metal frame, some storage): €300–€500
• Premium (solid wood, pop-up mechanism): €500–€1,000

Are used trundle beds cheaper?

Yes – second-hand trundle beds on adverts.ie can be found for under €100, sometimes with a mattress included. However, check for structural damage and measure the bed frame you intend to slide it under before committing.

The pattern: you can spend €85 on a VIHALS trundle that’s locked into IKEA’s ecosystem, or €400 on a more flexible design from an Irish furniture store. The upfront saving may trap you into buying a complete daybed set later.

Are trundle beds suitable for adults?

Many trundle beds are marketed for children and occasional guest use. A standard twin-size trundle (80 cm wide) is narrower than a typical single bed, and most frames have a lower profile that can feel like sleeping on a platform close to the floor.

Can an adult sleep comfortably on a trundle bed?

For a night or two, yes – if the mattress is decent. But long-term adult use is questionable. The narrow width (80 cm) and limited mattress thickness (15–20 cm) mean you’re essentially on a very low, thin bed. Mattress Miracle reports that some trundle models support up to 200 kg, but weight capacity varies widely and is rarely published for budget frames.

What is the weight limit of a typical trundle bed?

IKEA does not specify a weight limit for the VIHALS trundle, but similar particleboard frames from other retailers range from 100–150 kg. Metal frames from Corcorans Furniture are likely sturdier. If an adult plans to sleep on it regularly, invest in a metal or solid-wood model with a proper thickness mattress.

Why this matters: an adult using a trundle bed as their primary bed will likely wake up with back pain unless they choose a supportive mattress. The trundle concept is designed for occasional use – permanent sleeping arrangements deserve a full-height bed.

Key specifications at a glance

Six attributes that determine whether a trundle bed fits your home, and the pattern: the cheaper the frame, the more compromises you make on material and flexibility.

The trade-off for Irish buyers: a cheap trundle works for occasional guests, but for regular adult use, a versatile metal or wood frame from a domestic retailer is a smarter investment.

What experts say

The Hector Trundle Bed is designed to slide seamlessly under existing bed frames.

– Carrick Suitedreams (Irish furniture retailer), product description

The VIHALS trundle bed provides extra sleeping space.

– IKEA Ireland, product page

Two Irish retailers affirm the core value proposition: trundle beds exist to give you a spare bed without sacrificing square metres. But the fine print – compatibility, mattress limits, and frame material – separates a good purchase from a frustrating one.

If you’re planning a home upgrade, also see our guide to LVT flooring in Ireland for floor solutions that complement your new bedroom layout.

For Irish buyers, the choice is clear: spend €85 on a IKEA trundle that ties you to their daybed, or invest €400+ in a versatile metal-or-wood frame from a domestic retailer that can slide under any standard bed. The cheap option is cheap for a reason.

Frequently asked questions

For Irish shoppers, the decision hinges on budget and flexibility: IKEA’s VIHALS is a cheap space-saver for those committed to its daybed, while independent retailers offer more versatile options for long-term use.