When we think of bedding essentials, we tend to only picture functional things like sheets and duvets, but there are some bedding items that are not only functional but also esthetic — like bed skirts. 

If you ever want to spruce up your bedroom and make it look more luxurious, you need to know what is a bed skirt. 

A bed skirt — much like the name suggests — is a decorative fabric placed between the mattress and the bed’s box spring that covers the lower frame of your bed. It’s a luxury bedding item that enhances the beauty of your bed. 

If you’ve never heard of a bed skirt before, it has probably already triggered a myriad of questions in your head like what is the point of a bed skirt? Or how do you use a bed skirt? Keep reading to get all your questions answered!

Walking down the bedding aisle can be very confusing. There are so many names for the same bedding items, and the same is true for a bed skirt. 

So, it’s understandable to be confused because a bed skirt is referred to by multiple names. If you’re wondering what is another name for a bed skirt, it is also referred to as a bed ruffle, a dust ruffle, a valance, and even a valance sheet. 

So, a dust ruffle and a bed skirt are one and the same thing. 

However, the dust ruffle was the first name used to describe this bedding item. The term originated during the eighteenth century and eventually was replaced by the term bed skirt. But if you are confused between a bed skirt and a sheet and are wondering, is a bed skirt same as sheet, the answer is no. The two beddings are very different. While a bed sheet goes over the mattress, a bed skirt looks like an oversized bed sheet and is used to hide the box spring part of the mattress.

Now that you know what is a bed skirt, let’s have a look at what is the purpose of a bed skirt.

Here are some answers to what is a bed skirt used for:

• Preventing dust from getting under your bed, saving your bedroom from dust mites and other issues. 
• Hiding the box spring part of your bed plus anything stored under it. 
• It also hides other parts of your mattress, thus enhancing the overall look of your bed. 
• A good bed skirt can help you make a statement and add a chic design element to your room’s decor. 

And while today, bed skirts are mostly used for decorative purposes, they used to serve a more functional purpose. They were commonly used to block drafts under beds, which would cause the underside of the mattress to become cold. A draft under the bed eventually cooled the entire mattress and would make the sleeper uncomfortable. Bed skirts covered the drafts and kept the mattress more comfortable to sleep on.

Coming across terms like tailored bed skirts, pleated bed skirts, etc. must have made you ask questions like what is a tailored bed skirt or pleated bed skirt. If you haven’t guessed already, they are different types of bed skirts. 

Like all other bedding items, bed skirts also come in many types and varieties. Here are the most common types of bed skirts are:

A pleated bed skirt is a simple design that features crisp, pressed pleats that are typically stitched in place. The pleats could be close together and short or spread apart and longer to give the bedding a smooth finish. 

Pleated bed skirts have an elastic trim that holds the bed skirt in place no matter how much you toss and turn. You can find pleated bed skirts in different designs and patterns with decorative embellishments. 

As the name suggests, tailored bed skirts are tailored to different designs and patterns. Since they are custom-made, tailored bed skirts are uniquely crafted and are premium products. 

Tailored bed skirts can be made into the style, design, and color of your choice to match the decor of your room.

A ruffled bed skirt is a traditional design that never goes out of style. It gives the bedroom a cozy and romantic look that enhances the charm of your bed. 

While traditionally ruffled bed skirts did not have much variation and design, modern ones come in various designs like tiered or layered ruffles and may or may not be embellished.

A detachable bed skirt wraps around the bed so you do not have to lift the mattress. These bed skirts have a hook-and-loop backed strip or a short panel that goes underneath the mattress. Some detachable bed skirts may even have velcros that attach to the box spring. 

They are easy to set up within moments and offer more versatility. Detachable bed skirts are often confused with wrap-around bed skirts as they also go around the bed but the two are very different. 

As the name suggests, wrap-around bed skirts wrap the bed. They’re similar to detachable bed skirts but have elastic bands instead that secure the skirt to the mattress. 

They offer the same ease of not having to lift the mattress, but you may need a second pair of hands to properly maneuver the wrap-around bed skirt on your bed.

Bed skirts do not come in contact with your skin, so you don’t need to worry about having soft or hypoallergenic fabrics. Instead, you need to consider factors like how easily the fabric soils. You should also make sure that the bed skirt fabric is durable and easy to maintain. 

Wondering can a bed skirt be washed? Of course, it can. Just make sure you use materials that are machine washable or you may have to hand-wash the fabric. 

Take a look at some of the most common types of fabrics used to make bed skirts:

It is the most common fabric used for bed skirts. Both pure cotton and cotton blends are durable and easy to maintain. They won’t tear off easily and can stand several wash cycles. However, cotton is a lightweight fabric and the tiniest amount of airflow like a draft can move the bed skirt.

Linen is a heavier fabric and is thus used for a more sophisticated and elegant look. It is the best fabric for pleated or tailored bed skirts. As it is a heavier fabric, it also resists airflow and stops dust from escaping under the bed. However, linen wrinkles easily. So, if you want that sleek look, you may have to iron it.

 If you are looking for low-cost options, a polyester bed skirt can be a wonderful choice. Although it is not as durable as cotton or heavy as linen, it is a good fabric for those who want to try out a bed skirt and do not want to invest too much in a bed skirt.

The microfiber fabric is made from nylon and polyester. It is super-soft, wrinkle-free, and durable. However, the fabric has a bad tendency of attracting dust.

If you are looking for luxury, taffeta will fulfill the requirement. This shrink-resistant, silky-smooth, and high-end fabric will compliment a bedroom that features elegant bedding such as fancy duvets and silk sheets. You can also sew a bed skirt from bedding that you have at hand like a flat sheet, curtains, quilts, etc. If you want to know how to sew a bed skirt, you just need basic sewing skills and to follow simple DIY Youtube videos.

If you are impressed by bed skirts and are wondering how to make a bed skirt, you need to first consider the size of your bed. 

Bed skirts are available based on different bed sizes. The dimension of your bed decides the dimension of your bed skirt. Refer to the following table to know the size of the bed skirt you need according to your bed.

Bed Frame	Bed Skirt Size
Twin Size	39” x 75”
Twin XL Size	39” x 80”
Queen Size	60” x 80”
Full Size	54” x 75”
King Size	78” x 80”
California King Size	72” x 84

Now that you know the answer to what is a bed skirt, its function, different types, etc., you need to know how to choose the right bed skirt for your bed. Here are a few tips to help you out: 

• Choose a monochrome look. Do not try to make a contrasting statement with bed skirts, sheets, or duvets. Using the same solid color will create a more put-together look.
• If you have printed bedding, your bed skirt must be in a solid color that is a prominent color in your print or pattern or a color that will complement it. 
• Choose a neutral hue that can be paired with many bedding sets. 
• If you don’t want your bed skirt to stand out too much, choose a textured look that will blend with your sheets. 
• You can have your bedding in several different shades of the same hue to create an ombre look. But make sure the top beddings are in a darker shade that fades to lighter colors.

So you know what a bed skirt is, but where does a bed skirt go? 

A bed skirt usually does under your mattress, but the detachable and wrap-around ones can be applied without removing the mattress. 

So, if you’ve been wondering does a bed skirt go under the mattress, it does. The ones that go between the mattress and the box spring go under the mattress. 

Here’s how you put on a bed skirt:

• Remove the mattress from the box spring
• Spread the bed skirt over the box spring just as you would spread a fitted bed sheet. To make sure it fits properly, align the edges and the corner of the skirt properly with the edges and corners of the bed.
• Remove any creases and place the mattress back on top. So, if you wondered what holds the bed skirt in place, it’s the weight of the mattress.

To understand how does a bed skirt go on better, watch this video. 

For a wrap-around bed skirt, you may need a little help. Ask someone to stand opposite you so both of you can stretch the elastic around the mattress. This will allow the bed skirt to fall evenly and cover the frame rails. 

Now, if you have a detachable bed skirt, it’s very easy to put on. All you need to do is attach loops/velcros/panels to your foundation or box spring.

Bed skirts that go under the bed do not need any attachment. They are held in place by the weight of the mattress. Other bed skirts like wrap-around and detachable ones use elastics, velcros, and loops.

Yes. Bed skirts are a timeless piece of bedding. Many people still use it to add a touch of elegance to their bedroom decor.

Bed skirts protect the underside of your bed from dust. This makes cleaning easier as you don’t have to work too hard to clean difficult-to-reach places. So, yes, bed skirts are not only stylish but also practical. 

While a bed skirt does not come in contact with your skin, it still gathers a lot of dust or pet hair over time. If you regularly vacuum around and under your bed, you can wash your bed skirt once every season or twice a year. 

Bed skirts paired with good bedding fabrics can help reduce allergic responses. If someone suffers from asthma or other allergies, it’s best to pair a bed skirt with a hypoallergenic mattress. 

Bird skirts may or may not be floor-length. They can either barely touch the floor or completely drape down. 

While a duvet can drape to the floor like a bed skirt, it should not because you use the duvet on your body. So, using it as a bed skirt will not be very hygienic. Also, it will not cover the edges completely and thus will not be able to efficiently prevent dust from escaping under the bed.