A bed skirt is a bedding item that resembles a top sheet. It is placed between a bed's mattress and box spring and evenly conceals the lower part of your bed. In the past, bed skirts were primarily used to protect against drafts and to help prevent dust accumulation under the bed. Nowadays, this bedding classic serves a more aesthetic purpose and comes in a wealth of colors, types, sizes, patterns, and fabric materials.

When matched with furnishings, color schemes, and other bedding details, a bed skirt provides a touch of pizzazz and warmth to your bedroom decor. It also serves as an inexpensive and practical way to hide under-the-bed storage items or conceal unsightly box spring or framework detailing. And as an added bonus, bed skirts are still handy at keeping dust bunnies away.

In this guide:
Dust Ruffle vs. Bed Skirt
Types of Bed Skirts
Bed Skirt Materials
Frequently Asked Questions

Dust Ruffle vs. Bed Skirt

If you've heard both “bed skirt" and “dust ruffle" used to describe the fabric layer between a mattress and a box spring, that's because they mean essentially the same thing! The expression “dust ruffle" came first, originating during the 18th century when under-the-bed drafts were common – long before modern platform beds were invented. Whichever name you prefer, bed skirts remain a traditional staple for those that wish to add vintage flair to their bedding.

Types of Bed Skirts

Bed skirt types range from a traditional tailored look to a clean, pleated style to a frilly ruffle. Whatever your preference, ensure your choice matches your bedroom decor design.

Pleated

Pleated bed skirts bring a crisp, time-honored appeal to your bedroom and are usually made of quality cotton or linen. Choose white, cream, or neutral hues to seamlessly incorporate a pleated bed skirt into an existing color palette, or select a model embellished with decorative touches or patterns for an unexpected hint of flair.

Tailored

Tailored bed skirts are carefully crafted to lay flat against your mattress and box spring to create a sleek and minimalist design. Though this type of bed skirt may have straight or puckered stitching, it does not feature any overt embellishments such as ribbons, ruffles, or bold designs. Best for bedrooms adorned in a traditional or classic look.

Ruffled

Ruffled bed skirts give your bedroom a romantic, cozy feel and are available in delicate fabrics including silk, satin, velvet, and lace. More decorative than functional, this bedding piece will enhance and soften the look of any basic bedroom space.

Bed Skirt Materials

Ranging from budget to practical to ornamental, there are several bed skirt materials to choose from depending on your decor and lifestyle.

Linen

Dating back to ancient Egypt, linen is one of the oldest fabrics in existence today. Made from the sturdy flax plant, the weave of linen bed skirts features a breathable quality that provides natural insolation during the winter months and a stylish and sturdy look that adds a sophisticated touch to your bedroom decor. A linen bed skirt will last for many years if lovingly cared for.

Cotton & Sateen

Cotton bed skirts are made from the cotton plant and improve in terms of look and feel the higher their thread count. Traditionally, cotton is weaved in a crisscross pattern resulting in a crisp, matte finish that is both breathable and durable. Sateen bed skirts feature a type of cotton weave that leaves the fabric feeling soft, with a light sheen and slightly heavier drape than standard cotton. It's a great option for people that enjoy a silky look combined with the long-lasting qualities of cotton.

Microsuede

Microsuede, also known as microfiber, is a machine-made polyester fabric created from delicate, tightly-woven fibers. Similar in appearance to suede leather, a bed skirt made from this opulent-looking material is generally softer and more stain-resistant than its pricier counterpart.

Nylon

Nylon is a durable synthetic material found in many everyday products. It is generally more versatile and water-resistant than cotton though not as breathable. Budget-friendly and machine-washable, a nylon bed skirt is available in a variety of colors and styles – an ideal way to add a punch of personality and practicality to your bedroom decor.

Silk & Satin

Sourced from silkworms, silk is a natural fiber whose smooth feel and finish is surprisingly strong and long-lasting. Silk bed skirts are hypoallergenic, naturally dust-resistant, and insect-repelling. And although equally luxurious-looking, most satin bed skirts are made from synthetic fibers, making them more affordable than silk options. They are typically glossy on one side and matte on the other.

Article by Jessica Benavides Canepa.