April 15, 2024 8 min read

A bed skirt is more than just another bedding accessory. These products can also enhance your bedroom aesthetics and improve functionality, too. Or & Zon is here to provide you with the ultimate guide to bed skirts and alternatives to help you get the most out of these unique bedding items. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect bed skirt or find an alternative solution for your bedroom. No matter what you choose, you’ll discover just how helpful these items are when it comes to enlivening and improving your sleeping space.

Understanding Bed Skirts

What does a bed skirt do and what is it, exactly? Do we still use bed skirts? Let’s go over what a bed skirt is, its purpose, and the different styles, materials, and sizes available.

Definition and purpose of bed skirts in interior design

Bed skirts are sometimes called a dust ruffle, and they earned this name for a reason. Originally, bed skirts were added to help protect the area underneath the bed from those pesky dust bunnies, dirt, and other debris. These dust ruffles can also fill the gap between the bottom of bed frames and the floor to make your space look more attractive and visually appealing. Using a bed skirt can also help to conceal under bed storage, which helps you get the most out of the available space you have in the bedroom. When you use a bed skirt to match your bedding, it helps to create a sleek appearance that will enhance your personal style of bedroom decor.

Different styles and materials available for bed skirts

Bed skirts come in a wide range of various fabrics including organic cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics, just to name a few. An organic bed skirt is made of organic fabric, which means it’s environmentally friendly and healthier for you overall. There are many types of bed skirts available, and each one has its unique features like a different pattern or overall style. You can often find a sheet set with bed skirt and queen-size comforter sets with bed skirts are quite common. However, you can also choose to purchase a bed skirt separately based on different factors like the fabric, color, or style.

How bed skirts complement various bed sizes and styles

You may wonder, what color bed skirt should I get or what style should I choose? Look for bed skirts that complement the size and style of your bed, bedroom, and home decor. New contemporary designs and colors complement a modern sleeping space for a clean look. More traditional styles help to add a versatile aesthetic to any type of bedroom design. You can also try an alternative for bed skirt option, which we’ll go into more detail about later on in the guide.

Sand Linen sheets Linen bedding

Benefits of Using Bed Skirts

Navy Blue Linen bed Sheets Light Grey Linen bed Sheets

There are several benefits of using bed skirts in your bedroom, including:

  • Using a bed skirt that touches the floor helps to hide under-bed storage and excess clutter to make your room look neat and tidy.
  • A bed skirt adds a nice finishing touch to your bedding ensemble to create a polished appearance. It also adds another layer of texture to the bed, which makes it look and feel cozier, too.
  • Your bed skirt helps to protect mattresses and box springs from dust and damage by adding a protective layer over them to keep them in good condition for longer.
  • Choosing a bed skirt that goes with your bedding enhances the overall ambiance and vibe of the bedroom by bringing a touch of tailored elegance to the entire look.
Linen bed sheets

Popular Types of Bed Skirts

Now, let’s take a closer look at some popular types of bed skirts you can bring into your space to create a beautiful room.

Traditional gathered bed skirts

A traditional bed skirt is wrapped around the sides and foot of the bed but doesn’t have any split corners, so it works best with a bed frame without a footboard. Traditional bed skirts look lovely with beds that have a wood frame for a cozy and classic feel.

Pleated bed skirts

A pleated bed skirt has pleated, folded, or gathered corners with flat edges that are stitched into place to create a clean and classic look. This design adds sophistication and refinement to your bedding ensemble with ease.

Ruffled bed skirts

If you want something flowy, frilly, and romantic, choose a ruffled bed skirt for a rippled, textured look. These bedding accessories create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere in any bedroom.

Wrap-around bed skirts

A bed wrap style can be added without having to lift up your mattress and works well with various bed styles. They usually have a short panel of fabric you can tuck under the mattress edge so the bed skirt stays in place, while some may use twist pins or hooks that attach the panel between the mattress and box spring.

Alternative Solutions to Bed Skirts

Is there an alternative for bed skirt products? Let’s go over some simple bed skirt alternatives.

Bed skirt alternatives for a minimalist aesthetic

If you prefer modern decor and a clean, minimalist aesthetic, try a bed wrap or bed valance. Bed wraps are made of fabric that stretches around the base of your bed frame and is typically used to cover the bottom portion of platform beds or a modern, boxy bed base.

Creative DIY options

If you want a customized bed skirt, consider making one yourself using your choice of fabric. You can make a DIY bed skirt from a flat sheet. Here’s how to make a bed skirt from a flat sheet to create your very own customized bedding accessory:

  • Choose the right size for your bed skirt. For example, if you want to make a bed skirt queen size, you’ll need to use a queen-size flat sheet.
  • Next, wash, dry, and iron the sheet so it’s clean and smooth. Then drape the sheet over your box spring and fold any excess fabric at the head of the bed to the correct height where you want the bed skirt to be, using pins to secure them to the box spring.
  • Create a fold that is about one inch from the edge of the bottom part of the sheet, so the pins won’t show under the mattress.
  • Tailor the corners of your bed skirt by hand by simply folding each corner to look like a triangle. Pull the longer side of the “triangle” toward the opposite side of the sheet and then pin it into place, put your mattress back on top of the box spring, and you’re done!

Considerations for Choosing Water-Resistant Organic Cotton Bedding

There are some important things to consider when choosing the best water-resistant organic cotton bedding.

  • What is the difference between waterproof and water repellent? This question is important when you’re looking for quality water resistant bed sheets. The term waterproof means that the material is completely impervious to water and no moisture will get through. The term water resistant means that the material helps to repel water to some degree, but some of it may still seep through the fabric. Most organic cotton bedding is not completely “waterproof,” so keep this in mind as you’re shopping for your new bedding.
  • Check various water-resistant treatments to confirm how effective they are. Look to see if the fabric has been tested and ask the manufacturer for more information. Look for a thorough online review of the bedding or check different websites to read about other customers’ experiences and reviews before you purchase.
  • Don’t forget to research other factors that matter to you when it comes to bedding. For example, look at the design and color, the texture, and the overall functionality of the bedding when you shop so you’re not sacrificing the other qualities that are important to you.


Innovative products for added convenience

There are some convenient, innovative products available that can help to make putting your bed skirt on and keep it in place easier. Bed skirt clips are specially designed to hold the fabric in place, so it doesn’t shift or move around when you sleep. You can also purchase bed skirt extenders that will make the skirt larger, so it can accommodate your bed size.

Stonewashed linen sheet set

Choosing the Right Bed Skirt or Alternative

Here’s how to choose the right bed skirt or alternative for bed skirt.

Use this bed skirt size chart to help you find the appropriate size:

  • Twin: 39” W x 75” L
  • Full: 54” W x 75” L
  • Queen: 60” W x 80” L

  • King: 78” W x 80” L
  • California King: 72” W x 84” L


Choose a bed skirt in a color or pattern that coordinates with your existing bedroom decor and bedding set for a cohesive look. When it comes to choosing a bed skirt vs fitted sheet, they can be the same color, a similar color, or contrasting colors, depending on the overall design you want to achieve. Remember, you can find budget-friendly options by making one yourself out of a fitted sheet you already have. You can find bed skirts available from a range of brands in every price range.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Here’s how to clean and maintain your bed skirt to prolong its lifespan.

  • Wash your bed skirt in cold water on the delicate cycle, then tumble dry it low or hang it to dry. Once it’s dry, iron your bed skirt to get rid of any wrinkles. You can also use a clothing steamer to make your bed skirt look crisp and fresh.
  • Here’s how to fold a bed skirt before you put it in storage: You can fold your bed skirt like a fitted sheet by rolling the corners inward, so the outer edges are positioned inward, then simply fold it up before putting it in storage.
  • Always store your bedskirts in a linen closet away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.


Testimonials and Reviews

Many people like to use twin, full, king, or queen size comforter sets with bed skirts because it adds a finished element to their bedding ensemble. Choosing alternative options allows you to customize the look of your decor. According to interior designer Diane Henkler, “A gathered dust ruffle, flat-paneled, one with pleats or pleated corners and other styles of bed skirts offer a classic look when it comes to decorating a bed. The colors and styling may change with decorating trends, but as an item of decor they will never go out of style, since they perform a function."

Final Thoughts on the ultimate guide to bed skirts and alternatives

Bed skirts are versatile and provide a beautiful touch to your bedroom style. You can also use a unique bed skirt alternative if you want to try something different. Explore the different options available to you and have fun experimenting with your bedroom decor to create a look that’s your own. You’ll find a wide selection of quality bedding at Or & Zon to complement your bed skirt, so be sure to check out our latest offerings online today!