Different Types of Bed Skirts with Uses, Tips, & Tricks

If you look at your bed and wonder what is missing, you might need a bed skirt to add the final touch. A well-chosen bed skirt can be the final element that pulls it all together and makes the bed look tidy and well-made. We’ll discuss different types of bed skirts in this article and give you the inside scoop.

Different types of bed skirts include traditional bed skirts, wrap around bed skirts, bed skirts with split corners, and detachable skirts. Bed skirts are also available in different styles such as ruffled bed skirts, tailored bed skirts, gathered bed skirts, flat bed skirts and pleated bed skirts.

Bed skirts come in a range of styles. They can be cozy and traditional or sleek and tailored. Materials also range from affordable and practical microfibers to luxury linens and velvets. Read our article on quick and easy bed skirt hacks to learn more about how this versatile bedding item can transform a bedroom.

A wrap around bed skirt is a type of bed skirt that can be installed easily onto a bed frame without lifting a mattress.

What Is a Bed Skirt?

Whether a bed skirt is gathered, ruffled, tailored, flat, or pleated, the basic idea is the same. A bed skirt serves as a covering for the space between the bed frame and the floor, and can help prevent dust accumulation under the bed. Read this article from Europe PMC, which investigates the concentrations of house dust mites that were detected in samples from underneath beds, and how to reduce them.

A bed skirt is a fabric covering for the sides of the mattress and box spring. It prevents dust from accumulating under a bed and hides the space under the bed frame. Typically, this space is used for storage.

Usually, a bed skirt in the same color or pattern as the quilt or comforter, and is used to create a cohesive and coordinated bedroom. Many bedding sets include a bed skirt that matches the comforter and pillow covers, which makes it easier to maintain a consistent look in the bedroom. Our comprehensive bed skirt guide covers how to choose the right type of bed skirt for different looks and trends.

Sizing of a bed skirt is important if the skirt is going to fall correctly around the bed. The dimensions of the bed skirt will vary according to the size of the bed and the distance between the top of the box spring and the floor. Make sure to also take a look at what to do if a bed skirt is too long for some tips and tricks as well.

Most Popular Bed Skirt Types

Bed skirts in all types are easily found anywhere that sells bedding. Most are affordable and easy to use.

The most popular bed skirt types include traditional bed skirts, wrap around bed skirts, split corner bed skirts, and detachable bed skirts. There are also alternative box spring covers for achieving a more contemporary look.

Traditional Bed Skirts

The traditional type of bed skirt has a flat fabric sheet that is spread out over the box spring—under the mattress—with a skirt that falls to the floor around the bed. Sometimes a bed skirt is also called a dust ruffle.

The biggest drawback is that this type of bed skirt requires lifting the mattress off the bed every time it is removed. The skirt can be difficult to maneuver around the corners and legs of some beds, so it can end up looking bunched or untidy.

Split Corner Bed Skirts

A split corner bed skirt is a variation of the traditional style of bed skirt. In this case, the corners are split so that the legs can be exposed and to make it easier to hang the skirt around the legs. It results in a much more attractive look than a bed skirt that is bunched up around the legs of the bed.

Like the traditional bed skirt, the mattress needs to be lifted off the bed to lay the split corner bed skirt over the box spring.

A split corner bed skirt is a bed skirt type that’s designed to fit around bed legs.

Wrap-Around Bed Skirts

A wrap-around bed skirt does not have a flat fabric sheet that needs to go over the box spring. Instead, a wrap-around bed skirt simply wraps around the mattress and stays in place with an elastic band. Some wrap around bed skirts offer adjustable belts that ensure a snug and perfect fit.

This type of bed skirt is easy to remove for laundering because the mattress does not need to be moved or lifted.

Here’s another example of a wrap around type of bed skirt.

Detachable Bed Skirts

A detachable bed skirt is a variation on the wrap-around style of bed skirt. Instead of being held up on the sides of the bed with an elastic, a hook-and-loop system is used. Velcro is applied to the top edges of the box spring, and the bed skirt is attached to that. The bed skirt is easily removed for laundering.

A detachable bed skirt uses velcro strips to stay in place. It’s easy to clean and install.

Box Spring Cover

A box spring cover is an alternative to a bed skirt that reaches to the floor. A box spring cover is usually made of a knitted fabric because of its ability to stretch and doesn’t have a skirt portion. The space under the bed is not covered. Sometimes this is a better option when considering the design of the bed, which may already have an attractive platform or beautifully designed legs.

A box spring wrap is a bed skirt alternative used to hide and stylize the box spring.

Bed skirts come in different types like this patterned bed skirt with ruffles.

Summary Comparing Different Bed Skirt Types

Most Popular Types of Bed Skirts	The Pros	The Cons	Amazon Product	Price Range
Wrap-around Bed Skirt with Adjustable Belt	Has an adjustable elastic belt so the fit can be precise	Not suitable for a sleek tailored look	PureFit Wrap Around Ruffled Bed Skirt with Adjustable Belt	~$20
Box Spring Cover	Covers the box spring snuggly	Does not have a drop skirt	SpringSpirit Box Spring Cover	~$15
Split Corner Bed Skirt	Easier to tuck behind the legs of the bed and give a tidier look	Requires lifting the mattress to use	Ruffled Bed Skirt with Split Corners.	~$35
Linen	Elegant and sophisticated look that comes in a variety of colours	More expensive than other simpler designs of bed skirts	Simple Opulence 100% Belgian Linen Bed Skirt	~$75
Detachable Bed Skirt	Doesn’t require lifting the mattress to put on the bed skirt	The Velcro needs to remain clear of dust and threads so it adheres properly	Ashton Detachable Bed Skirt	~$60

Make sure to also take a look at some more common bed skirt designs and their benefits for more ideas. You may also be interested in a multi-use beds skirt. Take a look at our article to find out how to choose the right bed skirt shoe organizer to find out more.

Alternative Ideas For Bed Skirts

You don’t always need a purchased bed skirt to pull the look of your bed together. There are other imaginative ways to cover the exposed area under the bed.

Alternative ideas for bed skirts include using a fitted sheet, box spring wraps, DIY curtain bed skirt, or making your own bed skirt using fabric. Bed skirt pins are a useful product for attaching your DIY bed skirt or for keeping a commercial bed skirt from slipping.

1. Fitted Sheet

A fitted sheet can be used as a bed skirt. This is useful when you want the bed skirt to match your duvet or bed sheets. They can be bought at any retail outlet or online outlet. Fitted sheets are also quite affordable and come in various patterns and prints. This marble-look fitted sheet from Amazon will add wonderful interest to a bed if placed over a box spring.

2. Box Spring Wrap

A box spring wrap can be used to cover the box spring and protect it from dirt and wear, and it can be used as an alternative for a normal bed skirt. They come in a variety of sizes and colours and are available from most retailers. This Circa bed wrap from Amazon has internal bamboo slats that give it structure and a straight finish when wrapped around the bed.

3. Make Your Own Bed Skirt Using Fabric

Loose fabric can be an affordable alternative to a typical bed skirt (depending on the fabric) and can be bought at any store that sells fabric. You can create any sort of custom look that you need to bring your decor together. If you are a crafter or sewer, you can get as advanced as you want, but you don’t need to have high-level sewing skills to make a simple bed skirt.

All you need to do is measure and cut the fabric carefully, and then attach the fabric with pins or even simply by loosely hand stitching it to the mattress. You don’t even need to sew any hems because there are many great iron-on hemming tapes available. This tan tartan fabric from Amazon is a great for making your own unique bed skirt while still sticking to a neutral color scheme. Use this no-sew hem tape from Amazon to easily create a no-fuss hem for your bed skirt.

5. DIY Curtain Bed Skirt

Curtain panels can be used quite creatively if you want to make your own bed skirts. This can be unique and would give your room a very cohesive appearance if the panels match the curtains on your windows. Depending on the size of the curtain panel, you may be able to split the panel to create two lengths for the price of one. This geometric print valance from Amazon would make a gorgeous bed skirt and would pair well with this yellow and grey reversible comforter set.

Should Your Bed Skirt Match Your Bed Sheets or Your Comforter?

If the bed skirt is included in a bedding combo the decision is made for you, and you can rely on the fact that everything is designed to go together in an attractive way. If you need or want to buy or make a bed skirt separately, then you will need to decide what you want your bed skirt to match.

Deciding whether a bed skirt should match a comforter or bed sheet depends on the designer. Matching the comforter and the bed skirt will create a visually striking look. Matching the bed skirt with the bed sheets will result in a more subtle look since the color or pattern of the bed sheets will only peek around the comforter.

To tie the look of the whole room together and create a sophisticated appearance, it is important to match the bed skirt to either the bed sheets or the comforter or both. For example, if your comforter is maroon and your bed sheets are beige, the bed skirt should be either maroon or beige. The bed skirt should not jump out on its own as a completely different color, but should have elements of the existing color scheme present in its design.

How To Put a Bed Skirt on a Bed

For a bed skirt to look great and pull the look of your bed together, it is important to get the size of the bed skirt right for the bed. You also need to put the bed skirt on correctly so that it looks attractive and not messy.

To put a bed skirt on a bed, first measure the size of the box spring along with the drop length. Then, buy a bed skirt matching those dimensions. Next, lift the mattress, and evenly lay out the bed skirt on the box spring, taking care to align the corners. Wrap the skirt around the box spring and bed frame and then attach it. Finally, place the mattress back on top of the box spring.

Step 1. Measure the Size of The Box Spring and the Drop Length

First, you need to measure the top of your box spring, across its width and length. The drop of the bed skirt is measured from the top of the box spring to the floor. If the bed skirt does not have a fabric platform to cover the box spring, you might want to measure the perimeter of the bed all around the sides. Read our guide to bed skirt heights and lengths to find out more about the way to measure for a bed skirt to fit properly.

Step 2. Pick and Buy A Bed Skirt That Matches the Dimensions Measured

If you don’t have a bed skirt included in a bedding set, stand-alone bed skirts can be bought from just about anywhere that sells bedding products. There are various options to choose from, including the traditional bed skirt, as well as wrap arounds, detachable and loose fabric bed skirts. Make sure to buy the right size for your bed. Read our article on 10 bed skirt styles for more information on the variety of bed skirts that are available.

Step 3. Lift The Mattress Off the Box Spring

If you have a traditional or split bed skirt, it is designed to go over the box spring. Lift the mattress off the bed carefully (this might require more than one person.), lay the bed skirt over the box spring, and spread the skirt evenly around the sides, carefully aligning the corners.

Step 4. Attach Bed Skirt to the Corners of the Box Spring

The bed skirt can either be attached using pins or pulled over the box spring, depending on the kind of bed skirt that it is. This requires precision and care. Make sure the bed skirt fabric is evenly distributed and the corners are aligned properly. For more information on how to properly position and secure a bed skirt in place, read our article on 6 ways to make a bed skirt stay in place.

Step 5. Place The Mattress Back on the Box Spring

If you need to put the mattress back on the bed, this needs to be done very carefully, since your box spring now has the bed skirt attached to it and you do not want to disturb it or tear it. It will become much harder to re-adjust the bed skirt after the mattress is back on the bed. We also have a handy article on ways to cover a box spring if you are looking for unique ideas for camouflaging your box spring.

Step 6. Style the Bed Skirt

Once the bed skirt is on the bed, look it over and adjust the ruffles, pleats, and corners so that they fall in an even and pleasing manner. You can add decorative pillows or other items, such as throws, which can be folded and laid over the end of the bed. Read our article on how to dress up a platform bed for more ideas on how to decorate a bed to make it look and feel luxurious. Using different types of bed skirt pins can also dress up your room. Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to use bed skirt pins for some more ideas.

How to Wash Your Bed Skirt

It is a good idea to wash your bed skirt every three months if you have allergies and twice a year if you don’t. Wash It more frequently if you live in a particularly dusty area or have small children or pets in the house. Read this article about the control of allergens related to house dust mites and pets to learn more about reducing allergens in the bedroom.

To wash a bed skirt, check the label to determine washing. Some bed skirt fabrics are only meant to be washed in cold water because they might wrinkle in hot water.

Follow the cleaning and care instructions to keep the bed skirt fitting properly and looking its best. Most bed skirts are designed to be easy to care for and wash in a normal washing machine, usually in cooler water. After drying, it is a good idea to take the bed skirt out of the drier quickly and hang it up before putting it back on the bed. If you make sure to buy a bed skirt made of a wrinkle resistant fabric, you can save yourself the hassle of ironing the bed skirt. A wrinkled bed skirt will only ruin the overall look of the bedroom. You may also want to take a look at what bed skirt hardware you need to install bed skirts to find additional ideas on how to make your bed skirt look good and stay in place. Also, our other article on how to make a bed smell good offers tips on good bedroom hygiene and cleanliness.

Different Types of Bed Skirts and Their Uses – A Definitive Guide