Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens and linens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.
Typically placed atop a box spring or bed frame, their frilly folds help to keep dust bunnies from piling up under the bed, but they fell out of favor in recent decades as minimal, bare-bones bed setups took over. Recent data suggests that an unlikely comeback is underway, though: with trends like Jane Austen interiors on the rise, and cottagecore dominating the homes of A-listers.
Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the charms of a bed skirt are many. Practically speaking for those who appreciate under-bed storage, a valance also keeps clutter conveniently hidden. Plus, depending on the rest of the bedroom decor—whether pared-back and minimal, say, or ruffled and romantic—the extra pattern and texture can add everything from hotel-like polish to countryside coziness to the mix.
Ready to get reacquainted? Below, we’ve found 11 high-quality options that harness the bed skirt’s nostalgic allure, with enough modern appeal to plant it firmly in the present day.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bed Skirts
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All prices listed reflect the queen size version of each bed skirt where available.
Best Understated Detail
This lightweight, 100% cotton percale bed skirt blends tailored sophistication with a sense of childlike play. In addition to white, it’s available in four nautical shades (we’re partial to red hot Lobster and cool French Blue); plus, each sale supports efforts to rid the ocean of toxic plastics and pollution.
For the Clean, Coastal Look
Dreamy details are at the center of this classic, coastal-influenced design. Eyelet embellishments and a sweetly scalloped edge lend some youthful energy to the already airy cotton percale construction.Best Classic
Best Classic
Crisp, clean, and classic for any kind of bedroom setup, this 100% cotton option from Annie Selke features split corners, ornamental stitching, and a generous 18-inch drop. (For those interested in completing the look, the Classic Hemstitch collection includes pillowcases, shams, a duvet cover, and sheet set.)
For the Cottagecore Convert
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Treat your space to a cottagecore makeover with Piglet in Bed’s signature gingham—a look that’s a brand bestseller for a reason. Made from Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified materials, this cotton and linen bedding has it all: style, sustainability, and ease (it’s machine washable and looks even better when a little rumpled).
Best Vintage Style
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Channel childhood nostalgia with this 100% cotton bed skirt, featuring a rosy stripe that’s sweet but not saccharine. (For more vintage-inspired goodness, GreenRow’s crocheted option offers the same traditional feel as an eyelet, but with a 1960s bohemian flair.)
Wallet-Friendly Pick
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Covering an impressive range of dimensions (twin to California king size, each with a choice of a 14- or 18-inch drop), this 100% cotton matelassé option has split corners, a cotton percale platform, and can be paired with the brand’s matching matelassé box spring cover.
More AD-Approved Bed Skirts
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Light, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barn’s voile bed skirt could easily skew frilly—but bright white cotton and sleek elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss.
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Have a bed skirt in mind? This Etsy seller has made it. Buttons, ruffles, full pleated bed skirt, a drop length to the exact size and preference of your bed frame, in every shade from “coffee milk” to personal favorite “amarant.” The softened linen ruffle skirt is a standout for its beautiful drape, unique shade, and its thoughtful pleat keeps it more Provençal than shabby chic.
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This deep moss color can offset a bright or warm white bedding setup for dimensionality. The earthy green creates a grounding effect, especially when parallel with the floor, so that your bed becomes something of a lily pad. Matcha, Clay, and a deep blue Baltic variation approach the same tranquility, with clean lines that feel modern but not severe, thanks to the soft drape of 100% French linen.
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A pitch-perfect center pleat sets this three-panel bed skirt apart. Its look is somehow both easy-breezy and neat-as-a-pin—the former thanks to its 100% linen construction; the latter due to its menswear-inspired design.
FAQs
How do I know if I need a bed skirt?
A bed skirt—also known as a dust ruffle—comes in handy when trying to conceal a box spring or the forever-accruing items that beg for under-bed storage. It’s also the first step many designers recommend for styling a bed, as it adds a refined, dainty feel that doesn’t distract from the bed or room.
Can I use a bed skirt without a box spring?
Yes! While many bed skirt directions will indicate how to install with a box spring, you can add a bed skirt with ease on platform beds or bed frames sans box springs. They can be attached directly to the frame or around the mattress foundation using pins, Velcro, or sewing it into the mattress base itself.
Should a bed skirt touch the floor?
Ideally, if you’re going for a tailored look, it just barely grazes the floor. You’ll want to measure the drop length from the top of your box spring (or the base of your mattress if you don’t have a box spring), as well as the length and width of your box spring, or the dimensions of your bed frame just underneath your mattress. Some prefer a more puddled look for their bed skirt, in which case you can add four to five inches to your initial drop-length measurement.
Do wrap-around bed skirts stay in place?
Look for elastic bands and non-slip backing when shopping for bed skirts. Ideally (and usually), you can find a bed skirt that is built for anti-budging, and an elastic wrap and the mitered corners of a bed skirt keep it in place.
