A bedskirtis the unsung workhorse in the boudoir. Typically used to hide an exposed box spring, frame or to protect legs from scratches, a bedskirt can also hide the piles of lost socks, old magazines and any other unwanted items that usually linger under our beds (yes, we're talking about YOU, little dust bunnies!).
In the last decade or so, bedskirts seemed to fall out of fashion, thanks in part to the popularity of sleigh beds, upholstered beds and other types of platform beds that don't need the coverage down below. But with everyone needing a cozy bed to retreat to these days, designers seem to be responding by dressing up every aspect of the bed, even the bedskirt.
Serena Dugan, co-founder and designer at Serena & Lily says that she thinks of the bedskirt as an extension of the headboard. "We love the idea of coordinating the bottom of the bed with an upholstered headboard. By bringing some fabric around the perimeter of the bed, you have a low-impact, surprising way to present a design or color that complements other elements."
Dugan says that layering is a popular concept in bedding right now. She predicts we'll see more blankets and decorative pieces, even a return to more tightly made beds. "Adding a bedskirt or a duvet folded at the foot of a bed is a fun way to change this up. You can introduce new colors and test drive new patterns. Everyone's always looking for a way to freshen up and using layers is definitely a way to do it."
Pine Cone Hill is another wonderful source of inspiration when it comes to layering. The company is known for its bold, bright prints, patterns and lots and lots of color. Here, they're showing how to have fun with its striped Dawson bedskirt by pairing it up with quilts and bedding in various prints; somehow it all coordinates back to one another.
Another one of our favorite looks is a two-tone bedskirt. As you can see, a clean, tailored look doesn't necessarily mean all white. Instead, the two-tone bedskirt adds a bit of unexpected color to the bottom -- and helps conceal dust a bit more than, say, an all-white one would. "It's a nice way to ground the bed," says Dugan.
Dwell Studio is fond of a tailored, clean look when it comes to beds. According to the team there, modern bedskirts seem to be much more structured, simple and box-shaped rather than ornate or frilly. They prefer bedskirts to "disappear" -- and not steal the attention from the rest of the linens. Their selection of textured, matelasse bedskirts add a little extra something to look at and feel.
For those who appreciate a little frill, a bedskirt is the perfect item to indulge your feminine side. We love Pine Cone Hill's Flamenco Pink bedskirt. Talk about girly! This bedskirt is packed with personality and those pink hues would punch up even the simplest bedding set. For a softer look, we're loving these scallop and embroidered options from Serena & Lily. "Sometimes a little detail such as a scallop edge is just a nice consideration paid to what can otherwise be an afterthought," says Dugan.
Finally, we know bedskirts can be an added expense so why not make one yourself? Back in 1994 our favorite homemaker, Martha Stewart recommended transforming a piece of fabric or tablecloth into a bed skirt with a few simple folds and a hem. We love this idea, as it saves you money and lets you get a little creative. Mixing in an outrageous print with your solid bedding or vice-versa can really take your bed to a whole new level of fabulous.
Looking for more fresh bedding ideas for 2011? Check out these stories:
Kate Spade Jumps Into Bedding
Bedroom Makeover: Make it Tasteful and Sexy (video)
Patterned Bedding: Making it Work
Add a wallcovering to your bedroom -- and spice up your room!
















Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bedskirt is back? When was it ever out?
ReplyWhere did they go. I have them on all my beds and have had them for 20+ years. Never knew they were a thing of the past.
ReplyI, also,never thought bed skirts went out of style. There were times I didn't have one because I couldn't afford one, but I always wanted one. I usually have one on my bed.
ReplyI also never new they were out of style. Maybe this Lauren De Bellis is out of style. HEY LAUREN! WAKE UP!
ReplyWHAT COMEBACK?????????? YOU MEAN IT LEFT US??????????? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyI too never knew they were out of style. I have them on all of my beds even my kids.
ReplyIt must be us average folks who didn't know they went out of style. Bedskirts have come with every bed set I've purchased. I always put them on too!
ReplyI hate bedskirts! When you change the sheets, you have to be careful when you tuck the top sheet in that you don't tuck the bedskirt too. Also, when you put on the coverlet, you have to make sure it is even all the way around. It's a pain in in a$$. I have had several of them and will never have another one. Try a bedspread........much easier.
ReplyWhat's going on here? I have not seen anything but bedskirts in all the home stores for the last twenty years. Has the author of this article been on the moon?
ReplyI haven't had a bedskirt on my bed for 5 years. My bed is high. It is a 21 inch drop and I have to special order them. I have beautiful hardwood floors, so I just leave them bare.
ReplyAlso, my dog considers that her special den. The skirt was wearing a lot of hair! LOL
So, I will not do the bedskirt now that it's back.
Not for me!
As I was reading this articles I was shaking my head wondering "really? am I the only person that has had a bedskirt on all my beds since, i don't know, forever" then I started reading the comments and realized I am not insane, Lauren De Bellis, hmm maybe?
ReplyWhat?? Where did they go?? I have had them all all this time !! Next time, someone needs to let me know, when it goes away ...I'm all messed up ; )..lol
Reply