A bedskirt, often called a dust ruffle, is a decorative piece of fabric draping around the lower edges of a bed, covering the space between the mattress and the floor. Serving both functional and aesthetic purposes, a bedskirt helps conceal the box spring, bed frame, or any under-bed storage, providing your bed with a polished and refined look.
Beyond their practicality, bed skirts are an excellent way to introduce texture, color, or patterns to a bedroom, complementing your decor and personal style.
This guide is designed to demonstrate step-by-step instructions on how to put on bedskirt correctly, ensuring it is aligned, smooth, and securely positioned. By following this guide, you’ll not only enhance the visual appeal of your bed but also enjoy the functional benefits that a well-fitted bedskirt can bring to your bedroom setup. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, this guide covers you.
What is a Bedskirt, and Why Use One?
What is a Bedskirt?
A bedskirt is a piece of fabric designed to drape around the base of a bed, specifically covering the box spring, bed frame, and legs. It serves as an elegant addition to bedroom decor, providing a finished and cohesive look for the bed setup.
Bedskirts come in various styles, including traditional designs with pleated or gathered fabric, tailored options that offer a sleek and clean appearance, and dust ruffles known for their soft and voluminous appeal. These variations allow you to choose a style that aligns with your personal taste and the overall theme of your bedroom.
Benefits of Using a Bedskirt
One of the primary benefits of a bedskirt is its aesthetic appeal. Bedskirts enhance the bed’s overall appearance by concealing the unsightly box spring, bed frame, and any items stored underneath the bed. This creates a polished and well-coordinated look, elevating the ambiance of the entire room. Beyond aesthetics, bed skirts also offer practical advantages.
They help keep under-bed storage hidden, maintaining a tidy and clutter-free environment, and serve as a barrier to reduce dust accumulation around the box spring and storage areas. A bedskirt is both a functional and decorative element, seamlessly blending practicality with style.
Choosing the Right Bedskirt for Your Bed
Selecting the Correct Size
To ensure your bedskirt fits perfectly, start by measuring your bed accurately. The most important measurement is the drop length, which is the distance from the top of the box spring to the floor. Use a tape measure to determine this length, keeping in mind that the standard drop length is about 14 to 16 inches, though it can vary depending on bed height.
Bedskirts also come in various types, such as standard, platform, and adjustable. Standard bed skirts fit snugly onto the box spring, while platform options include a fabric layer that sits beneath the mattress for a secure fit. On the other hand, adjustable bed skirts offer flexibility in customizing the drop length, making them suitable for non-standard bed frame designs.
Choosing the Right Material and Style
When selecting the material for your bedskirt, consider both functionality and aesthetics. Common materials include cotton and linen for a crisp, breathable feel, polyester for durability and easy maintenance, and silk for a luxurious look. Matching your bedskirt with your bedroom decor is also essential for a cohesive appearance.
Pay attention to colors, patterns, and fabric textures to complement or enhance your room’s theme. For instance, solid neutral tones work well in minimalist designs, while intricate patterns or velvety textures can add a touch of sophistication to a traditional or opulent bedroom setting.
How to Prepare Your Bed Before Adding the Bedskirt
Step 1: Remove Any Existing Bedding
Before installing a bedskirt, it is essential to remove all bedding, including sheets, blankets, and comforters. This ensures an unobstructed workspace and makes it easier to position the bedskirt properly. Taking this step also reduces the chance of wrinkling or misaligning the
bedskirt during installation. Additionally, inspect the box spring and bed frame to ensure they are free from dust and obstructions. A clean and clear surface will facilitate a smooth installation and enhance the bed’s overall appearance.
Step 2: Clean the Bed Area
Next, thoroughly clean the area around and beneath the bed. Dust the box spring and bed frame to remove any accumulation that could interfere with the bedskirt’s fit or cleanliness. A clean surface is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps maintain the longevity of the bedskirt fabric.
While cleaning, take the opportunity to inspect the bed frame for any issues, such as loose screws, damaged slats, or instability. Addressing these problems before adding the bedskirt helps ensure safety and extends the life of your bed. Once the frame is clean and secure, you’re ready to add the bedskirt for a polished and pristine look.
How to Put on Bedskirt: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Position the Bedskirt Around the Box Spring
To begin, carefully position the bedskirt around the box spring. Lay the fabric over the box spring, ensuring the skirt drapes evenly. Start by aligning the skirt along the head of the bed, then work your way toward the foot, adjusting as needed to maintain an even distribution.
Pay close attention to the corners, ensuring they conform properly to the box spring’s edges for a uniform appearance. Use gentle hands to smooth out the fabric as you go to avoid wrinkles. Taking the time to align and smooth the bedskirt at this stage will ensure a clean and polished end result.
Step 2: Attach the Bedskirt to the Mattress (If Needed)
For platform-style bedskirts that wrap around the mattress, ensure the fabric fits snugly to avoid shifting or sagging over time. Begin by centering the platform material over the box spring, pulling it taut so it stays in place. Once positioned, adjust and smooth the skirt to ensure it hangs evenly.
For tailored bedskirts that require additional support, use pins or clips for a secure fit.
Bedskirt pins can be placed along the edges of the box spring to hold the skirt firmly in position.
Alternatively, fabric clips can be used to grip the skirt without causing damage. When attaching, evenly space the pins or clips to prevent any distortions or bulges in the fabric. This enhances the overall appearance and keeps the bedskirt firmly attached, even with regular use of the bed. With these methods, your bedskirt will stay in place and maintain a tidy, professional look.
Alternative Methods for Attaching a Bedskirt
Using Bedskirt Pins or Tapes
Bedskirt pins offer a simple and effective solution for securing your bedskirt to the box spring. To use bedskirt pins, begin by positioning the bedskirt over the box spring as desired. Insert the pins along the edges of the box spring, evenly spacing them to ensure a clean and secure fit. This method prevents the bedskirt from shifting or sagging while maintaining a polished, tailored appearance.
For those who seek an alternative to pins, adhesive bedskirt tapes provide a hassle-free option. These double-sided tapes are designed to attach the bedskirt to the box spring without any sewing or pinning. Add adhesive tape to the box spring, align the bedskirt fabric, and press firmly in place. Bedskirt tapes are an excellent choice for those who want a seamless look with minimal effort.
Using a Bedskirt with Elastic
Bedskirts with elastic bands provide an innovative, user-friendly option for effortless installation. These skirts are designed to slip over the box spring, eliminating the need for pins, clips, or adhesive tapes. The elastic band wraps securely around the box spring, firmly holding the bedskirt.
One of the primary benefits of elastic bed skirts is their simplicity and speed. Installation is quick, requiring no tools or additional steps, making them ideal for individuals seeking convenience. Furthermore, their sturdy fit ensures long-term durability while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bed.
Maintaining and Cleaning a Bedskirt
How to Keep Your Bedskirt Clean
Regular care is essential to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your bedskirt. It’s recommended to wash or vacuum your bedskirt every one to three months, depending on your environment and exposure to dust. Consider more frequent cleaning to prevent dirt buildup for areas with high traffic or pets.
A machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent is often the best approach for cotton or durable fabrics. For delicate materials such as silk, spot cleaning or professional cleaning is advised to preserve the fabric’s integrity. Always check the care label for specific instructions tailored to your bed skirt’s material.
How to Avoid Wrinkles and Creases
To keep your bedskirt looking smooth and neat, take steps to minimize wrinkles and creases. After washing, promptly remove the bedskirt from the dryer while it is still slightly damp, then lay it flat or hang it to air dry.
A handheld steamer is a safe and effective solution for stubborn creases for most materials. Alternatively, use an iron on a low setting to place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric to prevent damage. Proper storage, such as rolling the bedskirt instead of folding it, can also reduce wrinkles during non-use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Putting on a Bedskirt
Mistake 1: Incorrect Measurements
One common mistake when purchasing a bedskirt is choosing the wrong size due to inaccurate measurements. A bedskirt that is too short or too long can disrupt the overall aesthetic of your bedding. To avoid this, take precise measurements of your bed, including the height from the mattress to the floor, before buying. Always verify the size specifications the manufacturer provides to ensure a proper fit.
Mistake 2: Failing to Smooth Out Wrinkles
Another frequent issue is neglecting to smooth out wrinkles in the bedskirt fabric during installation. Wrinkles can make the bedskirt appear untidy and cause it to bunch or shift over time. To prevent this, ensure the bedskirt is wrinkle-free before placing it on the bed by steaming or ironing the fabric. Adjust and smooth the fabric evenly around all sides of the bed during installation for a clean and polished look.
Conclusion
Learning how to put on bedskirt properly involves three key steps: preparing the bed, positioning the bedskirt, and securing it carefully in place. Executing these steps ensures a neat and cohesive appearance while avoiding common mistakes like incorrect sizing or wrinkled fabric.
A well-fitted bedskirt not only enhances the overall aesthetic of your bed, creating a polished and elegant look but also provides practical benefits by concealing items stored underneath. Experiment with various styles, colors, and materials to find the ideal bedskirt that complements your bedroom decor and personal taste.