A bed skirt is familiar to many from hotel stays, but it is still a relatively rare sight in home beds. Yet, interest in making beds and creating a hotel-like atmosphere at home is clearly growing. In this article, we answer the most common questions about using a bed skirt, its differences from a regular bottom sheet, and how to properly put a bed skirt on a bed.
What is a bed skirt and what is it used for?
A bed skirt is a textile included in bed making that covers the bed frame and box spring from view. It is placed under the mattress topper or between the mattress and the bed base so that the skirt drapes down to the floor or close to it. Bed skirts are particularly common in hotels, where they are an essential part of a neat and finished bed appearance.
The primary purpose of a bed skirt is aesthetic: it hides the metallic or wooden structures of the bed, dust from under the base, and any storage boxes. In home decor, a bed skirt brings a hotel-like look to the bed and completes the overall bedroom design. It is especially suitable for beds with a visible frame or where items under the bed base are to be hidden.
How does a bed skirt differ from a regular bottom sheet?
A bed skirt and a bottom sheet are two products designed for entirely different purposes. A bottom sheet protects the mattress and is in direct contact with the sleeper, whereas a bed skirt is purely a decorative sheet that covers the bed frame and never comes into contact with the skin.
A bottom sheet is usually made of soft cotton or a cotton and polyester blend to maximize sleeping comfort. A bed skirt, on the other hand, is often made of a sturdier fabric because it needs to drape neatly and stay in place. A bed skirt does not require washing as often as a bottom sheet because it is not in direct contact with the body. However, both products are part of bed making and complement each other both aesthetically and functionally.
How to properly put a bed skirt on a bed?
A bed skirt is placed on the bed by positioning it between the mattress and the bed base so that the fabric goes under the mattress and the skirt drapes evenly down on all sides. When properly placed, the skirt reaches almost to the floor or lightly touches it, and does not look wrinkled or uneven.
In practice, placing a bed skirt goes like this:
- Lift the mattress off the bed base.
- Spread the bed skirt evenly over the base so that the skirt part hangs down on all sides.
- Place the mattress back on top of the bed skirt, so its weight holds the bed skirt in place.
- Adjust the skirt as needed so that it is even and of equal length on all sides.
- Make the rest of the bedding normally on top of the mattress.
If the bed is adjustable or has a special structure, it is important to ensure that the bed skirt is the correct size. A skirt that is too short will not cover the frame properly, and one that is too long will bunch up on the floor untidily. Most bed skirts specify a drop height, which indicates how far the skirt will hang down from the edge of the base.
Which bed skirt is suitable for a hotel bed at home?
For a hotel bed at home, the best bed skirt is one made of durable and neatly draping fabric, such as a polyester-cotton blend or high-quality cotton. White or a light shade is recommended for the color, as it is a classic hotel standard and suits almost all decors. If you want to add color to your decor, you can also choose a bed skirt in a fresh shade that matches your interior.
At Sisustus1, we specialize in exactly this: bringing hotel-quality products directly to consumers' homes. Our selection includes hotel-grade bedding products that have been used in Finland's highest quality hotels and spas. When choosing a bed skirt, pay special attention to the drop height, which must be matched to the height of your bed frame. The quality of the fabric is also crucial: hotels use materials that can withstand repeated washing without losing their shape.
The look of a hotel bed is created by details, and a bed skirt is one of those small but significant factors that distinguish an ordinary bed from a hotel-like setup. Properly chosen and placed, a bed skirt finishes the bedroom's appearance and brings it closer to the atmosphere sought from hotel stays.
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