Did you see the return of bed skirts written on your bingo card for 2024? No, neither did I. But for some reason, I’m obsessed with airy, frilly, fancy bed ruffles, and interior designers seem to agree.
Bed skirts, also known as valance sheets, were once thought of as an old-fashioned bedroom idea that would quickly make a home look outdated. But kitschy skirts have seen a recent surge in popularity, and we’re all embracing the trend with skirted furniture, cafe curtains, and even ruffled pillows and accessories. So it only seems natural to give your bedroom the same treatment.
Synonymous with grandmillennial décor and maximalist interior design styles, the 2024 version of the bed skirt seems to capture the whimsy and warmth of your grandparents’ home in a more contemporary way. With this in mind, I decided to incorporate ruffles into my bedroom. Here’s why I think ruffles are here to stay.
Are bed skirts coming back into fashion?
(Image credit: Cathy Nordstrom/Fanny Ludwig)
I recently visited the 2024 interior design showcase Wow!House in London and was delighted to discover a lot of skirting. Three of the bedrooms designed by famous interior designers featured bedskirts ranging from peacock blue ruffles to more tailored and patterned embellishments. There was also a lot of skirted furniture and sink skirting.
And I realized this is a really long-lasting trend.
(Image courtesy of TROVE by Studio Duggan)
The Grand Millennial style combines classic design elements with contemporary touches, making it the perfect companion for our bed skirts, evoking the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era while still maintaining a modern sensibility.
This style is all about combining vintage and contemporary pieces to create a space that feels lived-in and loved. Bedskirts play a key role in achieving this look as they pair beautifully with canopy beds, vintage quilts, floral headboards and antique furniture.
Whether it’s ruffles, pleats, lace or whatever the decor, lovers of granny chic style can easily mix old and new with the right bedskirt to create a space that’s nostalgic yet cozy.
(Image courtesy of TROVE by Studio Duggan)
“I’ve definitely seen bed skirts making a comeback with the rise of cottagecore and grandmillennial design aesthetics,” notes interior designer Cathy Kuo.
“While it’s not for everyone, it’s a relatively low-risk way to add a touch of whimsy and frills to your bedroom to complete your English cottage vision, or add a pop of pattern and unexpected color for a maximalist Grand Millennial look.”
Given what we’ve said so far, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a trend that’s only found in the most maximalist, overtly floral interior design styles, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Subrtex Elegant and Soft Interchangeable Wraparound Ruffle Bed Skirt
Axminster Ruffle Bed Skirt
(Images courtesy of HAM Interiors / Studio HAM / Photography Alexander James)
Modern bed skirts are versatile and can complement a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern to eclectic.
Ruffles and pleats, airy linens and tailored bed skirts – there are plenty of options. They are sure to instantly elevate the aesthetic of your bedroom. While your bedroom definitely falls into the lace trim and floral print category, I lean more towards a looser, more relaxed linen style. Maybe even stripes?
“I love bed skirts, or ‘dust ruffles’ as my grandmother would call them, for a few reasons,” says Will Hunt Lewis. Hunt & Broom“Firstly, I think bedskirts are a great way to incorporate another fabric into your bedroom’s colour scheme. They’re also a great way to create storage space, as you can’t see under the bed with the skirt on. I’m very traditional and love the granny chic vibe, so I don’t think bedskirts ever go out of style.”
“For a cleaner or more streamlined look, go for a box pleat or inverted box pleat style,” he suggests, “but I also love a ruffled skirt for a more feminine feel. I’m smitten by the combination of a lovely chintz bedding set with a matching skirt. Grandma? Maybe, but that’s just me!”
(Image courtesy of TROVE by Studio Duggan)
Bed skirts are practical too. A well-chosen bed skirt can instantly transform a drab bed frame or unsightly under-bed storage space into an attractive focal point in your bedroom. They add a layer of print and texture to a room while tying together the various elements of your room’s décor. It’s a subtle retro touch that can be approached with discretion or embraced with a playfulness in prints, patterns and more.
Because it fits most beds, it’s also super easy to upgrade your furniture: Just like a slipcover (or bed skirt), simply drape it over your bed frame and place your mattress on top to create a whole new look.
James Headboard & Bed Skirt – French Blue Bengal Stripe
Relaxed cotton linen bed skirt
So, will bed skirts really come back on trend in 2024? It depends on your style!
Bed skirts come in a variety of design styles, from floral to striped, tailored to sleek to loose linen. You’ll find a modern bed skirt to suit any bedroom. Bed skirts add playfulness, texture and print. and It’s super useful for hiding your old bed frame and refreshing your bedroom decor in an instant, this one definitely appeals to me.
So whether you’re redecorating your bedroom or simply want to freshen it up, consider adding a bed skirt — it might be just the finishing touch you’ve been looking for.
