Give Your Bedroom the Finished Look with Surprisingly Stylish Bedskirts

Imagine walking into a beautifully decorated bedroom. The walls are painted a soothing blush pink and adorned with framed botanical prints. Billowy white curtains frame the window, diffusing the sunlight. A tufted headboard sits atop a wooden sleigh bed, dressed in crisp white linens. And finishing it all off is a pleated white bedskirt that flows to the floor, giving the entire room a polished, complete look.

Bedskirts often get overlooked as outdated or old-fashioned decor. But with the right styling, they can be surprising accents that pull together your bedroom design. Keep reading to discover clever ways to give your bedroom that flawless finished touch with a stylish bedskirt.

A Brief History of the Bedskirt

Bedskirts originated as utilitarian "dust ruffles" in 18th century bedrooms. Their frilly trim helped protect bed linens from dirt and dust accumulating on the floor. As interior design evolved, these ruffles became more decorative, eventually developing into the bedskirts we know today.

While no longer crucial for cleanliness, bedskirts are still used to camouflage the area between your mattress and floor. They offer a quick way to hide stored items or an unappealing box spring. For many, a well-dressed bed is incomplete without this classic accent.

Perceptions of the Bedskirt

In the past, bedskirts were associated with formal, ornate bedrooms swathed in heavy silks and brocades. As a result, some view bedskirts as stuffy, old-fashioned, and outdated decor items.

But while extremely frilly or fussy bedskirts can seem antiquated, there are ways to incorporate this accent into just about any aesthetic. From breezy linen skirts to tailored velvet styles, bedskirts come in many forms beyond fluffy ruffles.

Benefits of Using a Bedskirt

Utilizing a bedskirt offers several advantages for your bedroom space:

• Hide under-bed clutter like storage bins or stacks of extra bedding.
• Protect your mattress from dust and dirt accumulation.
• Provide a clean, seamless visual line from wall to floor.
• Anchor the bed as the focal point and foundation of the room.
• Enhance the overall decorated look of your space.

For these reasons, bedskirts remain a relevant design choice. Even in contemporary, minimalist bedrooms, a bedskirt can give that perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Styling Bedskirts

From fabric to shape, small details make all the difference in bedskirt appearance. Use these tips to choose a skirt that aligns with your personal decor needs and style:

Choose Appropriate Fabrics

The fabric of your bedskirt helps set the tone for your whole bedroom. Consider the following material options:

• Lightweight linens or cottons create a relaxed, casual vibe.
• Silky, shiny fabrics add a glamorous, luxurious touch.
• Heavy fabrics like wool or velvet convey traditional elegance.

You can also look for bedskirts with metallic sheens, delicate eyelet lace, or other embellishments that complement your aesthetic.

Consider Skirt Styles

From tailored pleats to fluttering ruffles, bedskirt silhouettes range from dramatic to understated. Some options include:

• Ruffled or pleated skirts provide feminine softness.
• Crisp tailored skirts offer sleek, modern lines.
• Wrap-around styles allow quick skirt changes.

Skirt fullness, length, and embellishments (like trims or contrasting fabrics) also impact the overall look and formality.

Select Complementary Colors

Whether you want your bedskirt to seamlessly blend in or make a bold statement is up to you. Consider these color options:

• Neutral solids or patterns blend into the background.
• Saturated colors or vivid patterns draw the eye.
• Tonal shades are less contrasting but still cohesive.

Look at colors used in your bedding, furniture, and art when selecting a shade.

Pair With Appropriate Bed Frames

The style of your bed frame and headboard influences what bedskirts pair well. Some examples:

• Ornate metal frames suit vintage-inspired skirts.
• Upholstered headboards match tailored or tufted skirts.
• Platform beds pair nicely with streamlined contemporary skirts.

Consider both the era and ornamentation of your bed frame when picking bedskirts.

Incorporate Optional Embellishments

Small flourishes like these can make a bedskirt feel special:

• Contrasting trims for visual interest
• Subtle sheen for an elegant touch
• Monogram or personalized motif

But restraint is wise, as you don't want to overpower the rest of the room's decor.

Alternatives to Traditional Bedskirts

If you're not sold on frilly ruffles, consider these modern bedskirt alternatives:

• Faux wood panels for a tailored, sleek appearance
• Overlapping linen panels with a relaxed vibe
• Velcro-attached fabrics allowing easy replacement

Upholstered skirts and overlapping fabric layers draw the eye downward without excessive flounce. Or just opt for subtly draped linens that graze the floor.

With so many styles available, there's a bedskirt solution for nearly any bedroom. Focus on choosing fabrics, colors, and silhouettes cohesive with your overall design vision. Remember to look beyond frilly ruffles and experiment with contemporary forms - you may be surprised by how much the right bedskirt can enhance your space.

Rather than view them as outdated or vintage-specific, consider bedskirts a timeless finishing touch. They remain useful for concealing underbed storage, protecting mattresses, and completing your curated bedroom aesthetic. Express your personal style by choosing a bedskirt that gracefully frames your bed in any decor era.

So the next time you make the bed, take a moment to appreciate how a well-styled bedskirt can give your bedroom that flawless, polished look. With a nod to tradition yet completely fresh design possibilities, bedskirts deserve a comeback in the modern home.