15 Best Bed Skirt Alternatives With Pictures (Pros and Cons)

Last Updated on October 19, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford

Bedrooms are considered to be a safe haven because it is our resting area; a place where we spend almost all of our time doing anything that comes to mind.

With this, we always make it a point to make our rooms the best place so we put a lot of effort in thinking of designs and saving money for renovations and revamping almost everything, even our bed sheets.

Not all people are heavy on bed skirts. While classic looking, it is not for everyone. If you are looking for some bed skirt alternatives, you have come to the right post because we shall cover some of the best bed skirt alternatives out there.  

What is a bed skirt?

A bed skirt is a decorative fabric placed between the mattress and the box spring. Its length traditionally touches the floor. They can be made of soft, flowy fabrics like poly-cotton, rayon, linen, and viscose, or studier fabrics like wool tweed, poplin or duck cloth.

These are mainly used for covering up all the things that are stored below your beds to make it seem clean and beautiful. 

Some of the upsides of a bed skirt include their capability to keep dust, allergens, and bed bugs from getting under your bed. Hence, bed skirts are must-haves for people with a lot of stuff to hide under the bed and in making the bedroom a bit hypoallergenic. 

Related: 14 Comfortable Alternatives To Mattresses

Why should you consider alternatives to bed skirt?

Nowadays, people are not into bed skirts anymore. Because of its seemingly old design, it lost its popularity and is very rarely used today. As such, alternatives to bed skirts have gained traction. One of the reasons why alternatives are considered is because bed skirts are expensive. Also, they give limited design choices so it is not that appealing to the decorative person. 

Bed skirts have been known and used for quite some time and now is the better chance of giving it a try to be more creative and adaptive to the changing time. Choosing newer options does not really mean editing out the original, for some, it means developing their style and for some just trying out ‘what is new.’

15 Bed Skirt Alternatives and Their Pros and Cons 

During earlier times, beds do not look perfect without the use of bed skirts. May it be a gift, hand-made or purchased in the market, it did not lose its value until now.

However, with the fast paced development of almost everything, bed skirts are almost unknown since alternatives have been spreading widely. Hence, if you are looking for the best possible option for a bed skirt, we got them lined up for you. 

1. Fitted sheet

For bedroom owners who want a modern minimalist design, this bed skirt alternative is a must try. However, this option is not recommended for bedroom owners whose goal is to make things put under the bed unseen since it is only covering your box springs. 

Unlike bed skirts, it does not come up with ruffles and its length does not touch the floor. As the name suggests, fitted sheets fit perfectly to your box springs depending on the size but will take you a lot of time finding the perfect size for your beds. 

Also, fitted sheets can be easily undone requiring the need to arrange the sheet frequently. Fitted sheets are very budget friendly so if you are a fan, you may purchase one with different colors as it is an easy-found in the market. 

Pros	Cons
Modern looking.	Hard to find the exact fit.
Easy to fit on a box spring.	Needs frequent re-adjusting.
Cost-effective.	Cannot cover the bed frame.
Comes in a range of styles and colors.	They can be see-through.

2. Wrap-around bed skirt

This bed skirt alternative suits bed owners who are fond of customizing. It is affordable and is highly recommended because it can be easily installed in your box springs.

Unlike the fitted sheet, this can hide objects put under your beds for a clear view of your room and does not require frequent arrangement if installed properly. 

Aside from its DIY qualities, another upside to this one is that it is very accessible in the market. They are also easy to install, easy to remove for changing as they can easily shift and slide from the box spring. 

Pros	Cons
Easy to wrap around the bed.	Less personalized look.
Does not need re-adjusting.	Prone to stretching.
Comes with lots of color options.	May look outdated.
Can be replaced easily.
Does not slide easily.

3. Storage bed skirt

Aside from being a good alternative to bed skirt, this one is also functional since it can serve as a decorative display in the bedroom.

They usually come in plastic and glass materials but nowadays, rattan materials have become more popular because they are highly aesthetic and are environment friendly. 

Though these storage boxes easily accumulate dust requiring regular cleaning, they are so useful and can be very spacious since they are made according to your preference. Storage baskets can be expensive for some of its type but can be very affordable when hand made by the bedroom owner.

Pros	Cons
Functional and decorative.	May gather dust.
Comes in different colors and materials.	Requires regular cleaning.

4. Oversized Flat Sheet

Opting for this one shall save you a lot of time in looking for the best fitting sheet alternative to bed skirts. All you have to do is to find an oversized sheet that can cover all parts of your bed down to the floor and to keep things under your bed. 

Unlike the fitted sheets, you can easily find the perfect size for your beds when using oversized flat sheets. It is also considered budget friendly since you can use any of your own fabric and make it in any design ruffled or pleated or just plain. 

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective.	Can require more frequent adjusting.
Easy to find the right fit size.	Prone to sliding.
Versatile; easy to customize.	Maybe too plain to look at.

5. DIY bed skirt

When you have so much time and you have the right materials that can be used making a bed skirt, this alternative is best for you.

If you are a newbie making this one, you can always check online for the needed materials and watch some tutorials for the step-by-step process in making a perfect bed skirt for your bed springs. 

This requires a lot of effort thinking of the best possible design, the best fabric, and the best color that best suits your room or you as a person.

Choosing a do-it-your-own bed skirt gives you the freedom to choose everything including how it will be fitted in your bed. This alternative is best when you lack budget but are very eager to have his room perfectly decorated.  

Pros	Cons
You can choose your own fabric.	Can be time-consuming.
Most inexpensive choice.	Requires intensive sewing skills.
Built on your own creativity.

6. Wood Bed Skirts

This wood bed alternative is done by making a false frame around your bed to serve as a bed skirt. Compared to other options, this one is hard to install and is not budget friendly, especially if you add a headboard along with it to match the bed skirt.

With this, you will also need the expertise of a woodworker for its proper fitting to the bed and for the type of wood that will be used to ensure its durability. 

Pros	Cons
Add a layer to the bed.	Hard to fit and install.
Highly aesthetic.	Requires professional woodworker.
Enforces durability for the entire bed frame.

7. Velcro Bed Skirt

Velcro bed skirts feature anti-shift technology which can save you time adjusting, keeping it in place. Ruffles, tassels, and lace and other more types of fabric can be used to have this.

All you have to do is to add adhesive to make it a Velcro bed skirt. This is very ideal since it can fit perfectly to your mattress. 

However, the adhesives wear out in time, thus, the need to sew them in the cloth which could take a lot of time and sewing skills. When installing this alternative, there is also a need to ensure that the Velcro strips are secured in place for longer use. 

Pros	Cons
Versatile and easy to install.	Velcro adhesives wear out in time.
Can be used with existing bed skirts.	High maintenance.
Can be made using different materials.	May feel stiff.

8. Window Valance

This looks like the traditional bed skirts but with thicker material making it more durable. Window valances are easily installed since you only need pins to attach it in your mattress. This also means that it can be perfectly adjusted for accurate fitting. 

This alternative, however, can be quite expensive as they are made from wool, cotton, velvet and silk which can be very heavy that results in its early sagging. For bed owners who have an allocated budget for this, this one is a commendable choice.

Pros	Cons
Easy to adjust.	More expensive than bed skirts.
Comes in different colors and patterns.	Might require altering lengths.
Can be made from different types of materials.	Heavier than bed skirts.
Generally, they are more durable than traditional bed skirts.	The stitching can sag over time.

9. Box Spring Gift Wrap Bed Skirt

This alternative is perfect for the holiday season. It is a very unique idea to make it seem like a gift wrapped around your bed springs.

Just like wrapping a gift for Christmas eve, it also takes a lot of time to give it a try in your beds given the size and the intricate design you want your gift wrap on your bed springs can be. 

On the downside, as the name suggests, the box spring gift wrap design might not be a suitable design year-round. This option is also a bit expensive compared to the ones mentioned depending on the size and design. Nonetheless, this one is very accessible in the market especially during the holiday season. 

Pros	Cons
Low maintenance.	More expensive than a traditional bed skirt.
Designed specifically for box springs.	Harder to install upfront.
Comes in sleek design.	Does not have underbed coverage.
Affordable.	Prices increase depending on bed size.
	Only comes with one design style.

10. Linen Bed Skirt

This alternative is placed in between the mattress and the box spring. As such, it requires removing the mattress and adjusting the three separate panels.

Just like almost all of the bed skirt alternatives, it also has the capability to hide things put under the bed. The linen panels are installed through the use of the pin and are available in various types such as cotton, lace, and wool. 

Pros	Cons
Can hide space under the bed.	Comes in limited colors.
Keeps dust away.	Bed skirt pins may become loose in time.
Affordable.

11. Rugs

This alternative works when box springs are placed on the floor. Rugs become bed skirts through cutting and pasting them on the box spring using a staple gun.

This alternative requires your being artsy since it is likened to the DIY alternative it is just that it is made specifically from rugs.

Rugs can be quite expensive depending on the thickness and texture but one can also use the old ones to keep yourself from purchasing a new one. 

Pros	Cons
Very easy to install.	Can be expensive.
Comes in different cushion piles, colors, and designs.	Can be tricky to fit in the bed frame.
Versatile.

12. Integrating a Canopy around your bed

This alternative is one of the most unique ideas. It does not have anything to do with your bed springs and mattress. Putting a canopy from the ceiling down to the floor around your beds is probably the most unique type of hiding things put under your bed. 

Another upside to this one is that it does not require a lot of effort thinking about the design or sewing it on your bed springs but money on hand for purchasing a canopy that matches the design of your bedroom. This option adds to the cozy vibe of the room as well as in the aesthetic aspect. 

Pros	Cons
Unique and does not require fitting.	Comes in limited fabrics.
Can hide items under the bed.	Have limited designs.
Cozy vibe and highly aesthetic.	May be restrictive.
Easy to install.

13. Box Spring Cover

A box spring cover or also known as encasement, is made to protect your box spring. This alternative is considered a semi-permanent option as you do not need to replace them over a short period of time.

Just like the others, it is also capable of covering the box springs, thus, hiding things under the bed. 

Although Box Spring covers can be expensive, it is still recommended given the length of service it can provide not to mention its need of little to no need of maintenance at all. When avoiding bed skirts and looking for the best possible one, this might be included in your bucket list.

Pros	Cons
Specifically made for box springs.	Its covers can be expensive.
Affordable.	Harder to install upfront.
Comes in modern and sleek designs.	Does not hide items under the bed.
Does not require lots of maintenance.	Price increases as bed size widens.
	Limited designs, patterns, and colors.

14. Detachable Bed Skirt

This alternative is best used when you have a large or a heavy bed mattress. As the name suggests, it is detachable or can be removed anytime you want to change your bed skirts.

Most of the detachable bed skirts are elastic or stretchable so that it does not need heavy lifting of the mattress and your box springs. 

This option is opted for by many because it can be easily removed when you need to change or wash it.

Pros	Cons
Versatile for different bed fitting.	Might be expensive.
Can be detached or removed any time.	Limited designs, colors, and patterns.
Elastic; easy to install.

15. Padded material

Attaching a padded material to your bed springs can be an option when avoiding bed skirts. This one is also a decorative addition to your bed as it comes in different colors, textures and designs.

If you opt for this type of bed skirt alternative, make sure to use lightweight materials and cover it with a fabric that will make the look cozy and classy. 

Any type of fabric can serve as a cover to the padded material and if you have one at home, you may opt to use it rather than buy a new one.

Pads are affordable and are easily installed just like most of the bed skirt alternatives mentioned. However, there is no assurance or its longevity and durability, thus, the need to replace it over time. 

Pros	Cons
Comfortable and decorative.	Not long lasting.
Comes in different colors, textures, and designs.	Wears off over time and may be high maintenance.
Cozy and classy at the same time.

FAQs

Aside from the types of bed skirt alternatives, there are also other things to consider when choosing one. Hence, here are some FAQs that you should be aware of when it comes to bed skirt alternatives. 

Are bed skirts outdated?

Bed skirts have been going on for ages because of the benefit it provides for bedroom owners. Aside from being decorative, they are also beneficial for hiding items under the bed. We cannot say that they are already outdated because they are still around, although on a limited scale. The rise of easier to install bed skirt alternatives and their availability in the market make bed skirts, in a way, look outdated, nonetheless. 

What is the difference between a bed skirt and a dust ruffle?

Bed skirts and dust ruffles are basically one and the same. Both have the same function, to cover the area between the bottom edge of your mattress and the floor and are designed to cover a box spring, create a hidden storage space under the bed, and provide a barrier against dust accumulation underneath the bed. 

How do I get my bed skirt to stay up?

With proper installation, a bed skirt can stay up a long period of time when pinned, sewed, or installed properly otherwise you have to do it twice. A properly installed bed skirt means the lesser effort and maintenance you put into. Hence, it is advisable to get your bed skirts stay up. 

How long is a bed skirt?

The length depends on the size of the bed. The larger the bed, the lengthier your bed skirt should be. It is a must that your bed skirt is properly sized with your bed to make it look intact. 

Do bed skirts have to touch the floor?

Yes, bed skirts must touch the floor in order to conceal objects that are tucked under the bed. It is also much advisable if you have a bed skirt that is slightly longer than the length of your bed springs but is measured exactly on the width to avoid sagging. However, some bed skirt alternatives do not follow the usual. Some only cover the bed springs, allowing people to see items that are tucked under the beds.

Conclusion

Compact bedrooms or not, we can always benefit from bed skirts because we all have unnecessary objects to conceal under the bed. Aside from this, we always want to give our bedrooms our personal touch and one of the best ways to do this is to incorporate ruffling and other edging designs to our sheets. 

Although bed skirts have become very popular through the years, it proved not to be practical for many modern homes. In this case, the need for alternative bed skirts has become essential. The good thing is that you can choose from different types of bed skirt alternatives. With what we have covered here, you are now ready to choose the best alternative for you.