Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens and linens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map.
Typically placed atop a box spring or bed frame, their frilly folds help to keep dust bunnies from piling up under the bed, but fell out of favor in recent decades as minimal, barebones bed setups took over. Recent data suggests that an unlikely comeback is underway, though: Piglet In Bed, the much-beloved English purveyor of sustainable linen bedding, reports that “valance” is their site’s fifth most-searched term, with a 734% spike in searches since December.
Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the charms of a bed skirt are many. Practically speaking for those who appreciate under-bed storage, a valance also keeps clutter conveniently hidden. Plus, depending on the rest of the bedroom decor—whether pared-back and minimal, say, or ruffled and romantic—the extra pattern and texture can add everything from hotel-like polish to countryside coziness to the mix.
Ready to get reacquainted? Below, we’ve found 13 high-quality options that harness the bed skirt’s nostalgic allure, with enough modern appeal to plant it firmly in the present day.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bed Skirts:
Editor’s Note: All prices listed reflect the queen size version of each bed skirt.
Crisp, clean, and classic for any kind of bedroom setup, this 100% cotton option from Annie Selke features split corners, ornamental stitching, and a generous 18-inch drop. (For those interested in completing the look, the Classic Hemstitch collection includes pillowcases, shams, a duvet cover, and sheet set.)
Treat your space to a cottagecore makeover with Piglet in Bed’s signature gingham—a look that’s a brand bestseller for a reason. Made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials, this cotton and linen bedding has it all: style, sustainability, and ease (it’s machine washable, and looks even better when a little rumpled).
This pleated bed skirt, available in a choice of two soft neutrals, pairs a luxurious, hotel-caliber look with the low-maintenance appeal of exceptionally soft linen. (A decidedly grown-up option, it’s made in just king and queen sizes.)
Channel childhood nostalgia with this 100% cotton bed skirt, featuring a rosy stripe that’s sweet but not saccharine. (For more vintage-inspired goodness, GreenRow’s crocheted option offers the same traditional feel as eyelet, but with a 1960s bohemian flair.)
Dreamy details are at the center of this classic, coastal-influenced design. Eyelet embellishments and a sweetly scalloped edge lend some youthful energy to the already airy cotton percale construction.
Covering an impressive range of dimensions (twin to Cal King size, each with a choice of a 14- or 18-inch drop), this 100% cotton matelassé option has split corners, a cotton percale platform, and can be paired with the brand’s matching matelassé box spring cover.
Light, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barn’s voile bed skirt could easily skew frilly—but bright-white cotton and sleek, elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss.
A pitch-perfect center pleat sets this three-panel bed skirt apart. Its look is somehow both easy-breezy and neat-as-a-pin—the former thanks to its 100% linen construction; the latter due to its menswear-inspired design.
This lightweight, 100% cotton percale bed skirt blends tailored sophistication with a sense of childlike play. In addition to white, it’s available in four nautical shades (we’re partial to red-hot Lobster and cool French Blue); plus, each sale supports efforts to rid the ocean of toxic plastics and pollution.
The bedding equivalent of a perfectly lived-in button-up shirt, this handmade design features fade-resistant, 350 thread-count cotton in a warm, earthy pinstripe. (Other notable bed skirts from the family-owned brand include delicate eyelets and prairie-inspired pintucks.)
For pattern lovers: a botanically-themed cotton percale bed skirt with kick pleat and split corners. Add a coordinating duvet cover to bring decadent, old-world energy to even the most modern and minimal of bedrooms.
Available in twin to king size, this block printed, organic cotton coverlet achieves the cozy, layered look of a bed skirt without the effort required to put on a traditional valance. (What’s more, the style is interior designer approved, with multiple variations sold at Nickey Kehoe.)
The epitome of luxury, this Italian-made bed skirt is crafted from lustrous sateen and features an adjustable drop length to accommodate beds of various heights. (Mix and match with a Giotto flat and fitted sheet, shams, duvet cover, and more.)
