Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Architecture, News & Trends
In the last decade, the bedskirt began to feel like it belonged only in grandma's room. Here, designers share why they're once again dressing their beds with one.A bedskirtis the unsung workhorse in the boudoir. Typically used to hide an exposed box spring, frame or to protect legs from scratches, a bedskirt can also hide the piles of lost socks, old magazines and any other unwanted items that usually linger under our beds (yes, we're talking about YOU, little dust bunnies!).
In the last decade or so, bedskirts seemed to fall out of fashion, thanks in part to the popularity of sleigh beds, upholstered beds and other types of platform beds that don't need the coverage down below. But with everyone needing a cozy bed to retreat to these days, designers seem to be responding by dressing up every aspect of the bed, even the bedskirt.
Serena Dugan, co-founder and designer at Serena & Lily says that she thinks of the bedskirt as an extension of the headboard. "We love the idea of coordinating the bottom of the bed with an upholstered headboard. By bringing some fabric around the perimeter of the bed, you have a low-impact, surprising way to present a design or color that complements other elements."
Dugan says that layering is a popular concept in bedding right now. She predicts we'll see more blankets and decorative pieces, even a return to more tightly made beds. "Adding a bedskirt or a duvet folded at the foot of a bed is a fun way to change this up. You can introduce new colors and test drive new patterns. Everyone's always looking for a way to freshen up and using layers is definitely a way to do it."
Pine Cone Hill is another wonderful source of inspiration when it comes to layering. The company is known for its bold, bright prints, patterns and lots and lots of color. Here, they're showing how to have fun with its striped Dawson bedskirt by pairing it up with quilts and bedding in various prints; somehow it all coordinates back to one another.
Another one of our favorite looks is a two-tone bedskirt. As you can see, a clean, tailored look doesn't necessarily mean all white. Instead, the two-tone bedskirt adds a bit of unexpected color to the bottom -- and helps conceal dust a bit more than, say, an all-white one would. "It's a nice way to ground the bed," says Dugan.
Dwell Studio is fond of a tailored, clean look when it comes to beds. According to the team there, modern bedskirts seem to be much more structured, simple and box-shaped rather than ornate or frilly. They prefer bedskirts to "disappear" -- and not steal the attention from the rest of the linens. Their selection of textured, matelasse bedskirts add a little extra something to look at and feel.
For those who appreciate a little frill, a bedskirt is the perfect item to indulge your feminine side. We love Pine Cone Hill's Flamenco Pink bedskirt. Talk about girly! This bedskirt is packed with personality and those pink hues would punch up even the simplest bedding set. For a softer look, we're loving these scallop and embroidered options from Serena & Lily. "Sometimes a little detail such as a scallop edge is just a nice consideration paid to what can otherwise be an afterthought," says Dugan.
Finally, we know bedskirts can be an added expense so why not make one yourself? Back in 1994 our favorite homemaker, Martha Stewart recommended transforming a piece of fabric or tablecloth into a bed skirt with a few simple folds and a hem. We love this idea, as it saves you money and lets you get a little creative. Mixing in an outrageous print with your solid bedding or vice-versa can really take your bed to a whole new level of fabulous.
Looking for more fresh bedding ideas for 2011? Check out these stories:
Kate Spade Jumps Into Bedding
Bedroom Makeover: Make it Tasteful and Sexy (video)
Patterned Bedding: Making it Work
Add a wallcovering to your bedroom -- and spice up your room!