Bed skirts are back in style for 2024 – here's why I'm embracing the ruffle in my bedroom decor

Did you have the return of bed skirts on your 2024 bingo card? No, me neither. But somehow I've fallen for the flirty, frilly, and fanciful bed ruffle in a big way – and interior designers are on board, too.

Bed skirts, also referred to as valance sheets, were once looked upon as an old-school bedroom idea that made your home look instantly dated. But kitschy skirts have seen a big rise in popularity of late, and we're all embracing the trend with skirted furniture, cafe curtains, and even ruffled pillows and accessories. So it seems only right to give our bedrooms the same treatment.

Synonymous with Grandmillennial decor and maximalist interior design styles, 2024's version of the bed skirt looks to incorporate the whimsy and warmth of your grandparents' homes in a more modern way. With this in mind, I've decided to embrace the ruffle in my bedroom. Here's why I think they should be here to stay.

Are Bed Skirts Back On Trend?

I recently visited 2024's interior design showcase Wow!House in London and was delighted to discover skirts galore. Three of the bedrooms designed by renowned interior designers featured bed skirts - from peacock blue ruffles to more tailored and patterned-adorned iterations, and there was plenty of skirted furniture and sink skirts to behold too.

And it got me thinking, this is really a trend with longevity.

Grandmillennial style, characterized by a blend of classic design elements and contemporary touches, finds a natural ally in the bed skirt. It evokes the nostalgic feel of a bygone era while maintaining a modern sensibility.

This style is all about mixing and matching vintage finds with contemporary pieces to create a space that feels lived-in and well-loved. Bed skirts play a crucial role in achieving this look as they pair beautifully with canopy beds, vintage quilts, floral headboards, and antique furniture.

Whether adorned with ruffles, pleats, or lace, enthusiasts of the granny chic style can effortlessly blend old and new with the right bed skirt, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and inviting.

'I've definitely seen a bit of resurgence in bed skirts alongside the rise in Cottagecore and Grandmillennial design aesthetics,' notes interior designer Kathy Kuo.

'Though they're not for everyone, they're a relatively low-stakes way to add a hint of whimsy and ruffle to a bedroom to complete your English cottage vision, or to add a pop of pattern or unexpected color to achieve that maximalist Grandmillennial look.'

Now with all of that said, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is a trend reserved for the most maximalist, overtly floral interior design styles. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

The versatility of the modern bed skirt allows them to complement various design styles, from traditional to modern and eclectic.

There are options out there from ruffled to pleated, breezy linens and tailored bed skirts, and there's no denying that they can instantly elevate your bedroom's aesthetic. While your bedroom may absolutely fall into the lace-trimmed, super floral category, I'm leaning towards more loose and relaxed linen styles. Maybe a stripe here or there.

'I love bed skirts, or as my grandmother would say: "dust ruffles," for a couple of reasons,' says Will Hunt Lewis of Hunt & Bloom. 'First, I think they are a nice way to tie another fabric into the bedroom scheme. They are also a great way to create storage since you aren't able to see underneath the bed with a skirt! I am super traditional and tend to lean towards a granny chic vibe, so I don't think bed skirts ever went out of style.'

'For a more streamlined or crisp look, I use a box pleat or reverse box pleat style,' he suggests. 'But I also love a ruffled skirt for a more feminine vibe. I swoon over a great Chintz bedding ensemble with a coordinating skirt. Granny? Yes perhaps, but that's me!'

They're practical, too. A well-chosen bed skirt can instantly transform a plain and boring bedframe or unsightly under-bed storage into a charming focal point of the bedroom, tying together various elements of the room's decor while adding a layer of print and texture to the room. It's a subtle, retro touch that you can approach with caution or lean right in with print, pattern, and playfulness.

And since they fit most beds, it's a really easy furniture upgrade to achieve. Similar to a slipcover (or bed skirt), simply drape it over the frame of your bed and layer the mattress back on top to create an entirely new look.

So, are bed skirts really back on trend for 2024? It depends on your style!

There are many design styles of bed skirts available, from floral to striped, tailored and sleek to loose linens; so there really is a modern bed skirt to suit every bedroom. They add whimsy, texture and print and can be very practical for hiding an old bed frame to refresh your bedroom decor in an instant. Which certainly has me sold.

So, whether you're redecorating or simply looking to refresh your bedroom, consider adding a bed skirt. It might just be the finishing touch you've been looking for.