9 Modern Bed Skirt Alternative That Actually Look Good

Ruth Taylor

Written By, Ruth Taylor

Updated on 15 Sept., 2026

8 min read

Bed Skirt Alternative
AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

Table of Content

    Table of Content

      Bed skirts are a very old concept. But with the rise in the minimalist bedroom trend, many people have started to let go of the traditional bed skirts. But if you have a box spring, a utilitarian bed frame, or have things stored under your bed, then you may need something to conceal them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available that you can use instead of bed skirts.

      This blog discusses 9 alternatives for bed skirts so that you can get rid of the traditional bed skirt and keep your bedroom modern and minimalist.

      What Are Bed Skirts?

      Bed skirts, often referred to as dust ruffles, were originally used to shield the area beneath the bed from accumulating dust and dirt. However, apart from this, the bed skirts serve as an aesthetic element by covering the gap between the bed frame and the floor. Thus making the room tidier and more appealing. It also conceals the side of the bed and the storage inside it, which helps you make proper use of the available space. When coordinated with the bedding ensemble, a bed skirt increases the beauty of the space and creates a look that complements the style of your bedroom.

      9 Bed Skirts Alternatives You Shouldn’t Miss

      There are several alternatives of bed skirts that'll keep your box spring hidden while enhancing the beauty of your bedroom - each bed skirt alternative offers a clean, practical look.

      Use a Fabric Bed

       A Single, Decorative Lumbar Pillow
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Instead of using a bed skirt to hide the box spring, you can always use a fabric bed. There are several colors and styles available to choose from, and the upholstered sides can conceal the area where the box spring sits, depending on the aesthetic of your room. Fabric beds also add coziness and warmth as a bedroom design component.

      DIY Chic Fringe Skirt

      A Luxurious Antique Wrought Iron Bed
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Not all bed skirts are old, plain, and boring. There are some really beautiful options you can choose from. If you want to add some texture and glimmer to your bedroom, you can DIY something, such as a fringe skirt, or sew one yourself for a more customized look. This will add a boho touch to your traditional space. For a softer, vintage-inspired aesthetic, you can also take inspiration from cottage core house ideas, particularly through layered fabrics, natural textures, and warm decorative accents.

      Exposed Bed Frame

      Consider Leaving the Bed Frame Exposed
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Consider leaving the bed frame exposed, as long as you have no stuff under your bed. So, keep it clean and tidy, and it'll look gorgeous without any bed skirts. However, it is advisable to proceed with caution, as this style won't suit a metal bed frame with wheels, and if the frame itself looks polished, you can skip a traditional bedskirt for a cleaner, more minimalist look. It will need something to hide the wheels.

      Bed Wrap

       A Bed Wrap
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      A bed wrap is basically a simpler version of a traditional skirt that wraps the bed base. It works as a fitted sheet-style solution around the base or box spring, giving it a clean and upholstered look. These wraps are available in several hues, such as rice paper or smokey quartz, which allows you to complement them to your room's decor. It can also act like a box spring cover for a cleaner finish.

      Large Comforter

       Large Comforter Bed
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Consider adding an oversized comfortable bedspread that pools over the floor. Some people opt to size up, such as using a queen comforter on a twin bed for extra drape. It makes your bed extra comfortable and conceals the bed box spring underneath. Also, if you pull the bedspread or a comforter a little lower on the bed and arrange pillows to hide the uncovered top section, purchase a larger size if you want fuller coverage and more length. If you're also adding a rug beneath the bed, choosing the right rug size for queen bed can help create a balanced and cohesive bedroom layout.

      DIY Floating Bed Frame

      DIY Floating Bed In Frame
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Floating beds are made to create a modern platform look that creates the illusion of the bed floating above the ground while cleanly hiding the box spring. As these beds might come costly, you can always DIY them at your home. Building a floating bed offers you the advantage of customizing the dimensions, selecting materials, and incorporating various elements that suit your preference and style, though prices can vary depending on the materials you choose.

      Bench in Front of the Bed

      Bench in Front of the Bed
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      So, even after choosing a large comforter, if you're worried that it won't completely cover the spring under the bed, consider placing a bench at the foot of the bed. This is also a practical choice, as you'll have somewhere to sit or set out your clothes. The best part is, if you select a bench with a storage option, you can store away your off-season items, accessories, extra sheets, etc., which helps if the comforter does not completely cover them.

      Add Storage

      The Bed Is Equipped With Storage Drawers
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Add wooden crates, colorful boxes, and wire baskets under your bed, or install under-bed drawers, crates, or baskets depending on the frame to store things. These storage pieces can beautifully hide a bed frame while organizing your stuff. This way, you'll have a space to store your things without overwhelming the inside of the bed.

      Incorporate a Canopy

      Incorporate A Canopy Bed
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Including a canopy adds a dreamy touch to the bedroom and is an efficient way to draw the eye upward while disguising the area under the bed. This was mainly opted by the Dutch homeowners, who hung an ethereal canopy from the ceiling in their bedroom. It draped the bed, in addition to hiding the area under the bed. Since a canopy naturally draws the eye upward, pairing it with interesting ceiling texture designs can further enhance the visual appeal of the bedroom.

      Mattress on the Floor

       A Mattress On The Floor
      AI Generated Image: Southern Reside

      Floor beds are increasingly popular, and many people love purchasing Japanese floor mattresses. If you decide to remove the frame entirely, this is the simplest minimalist route, especially if you don't plan to use the underneath area as storage. But, using a mattress on the floor removes the requirement of a box spring and bed skirt as well, so you can skip both completely. Also, it'll make your room more spacious and open. You can also decorate the area a bit, and it is a minimalist approach to making your bedroom cozy and beautiful.

      Conclusion

      Not everyone likes bed skirts, mostly because it is out of tradition and makes your room look fuller. As homeowners approach minimalism, they are opting for alternatives to bed skirts, such as floor mattresses and canopies, just as they may consider an alternative to vertical blinds when updating other parts of the home. Small design changes can make a noticeable difference throughout the home, whether you’re refreshing a bedroom or adding character to a plain house exterior.

      Ruth Taylor
      Written By

      Ruth Taylor

      Ruth Taylor is an expert in decor, interior design, furniture, and home accessories, based in Berkeley, California. With a Master of Fine Arts from the California College of the Arts, she brings a sophisticated and artistic perspective to her writing. Ruth's work reflects a deep understanding of design principles and a keen eye for aesthetic detail, making her insights both inspiring and practical. As a contributor to Southern Reside, Ruth Taylor transforms complex topics into accessible, easy-to-understand resources for readers.
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