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LA Good Questions: Modern way to cover the box-spring and bed frame?

022508bedskirt.jpgAlice has a question about bedskirts, covering the box-spring and bed frame:

Hi AT! I just bought my first queen bed: mattress, box-spring, and standard metal bed frame. I was wondering that the standard was for bed dressing basics. Is a bedskirt the only option for covering the box-spring and bed frame? I haven't been able to find non-"skirt-y" skirts. Also, I see a box-spring cover selling online at West Elm. Will these cover the bed frame too? What do you guys usually do with your bed?

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Hi Alice, we think the box-spring cover at West Elm is a great option if you don't want to have anything covering the bottom of your bed. Unfortunately for us, we need the storage space underneath, so a bedskirt is necessary in our bedroom. We've found a very flat, clean lined bedskirt that was not ruffle-y or gathered and just has a few simple flat box pleats via Macy's hotel collection. What do you AT readers do? Do you use a bedskirt? Anyone found any other modern bedskirt options? Or have you guys used other solutions? Share in the comments!

Image from Macys.

Related link:
AT:Chicago - modern bedskirts?

Comments (15)

I cover my boxspring in a fitted sheet that matches the color of my upholstered headboard. It doesn't give any coverage for under bed storage, but it does give the bed a clean contemporary look.

You might want to consider going the extra step of having an upholsterer make a fitted sheet style slipcover out of nice upholstery material

posted by RichardinLA on 2008-02-25 16:37:20
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I also have a queen mattress box spring on a metal frame and, for now, I just put a white fitted sheet over the box spring and otherwise dress the bed as I normally would. The metal frame shows, but it's black and doesn't really draw attention. I looked into bed skirts but didn't find any I liked/worked with my furniture.

posted by arza on 2008-02-25 17:00:44
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http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=c3cf2e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=bed%20skirt&rsc=header_5


Here is a picture like arza is talking about. It gives a lot of flexibility and design choices.

posted by manda on 2008-02-25 17:09:28
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I never thought of doing that with the fabric...I wish I had. I just bought a plain straight white one, but it's not yet on my bed. Of course, buying that much fabric could be expensive compared to what I spent on the skirt ($30 or so).

posted by Christine (the one in DC) on 2008-02-25 17:40:58
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I have a box spring and metal frame with bed risers to make more room for underbed storage. I have been trying to find an extra long bedskirt to cover the extra height made by the bed risers. I tried to find a bed skirt a size bigger than my bed, but I can't find a skirt that it uniform in color (it is usually white fabric underneath the mattress). Any suggestions?

posted by nyc4444 on 2008-02-25 18:01:39
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nyc444 try Garnet Hiil or Pottery Barn. Both sell bedskirts in longer lengths. Garnet Hill has two bedskirts that have 21" drop lengths: the Cotton Hemstitched Bedskirt
& Tailored Cotton Bedskirt. Hope this helps!

posted by ECdn on 2008-02-25 20:17:36
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I recently stayed at a lovely boutique hotel that had a really great vinyl bed skirt. it was basically just 4 panels sewn to a rectangle the size of the bed. Very clean, very simple, very beautiful.

posted by wendy-rae on 2008-02-25 21:44:46
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nyc444- i also have risers and needed a longer bedskirt. i found mine at bed bath and beyond and it was available in longer length "drops" than the standard 15". Mine is a tailored off-white with box pleats and is really clean and simple.

posted by rachel leigh on 2008-02-25 23:12:41
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I got a platform bed, but still wanted to use my box spring, so I got a fabric cover that wraps around the box spring and is held together by strong velcro....

http://www.thecompanystore.com/parent/Basics Bedskirts/3504/GE94X/

posted by RER on 2008-02-25 23:17:54
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I chose a white material from a fabric store and wrapped it around the edge of the bed, tucking about one third of the material between the mattress and the box spring. Material usually comes with a finished side so I put that side closest to the floor. This looks really clean and everyone always asks me where I got such a long bed skirt as I have the risers also.

I measured the three sides of the bed (length x 2 width) and added about 10 inches for the top of the bed against the wall.

I hope this makes sense. I can take a picture if you want.

posted by JessG on 2008-02-26 00:30:02
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i use a flat sheet- charcoal grey colored - originally i did this because i couldnt find a California King size bedskirt that was inexpensive, turns out it look's really great.

posted by sanriofreak on 2008-02-26 05:03:14
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I have the same set up as JessG, though I pin the fabric to the top of the box spring.

posted by Mella DP on 2008-02-26 09:12:15
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nyc444--if you need longer than the 21" or 22" that many skirts are available in, or if you want something different than white/beige (I find most of the longer ones, that's all that's available) you could try adding a few inches of fabric--either from a sheet that matches your bedding or some other pattern or color you like. Depending on the length, a wide ribbon could also work to make up the difference. You don't even have to sew it--you could use fusible interfacing (like heat bond or stitch witchery) and iron it on.

posted by Christine (the one in DC) on 2008-02-26 10:23:25
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My bed is on risers, too. I purchased a 21" white bedskirt from Linensource.

posted by chavtwo on 2008-02-26 10:26:11
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I recently bought a VERY high (21 inches) antique bed that has rendered my box-spring obsolete. Because I use that under-the-bed space for storage, I'm working on a non-skirt option to cover the crap under the bed without covering up the mahogany rails etc. My mom made panels that I will attach to the underside of the bed with velcro, giving me the best of both worlds.

posted by CQ in DC on 2008-02-26 12:24:39
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