How to Put on a Bed Skirt

A bed skirt creates a streamlined look from mattress to floor, disguising the box spring and hiding any under-bed storage. Once you’ve chosen a bed skirt, follow these easy steps for putting it on the bed—and explore our top tips for how to keep your bed skirt from slipping or bunching.

Where Does a Bed Skirt Go?

A bed skirt tucks between the mattress and box spring, or beneath the mattress on a platform-style bed without a box spring. There are a few ways to put on a bed skirt, depending on what type of bed or bed frame you have and what style of bed skirt you choose.

Putting On a Traditional Bed Skirt

A traditional bed skirt is designed like an oversized flat sheet, with the decorative, visible part sewn to the sides and bottom of a plain length of fabric.

The easiest way to install this type of bed skirt is to:

1. Remove the mattress and set it aside.

2. Unfold and center the bed skirt on the box spring or bed frame, smoothing out any wrinkles.

3. Tack the bed skirt in place using upholstery pins, if necessary.

4. Replace the mattress and adjust the skirt so it drapes evenly.

5. If using a split corner bed skirt on a bed with a footboard, arrange the corner slits around the bedposts and adjust.

You can also install a bed skirt without removing the mattress: starting at the foot of the bed, slide the top edge of the bed skirt beneath the mattress. Gradually pull the bed skirt up toward the headboard, alternating sides of the mattress to keep it even. After reaching the headboard, adjust the drape all around the bed for an even length and consistent pleats, tucks, or ruffles.

Attaching a Wrap-Around Bed Skirt

Also called a panel bed skirt, a wrap-around style comes as one long piece or three separate sections aligned, tucked beneath the mattress, and attached to the box spring with special pins.

To attach it:

• Identify the two long side panels and the one short end panel.

• Slide the top edges of the side panels beneath the mattress and pin in place, leaving your desired drape.

• Insert and pin the final panel at the foot of the bed, tucking and folding panel edges to create neat creases.

Wrap-around can also refer to a one-piece, elastic-edged bed skirt that slips over the box spring like a skirt and may need pins to prevent slipping.

Using a Detachable Bed Skirt

Designed for easy swapping, a detachable bed skirt fastens to the box spring via hook-and-loop strips. Many come with a fitted base that slides over the box spring, with corresponding hook-and-loop strips on the skirt panels for simple fastening.

To put on a detachable bed skirt:

1. Remove the mattress and slide the fitted bed skirt base over the box spring.

2. Replace the mattress on top of the box spring.

3. Starting with the long edges, line up the fasteners on the detachable panels along the hook-and-loop edge of the base.

4. Attach the shorter panel at the foot of the bed, tucking and adjusting side panels for a flush finish.

When changing bedding, simply remove the skirt panels and leave the base in place.

How to Keep a Bed Skirt in Place

If your bed skirt slips, increase traction by placing a fitted sheet or box spring protector underneath it. You can also use non-slip pads or felt furniture pads at the corners and edges of the box spring for extra grip. As a last resort, tack the bed skirt to the box spring using upholstery pins.

Put on a bed skirt following these easy steps, then step back to admire how polished your space looks. It’s a simple solution for a streamlined appearance. For more bedding tips and tricks, explore our other Guides.