Definition: So named because it keeps out some dust from collecting beneath a bed and has a ruffled, not straight, appearance, a dust ruffle is primarily used to cover the space between a bed’s box spring and the floor. A “bed skirt” serves the same purpose as a dust ruffle. Many use the two terms synonymously, while others insist that bed ruffles and bed skirts are not the same bedding accessory. For example, the website WiseGeek.com insists the two are not the same thing because they are “…constructed differently and are positioned on the bed using different means.” The dust ruffle might have a spandex band that fits around the bed or use Velcro to attach to the bed, while the bed skirt is secured by placing it underneath the mattress with its fabric falling down the sides. Another common difference between a dust ruffle and a bed skirt is that dust ruffles extend to the floor of the room while bed skirts stop about an inch away from touching the ground. Additionally, “dust ruffle” does not always refer to a bedding accessory. Dust ruffles can also be applied to chairs or tables and even sewn into petticoat and skirt hems (as they often were a century ago).
How to Measure: It is always important to measure for a dust ruffle before buying fabric to make one because although mattresses come in standard sizes (eg: twin, full, queen, king), bed frames or box springs vary in height. Keep in mind with some of the bigger mattresses (like pillow-tops and feather-bed mattresses) the height from the floor to the top of the box spring might increase. An easy solution is to measure the drop (from the top to the floor), or the height of the box spring.
A less complicated solution is to simply purchase the dust ruffle along with the other bedding. For instance, at the Artistic Sensations online store there are hundreds of bedding collections to choose from which include the option to add a dust ruffle. With the Limelight Gels Bedding Collection for example, a twin, full or queen-sized dust ruffle of the tailored or ruffled variety can be purchased in seven different variety of fabric (from “limelight swirl” to “royal blue” to “lime satin”).
“Tailored” v “Ruffled” Dust Ruffles: A tailored dust ruffle lays straight, while a ruffled one is bunched, looking more like a skirt.
For example, the Race Car Bedding Collection (right) is pictured with a tailored bed skirt, while the Flower Patch Bedding Collection (above) is pictured with a ruffled bed skirt.
To Consider: Be sure to also consider the color scheme of the room before buying a dust ruffle. Make a mental note about the color of that chair in the corner of the room, or the hue of the shutters. The room will look more professional and put together if subtle accessories like the bed’s dust ruffle and the wall’s photo frames coordinate, for instance. Additionally, and perhaps obviously, the dust ruffle should match or compliment the pillow cases and comforter on the bed. This is easiest to do if the dust ruffle is purchased from the same bedding collection as the comforter and sheets.
Visit Artistic Sensations to find themed dust ruffles for cribs, kids, and teen beds. Also check out our other bedding accessories such as duvets, throw pillows and shams.
