Expert Guide: Perfectly Measure for Your Bed Skirt: Step-by-Step

Tyler Jul 20, 2026
How To Measure The Drop For A Bed Skirt – Storables
How To Measure The Drop For A Bed Skirt – Storables

Measuring for a bed skirt can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the process. However, with the right tools and a clear understanding of the steps involved, you can ensure a proper fit and a professional-looking finish.

How To Measure The Drop For A Bed Skirt – Storables
How To Measure The Drop For A Bed Skirt – Storables

Before you start measuring, it's essential to understand the purpose of a bed skirt. A bed skirt is a decorative piece of fabric that covers the space between the mattress and the floor, hiding any unsightly gaps or dust bunnies that may accumulate beneath the bed.

How to Make a DIY Bed Skirt (Ideas for Sleep Number Frame)
How to Make a DIY Bed Skirt (Ideas for Sleep Number Frame)

Measuring the Bed

Measuring the bed is the first step in determining the correct size of the bed skirt. To do this, you'll need to measure the length and width of the bed, taking into account any obstructions such as the bed frame or any decorative features.

How to Use a Bed Skirt: Styles, Sizes, and Setup Tips
How to Use a Bed Skirt: Styles, Sizes, and Setup Tips

Start by measuring the length of the bed, from the headboard to the footboard. This will give you the overall length of the bed skirt. Next, measure the width of the bed, from one side of the bed frame to the other. This will give you the overall width of the bed skirt.

Accounting for Obstructions

A Guide to Bed Skirt Height and Bed Skirt Length + Tips
A Guide to Bed Skirt Height and Bed Skirt Length + Tips

When measuring the bed, it's essential to account for any obstructions such as the bed frame or any decorative features. These can affect the overall length and width of the bed skirt, so make sure to take them into consideration when measuring.

For example, if your bed has a decorative headboard or footboard, you'll need to measure around these features to ensure a proper fit. You can use a tape measure to measure around these features, or you can use a measuring tape with a flexible head to get an accurate reading.

Considering the Mattress Size

JRL Interiors — How to choose a bed skirt
JRL Interiors — How to choose a bed skirt

When measuring the bed, it's also essential to consider the size of the mattress. A standard twin bed, for example, has a mattress size of 39 inches by 75 inches. However, if you have a larger or smaller mattress, you'll need to adjust the measurements accordingly.

Take into account the thickness of the mattress, as well as any additional features such as a box spring or a bed frame with storage drawers. These can affect the overall length and width of the bed skirt, so make sure to measure carefully to ensure a proper fit.

Measuring the Bed Skirt

Quick-and-Easy Bed Skirt
Quick-and-Easy Bed Skirt

Once you have the measurements of the bed, it's time to measure the bed skirt. To do this, you'll need to measure the length and width of the bed skirt, taking into account any obstructions such as the bed frame or any decorative features.

Start by measuring the length of the bed skirt, from the top of the bed skirt to the bottom. This will give you the overall length of the bed skirt. Next, measure the width of the bed skirt, from one side of the bed skirt to the other. This will give you the overall width of the bed skirt.

Come Realizzare una Mantovana per Giroletto - wikiHow
Come Realizzare una Mantovana per Giroletto - wikiHow
How To: Make a Bed Skirt
How To: Make a Bed Skirt
Crochet Bed Skirts | Foter
Crochet Bed Skirts | Foter
How to Keep a Bed Skirt in Place - 6 Strategies & Tricks
How to Keep a Bed Skirt in Place - 6 Strategies & Tricks
How to Make a DIY Bed Skirt (No-Sew Project) | Seamlined Living
How to Make a DIY Bed Skirt (No-Sew Project) | Seamlined Living
how to make the easyest box pleated bed skirt with instructions for beginners
how to make the easyest box pleated bed skirt with instructions for beginners
Come Realizzare una Mantovana per Giroletto - wikiHow
Come Realizzare una Mantovana per Giroletto - wikiHow
instructions on how to make a bed skirt
instructions on how to make a bed skirt
What is a Platform Bed Skirt?
What is a Platform Bed Skirt?

Choosing the Right Fabric

When measuring the bed skirt, it's also essential to choose the right fabric. The fabric you choose will depend on the style and design of your bed, as well as your personal preferences.

For example, if you have a traditional or rustic-themed bed, you may want to choose a fabric with a natural texture and a earthy color scheme. On the other hand, if you have a modern or contemporary-themed bed, you may want to choose a fabric with a sleek texture and a bold color scheme.

Adding a Hem

When measuring the bed skirt, it's also essential to add a hem. The hem is the bottom edge of the bed skirt, and it's typically 1-2 inches wide. To add a hem, you'll need to fold the fabric over twice, creating a 45-degree angle, and then sew in place.

The hem is an essential part of the bed skirt, as it helps to create a clean and finished look. It's also a great way to add some extra flair to your bed skirt, as you can choose a contrasting fabric or a decorative stitch pattern.

Measuring for a bed skirt may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a clear understanding of the steps involved, you can ensure a proper fit and a professional-looking finish. By taking the time to measure carefully and choose the right fabric, you can create a bed skirt that complements your bed and adds a touch of elegance to your bedroom.