How to Pick the Perfect 12 Inch Drop for Your Bedskirts

A bedskirt is an important decorative element that completes the look of a beautifully made bed. Also known as a dust ruffle or valance, bedskirts conceal the space between the mattress and floor to create a polished, assembled appearance. While bedskirts come in a range of drop lengths, 12 inches is often the ideal choice for both style and functionality.

You'll learn why this length is just right for most beds, get matching and shopping tips, and discover how to care for your new 12 inch bedskirt.

Understanding Bedskirt Drops

The drop of a bedskirt refers to the distance between the top edge that fits snugly under the mattress down to the lower hem that flows nearer to the floor. Typical bedskirt drops include:

• 6 inches - quite short
• 9 inches - moderately short
• 12 inches - medium drop
• 15 inches - long drop

Choosing the right drop length depends on your mattress height, bed frame style, and personal preference for a longer or shorter look. Many modern mattresses are 12-16 inches thick. For these, a 12 inch bedskirt provides enough fabric to nicely drape between the mattress and floor without appearing too skimpy or excessive.

Benefits of 12 Inch Drops

A 12 inch drop length for bedskirts offers many advantages:

• Allows comforters, duvets, and bed spreads to cascade attractively over the sides.
• Conceals more of the box spring and bed frame from view for a neat appearance.
• Provides a balanced, tailored look that isn't too short or overly long and prone to wrinkling.

Drawbacks of Other Popular Drops

While 6, 9, and 15 inches are all common bedskirt drop lengths, they each have some potential drawbacks:

• 6 inch bedskirts don't provide enough fabric to cover the box spring on most modern, thicker mattresses.
• 9 inch drops can look a bit skimpy and show too much of the under-bed space.
• 15 inch bedskirts tend to wrinkle and bunch more easily since there is excess fabric.

This makes 12 inches a great middle ground drop length for many bedrooms and mattress sets.

When a 12 Inch Bedskirt is Ideal

Here are some of the most common situations where choosing a 12 inch drop for your bedskirt makes perfect sense:

• Mattress heights from 8-16 inches - This range encompasses the majority of current mattress depths, from low-profile models up to ultra plush pillowtops. A 12 inch bedskirt drop fits beautifully with almost any mattress height within this standard range.
• Use with modern platform beds - Platform beds with straight, clean lines and blocky shapes look best with bedskirts having a tailored, medium length drop. The 12 inch length complements these bed frames perfectly.
• Pairing with a thick comforter or duvet - For a cozy bedroom look with an oversized down comforter or fluffy duvet, a 12 inch bedskirt provides the right amount of fabric to allow the bedding to cascade luxuriously over the sides of the mattress without dragging on the floor.
• Desire a clean, polished bedskirt appearance - Some people simply prefer how a medium 12 inch drop looks on their beds compared to longer and more casual styles. The 12 inch length creates a tidy, upscale look.
• In guest rooms or rentals - Since the mattress size is often unknown in spare rooms and rental properties, a 12 inch drop with its broad appeal to a range mattress sets is a versatile choice.

Matching 12 Inch Bedskirts to Your Bed Frame

When selecting a 12 inch bedskirt, you'll want to choose a style that complements your existing bed frame. Considerations include:

• Solid colors or patterns - Printed bedskirts with geometric, floral, or abstract designs make the 12 inch drop appear even longer. Solid neutrals help elongate lower profile bed frames.
• Fitted style or pleated - Fitted bedskirts provide a smoother, tailored look. Pleated styles are softer and work with more ornate frames.
• Color and pattern - Try to coordinate the bedskirt's shade and design with your current headboard, footboard, and other bedroom decor.
• Tailored look for platform beds - Solid colors in smooth, sleek fabrics best match the straight lines of platform frames.
• Soft look for four poster beds - Flouncy pleated bedskirts complement curvier four poster beds with drapes.

Take measurements and shop for a bedskirt that aligns with your current decor for a pulled-together bedroom aesthetic.

Shopping for 12 Inch Drop Bedskirts

When shopping for a 12 inch bedskirt, keep these tips in mind:

• Measure your current bedskirt drop or mattress height - This ensures you select the correct new bedskirt size. Measure from the top of the mattress to the bedskirt hem touching the floor.
• Check dimensions carefully when ordering online - Listing can sometimes mislabel the drop size. Review all product dimensions before purchase.
• Select desired fabric - Bedskirts come in cotton, linen, polyester, microfiber, and more. Choose one that matches your decor style and needs.
• Purchase wide width sizes for pillowtops - If you have an extra thick mattress, size up to a "wide width" bedskirt designed to accommodate deeper mattresses.
• Install bedskirt last when making bed - Put on fitted sheet, mattress pad, and comforter first. Add the bedskirt around the foot of the bed last.

Caring for 12 Inch Bedskirts

Protect your investment in a quality 12 inch bedskirt by properly caring for it:

• Check fabric content and washing instructions. Many are machine washable but may require cool water delicate cycles.
• For pleated bedskirts, reshape and realign pleats after washing. Air dry or tumble dry low heat.
• Touch up any wrinkles with steaming or ironing on low heat as needed between washes.
• Spot clean stains immediately with mild dish soap and cool water applied to a clean rag.
• Freshen bedskirts between full launderings with carpet or upholstery sprays designed for linens.

With their medium 12 inch drop, versatile styling, and broad range of sizes, it's easy to see why 12 inch bedskirts are a popular choice. This drop length drapes beautifully on modern beds, especially with platform frames between 8 to 16 inches high. The tailored 12 inch length creates a polished made bed look. With some measuring and coordination, you can find the perfect 12 inch bedskirt to match your existing bedroom decor and bedding.

We hope these tips for buying, decorating with, and caring for 12 inch drop bedskirts have helped you discover the ideal length for your bedroom. A well-fitting bedskirt with the right draping drop is the crowning touch to a welcoming and stylish sleep space.