The Complete Guide to Stylish 18 Inch Drop Queen Bed Skirts

Bed skirts are a quick and easy way to add an extra touch of style to your bedroom. For queen size beds, one of the most popular drop lengths for bed skirts is 18 inches. This length beautifully conceals the space under your bed while complementing the rest of your bedding.

You'll learn about different fabrics, measuring for the right fit, decorating tips, and where to find the best selection of 18 inch queen bed skirts to transform the look of your bedroom.

Choosing the Right Size 18 Inch Queen Bed Skirt

The first step in choosing a bed skirt is making sure you get the right drop length for your mattress height. Here's how to find an 18 inch drop bed skirt for a queen bed:

• Measure from the top of your mattress to the floor. For most queen beds, this distance is around 18 inches.
• Look for a bed skirt specifically labeled as "18 inch drop." The drop refers to the length from the top of the mattress to the bottom hem of the skirt.
• An 18 inch drop means the bed skirt will just lightly brush the floor, concealing the bed frame and under-bed space.

If your mattress height is significantly more or less than 18 inches, you may need a longer or shorter drop length to get the right fit. Skirt drops typically range from 14 to 21 inches for queen beds.

Matching Bed Skirt Drop to Mattress Height

To ensure your new bed skirt doesn't bunch up underneath or leave gaps at the top, match the skirt drop to your exact mattress height as closely as possible.

For standard mattress heights on queen beds, we recommend:

• 14-16 inch drop for 14-16 inch mattresses
• 18 inch drop for 17-19 inch mattresses
• 21 inch drop for 20-22 inch mattresses

Split corner bed skirts with adjustable length drops provide even more flexibility for getting a tailored fit.

Finding 18 Inch Drop Queen Size Bed Skirts

The most common places to shop for 18 inch drop queen bed skirts include:

• Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and Bed Bath & Beyond
• Department stores such as Macy's and JCPenney
• Big box stores like Target and Walmart
• Home goods stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and Crate & Barrel
• Manufacturers' websites like Soho Bedding and HC Collection

Look for bed skirts designed specifically for queen size beds and with an 18 inch drop length. This tailored fit will prevent any unsightly gaps or bulges.

Material and Style Options

18 inch drop queen bed skirts come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles to match your bedroom decor. Here are some of the most common options to consider:

Fabrics

• Cotton - Breathable and soft, great for warm climates
• Linen - Lightweight fabric with natural texture
• Polyester - Wrinkle-resistant and durable
• Microfiber - Luxuriously soft with a suede-like finish
• Satin - Smooth and shiny for an elegant look

Styles

• Ruffled - Romantic gathered tiers on the hem
• Tiered - Two or three subtle tiers
• Pleated - Crisp knife pleats add structure
• Tailored - Smooth, sleek silhouette

Focus on bed skirts made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen if you live in a warm climate. Look for wrinkle-resistant polyester or microfiber if you don't want to bother with ironing.

Ruffled or tiered styles add a decorative element while tailored pleated bed skirts have a more sleek, modern look. Choose the style that best fits your bedroom's existing aesthetics.

Pros and Cons of Different Materials

Consider the care requirements, durability, and look of different bed skirt fabrics:

• Cotton: Breathable and soft but shows wrinkles easily
• Linen: Lightweight and good for hot weather but prone to wrinkling
• Polyester: Holds shape well and is wrinkle-resistant but can look less luxurious
• Microfiber: Extremely soft but delicate and prone to pilling

Blends like cotton/polyester combine the breathability of natural fibers with the wrinkle resistance of synthetics. For travel-proof bed skirts, polyester or microfiber are your best bets.

Shopping Tips for 18 Inch Queen Bed Skirts

Here are some top tips for finding quality 18 inch drop bed skirts for your queen size mattress at the best prices:

Recommended Retailers

We recommend shopping sites like Amazon, Wayfair, and Bed Bath & Beyond for the widest selection of sizes, styles, and prices. Going directly to bedding manufacturer websites can also turn up great deals.

Comparing Prices and Quality

Inexpensive bed skirts under $20 will typically be made from thinner polyester or microfiber. For thicker, higher quality fabrics like cotton and linen, expect to pay $30 to $60.

Don't just shop by price - also read reviews to gauge the quality of materials and construction. A more expensive bed skirt won't necessarily be better quality.

Finding Deals

Look for coupons and sales around major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Sign up for online stores' email lists to receive special offers and discounts.

For the biggest savings, shop out of season - for instance, look for warm weather bedding like linen in the fall and winter.

Caring for Your 18 Inch Queen Bed Skirt

Follow these tips to keep your bed skirt looking fabulous:

Washing

• Check the care label and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.
• Only wash with similar colors to avoid dye transfer.
• Use a gentle detergent and skip the fabric softener.
• For whites, add bleach alternative to help prevent yellowing.

Drying

• Lay flat or tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinking.
• Remove from dryer immediately to avoid wrinkles.
• For no-iron fabrics, tumble dry on low.

Preventing Damage

• Lift the bed skirt when moving furniture to avoid snags.
• Vacuum gently with a brush attachment to remove dust and pet hair.
• Limit exposure to direct sunlight to protect colors from fading.

Ironing and Storing

• Iron on low heat if needed to remove wrinkles and creases.
• Fold neatly and store in a breathable bag or box.
• Don't hang bed skirts for long term storage to prevent stretching.

With proper care, a high quality bed skirt should maintain its beauty for many years before needing to be replaced!

Styling Your Bedroom with an 18 Inch Queen Bed Skirt

An 18 inch drop bed skirt is the perfect length to complement a queen size mattress and complete your bedroom decor. Follow these styling tips:

Decorating Tips

• Match the skirt fabric to your bedspread for a coordinated look.
• Layer on an accent ruffle in a contrasting color or print.
• Add pom pom or tassel trims for a playful pop of texture.
• Choose a pattern like stripes or florals to complement solid color bedding.

Coordinating with Bedding

Pick out one color from your bedspread or pillows and find a bed skirt in that same shade. For example, use a navy blue skirt to match navy pillows on a floral comforter.

You can also match the overall style of your bedding - ruffled skirts pair well with ruffled shams, for instance.

Showcasing the Design

A bed skirt draws attention to the details around your bed. Play up the embroidered corners or cascading ruffles by layering sheer curtains that allow the skirt to peek through.

Use lighting beneath the bed to create an illuminated floating skirt effect and highlight the fabric's texture.

DIY Queen Bed Skirt with 18 Inch Drop

Crafty types can make their own custom 18 inch drop bed skirt for a queen bed. Here's a quick tutorial:

Measurements

• Length: twice the height of your mattress plus allowance for seams and hem (about 63" for an 18" mattress).
• Width: measure all around the sides of the mattress then add several inches seam allowance. For a standard queen mattress, cut fabric 60" wide.

Cutting Fabric

• Cut two equal length panels for the sides, using the mattress length measurement.
• Cut two equal width panels for the top and bottom, using the mattress width plus seam allowance measurement.

Sewing

• Sew the four panels together at the corners.
• Hem the bottom edge and add trim if desired.
• Insert elastic at the top edge to fit securely around the mattress.

And that's it - you'll have a tailored and stylish bed skirt in your choice of fabric for a fraction of the cost of buying one!

Common Questions and Concerns

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about queen bed skirts:

Do I Really Need a Bed Skirt?

While not mandatory, bed skirts add an extra element of polish that pulls together your entire bedroom decor. They conceal under-bed items you may not want on display in an attractive way.

Should I Get a Split Corner Bed Skirt?

Split corner bed skirts with adjustable drops on each corner are useful for beds without a footboard, adjustable beds, and mattresses of slightly uneven height. The tailored fit prevents gaps.

Will Bed Skirts Work with Adjustable Beds?

Look for extra deep split corner and split caftan bed skirts designed specifically to accommodate adjustable beds that raise up and change angles.

Best 18 Inch Drop Queen Bed Skirts

Based on quality, price, and reviews, here are our top picks for 18 inch drop bed skirts for queen beds:

Budget Pick: Utopia Bedding Bed Skirt

• Polyester with crisp pleated styling
• 16 available colors
• Fits up to 18" mattresses
• Great value under $20

Luxury Pick: HC Collection Hotel Luxury Bed Skirt

• High quality polyester satin
• Split corners and 18" drop
• Sophisticated tailored style
• Around $70 but worth it

Modern Pick: Nestl Bedding Upholstered Bed Skirt

• Linen-look polyester in grey or white
• Sturdy upholstered style
• Clean, contemporary design
• Under $50 price point

Traditional Pick: Madison Park Aubrey Bed Skirt

• Ruffled polyester with charming details
• Choose from 8 colors
• Matching accessorizes available
• Great price usually under $30

This covers a wide range of styles and budgets - we hope it helps you select the perfect 18 inch drop queen bed skirt!

An 18 inch drop length is one of the most versatile options for queen size bed skirts. This tailored length beautifully conceals under-bed space while complementing the rest of your bedding.

Look for bed skirts in soft, durable materials like cotton, linen or polyester. Styles like ruffles or pleats add decorative flair. And features like split corners provide a smoother fit.

Shop from bedding specialty retailers for the widest selection. Follow the fabric care instructions to maintain the bed skirt's appearance. And use design tricks like coordinated colors, creative lighting and layered textures to showcase this elegant accent.

You can elevate the look of your bedroom with the right bed skirt. This versatile accessory is an easy and stylish way to tie together your overall decor scheme while hiding anything you don't want on display under the bed.