Put a bedskirt on by sliding it between the mattress and box spring, then smoothing the fabric so it hangs evenly to the floor.
Getting the bedskirt on without wrestling a heavy mattress is the trick most people miss. Before you start, measure the box spring and the floor-to-box-spring distance so the drop length is right. If you’re shopping for a replacement, our roundup of the best bedskirts for metal frames covers options that fit that setup.
Measure First: Box Spring and Drop Length
Measure the box spring width and length, plus the distance from the top of the box spring to the floor. That last number is your bedskirt drop.
Typical bedskirt dimensions by mattress size:
| Mattress Size | Deck Dimensions | Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39″ x 75″ | 15″ |
| Twin XL | 39″ x 80″ | 15″ |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | 15″ |
| Full XL | 54″ x 80″ | 15″ |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | 15″ |
| King | 78″ x 80″ | 15″ |
| Cal King | 72″ x 84″ | 15″ |
A mismatched size leaves the skirt uneven or too short.
Traditional Method: Lift and Center
Remove the mattress and set it aside. Center the bedskirt platform on the box spring so the fabric hangs evenly on all sides. Place the mattress back on top — the weight holds the skirt in place. Then adjust the drape so it falls evenly around the bed.
This method gives the cleanest result, but Queen and King mattresses are heavy. Enlist help for those sizes, or use the no-lift method below.
No-Lift Method: Slide From the Foot
You can install a bedskirt without removing the mattress. The Company Store’s approach: start at the foot of the bed and slide the top edge of the skirt beneath the mattress. Work alternating sides while moving toward the headboard, tucking as you go.
Once the top edge is fully tucked, adjust the drape all the way around so pleats, tucks, or ruffles sit consistently. Check that the fabric nearly touches the floor at every point.
Common Mistakes and a Better Way
Skipping the box spring measurement, choosing the wrong drop, and failing to center the platform are the usual errors. Measure twice, and confirm the drop clears the floor but doesn’t puddle.
For metal-frame beds, the platform method can be trickier because there’s no box spring. A wrap-around style or one with a gripper strip works better in that setup — see the best bedskirts for metal frames for tested picks.
FAQs
How do I keep a bedskirt from sliding off a metal frame?
Choose a bedskirt with a non-slip gripper strip or use adhesive Velcro tabs along the frame rails. Wrap-around styles that cinch with elastic also stay put better than flat platforms on frames without a box spring.
What if the bedskirt is too long?
Check whether the drop measurement was overestimated. If the skirt drags, trim the bottom hem carefully and finish the raw edge, or switch to a shorter-drop style.
Should a bedskirt touch the floor?
Yes, it should nearly touch. A gap looks unfinished; fabric pooling on the floor collects dust and looks sloppy.
References & Sources
- Eastern Accents. “Bedding Measurement Guide.” Details standard bedskirt drops and sizing by mattress type.
- The Company Store. “How to Use a Bed Skirt.” Explains the no-lift installation method starting from the bed’s foot.
