This simple yet versatile bedding accessory can transform your bedroom and elevate your home decor. In this article, we'll delve into the world of bedspreads, answering your burning questions and shedding light on their timeless charm.
Bedspreads are more than just a layer of fabric on your bed; they are a statement of style and comfort. They come in various designs, colours, and materials, catering to different tastes and preferences. But what exactly is a bedspread, and how does it differ from other bedding essentials? Let's uncover the mystery.
A bedspread is a decorative covering that spans the entire surface of your bed, often touching the floor on all sides. Its primary function is to add an extra layer of warmth and style to your sleeping space. Unlike a duvet or comforter, which typically require a cover, these coverings are designed to be a centrepiece item.
These versatile pieces of bedding are available in various materials such as cotton, a blend of materials, or polyester, each offering its unique texture and look. You can find them in various patterns and colours to suit your home decor, making them a fantastic addition to any bedroom.
They are decorative coverings that serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose in the bedroom. They are designed to cover your entire bed, including the pillows, and typically reach down to the floor on all sides. While they offer warmth and comfort, their primary role is to elevate the visual appeal of your sleeping space.
Beyond their decorative function, bedspreads also play a practical role in keeping your bed clean and protected. They act as a barrier against dust and dirt, preventing these particles from settling on your mattress and linens. This not only contributes to a cleaner sleeping environment but also prolongs the lifespan of your bedding.
Bedspreads come in a wide variety of styles, patterns, and materials, allowing you to customize your bedroom's look to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a classic, timeless design or a more contemporary and vibrant aesthetic, there's something to match your decor.
When selecting a bedspread, consider the overall theme of your bedroom. A well-chosen covering can tie together the colour scheme and style, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the tactile experience of soft, well-crafted bedding can enhance the comfort of your bed, making it even more inviting at the end of a long day.
Now, you might wonder, are bedspreads still in style? The answer is a resounding yes! They are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to their versatility and ability to transform a bedroom into a cosy retreat. They offer a perfect balance between warmth and aesthetics, making them a staple in many households.
In recent years, interior design trends have shifted towards creating more inviting and comfortable living spaces. Bedspreads fit seamlessly into this trend by providing an easy way to add warmth and style to your bedroom. With their wide range of designs, patterns, and colours, bedspreads offer endless possibilities for personalization. You can choose something that complements your existing decor or something that becomes the focal point of your room's design.
Another reason for the enduring popularity of bedspreads is their practicality. Unlike bulkier bedding options, such as heavy comforters or quilts, bedspreads are lightweight and easy to manage. They are perfect for layering, allowing you to adjust your bedding to match the changing seasons or your personal comfort preferences.
Furthermore, bedspreads offer an opportunity to infuse your personality into your bedroom decor. Whether you prefer a minimalist look with a neutral bedspread or a bold, vibrant design that makes a statement, there's a bedspread to suit your style.
A common misconception is whether a bedspread can be considered a blanket. While both serve the purpose of adding warmth to your bed, they are not quite the same. It's important to understand the distinctions between these bedding essentials to make informed choices for your bedroom.
A bedspread is typically a thin, decorative covering that extends over the entire bed, including the pillows. Its primary function is to enhance the visual appeal of your sleeping space. Bedspreads come in various styles, patterns, and materials, allowing you to create a personalized and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom. They are often used as a top layer, adding an elegant finishing touch to your bedding ensemble.
In contrast, a blanket is designed primarily for insulation and warmth. Blankets are typically thicker and heavier than bedspreads. They provide a cosy layer that keeps you warm during colder nights. Blankets come in various materials, such as fleece, wool, or cotton, each offering a different level of warmth and comfort.
While a bedspread may not provide the same level of insulation as a traditional blanket, it can still offer some warmth, especially during milder seasons. Many people choose to layer a bedspread with blankets or duvets to achieve the desired level of cosiness and temperature control.
Can a doona cover be used as a bedspread? Absolutely! Quilt covers are incredibly versatile pieces of bedding that offer a range of benefits beyond their traditional role. Let's explore how quilt covers can serve as lightweight bedspreads and why they are a practical addition to your bedding collection.
Doona covers are typically designed to protect and decorate doonas or quilts. They come in various styles, colours, and materials, allowing you to customize your bedding ensemble. However, their versatility extends beyond quilt protection.
During warmer seasons or in climates with mild temperatures, using a quilt cover as a bedspread is an excellent idea. Simply fold it neatly at the foot of your bed or drape it over the top to create a stylish, layered look. This not only adds a touch of elegance to your bedroom but also provides a lightweight covering for those nights when a full, heavy bedspread might be too much.
The advantage of using a quilt cover as a bedspread is the ability to easily switch out the cover to match changing decor or seasons. Doona covers are typically more affordable than full bedspreads, making it convenient to have a variety of styles on hand for different occasions.
Furthermore, quilt covers are easy to clean and maintain, adding to their practicality. Most can be machine-washed and dried, making them a convenient choice for those who prefer hassle-free bedding.
Bedding trends come and go, so where do bed skirts stand?
“Bed skirts are very much falling out of style. I haven’t seen one in ages,” says Amy Rio, an award-winning real estate agent with 34 years of experience selling homes in Connecticut.
But even Rio, a proponent of ditching the bed skirt and embracing a modern look, agrees there are some exceptions homeowners should know before ditching their bed skirts. We’ll help you determine if you should love or leave your bed skirt and provide contemporary alternatives for this below-mattress accessory.
“There’s practically no such thing as a bed skirt in a contemporary home,” Rio reiterates.
“They’re just a bit old-fashioned and very rarely seen — except in $1 million historic legacy homes.”
For a more contemporary bed design, toss the skirt and switch to one of these alternatives.
“There are no downsides to not using a bed skirt at all, as long as the bed isn’t stuffed with junk underneath,” Rio notes. Since bed skirts are traditionally used to hide any clutter or dust under a bed, Rio says the solution is to keep a shiny clean floor. “Keep your space clean, and it’ll look gorgeous as-is.”
If you’re planning to skip a bed skirt altogether, proceed with caution. This style works well with some bed frames, but a metal bed frame with wheels will require some form of cover to hide its “skeleton” and look neat and finished.
A structured bed wrap is a sleek, modern alternative to the bed skirt. Bed wraps look like fitted sheets and are wrapped around the bed base to encase the boxspring and create an upholstered and snug appearance. You can find them in a variety of colors like rice paper or smokey quartz to match your room’s color palette.
A boxspring wrap is a fabric cover that neatly conceals your bed’s boxspring. “Boxspring wraps are a definite yes,” Rio comments enthusiastically. West Elm offers boxspring wraps in textured linens and soft neutrals to easily blend with your other textiles.
Be aware that boxspring covers don’t offer any under-bed coverage. You’ll still need to keep the space under your bed clean and clutter-free. And if you have a metal bed frame, a wrap won’t solve your problem.
While replacing your bed frame is a more expensive option than updating your bed skirt, it’s likely the best way to bring your bedroom up to date. Most contemporary bed frames designs look impeccable without a bed skirt.
For instance, mid-century bed frames with peg legs are on-trend and require little else, save some matching minimalist bedding. Built-in storage beds don’t need a bed skirt because their base starts at the floor; these provide practical and stylish storage and leave less space for dust to accumulate.
Despite their fall from fashion, bed skirts still complement some bedroom styles as well as alternatives. Consider keeping your bed skirt if your interior is one of the following styles:
Rio says bed skirts still work well with expensive bedding in historic homes with traditional decor.
“If you’re styling a space to look almost excessively lush, these traditional pieces have a place,” she notes.
Bed skirts also have their place in less lavish homes with a rustic country or traditional interior design style. “If you have a really tall bed with a really large headboard in an old house, then I see no issue with having a bed skirt hanging down,” Rio notes.
To pull off the look, pair silk bedding with a draped silk bed skirt in a matching shade.
A super lacy crochet bed skirt or tailored bed skirt with a soft floral print suits styles like grandmillennial and cottagecore. This aesthetic blends vintage accessories like dainty teacups and hand-knit throw blankets with contemporary finds for a modern twist.
A macrame bed skirt is more embellished and frilly than a modern bed skirt and fits right into a dreamy boho chic space. The secret to curating an eclectic boho bed is to layer bold and neutral pillows and throws to not overwhelm the space. Select a linen duvet set in an earth tone and accent it with throw pillows in neutrals and Moroccan prints. Lay a folded soft blanket at the edge of the bed.
If you have a metal bed frame and aren’t quite ready to part with the bed skirt design, opt for a simple bed skirt design without ruffles or embellishments.
“If you are going to use a bed skirt, pick one that’s tailored, rather than one that’s flowing and fluffy,” Rio advises. “Go for something slick.”
A crisp linen or cotton tailored bed skirt is best for a more modern space.
Ultimately, the question of whether to ditch your bed skirt for an in-style alternative or not depends on your personal style and budget. Since bed skirts are out of style, your best bet is to make the swap for an instantly updated bedroom.
Header Image Source: (Trend / Unsplash)