4 Ways To Incorporate It Into Your Home

Skirted furniture has gone in and out of popularity for centuries, first adding elegance to 18th- and 19th-century homes and now bringing a nostalgic charm to modern interiors. Whether you gravitate toward antique-inspired, opulently pleated pieces or prefer a more transitional look with a tailored waterfall skirt or simple slipcover, this timeless design element remains a tried-and-true way to elevate any room. 

Curious how to use skirted furniture in your own home or why it’s made such an impactful comeback? We spoke to several designers who shared their thoughts. 

Reasons To Love Skirted Furniture

Adds Sentimentality

“There is something nostalgic and timeless about a skirt,” says Louisville designer Kelly Sutherland. “I can still remember exactly how it felt to slip into the skirted twin beds in my grandparent’s guest room. A skirt lends itself to more of a traditional look and brings us back to a fond memory of our childhood.”

Provides Texture and Softness

A skirted piece can “either up the drama in a design or create a more casual, comfortable feel,” says designer Kate Figler. “For instance, by ruffling a skirt or incorporating fringe, we can bring a feminine and formal element to a sofa or chair; conversely, a simple waterfall skirt conveys a relaxed, lived-in look,” she says. “It is nuances like these that make a room interesting and evoke the mood that designers envision for a space.”

Adds Warmth and Sophistication

Florida designer Jennifer Taylor loves to use skirted pieces to soften a space, especially when there are many pieces in the room with visible legs. “I believe it’s becoming popular because more consumers are wanting their rooms to feel warm and inviting, which leans more traditional,” she says. “It’s a style that I personally love.”

In a recent project for the Chi Omega chapter at Florida State University, she used a skirted sofa with a bench cushion to hide wooden legs, while in a residential project, slipcovered chairs provided ease of cleaning. “With two young children and pets, this was a must,” she says.

Evolves Effortlessly Over Time

For designer Rachel Blindauer, skirted furniture has never been out of style, it’s evolved with the times. “In a bedroom pairing vertical drapes, a slipcovered end-of-bed ottoman, and a bed that is tailored to the floor is also dreamy,” she says. “We reinvent slipcovers all the time, but I don’t think it’s ever been “out” of style. In 1960s homes, everything was covered with fabric and skirted in one pattern. Now, with the tendency towards texture, we do beds covered in a large linen sheet tucked in crisply but draped to the ground,” she adds.

Simple Ways To Incorporate Skirted Furniture In Your Home

Go For Small Touches

Dallas-based designer Jessica Maros loves skirted furniture as it’s able to offer “a great balance of form and function,” she says. “You can modernize it by reimagining the pleating style. While many may picture skirting as just for sofas, the designer encourages homeowners to get creative.

“It works beautifully on chairs and even bed frames, adding a tailored touch while discreetly hiding what’s underneath and keeping dust at bay,” she adds. 

Dress Up More Simple Rooms

For designer Erin Sander, skirted furniture is all about celebrating the classics in a fresh light. “We find adding a skirt to a desk or vanity chair immediately dresses up a simple space. We love clean, classic lines paired with an upholstered chair,” she says.

Consider For Open Cabinets or Shelving

While skirting sure achieves an air of formality, designer Jill Bradshaw turns to skirted furniture to “bring back a bit of fun and incorporate pattern and color in a design,” she says. “I recently added a skirted front to a low cabinet I designed which allows my client to either show or hide the items inside by opening or closing the fabric panels,” she says. “It also breaks the monotony of the wood and adds color and fluidity to the space.”

Accessorize Your Existing Furniture

Designer Amanda Jacobs adores the appeal of skirted furniture, viewing it as a finishing touch in any space. “Adding a skirt to furniture is like accessorizing with jewelry—a subtle yet impactful detail that brings texture, color, and a touch of whimsy,” she says.

“Consider enhancing a cherished piece you already own by adding a skirt to give it a unique touch. When purchasing new furniture, incorporating a skirt through an upholstery company or DIY methods can also elevate the design, making it feel less conventional.”