We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Don't skirt around it (or in this case, do)
Dressing beds for centuries, bed valances, skirts or dust ruffles – whatever you call them, this once-forgotten vintage detail is making a comeback to everyday living and looking more stylish than ever. Originally fashioned to hide the bed's base and keep chilly draughts at bay, they soon became a stage for expensive embroidery and storytelling in some of Britain's grandest homes.
Then minimalist interiors swept in. Sleek furniture, clean lines and oversized headboards pushed the humble bed valance firmly out of the spotlight. Now it's making a comeback, thanks to our love of cottagecore, the rise of frillmaxxing and a growing appetite for nostalgic interiors.
Still brilliant for hiding a multitude of sins, today's bed valances step away from the heavy fabrics and fussy frills of the past. Think relaxed linen, tailored pleats and playful patterns that bring softness, romance and a touch of flair to the bedroom.
Need a little inspiration? Home decorator @gracelovescolour shows just how transformative a bed valance can be. Her striking red striped design from Alice & Palmer proves that sometimes the old favourites really do come back better than ever.
Simple, timeless and affordable, this crisp cotton bed valance is finished with tailored corner pleats for a smart, hotel look. Starting from just £14 for a single, it's an easy way to dip your toe into the trend without a big spend. The beauty of its crisp finish means it looks best with a quick iron, whereas ruffled or patterned styles are a little more forgiving.
| Drop | 42cm |
|---|---|
| Material | 80% cotton, 20% recycled polyester |
| Colour | White, light grey and charcoal grey |
Whether you're disguising a divan base or concealing under-bed storage, this gingham valance, with its frilled trim, gets the job done in minutes. One delighted reviewer called it 'the best purchase of my life. I love it'.
| Drop | 38cm (single, double & king) 41cm (super king) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Colour | red and green |
Dressing a small double isn't always easy when the high street tends to skip over this in-between size. Settle for a single and it's a tight squeeze or opt for a double and you're left with an unflattering baggy fit. Thankfully, H&M Home offers a small double bed valance in six stylish designs. This softly draped valance has a flounced skirt on three sides.
| Drop | 45cm |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Cotton |
| Colour | Six: plain white and cream or floral and striped cream |
Timeless and versatile, this subtle green stripe paired with a floaty cotton brings a light, airy feel to the bedroom. We especially love that the stripe continues across the top, so once your mattress is firmly in place there's no risk of white peeking through. Starting at just £11, it's one of the best-value bed valances on the high street.
| Drop | 38cm |
|---|---|
| Material | 48% cotton, 52% polyester |
| Colour | Green |
Colour lovers, this one's for you. Colour-shy but want to try? You too. Chunky pink stripes are teamed with fresh white for a joyful pop that's easy to live with. Think of it as a petticoat for your bed – with just enough pink peeking out to flirt with colour.
| Drop | 38cm (single, double & king) 41cm (super king) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Colour | Pink and blue |
If intricate block prints are more your style, this Graham & Green bed valance is hard to resist. The floral design is created using traditional hand-carved wooden blocks, before being hand-printed onto cotton. It's an effortless way to bring pattern and colour into your bedroom.
| Drop | 41cm |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Colour | Sea blue |
Come summer, nothing freshens up a scheme quite like the classic coastal pairing of blue and white. This narrow cobalt stripe has a relaxed, touch-me feel thanks to its beautifully crumpled linen. Better still, its naturally rumpled finish means it's made for anyone who'd rather skip the ironing stage (me included).
| Drop | 41cm |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% linen skirt with 100% cotton top |
| Colour | 11 colours |
If you're after something a little more luxurious to pair with your sink-into sheets, this Egyptian cotton valance is well worth a look. Made from soft-to-touch percale, it's finished with elegant pleats on each corner and a smooth matt finish for a smart, tailored look. As one happy reviewer put it, it's 'simple and unfussy', making it 'good for contemporary bedrooms.'
| Drop | 39cm |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Egyptian cotton |
| Colour | White |
Asda's £12 side table proves one bold piece is all it takes to transform a small bedroom
All the the unsexy essentials on sale at M&S right now that could improve your life
Tried and tested: 6 best secateurs for pruning
The £8 Argos cushion nailing autumn's biggest trend
