It's hard to decide which is the bigger eyesore: an exposed box spring or some of the froufrou dust ruffles currently on the market. One easy, low-cost solution is to cover the box spring with a drape of rectangular fabric. A tablecloth, bedsheet, or any interesting cloth will do the job nicely. Even better, it will be a cinch to wash and iron. If you use a sheet, choose one that is the same size as the bed: a single for a single bed, a queen for a queen. For a tablecloth or fabric, determine the correct width by doubling the height of the box spring and adding its width plus 6 inches. Calculate the length by doubling the height of the box spring, then adding its length plus 6 inches. This creates a rectangle of fabric that covers the box spring and hangs down an extra 2 inches all the way around, after you've sewn a 1-inch hem.
New Bed Skirt
Martha Stewart Living, November 1994
www.Target.com has single flat sheets in 300TC and 8 colors that you can buy.
I use a fitted sheet to cover the box spring on my bed because I don't want the cats playing with it.
It would be wonderful if manufacturers would make single flat sheets available. It looks very nice to use a flat sheet as bed ruffle, but where can you get a flat sheet that is not in a set.
That's what I did as well but I rounded the corners so they don't touch the floor.
I don't have a froufrou dust ruffle, but I think they're nice in traditional rooms. I object to people putting down something they don't like. There's room for all styles, including cold, sterile design - just a dose of your own medicine. The simple, straight dust ruffle has charm, too. They all do.
Thanks for the great idea. For a guest room queen, I bought nice, correctly colored blankets in a king size and then hung it down lower, in two layers on the visible side. Your way is much smarter.
This is a great idea. Gonna go and put a new one on now! Thanks Martha!
You can also find thin flat bedspreads. I like the Indira from IKEA, although I had to use two to get this effect. And no sewing!!!