In the fall we purchased an adjustable reclining bed. What I didn't realize was that a standard bed skirt would no longer work. Because the top of the base reclines, so too does the dust ruffle. I soon learned that reclining bed skirts come with a hefty price tag.

Too cheap to fork out that kind of cash, I put my thinking cap on to see how I could modify a standard bed skirt to work. My idea worked and so if you also have a reclining bed, here's my trick for a no-sew tailored bed skirt for an adjustable bed that's easy to remove for washing too!

How To Modify A Standard Bed Skirt For Reclining Adjustable Beds

Not only did I save myself a lot of money, but the bed skirt modification took less than thirty minutes. No sewing machine required! Plus when it's time to throw it in the wash, you don't have to lift a heavy mattress to take it off. What's not to love about that.

Will This Modified Bed Skirt Work For Standard Beds Too?

Why yes it will! Whether you have an adjustable bed or standard bed frame, this modified velcro-style dust ruffle will work.

I have to admit that our new bed sat skirtless for several months. I kept putting this project on the back burner until I saw that the theme for our Int'l Bloggers Group challenge this month is silk or linen. Just the motivation I needed to finally cover our naked bed.

If you haven't heard of our Int'l Bloggers Club, we are a group of blogging friends from around the globe who come together on the third Monday of every month to share a themed DIY project. Links to my uber-talented friend's silk or linen creations can be found further down in the post.

We have members from Spain, South Africa, Australia, the USA, and Canada. The theme for our last challenge was leather and I shared a curvy embossed leather footstool makeover.

Let's look at what the modified tailored bed skirt looks like on a reclining bed when it's in the flat position.

And here it is with the adjustable base reclined. See how the modified bed skirt doesn't move up with the base?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make an adjustable bed dust ruffle, almost all of the DIY projects shared here at Interior Frugalista have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

What You'll Need To Make It

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from any qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Modifying a standard bed skirt is quite easy and requires no sewing. I found my grey cotton queen pleated bed skirt for $19.99 at Walmart.

To modify a standard bed skirt you'll need 3/4-inch self-adhesive velcro. We used approximately 22-feet for a queen-size bed. Bonus, we found ours for $2 a package in a clearance bin at Fabricland.

Here's How I Did It

See what I mean when I say that the platform on the top of the adjustable base reclines and how a regular skirt would lift right along with it?

Wash Standard Bed Skirt

First, wash the bed skirt and dry it on the low heat setting. I didn't iron mine at this point (or any point for that matter) and we'll talk more about that further down in the post.

Remove Bed Skirt Decking

Remove the bed skirt decking fabric (middle fabric) by cutting along the seam of the dust ruffle with sharp sewing scissors.

Why didn't you purchase a reclining bed skirt?

You may be wondering why I didn't just purchase a readymade reclining bed skirt instead. Reclining bed skirts have a six-inch border around the dust ruffle that lays on top of the platform under the mattress. On the part of the platform where it reclines, the fabric border hangs over the frame.

I can see the fabric border being prone to shifting and a nuisance. If you've tried these reclining bed skirt options, I'd love to get your feedback in the comment section below. Instead, my reclining bed skirt version is secured with velcro.

But another reason I made my queen-size adjustable bed skirt is that it cost me approximately $25 compared to upwards of $140 for one that size. So worth the thirty minutes it took to modify a regular bed skirt.

Velcro Fasteners

With the wrong side of the skirt facing towards you, attach the velcro loop (fuzzy side) of the velcro to the top edge of the bed skirt. Press firmly with your fingers for good adhesion. Add a dab of washable fabric glue every so often for extra adhesion.

Attach the velcro hook (pointy side) of the velcro along the top edge of the reclining bed base as pictured below. Press firmly with your fingers for good adhesion.

For extra adhesion, rather than fabric glue like I suggested for the bed skirt velcro, my recommendation is to use a dab of hot glue every so often instead. Why? Because if you ever want to remove the velcro from the base, it's easier to do without damage.

Can I remove the velcro from the bed base without damaging it?

The self-adhesive velcro strip can be removed without damaging the bed base. However, if you used dabs of hot glue every so often like I suggested for extra adhesion, then you'll need to take these extra steps to remove it.

1. Heat the dabs of hot glue with a blow dryer to melt it and carefully peel the velcro from the bed base.
2. Any residual glue left on the base can be removed while it is still hot by pressing a clean cotton rag on the melted glue and lifting it quickly before it cools.
3. If any bits remain after it cools either repeat step two or try rubbing it off with your fingers.

Attaching The Bed Skirt

If you used a pleated bed skirt, then start attaching the bed skirt by lining up the two corners at the foot of the bed first. Then work your way to the head of the bed on each side. If your bed skirt is a ruffle style, then start at one side of the headboard and work your way around.

Pre-iron the bed skirt or not?

My answer will always be, heck no! Instead of pre-ironing the bed skirt, I use a handy portable fabric steamer and drapery tool attachment to steam out the wrinkles after it's on the bed. Otherwise, you'll need to iron the bed skirt before adding the velcro. 

The best part of this DIY bed ruffle is that when it needs to be laundered, no more lifting a heavy mattress to remove the bed skirt.

If you are wondering about the wall and the headboard, you can find those DIY projects here in my tips for stenciling a wall and repurposed door headboard posts. I've also included links for instructions on how to make the pedestal dollar store birdhouses displayed on the mantelshelf as well as to the box store night table makeover.

Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by this modified adjustable bed skirt idea. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

If you enjoyed this reclining adjustable bed skirt DIY, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your DIY Bedding Ideas or No-Sew Projects board on Pinterest.

As promised, here are the links to our talented group member's silk or linen-inspired projects.

Minimal Water Colour Abstract Linen Painting | Northern Feeling
How To Make A Silky Bohemian Dreamcatcher | A Crafty Mix
DIY Pin Cushion Made With Linen | A Pretty DIY Home

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.