Once viewed as outdated, skirted furniture has surged in popularity, showcasing ruffles and pleats that add a stylish touch to any home.

This trend started gaining traction last year, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of my grandmother's decor. However, recent designs from furniture makers have convinced me that skirted pieces are now essential in modern interiors.

I've become quite enamored with skirted furniture, which offers a blend of cottagecore charm and contemporary flair. It's brought an unexpected warmth into my living space that I didn't know was missing—perhaps yours could benefit too.

pastel room with a yellow skirted banquette set and pale pink walls

(Image credit: Vaughan Design & Development / Photography Chris Snook)

What shifted my perspective? It began with fashion's embrace of flouncy styles, prompting me to realize my preference for minimalism left my home feeling stark and in need of personality.

This year, many are leaning toward vintage influences in modern settings, with traditional interior design styles gaining momentum. Trends like cottagecore and grandmillennial decor have made skirted furniture a desirable choice.

Beyond aesthetics, skirted furniture is practical. It conceals storage while adding character, like the ruffled banquette seat in a soft pastel kitchen designed by Vaughan Design & Developments. Incorporating a bed skirt can also hide unsightly box springs or drawers with a splash of color or pattern.

lulu and georgia's spring collection living room decorated with a blue striped skirted ottoman and a skirted sofa

(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia)

I've noticed a surge of skirted and pleated items at my favorite shops too.

For example, the latest Lulu & Georgia spring collection features whimsical skirted ottomans paired effortlessly with tailored box-pleated sofas, illustrating how transitional design blends old and new for vibrant spaces.

Skirted pieces are celebrated at Serena & Lily, where Chief Design Officer Kirsty Williams emphasizes their versatility. 'Skirted pieces create possibilities in a space since they avoid competing with leg finishes and other materials, acting as a neutral and fostering visual calm,' she explains.

After weeks of browsing and rearranging, I've discovered skirted furniture that has turned me into a believer. Whether you want a bold sofa or a classic ottoman, these selections have won me over.

Discover Skirted Furniture Options

Box Pleat Upholstered Chair

Created by Studio McGee for Threshold™ at Target, this box pleat armchair in a moody mushroom shade strikes a balance between traditional and modern aesthetics.

Jebb Upholstered Ottoman

This hand-upholstered skirted ottoman is available in 37 stunning prints and plains, making it a perfect match for gingham and frills.

Rounded Back Slipcovered Dining Chair with Ruffle - Threshold™

Threshold offers a delightful selection of slipcovered chairs, including this striking burgundy pomegranate floral pattern accented by a ruffle.

Stoffer Home x Cloth and Co. Thelma Settee

This relaxed linen settee is ideal for enhancing comfort in your kitchen or dining area, easily transforming into a cozy banquette.

Box Pleat Upholstered Ottoman

Complementing the box pleat armchair, this neutral ottoman can be paired with others for your living room, nursery, or reading nook.

Portola Pleated Sofa

A standout from the Lulu & Georgia collection, this 'sesame' colored box pleated sofa adds a touch of retro style while remaining modern.

Harrison Round Stool - Skirted

Serena & Lily offers an array of skirted options, including this finely tailored deep navy stool that can be customized in various colors and prints.

Warm Blue Gingham Linen Blend Bed Skirt

A simple bed skirt is an affordable way to embrace this trend, draping elegantly under your mattress to enhance your bed frame while hiding storage.

Lorelei Irena Accent Chair

This stunning accent chair features a green-gray foliage print from the Anthropologie spring collection, also available on the Irena Pied-A-Terre Bed and Bowen Ruffle Sofa.


If you're pondering whether to fully embrace the trend with a skirted sofa or start small with a bed skirt, you'll find it worthwhile to revisit this classic element. Recent designs, like Shea McGee's ruffle chair for Target, demonstrate that trends we once deemed outdated can become our favorites.

For more vintage trend inspiration, check out 1stDibs's latest shopping report highlighting the vintage styles set to dominate this year.