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The Return of Skirted Furniture (And How to Make It Modern)
Once considered the domain of doilies and your grandmother’s sitting room, skirted furniture is stepping out of the past and into the spotlight—refreshed, refined, and ready for its comeback. With its soft lines and tailored charm, it’s the perfect antidote to the bare-legs-everywhere minimalism of the last decade. But don’t mistake this for a full-on time warp. The new skirted look is anything but frilly. Here’s why it’s back—and how to make it feel current.
1. Embrace the Softness
After years of stark silhouettes and exposed legs, skirted furniture is a visual sigh of relief. It softens a room instantly, adding a sense of warmth, intimacy, and quiet luxury. Whether it's a pleated armchair or a long, sweeping sofa, the covered base creates a grounded, almost romantic feel that anchors a space.
In rooms filled with hard materials (wood, metal, stone), it’s the textile equivalent of a hug.
2. Go for Structure, Not Frills
The key to keeping skirted furniture modern is tailoring. Forget overly ruffled or fussy designs—today’s versions lean crisp and architectural. Think flat-front skirts, box pleats, or inverted pleats that move with purpose. Clean lines keep the piece from feeling costume-y.
It’s about restraint, not nostalgia.
3. Choose Contemporary Fabrics
The fabric makes the skirt. Instead of chintz or heavy florals, opt for linens, boucle, cotton canvas, or even velvet in rich solids or subtle patterns. Earthy tones, dusty pastels, or bold monochromes help the piece feel rooted in now rather than then.
And if you’re into a bit of pattern play, try stripes or checks in neutral palettes—they nod to tradition without feeling stuck in it.
4. Pair with the Unexpected
Skirted doesn’t have to mean vintage-inspired everything. Contrast is your friend. Pair a skirted bench with sleek metal lighting, or place a tailored slipcovered chair next to a contemporary coffee table. The juxtaposition of old-school charm and modern lines creates a space that feels layered and lived-in.
A little tension between eras makes everything more interesting.
5. Use It to Hide (Stylishly)
Skirted pieces aren’t just pretty—they’re practical. Use them to conceal storage baskets, cords, or less-than-beautiful legs on older furniture. A skirted console or bed frame can be both aesthetically soothing and sneakily functional.
Sometimes, the best design is the kind that hides the mess.
6. Try It as a Slipcover First
Not ready to commit? A slipcovered skirt is the low-stakes way to test the trend. Custom or well-fitted off-the-rack versions can transform tired furniture into something fresh—and are often machine washable, which makes them even more appealing.
It’s like giving your furniture a dress-up moment—without the permanence.
Summary
Old Soul, New Look
Skirted furniture is having its moment again—not as a throwback, but as a modern design move that brings softness, soul, and style into any room. The secret? Clean lines, smart fabric choices, and styling that balances tradition with a wink toward today. This isn’t your grandma’s skirted sofa. (But if it is—just reupholster it.)
