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.