The dust ruffle is designed by gathering the fabric together or pleating the fabric and is usually long enough to fill the visual space between the bottom edge of the comforter or duvet cover and the floor. The ruffle is constructed in a closed pattern that fits around the box springs tightly and hangs to the ground in one people. Usually they have elastic bands to hold them securely.
Dust ruffles sometimes also use Velcro for installation in place of the elastic bands but most often the elastic is the simplest option.
In contrast, the bed skirt does not involve the one-piece elastic closed pattern to stay in place. They are usually a solid fabric that is sewn pleated or ruffled on three sides of the bed. It doesn't provide coverage for the head portion of the bed. The bed skirt simply hangs loose from the side with the weight of the mattress holding it in place or with fasteners.
In most bedrooms, the dust ruffle and bed skirt would be indistinguishable and appear the same. The color, design and style when examined closely will often give it away. When in doubt simply look under the mattress and you'll quickly see the design style.
Finding the perfect dust ruffle or bedskirt for your bedroom allows for the finished look to become apparent and gives it the final touch a bed often needs. You'll surely love the outcome and will maybe even impress your friends when someone asks if you know the difference between a bed skirt and a dust ruffle.
