Base Valances & Bed Skirts

What Is a Base Valance or Bed Skirt?

A base valance is a decorative covering designed to sit directly over a divan or platform bed base. The mattress is placed on top, holding the valance securely in position while the fabric skirt hangs down around the sides of the bed.

The terms base valance and bed skirt describe the same type of product. “Base valance” is traditionally more common in the UK, while “bed skirt” is also widely used by customers and bedding retailers.

A properly fitted bed skirt can:

• Conceal a plain or worn divan base
• Hide bed legs and under-bed storage
• Create a coordinated, finished appearance
• Add colour or texture without replacing the bed
• Remain in place when sheets and bedding are changed

Base Valances for Divan Beds

Traditional base valances are particularly well suited to divan beds. The platform section covers the top of the base, while the attached skirt falls down the sides and foot of the bed.

Because the valance is held underneath the mattress, it normally stays in position when you change your fitted sheet, duvet cover or other bedding. This makes it a good choice if you want a decorative bed skirt that does not need to be removed and washed as frequently as a sheet.

Our divan valances can be made for standard UK beds as well as unusual, European and oversized bed bases.

Choose Your Bed Skirt Style

The style of your bed skirt affects how the fabric hangs around the base. Depending on the product and fabric, you can choose from the following finishes:

Frilled Bed Skirts

A frilled or gathered base valance creates a soft, traditional appearance. The additional fabric gives the skirt a fuller look and works particularly well in classic bedrooms.

Single-Pleat Base Valances

A single-pleat valance has a cleaner and more tailored appearance. This style is a good choice for contemporary bedrooms or where you want the fabric to hang in straighter, simpler lines.

Heavy Fabric Bed Valances

For a fuller and more structured finish, consider one of our heavy fabric bed valances. The substantial Panama fabric creates a heavier drape and can conceal the bed base more effectively than a lightweight material.

Choosing the Correct Bed Skirt Drop

The valance drop is the vertical distance from the top of the bed base to where you want the skirt to finish. In most cases, the fabric should finish just above the floor without dragging or leaving a visible gap.

To measure the required drop:

1. Place the end of your tape measure on top of the divan base.
2. Measure vertically down to the floor.
3. Subtract approximately 1–2cm if you want the skirt to finish just above the floor.
4. Measure at more than one point if your floor is uneven.

Do not measure from the top of the mattress. A base valance sits beneath the mattress, so its drop begins at the top of the bed base.

Standard and Extra-Long Base Valances

Standard bed skirt drops are suitable for most divan beds, but taller bases or beds fitted with additional legs may require a longer valance.

If your bed base is unusually high, our extra-long base valance can be made with a deeper drop. This helps ensure the skirt reaches the correct finishing point without leaving the bottom of the bed base exposed.

Because we manufacture our valances to order, we can also accommodate custom drop lengths for unusually low or high beds.

Base Valance Size Guide

Select a bed skirt that matches the width and length of your bed base. The sizes below are approximate, so we recommend measuring your bed before ordering—particularly if it is an older, European or non-standard size.

We also make base valances for Small Single, Large Single, European, IKEA, adjustable and oversized bed bases. Please contact us if you cannot find your dimensions.

Made-to-Measure Bed Skirts

Bed bases can vary considerably in size and height, particularly with upholstered, antique, imported and bespoke beds. Our made-to-measure service allows you to specify the width, length and finished drop required for your base.

Each Victoria Linen base valance is made to order in our Lancashire workshop. This allows us to produce standard and unusual sizes while maintaining control over the fit, construction and finish.

Is a Base Valance Right for Your Bed?

A base valance is usually the right choice if you have a divan or platform base and want the valance to remain in position underneath the mattress.

Another construction may be more suitable in the following situations:

• You want a sheet and valance in one: choose a valance sheet.
• You have a deep mattress or topper: see our deep valance sheets.
• Your bed has posts or a footboard: choose a split-corner bedstead valance.
• You do not want to lift the mattress: choose an easy-fit Velcro valance.

You can also compare every construction in our complete bed valance collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a base valance the same as a bed skirt?

Yes. A base valance and a bed skirt are two names for the same product: a decorative covering that sits over the bed base and underneath the mattress.

Does a bed skirt go under the mattress?

Yes. The platform section of a traditional bed skirt lies over the divan base, and the mattress is placed on top to hold it in position.

How do I measure for a base valance?

Measure the width and length of your bed base, followed by the vertical distance from the top of the base to just above the floor. Do not include the depth of the mattress in the drop measurement.

What drop should a bed skirt have?

The correct drop depends on the height of your bed base and legs. Measure from the top of the base to the floor and allow the skirt to finish approximately 1–2cm above floor level.

Can a bed skirt hide under-bed storage?

Yes. A correctly measured bed skirt can conceal the bed base, legs and storage boxes underneath the bed.

Can you make a bed skirt in a bespoke size?

Yes. We make base valances for standard and non-standard beds, with custom widths, lengths and drop measurements available.

Can I fit a base valance without removing the mattress?

A traditional base valance needs to sit underneath the mattress, so the mattress must normally be lifted during fitting. If this is difficult, an easy-fit Velcro valance attaches around the bed base without requiring the mattress to be moved.