Bed, BLOG, Fabric
Bed Dressings
A fitted bed valance, bed skirt or dust ruffle is suitable for divan beds and covers the sides of the bed down to the floor. It is made in two sections, the top, which goes under the mattress, and the skirt, which can be either gathered for a feminine look or pleated at the corners for a tailored look.
Some plain fabrics without nap or fabrics with small designs can be railroaded (turned through 90 degrees) to avoid the need for seams. As the top section is not seen it can be made from inexpensive fabric or lining. Binding or fringing in a contrasting colour can be added to the bottom hem for a more decorative finish.
A canopy of fabric is draped over three curtain poles which are attached to the ceiling and wall. A fourth curtain pole is threaded through a casing in the fabric to weight the drape at the front edge. This is a very simple looking drape, it can have it’s own set of problems when coming to make it.
A coronet bed drape consists of curtains and a valance which are draped from a curved board. The board is fixed to the wall at a convenient height above the head of the bed. Lined curtains are hung to softly drape down either side of the bed and are held back with either tie backs or hold backs.
An unlined curtain provides a backdrop which can be used with or without a headboard. To complete the effect, an unlined valance is attached to the front of the board. The bottom edge of which is bound in a contrasting colour to enhance the shape.
Duvet covers come in a range of styles all of which are easy to make.
They are best made from wide fabrics to avoid the need for seams. These are readily available in sheeting, cotton and polycotton all of which are easy to launder. Coordinating colours and designs can be incorporated in some of the designs to mix and match with any bedroom decor. Plain and frilled duvet covers can be made from coordinating fabrics for each side, making them reversible. For a soft warm feel, the back of the cover could be made from brushed cotton or flannelette. Adding some cushions can make the bed more interesting.
A fitted bedspread gives a more tailored look than a throw-over bedspread and can be made to match, co-ordinate or contrast with your colour scheme. They are made in two sections, the top and the skirt. The top is the same size as the top of the bed, is lined and can be quilted or interlined for extra warmth. It goes under the pillows that usually have matching pillow. The unlined skirt, which covers the sides of the bed down to the floor, can be gathered on to the top for a feminine look or can have inverted pleats at the corners. However, if teamed up with a bed valance, the skirt can be shorter to give a layered look. Some plain fabrics without nap or fabrics with small designs can be railroaded to avoid the need for seams. For poster-beds, the skirt sides and end sections can be made separately to go either side of the legs of the bed and the pleats would be placed in the centre of each skirt section for pleated skirts.
