Bed skirt

Valances were initially used to block drafts which could chill the undersides of beds (from the floor upwards).

In children's rooms, the valances stored or hid toys and assorted items beneath the bed.

[4] Up until the 1960s, fabrics and materials such as cotton, satin, chiffon, and wool were fashionable bed skirt cloths.

Springmaid, Martha Stewart, Sears, JCPenney and Laura Ashley were some bed skirt-making brands popular with consumers within the last three decades.

By the late 2010s, valance styles such as ruching, lace, and ruffle declined in use as minimalists popularized the straight bed skirt.

They are also used to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating under the bed, particularly by those who suffer from respiratory problems.