Do polyester bed skirts look cheap?

It depends on the weave and finish. Brushed microfiber polyester tends to drape better than lightweight pleated polyester, and verified-purchase reviewers note that the cheapest options can look thin or shiny. If natural fiber matters to you for look or feel, a Belgian linen or cotton skirt costs 3–5x more but reviewers in home-décor subreddits say it photographs and ages much better.