One of my mentors is Alexandra Stoddard, as many of you know by now (click here for more info on that little tidbit about me). One of the things I remember her saying in one of her books is that she is an advocate of the “unmade bed look.”
What this means is not necessarily that you don’t make your bed, but that you allow the layers of your bedding to show in some way. Allowing the details of the sheets to informally peek out from a coverlet or fold over a quilt is simply more inviting and welcoming than covering it all up with a bedspread. Not only does the bed look like it is ready to crawl back into (good idea), but it is not so stiff and formal that it feels untouchable.
- Showing the layers, including pillows and pillow shams, gives you the opportunity to showcase your personal style through the pieces you have selected.
- Conversely, the details you like in bedding provide clues to your style personality.
Do you like ruffly sheets? Flowered ones? Striped top sheets and solid bottom sheets? Or all matching yellow sheets? Bright or pastels? Are you drawn to fluffy down blankets or do you prefer coverlets? Stiff pillows or squishy ones? Lots of pillows or few pillows?
Each detail reveals something about you. Even if you aren’t a fan of the “Unmade Bed Look” having a formal bed with relatively stiff covers and few wrinkles allowed says something about your style!
So tell me, how would you describe your style, based on YOUR bed’s look (or better yet, the DREAM look if you could have the look you want?) I can’t wait to find out!
My own unmade bed.
I actually DO make the bed every day. I just like the more casual look of a less formally styled bed when it is made.
Photo: Coastal Living online William Minarich
Oh Good! I’m right in style!
Jen R
I just love crisp white sheets that have been hung outside in the Summer breeze. Sprinkled with a little fresh linen scent~sigh~sweet dreams:)
Blessings,
Carol
Bedroom Style: I must be practical but romantic;
! So I show off my wonderful bedding in the living space!
Everything REQUIRES dark coverings because I romantically cling to two very large dogs living with us in a 35′ trailer. Blessing, the newfy who currently pulls my wheelchair spends most of her indoor time (including muddy-morning paws) on the WELL-COVERED bed because there’s no room on the floor since Hero, who retired from pulling my wheelchair because of severe arthritis, takes most of the room on the “living room” floor. Since there is only 18″ around the bed, we don’t have headboard or footboard. Almost everything is hand-me-down so there’s not a lot of choice in style. But… on the back of the couch is the focal point of our trailer, a beautiful quilt that a friend made me last year when I changed my name to Truthful Loving Kindness, with a pillowcase that my grandmother embroidered protecting the section that the sun shines onto. It would be suitable for a wall hanging if we had a wall to hang it on
-Tru, and Blessing, the wheelchair Service Dog
I would love to see more of this look. I have a four poster cherry bed and I think it might not look right to have a more casual look. What do you think?
LOVING this!
Ok, now, Terri, with your bed situation and the question you posed…I think you could get away with a more casually put together bed even with a more formal cherry four poster! Sometimes it is the mix of the two that makes something so charming! Maybe not literally “unmade” (I don’t recommend that for anyone really, most days!), but sweet ruffly sheets folded over a coverlet, quilts piled at the end, maybe some cottage shams, SURE you can do all of that with a more formal bed! As long as your room looks pulled together it will look intentional and GREAT!
I will confess…I have a thing about made beds. It is the first thing I do when I get up. Like another person said, if I don’t make the bed I feel like I haven’t done something I should have during the day. I blame my mother – she would come in and literally rip the bed apart if it wasn’t made just perfectly. Little drill sergeant – yup, she was. I have layers of pillows and like layering vintage bedspreads or crochet pieces at the foot of the bed. I guess I am just opposite – have to have it made just so. Again, blame my mom! She would also write “dust me” on my dresser! ha
haha
xo
Becky
I hate the unmade bed look or at least the truly unmade bed look …however this is usually what I end up with…. My husband and I work at different hours, and I have not trained him well enough to expect a made bed when I arrive home
My dream bedding would be crisp white, with high thread count and monogrammed letters in dark brown, and a brown quilt throw….I think that would look really nice with my brown walls, dark wooden floor and white window frames….mmm dreaming
p.s. Melissa, did you notice the unmade bed in my Venice post? Really does add to the romantic feel . . .
Well, since you sent me over here I have to tell you that I HATE unmade beds. The first thing I do in the morning when I get out of bed is make it, before I even put my glasses or my pants on. And sometimes, because I hate feeling lost in the sheets, I’ll get up int he middle of the night and make the bed, then get back in it. My boyfriend thinks I’m nuts.
Jaimes inspiring blog post..Tuna FAIL
I love a fluffy made bed because it feels so fresh when you crawl into it. Almost as if the sheets were washed for you while you were away. Also I think pulling back the covers of a made bed gives more of that comfortable, “Ah, I finally get to go to bed now,” feeling.
I like the bed made. That way it feels more special to get into again at night!
Blessings,
Lorilee
Lorilees inspiring blog post..Comforting Noise
Bed: done. Simple cover. Straight. Flat. No pillows. No clutter. Just clean lines. Message: everything’s ok. The day has started with the right foot. Let’s move forward.