The Messy Bed
Yes, it’s Actually a Thing
I recently read about a new trend – The Messy Bed.
It sounded interesting and fun. So I decided to try it.
Believe it or not, there is actually a technique to creating a messy bed. Can you believe I just said creating a messy bed??? Apparently it’s not quite right if you just get out of bed in the morning and leave it. It must be styled to look messy. There is a difference.
Go figure…
Here is my checklist against the list of things needed for styling a Messy Bed:
A headboard or wall at the head of the bed to rest pillows against. Check.
A little elevation – it will not do if your mattress is on the floor. It needs to be at least a few inches off the floor. This gives height for blankets and throws to drape. (And anyway, if you’re an adult, your mattress should not be on the floor.) Check.
Washed linen bedding is the perfect look for unmade beds. I have a washed linen duvet cover, pillows and bed skirt. Check.
Fluff – the look is more successful if your bedding is lofty. Flat blankets and coverlets do not lend themselves as well to the intentionally rumpled look. I have down comforters and lofty pillows. Check.
Varied textures add depth and interest. The textures on my bed are subtle – matelasse, ruffles, washed linen and embroidery – but they should work. Check.
Piles of pillows add volume. Check.
Lots of layers. Check.
Multiple colors. All monochromatic bedding will work for this look but it will take a lot of layers and texture. It’s easier to achieve with color. We will see. I don’t think I’m going to go out and buy new bedding just to make a Messy Bed. Half-check.
Careful draping. The final touch is a throw blanket tossed and draped over the foot of the bed. Check.
So here’s what I came away with about the Messy Bed:
It was fun to style and I kind of liked the look.
BUT…
It’s hard to leave it alone. If I made my bed this way every day, I would go insane because every time I walked into the room, (and I walk in here a lot because this room is on the way to my office!) I would be messing with it. I would constantly be re-draping duvets and throws and adjusting pillows to try to create the most perfect Messy Bed I could make.
You have to straighten everything up before you go to bed or all your bedding ends up on the floor during the night.
It’s exhausting. Between the original styling and the constant tweaking, it takes about four times more time and energy to make a Messy Bed than it does to just make the bed.
Kind of the same amount of time and energy it takes to achieve Messy Hair. You know — the tousled, messy, beachy, wavy style that looks all casual and carefree. But actually takes an hour and a half to style.
Seriously, between styling my bed and my hair – I would never get out of the house!
