It’s been a tough couple of weeks as a Michigan State University supporter, there’s no question about that. But I can’t write about that… yet. Instead, I’ve finally made a decision that’s been weighing on my mind, every single week.
My bed skirt has got to go.
For years, I’ve been a slave to a color coordinated, neatly pressed, box-pleated bed skirt. And for years, I’ve been adjusting, untucking and rearranging it every time I change my bed. I know. Truly a first world problem. Actually, I have two of them – a fall/ winter and spring/ summer because I have different quilts. When I’m feeling especially ambitious and strong, and want to take the time to iron so it’s just right, I switch one for the other. It’s the final accessory to make my bedroom look warm and inviting, just a camera-click away from House Beautiful.
Not exactly. The camera man would have to ignore the dresser top that collects earrings, a magazine that didn’t make it back to the living room, and frequently, a couple of odd socks that are missing their mates. Then there are the slippers left in the middle of the floor because they can’t walk themselves to the closet, and the stack of books on my nightstand. Judge me if you want. The bottom line, it’s not the bed skirt that’s gonna make or break my magazine coverage.
What really is the function of a bed skirt? According to Wikipedia, “the purpose of a bed skirt is to give a stylish appearance to a bed without exposing the sides of the box spring or any space under the bed that may be used for storage. Historically, bed skirts were used to block drafts, which could chill the undersides of beds, and to prevent dust from accumulating under the bed.”
Well, I’ll grant you, a fair amount of dust is probably having a party under my bed right now, but I have beige carpet and frankly, I’m not sneezing and what I can’t see doesn’t bother me anymore. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
As to its use for blocking drafts? Modern heating systems manage that, though during my hot flash period, I would have welcomed a cooler bed underside.
So that leaves nothing more than a decorative function. And though I do like how a bed skirt looks, I think I’m over it. Sort of like my thoughts on makeup these days.
I don’t even remember when I got sucked into thinking my life wasn’t complete without a bed skirt. Frankly, I blame it on Martha Stewart. I still have one of hers for a twin bed, and I love it and I just can’t get rid of it. I am trying to remember the last time I had a twin bed in my house. Sometime late in the last century? Seems about right, yet on the top shelf of my linen closet rests a neatly folded twin size bed skirt. Argh!
Recently, I did a highly scientific study on Facebook and discovered that the majority of responders do indeed use a bed skirt. This Saturday, I will switch my vote and become a member of the minority, which I’m really thinking makes us trendsetters.
I hope I don’t regret it, but the good news for me? I can put it back on again if the chill and the dust and the esthetic really bothers me. I can undo my decision if it doesn’t work out. Too bad MSU can’t do the same. Look for something from me on that next week. I think I’ll be ready.
I’m a member of the minority too. It’s so freeing ! I’m now excited to know I’m a trendsetter.
Yes, its so much better to think of ourselves as trendsetters rather than too lazy to be bothered! Thanks for the read and the comment.
Love this! I didn’t have a bed skirt for years, but a house tour was part of the recent remodel, and my quilt is just a bit short. It also gives the cat a better hiding place. 🙂
Honestly, it’s just another sign of my slide into laziness. I won’t get rid of them – just sort of tired of the upkeep, as basic as it is. Thanks, Jo.
I’m shocked, Pam. You might as well have told me you’re switching from briefs to thongs, flashing your box springs for all and sundry to see. I will say, I miss the years of having a great big, cozy chenille bedspread that gracefully kissed the floor on all sides making a bed skirt a gratuitous scrap of fussy fabric. But, in defense of the bed skirt, I will say that I imagine your bed skirt acts as a frame, perfectly outlining one of your beautiful quilts. Would you hang a lovely print on the wall without its frame? I think not. Food for thought, Missy, food for thought.
Once again, you are exactly right – it does serve as a frame. Maybe I should reconsider. Rearding the briefs to thngs switcheroo – thats a post I’ll never be writing! Thanks for the comment.
“Judge me if you want”? Well personally, I think a stack of books by your bed is quite a good thing to judge a person by.
Keep writing. I’m so, so glad that you keep writing!
Thanks Leslie. Sometimes, I just have to dive into a deep pool of insignificance.
I was tired of the war with my bed skirt. It’s over it has found a new home called Goodwill!
No more bed skirt wars! Good will is so much better. Thanks!
Enjoyed the post Pam. Books on my bedside table, unmatched socks on the dresser, and no bed skirt. Drafts be damned.
Thanks, Marge. Glad you enjoyed it.
The books on your nightstand say much more about you than a bed skirt. Glad you let it go — now the dust bunnies can roam free.
Run dust bunnies, run… I love the visual. Thanks, Judy.