Critics label woman's OTT bed as unsightly and inquire about her sleeping arrangements, yet others defend it as part of the bohemian travel lifestyle.
In the digital age, social media platforms have become a hub for showcasing personal styles and creativity. One such example is Scarlett Masson, a TikTok user who recently posted a video of her elaborately decorated bed, which received an impressive 6.9 million views. The video, filled with laughter and admiration, sparked a conversation about the cultural significance of bed decorations.
Scarlett's bed was a spectacle to behold. Decorated with a pink bow print fitted sheet, a matching duvet, and an array of pillows and cushions, it was a vibrant and cosy display. Some users praised Scarlett's Over-The-Top (OTT) design, with one writing, "It's very cute." However, others found it overstimulating, as one user commented, "I'm so overstimulated."
The video showed the steps Scarlett took to decorate her bed, including adding a satin bed throw, multiple pillows, and cushions. One user noted, "They're cute af and the mattress topper looks like a cloud." Another user added, "Obviously they don't sleep like this but it's essentially the same way you guys make your bed but with more pillows."
The elaborate bedding has led some to speculate that Scarlett's traveller roots may be the inspiration behind her decorative style. Traditional gypsy/traveller celebrations are marked by elaborate preparations, vibrant attire, and communal participation. For those confused by Scarlett's decorative choices, a comment explained, "For those confused, travellers (or those from a decent) decorate their beds almost as a showpiece and as a statement!"
Decorating beds is more than an aesthetic choice; it acts as a cultural expression, showcasing beliefs about protection, identity, hospitality, and well-being. In some traditional cultures, such as Armenia, beds are decorated with symbolic textiles that protect and express cultural identity. In Japan, the bed space is prepared to reflect values of purity and harmony. Contemporary trends, like the Scandinavian sleep method, blend functionality with subtle aesthetic layering to enhance personal comfort.
This practice is significant because it connects the daily act of sleeping with cultural heritage, social status, and spiritual beliefs, making the bed a meaningful statement in the traveller's and local culture's life. While Scarlett's bed may have been too much for some, it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural traditions that underpin our daily routines.
[1] Traditional Armenian Rug Symbolism and Meaning, Armenian Rugs, https://armenianrugs.com/traditional-armenian-rug-symbolism-and-meaning/ [2] The Meaning of Tatami Mats in Japanese Culture, Japan Today, https://japantoday.com/culture/the-meaning-of-tatami-mats-in-japanese-culture [3] The Scandinavian Sleep Method: A Guide to Better Sleep, HuffPost, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-scandinavian-sleep-metho_b_5847879
[1] Scarlett's bed, decorated with vibrant and cosy elements, can be considered a unique blend of interior-design and lifestyle statements within her home-and-garden space.[2] By adorning her bed with cultural symbolism, Scarlett's elaborate display highlights the correlation between personal sleeping spaces and lifestyle, reflecting cultural traditions and beliefs in a modern context.
