When you treat yourself to a stay in a nice hotel, you may find many pleasant details in your room. There are functional perks, like a stash of fluffy towels, shampoo bottles, and a mountain of pillows.

Then there’s the decor, like paintings and lampshades. What is less clear is the purpose of the strips of fabric covering the foot of the bed. They are known as bed runners or bed scarves, and they can be useful in all bedrooms, not just in hotels.

Why do hotels use bed scarves?

Bed scarves can improve the style and cleanliness of a room. They are common in hotels since these places tend to use white bedding they can bleach and wash over and over without ruining the color. However, a white bed looks boring, especially when it’s the largest piece of furniture in the space. So a bed runner adds some well-chosen color and contrast. Additionally, bed runners could add warmth since they are essentially an extra layer.

Keeping the sheets clean

Additionally, bed scarves can help maintain the cleanliness of the room. In hotels, they are strategically placed at the foot of the bed, perhaps to protect the sheets should someone lie down with their shoes on. Or people can place a suitcase on the runner to unpack, all the while keeping the sheets clean of dirt and bacteria.

At home, people who like to snack or drink in bed can eat over the runner so it’s easier to brush off crumbs. And if there’s a spill, there’s no need to strip the bed; you can just clean the runner without much hassle. The same goes if a pet decides to snooze on the bed with muddy paws.